MERSD Newsletter

Essex Elementary School Building Project Update

I’m pleased to share that we’re making great progress on the Essex Elementary Feasibility Study and remain on schedule to bring forward a Preferred Schematic Design option in spring 2026. The overall purpose of the Feasibility Study is to gather information about potential sites and design options, identify options for development, analyze their pros and cons, and choose a preferred option for high level schematic design and budget estimate. The Preliminary Design Program (PDP) document is the first progress report in this process. In the PDP, MSBA requires all districts to present three types of options: renovation only, renovation with additions, and new construction.

These options will be examined in detail by the Essex School Building Committee (ESBC) for each of the grade level configuration options outlined in the Feasibility Study Agreement.

From January to March, the ESBC will be working to narrow down the potential options and will submit a Preferred Schematic Design (PSD) option to the MSBA for approval and further development. The overall goal is to identify an option that is both cost effective and aligned with the needs of MERSD’s educational program.

Community Input

Throughout the year, the ESBC will host a series of Community Meetings to review findings and gather feedback to help inform decision-making. Our October session offered an overview of the MSBA process and schedule, site analysis considerations, and enrollment and grade-span options. The upcoming November 20 (Essex) and December 9 (Manchester) meetings will include building tours and an update on the PDP alternatives currently being developed.

In addition to these Community Meetings, the public is invited and encouraged to attend regular ESBC business meetings to follow the work and share input. As we continue our work with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) on the Essex Elementary School Building Project, we want to ensure the community remains well informed and engaged throughout the Feasibility and Schematic Design phases.

Below is the schedule of upcoming School Building Committee and Community Meetings. We hope you will join us, ask questions, and stay involved as the project progresses.

📅 Upcoming Meetings – Essex Elementary School Building Project

• November 25, 2025 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• December 9, 2025 – Community Meeting
Memorial School · Tour 4:30 PM · Meeting 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• December 15, 2025 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• January 6, 2026 – SBC Meeting

Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• January 28, 2026 – Community Meeting
Essex Elementary School · Tour 4:30 PM · Meeting 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• February 9, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• February 24, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• March 10, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• March 24, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• March 30, 2026 – Community Meeting
Essex Elementary School · Tour 4:30 PM · Meeting 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• April 14, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

• April 28, 2026 – SBC Meeting
Essex Elementary School · 6:00 PM · In-Person & Online

⭐ For More Information

Meeting recordings, presentations, and project documents are posted regularly on the Essex Elementary School Building Project website. Please visit the site to stay up-to-date on our progress and access materials at your convenience.

MERSD District Data Review

During the School Committee meeting on 11/4 we presented a review of district data from the 2024-25 school year along with areas of focus for this coming year. Those slides can be viewed HERE. To see a recording of the presentation, you can view the recording of the meeting LINKED HERE.

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Family Conference Scheduling

During the 2024-25 school year we held family conferences in early December. This timeline provided the opportunity for families to have the first term report card during conferences, allowing for questions and discussions based on academic data and grades.

During the 2025-26 school year we held family conferences in late October. This timeline allowed teachers to meet mid-way into the term with families, providing earlier information about student learning and progress, and build relationships with teacher and intervening in areas of need sooner (if necessary.)

We are seeking family input in the conference schedule to inform our calendar development for the 26-27 school calendars. Please share your feedback here.

Staff Training: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

MERSD is partnering with MIT's Day of AI organization to build our awareness and understanding of AI and its impacts on instruction and student learning. During our district-wide Professional Learning time on 11/5, educators across the district engaged in learning to build our understanding of what it is, the range of risks and opportunities it provides, and consider our roles as they relate to AI in our "AI for Educators" training.

Families who want to learn more together about AI, are invited to view the video produced by Day of AI and Common Sense Media. You may also want to explore Common Sense Media's family tips resource page. We will be sharing more learning opportunities soon.