NEW BEDFORD — The New Bedford School Committee voted Monday to close Parker Elementary School at the end of this school year, a decision that will impact families in the historic Acushnet Heights neighborhood. The school, which has served the area since 1966, will be repurposed into a centralized preschool facility for about 300 children aged 3 and 4.
This decision comes just a month after the district regained control of the Parker building, which had been under state receivership since 2013. While Parker was the first school to exit the highest level of state oversight, it will no longer operate as an elementary school.
Students currently attending Parker will be reassigned to nearby schools, primarily Hayden-McFadden Elementary and Carney Academy. The district has begun negotiations with the teachers’ union, aiming to ensure no layoffs or contract changes, hoping all teachers will remain employed.
Parker’s Closure to Address Growing Preschool Needs
Superintendent Andrew O’Leary explained that transforming Parker into a preschool facility is essential for New Bedford, particularly as the city faces a growing population of young students with learning disabilities. O’Leary noted that New Bedford is one of only two cities in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities that does not currently have a centralized preschool program.
“When effectively operated, preschool can have life-changing outcomes,” O’Leary said. The new facility, he added, will bring the district “on par with our peer communities.”
However, the plan has faced criticism from parents and community members, who expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. The presentation outlining the reassignment of students was the first detailed information released by the district, and it came just hours before the vote.
School Consolidation Plans Continue
Parker’s closure is part of a broader district strategy aimed at consolidating schools across New Bedford. Seven elementary schools may be merged into four buildings, pending approval from the City Council and a state agency. District officials acknowledged that closing Parker will disrupt the lives of nearly 200 families.
Where Will Students Go?
The 116 students currently enrolled at Parker will be reassigned to Hayden-McFadden Elementary, while 95 will move to Carney Academy. The 28 fifth-graders will continue to Keith Middle School as scheduled. A small group of 3-year-old preschoolers will remain at Parker as part of its expanded pre-K offerings.
Additionally, 15 students who previously used the district’s Choice of School program will have priority to reapply for any elementary school within the district.
Preschool classrooms from Hathaway, Carney, Hayden-McFadden, and Campbell schools will be relocated to the new centralized facility in the Parker building. The district is also exploring options for safe drop-off areas for preschool children, as it does not usually provide transportation for this age group unless required by special education plans.
Teacher Assignments and Class Size Adjustments
Many of Parker’s teachers will be reassigned to Hayden-McFadden and Carney, where additional teaching positions will be created to accommodate the influx of students. Despite the additional students, district officials expect class sizes at both schools to remain manageable.
Tom Nickerson, president of the teachers’ union, did not comment on the situation when contacted.
School Committee Members Address Concerns
During the meeting, several School Committee members voiced support for the decision, despite concerns raised by Parker parents. Melissa Costa was the only member absent.
Committee member Bruce Oliveira expressed confidence that, in the long term, the community would recognize the decision as the right one. Other members, including Jack Livramento and Christopher Cotter, highlighted the careful planning behind the move and its potential benefits.
Colleen Dawicki asked questions about how the success of the preschool facility would be measured and how Parker families would be supported through the transition.
Mayor Jon Mitchell Defends Decision
Mayor Jon Mitchell also spoke in favor of the plan, acknowledging the legitimate concerns of parents but stressing that the new preschool program would address the city’s growing needs. He urged the community to respect the decision, pointing to the data and research that supported the district’s approach.
Parker’s closure is part of a broader shift in New Bedford’s educational strategy, aiming to address the needs of the city’s youngest learners while also navigating the challenges of school consolidation.
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