The Medford School Committee on Nov. 18 heard a space-utilization study from HMFH that identified possible additional classroom capacity across several schools and recommended further review of a district reconfiguration labeled Option 2.

Dr. Agulusi summarized HMFH’s findings and the district’s recommendation: based on classroom sizes, window criteria and circulation, several rooms across Brooks, Roberts, Mississituck, McGlynn and Andrews were flagged as warranting further review. The report presented four broad options; the administration recommended a deeper feasibility review of Option 2 — converting elementary schools to preK–4, making McGlynn grades 5–6 and Andrews grades 7–8 — as the most balanced and cost-effective solution to address uneven capacity.

"Based on this utilization study, we would recommend a further review of option 2," Dr. Agulusi said, noting the district does not plan implementation for school year 2627 and that the option would require a task force, stakeholder input and transparent deliverables. She also warned that some flagged rooms would require renovation to be repurposed.

Committee members pressed for details on special-education and English-learner programming, transportation routing and costs, staff impacts and timelines. Member Graham urged broad public notice and suggested delaying any vote so the public can weigh in; Member Grama moved to table the recommendation to form a task force to validate feasibility and to invite public input at a December meeting. Member Grama’s motion, as amended, specified the change would not take effect in 2627, and (if feasible) could be targeted for the 2728 school year. The motion passed by roll call, 7–0.

The committee directed the administration to convene a task force with varied stakeholders (transportation staff, labor representatives, building staff, and community members), identify deliverables and provide a transparent feasibility analysis including transportation and renovation costs before any formal adoption.

Next steps: the district will solicit stakeholder interest in early January, convene the task force late January, gather necessary data on transportation and staffing, and present advisory recommendations to the school committee later in the year.