Fix or build? West Springfield’s school buildings at crossroads
WEST SPRINGFIELD — In West Springfield, town leaders are weighing a big decision: Should they fix up old schools or build new ones?
Five of the town's six elementary schools are more than 100 years old. In some, educators use closets and stages as classrooms. Now, a new plan could close some neighborhood schools and build new ones. But it comes with a high price tag and strong opinions on both sides.
After outcry over a planned closure of Mittineague Elementary School, the town formed a second Enrollment Advisory Committee that is studying the conditions of district schools.
Supporters say it's a better idea to invest into new schools, while others worry about losing neighborhood schools and how much it will cost families.
A closer look at the schools
After visiting all six schools, Town Councilor Brian Griffin, who leads the town's 13-member Enrollment Advisory Committee, said the schools are in rough shape.
"It is suboptimal," Griffin said. "Five out of six schools we saw had urgent needs for infrastructure."
A 2023 study estimated it would cost $83.5 million just to bring the schools up to code — not including full renovations. With inflation, that number could now be over $128 million, he said
Estimated repair costs show John Ashley School needs about $17.7 million to meet code requirements; John R. Fausey Elementary School needs $22.2 million; Mittineague Elementary School, $19 million; Tatham Elementary School, $12.4 million; and Memorial Elementary School, $12 million.
Most of the schools need new roofs, heating, ventilation and cooling systems.
These figures, Griffin said, do not include extras such as paving or kitchen equipment.
But most of all Griffin said, they all need more space.
Griffin said overcrowding and outdated buildings are affecting students' access to arts, recreation and other enrichment.
"With all the programs that go into educating students, we're having to use space that would otherwise be for theater or gym," Griffin said.
West Springfield Town Councilor and Chair of Enrollment Advisory Committee and School Committee member Brian Griffin in the Municiple building 26 Central Street. July 22, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican)Douglas Hook
What about neighborhood schools?
West Springfield District 2 City Councilor Michael LaFlamme, who represents the Mittineague neighborhood, said many residents worry about losing their local school.
The School Committee backtracked from its decision to close Mittineague School after a group of residents petitioned to overturn the decision and keep the school open while a new advisory committee studied the matter.
The town's first Enrollment Advisory Committee issued a recommendation in 2023 to close Mittineague School, saying it was too costly to keep open.
LaFlamme, who was not part of the original committee, said he appreciated the chance on the new committee to tour all the schools, especially since Mittineague, the only neighborhood school in his district, has been at the center of recent discussions.
The new advisory committee include members of the Town Council, School Committee and parents whose children attend Mittineague.
LaFlamme said the committee has been meeting every two weeks, touring schools and posting meeting minutes online.
LaFlamme said this process has been more open than past efforts and the visits helped illustrate the major issues in each facility.
LaFlamme said one of the biggest problems with the first enrollment advisory committee was the lack of a full picture.
This time, he said, the committee is focused on presenting clear choices — with costs, pros and cons, and impacts on neighborhood schools.
"There was never even a discussion about what it would take to keep Mittineague open," he said. "It all felt very one-sided."
With the plans, he said, the committee can show residents what is being evaluated and the strengths and weaknesses of each plan.
"I want to make sure we're evaluating every single option," LaFlamme said. "What would it take to keep Mittineague open? What would it cost to close it?"
"It's not going to be perfect, but at least the public will have a chance to weigh in before we make a final decision," he said.
West Springfield mayor William C. Reichelt and other elected officials tour the new Philip G. Coburn Elementary School Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2022. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican)
What's next?
The town is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to see if it can get help paying for a feasibility study and eventually a new school to replace John Ashley and Fausey Elementary Schools.
The town would have to cover part of the cost.
Griffin said the MSBA paid a reimbursement rate of about 80% to build West Springfield High School and Phillip Colburn Elementary School.
However, that rate is not a guarantee, LaFlamme said, and he thinks the 80% reimbursement rates "are starting to be handed out less and less."
Griffin said the town needs to make a decision whether to undertake major renovations at its schools or pursue a new school building by January 2026 to stay on track for the 2027 budget.
The committee is expected to present several options to the mayor, School Committee, and Town Council — including the tax impact of each plan — by November or December.
"This is about giving everyone a voice," Griffin said. "We're not here to steer the process. We're here to guide it."
LaFlamme agreed.
"The two biggest questions we face are: What does a new school look like? And what is the future of neighborhood schools?" he said.
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