North Reading School Committee Approves Calendar, Eyes Modular Classroom Shift

NORTH READING — May 18, 2026 — North Reading School Committee moves toward modular classroom replacements and approves its 2026-27 meeting calendar. At the May 18 meeting, the committee — which voted 4-0 on all donation items — heard a detailed update from Superintendent Michael Connelly on a proposal to replace aging portable classrooms with prefabricated modular units, consolidating all six at the Hood School if the site plan allows, at an estimated cost of roughly $1,500 per room to add in-room bathrooms. The district is enrolled in the Massachusetts School Building Authority eligibility period beginning June 1, but officials signaled they are "seriously considering" withdrawing to pursue the modular path instead. A related warrant article at the June 1 town meeting will be presented as a pass-over with no funding request, and a formal modular replacement article is expected at a fall town meeting. The committee also accepted $4,008 in total donations for athletic signs, a scholarship, and cheerleading mats, and voted to send an amended letter supporting House Bill 4361 on teacher retirement and staffing.