According to a report submitted by Tony Souza, Oxford’s Assistant Town Manager, over the past twenty years Massachusetts has seen a steady drop in student enrollment across both K–12 schools and colleges. In Oxford, enrollment has declined by more than 700 students since 2005.

Even though student enrollment fluctuates, school buildings remain unchanged. The buildings are required to be maintained, heated, insured, and staffed daily. Fixed costs accumulate and are a challenge for taxpayers.

The Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Jennifer Callahan have made the long-term future of Oxford’s schools their top priority. In FY25, the town launched a comprehensive Educational Facilities Study to assess whether their school buildings meet today’s needs, how the town can best prepare for the future, and how to make the most effective use of the space they already have. The report will demonstrate Oxford’s commitment to being both fiscally responsible and student-focused. Their goal is to plan with accurate data and ensure that their schools serve families and taxpayers for years to come.

The study includes three major components. First, it provides enrollment projections with a ten-year outlook using housing trends, census data, and other demographic factors to forecast future student populations. Secondly, it conducts an educational program analysis reviewing class sizes, grade configurations, and space utilization to ensure that school buildings meet the advanced learning needs of students. Finally, it undertakes a comprehensive building conditions assessment examining the physical state of the schools to determine what repairs, upgrades, or potential replacements may be necessary.

To make this study possible, Oxford received a $50,000 Community Compact Best Practices Grant and procured Arrowstreet Architects to lead the work. Arrowstreet is a Boston-based award-winning architecture and design firm.

The study will include several key steps to guide long-term school planning. Initially, building site visits will be conducted at each school to inspect facilities and prepare detailed reports on their conditions helping to set clear capital priorities. The next phase will be educational planning workshops to be held with school and town leaders to discuss long-term goals, space needs, and potential options including consolidation, upgrades, or new construction. Finally, a comprehensive report will be delivered that brings together enrollment forecasts, grade configuration options, facility condition findings, cost estimates, and a long-term plan for the future of the schools.

“This study is about making sure our schools are not only right-sized for today but designed to serve the Oxford community for generations to come,” said Town Manager Jennifer Callahan.The study is expected to be completed in 2026.