Essex Elementary School Building Project

The Manchester Essex Regional School District shares that the Essex Elementary School Building Project is on schedule, and remains confident that a Preferred Schematic Design option will be presented to the public in the spring.

In November 2022, consultants from Habeeb & Associates shared its needs assessment of both Essex Elementary and Manchester Essex Middle High School. The study identified that Essex Elementary, which opened in 1957, has outlived its functional life. 

The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) admitted MERSD into the Eligibility Phase of its grant process in 2023. This designation means Essex Elementary is running out of options to address structural issues.

The Feasibility Study is designed to gather information about potential sites and design options, identify options for development, analyze their pros and cons, and choose a preferred option for high-level schematic design and budget estimate.

The Preliminary Design Program (PDP) document is the first progress report in this process. In the PDP, MSBA requires all districts to present options for renovation only, renovation with additions, and new construction. These options will be examined in detail by the Essex School Building Committee (ESBC) or each of the grade level configuration options outlined in the Feasibility Study Agreement.

The ESBC will be working from January through March to narrow potential options and will submit a Preferred Schematic Design (PSD) option to the MSBA for approval and further development. The overall goal is to identify an option that is both cost-effective and aligned with MERSD’s needs and educational vision.

Community Engagement

As part of its commitment to an open and transparent process, the ESBC hosts community meetings to share information and receive vital feedback that informs its decisions. Its October meeting offered an overview of the MSBA process and schedule, site analysis considerations, and enrollment and grade-span options. The Nov. 20 meeting included a building tour and an update on the PDP alternatives being developed.

Community members are encouraged to attend School Building Committee meetings, which are open to the public, either in-person or via Zoom.

These meetings assist the community in remaining informed and engaged throughout the Feasibility and Schematic Design phases. The District and Building Committee hope that residents will attend meetings, ask questions, and remain involved.

The following meetings have been scheduled (all at Essex Elementary School unless otherwise noted):

• Jan. 6, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• Jan. 28, 2026 – Community meeting, building tour, 4:30 p.m.; School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• Feb. 9, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• Feb. 24, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• March 10, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• March 24, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• April 14, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• April 16, 2026 – Community meeting, building tour, 4:30 p.m.; School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online
• April 28, 2026 – School Building Committee meeting, 6 p.m., in-person and online

For more information about the Essex Elementary School Building Project, or to view meeting recordings, presentations, and project documents, click here.

For a full overview of phases as part of the MSBA process, click here.

District Newsletter: December 2025

District Newsletter: November 2025

Manchester Essex Regional High School Named as DESE 2025 School of Recognition

Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Julie Sgroi are pleased to announce that Manchester-Essex Regional High School has been named as 2025 School of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Schools of Recognition designated by the DESE are those that demonstrate meaningful and substantial progress towards accountability targets, which are set at the local level for all schools to ensure they continue to improve and grow academically.

One of 61 educational institutions across the Commonwealth to receive such an honor, growth at Manchester-Essex Regional High School has been recognized from the 2024-2025 academic year through a progression of advanced course work completion, growth in mathematics performance among students, and decreased chronic absences.

“Only a few dozen schools in Massachusetts each year are lucky enough to receive such an honor,” said Principal Sgroi. “I am glad that the effort of our staff to improve the learning experience for our students is being recognized, and I hope this is a sign of things to come for Manchester-Essex Regional High School.”

State accountability ratings are calculated annually through a multi-year ratings system. Manchester-Essex Regional High School was scored as 64 percent, designated as “substantial” progress by the DESE. Strengths and growth were shown across the board in English, mathematics, and science classes.

“This recognition is proof of all the hard work everyone at Manchester-Essex Regional High School has been putting in,” said Superintendent Beaudoin. “Not only does this show our growth as a school community, but it also displays our commitment to continued improvement as we progress our students through academics towards graduation.”

 

Manchester Memorial Elementary School Receives Flutie Foundation Grant to Install Communication Board

A new communication board planned for the Manchester Memorial Elementary School playground will help students of differing abilities to better express themselves during outdoor play.

The school has received a generous donation from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, which supports those living along the autism spectrum and their families through a variety of programs and initiatives. Former Boston College and New England Patriots quarterback Doug Flutie and his family started the foundation after son Dougie Jr. was diagnosed with childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), a very rare autism spectrum disorder, at age 3.

School Speech-Language Pathologist Katie Fortier led the funding effort. Students who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) face significant challenges during outdoor activities including needing to carry their personal devices with them.

The communication board allows students who rely on AAC devices to interact with peers and staff during recess more independently.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer this resource to our students,” said Principal John Willis. “I was so excited when Mrs. Fortier brought this idea forward — and even more excited to partner with an amazing organization like the Flutie Foundation. I am proud of the growth our students have made, and this will help level the playing field even more.”

Manchester Memorial Elementary is exploring funding options to install two more boards – one for each playground – to ensure equitable access during outdoor time.

About the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism was established to help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. The Foundation supports programs and initiatives that provide opportunities for people with autism to lead active lifestyles and build their voice in the community.