News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Dec. 4, 2025) – From the installation of motorized basketball hoops in the elementary school gymnasiums to classroom renovations across the district, numerous capital projects were completed during the summer and fall months at Chelmsford Public Schools.

One of the most obvious updates, especially to those visiting the schools, is the addition of new security vestibules at the entrances to all four elementary buildings and Parker Middle School.

This added layer of security, which was already instituted at Chelmsford High School and McCarthy Middle School, requires guests to scan their licenses or ID cards prior to gaining entry.

Outdoor improvements at McCarthy

Several updates have taken place outside McCarthy Middle School, including a major upgrade to the old tennis courts next to the Chelmsford Police Station.

When finished, the area will consist of two street hockey courts, two basketball courts and a tennis court with a pickleball overlay.

“I am incredibly excited to have this done and I know our students, staff and community will benefit from the project,” Principal Dr. Jeff Parks said.

In front of the building, approximately 40 parking spaces have been created.

“These will be for our guests and visitors during the school day,” Dr. Parks said, noting that staff will continue to park on the side of the school. “The additional parking will also be a tremendous benefit for the folks who utilize our auditorium and other rented spaces during the evenings and weekends.”

Inside the building, accordion walls between classrooms on the second floor were removed and replaced with two permanent walls. The school resource officer’s office wall was enclosed, allowing for more privacy. The ramp near the nurse’s office was rebuilt. Electrical switchgear maintenance was performed, and new electrical panels and boilers were also installed at McCarthy.

The wood shop at Chelmsford High School underwent a renovation during the summer. In addition to new tools, the space was equipped with brand new desks and chairs.

CHS wood shop renovated

The wood shop at Chelmsford High School underwent a major renovation over the summer, complete with new flooring, storage units and high-tech equipment.

Marilyn Sweeney, the Department Coordinator for Technology, Business and CHSTv, said the wood shop curriculum really ties in with engineering, so it was important to her to make sure the program not only survives, but thrives.

“There was so much equipment that wasn’t even functioning,” she said, adding that the wood shop environment also wasn’t suitable for students. “I’m so happy with how everything came together, and so incredibly thankful to the administration for supporting this project.”

Among the new and improved wood shop equipment, which includes a miter saw, a table saw and cordless handheld tools, are two computer numeric control (CNC) machines and two laser engravers, which Sweeney said are in high demand by students.

Wood shop teacher Josh Tang said the students really enjoy working with all the new equipment and love coming to class.

“It’s a very welcoming place now,” he said. “It’s an elective, so everybody is here because they want to be and they’re all very invested in getting stuff done and getting it right.”

Byam library gets a makeover

The Byam Elementary School library recently underwent a makeover, which included a fresh coat of paint, as well as new shelving and furniture.

Over at Byam Elementary School, the library underwent a makeover, which included a fresh coat of paint, as well as new shelving and furniture.

Librarian Betsey Driscoll said students have been thrilled with the updates.

“A couple of kids told me, ‘Mrs. Driscoll, I really don’t like change, but I really love this,’” she said. “I haven’t heard anything bad about it.”

Following the updates, Driscoll said the most popular area of the library is the nook in the back corner.

“It’s just so cozy,” she said, pointing out that the couch is extremely comfortable and the kids love the cushions, which can be used either inside or outside in the courtyard.

Overall, Driscoll said she is extremely pleased and grateful with all of the updates made in the library.

“There are towns in the area that are either cutting back or eliminating altogether their library programs,” she said. “To have a town where they’re investing in it and making it better is awesome.”

Other projects

Several other capital projects took place over the summer and fall months, including:

• Athletic trainers room renovation at CHS
• PAVE classroom renovation at CHS
• Exterior painting of metal surfaces at CHS
• Enhanced clock/intercom/security pilot at Harrington Elementary School
• Bottle fillers installed in corridors at South Row Elementary School
• Split A/C System installed in teacher’s rooms at South Row and Parker
• Acoustical panels installed in band/orchestra room at Parker
• Gymnasium floor refinished and restriped at Harrington
• New classroom/building window shades installed at Center Elementary School
• Basketball hoops at all four elementary schools have been motorized

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.