On Dec. 8, Lexington residents voted to approve a $660 million plan to construct a new Lexington High School, a project intended to replace the current 70-year-old facility. According to the town and project officials, the new school will be constructed on the existing athletic fields immediately west of the current high school buildings. The plans will allow for existing academic structures to remain in operation even during construction.
Town officials emphasize that the school’s building plans are designed to minimize disruption for students. After the “Bloom” structure of the new LHS is completed, existing buildings will be demolished during the 2029-2030 school year.
Moreover, all recreational land, athletic land, and open space used during the building process will be replaced with the site of the current LHS. Through a land exchange, eight acres of fields will become the grounds for the new building. The swap must be approved under state land-use regulations, as some of the land is protected under Article 97. However, sports facilities will still remain accessible during construction, which will begin at the start of 2027.
Although school officials have promised measures to reduce noise, there is still uncertainty about the impact the project will have on parking, a long-running issue for both staff and students. With a high chance that construction vehicles will soon be parked along Worthen Road, many students may face difficulties in obtaining spots for their cars. It may be reasonable to expect roadblocks, increased traffic, and difficult transportation. Some bus routes may need to be altered to accommodate construction.
Additionally, some students are left wondering whether the construction of the new school will inevitably affect sports activities, such as cross country meets, games, or even the tennis courts near the fields. Many may see a gradual shift towards using other land, such as Lincoln Park.
Beyond these logistical concerns, while the new school promises modern facilities, it also means saying goodbye to a place that has shaped 70 years of Lexington youth. It is certain though, that during construction, students will need to adjust to the nearby construction and disruption.
