In the fruition of an effort first started 13 years ago, construction of a new elementary school in Westfield is finally underway. During the ceremonial groundbreaking on June 7, many of the speakers, including Mayor Mike McCabe, Sen. John Velis, Rep. Kelly Pease and Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski cited how long it has taken the city to reach this point, and most acknowledged Purchasing Director Tammy Tefft’s work with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to ensure this time the effort goes smoothly.
Thirteen years ago, the city had another site in mind, that of the former Ashley Street school in a portion of what is now the Cross Street Playground and Park. Due to opposition from residents and a legal battle in the courts, that site was officially withdrawn in 2018 under former Mayor Brian Sullivan, and the new site on Franklin Street selected.