The Ipswich Elementary School Debate: One School or Two?
In 2014, the town of Ipswich faced a pivotal decision: whether to renovate one of its two aging elementary schools—Winthrop School and Paul F. Doyon Memorial School—using state grant money. Both schools, long overdue for repairs, had been serving the town’s children for decades, with Winthrop opening in 1956, and Doyon following in 1965. Given Winthrop’s older age, the town initially decided to renovate it first, with plans to apply for similar funding to renovate Doyon a decade later. However, some Doyon parents argued that their school was in equally poor condition and should not be forced to wait. Their concerns sparked a broader discussion, ultimately leading to a new and far more ambitious proposal: consolidating both schools into one larger facility.
The Shift Toward a Combined School
By 2016, the Ipswich School Committee had officially decided to pursue a single, combined elementary school. This decision came with significant challenges—not least of which was finding an appropriate location. The new school needed to accommodate approximately 775 students, requiring a large plot of land.
Initially, the School Committee favored building on the existing Winthrop School site. This location had housed a school since the Civil War era. However, the lot proved too small, and a large building would not fit well with the surrounding residential area. The next proposed site, Bialek Park, offered ample space and was centrally located. Yet, many residents opposed using the park, citing its historical significance and recreational value. Ultimately, the town’s only viable option was the Doyon site.
While Doyon’s lot had advantages—it was spacious, flat, and bordered by a state forest—it also came with drawbacks. The location was relatively remote, over two miles from the town center, making walking impractical for most students. This raised concerns about longer commutes, increased traffic congestion, and higher carbon emissions. Additionally, the site’s narrow shape made it unsuitable for standard Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) model school designs, necessitating a costly custom blueprint.
Educational and Financial Considerations
Beyond logistical challenges, the debate centered on two major issues: the quality of education and financial feasibility.
Supporters of maintaining two schools argued that smaller learning environments foster stronger communities. Many parents believed young children would feel overwhelmed in a large, consolidated school, whereas smaller schools allowed students to form closer bonds with classmates and teachers. As one resident, Mr. Wood, put it, “Since I am not a taxpayer in Ipswich, I don’t feel that I am in the place to tell people what to do in a town I don’t live in. However, I will say I think since the two-school system has worked for all these years, we should stay the way it is.”
Financially, two-school advocates pointed out that building a single, custom-designed school could be more expensive than constructing two standard MSBA model schools. The town would save money by following the MSBA’s existing designs instead of investing in a unique structure.
On the other side of the debate, proponents of a single school argued that consolidation would create a more equitable and standardized learning environment. Nurse Paula, a strong supporter of this view, highlighted inconsistencies between the two schools’ curriculums. “The differences between Winthrop and Doyon’s curriculum are big enough where you go into middle school and have different understandings of math and science based on how the teacher chooses to teach the class,” she explained.
Additionally, she pointed out the logistical inefficiencies of maintaining two schools. “When one of the elementary schools has a problem and has to shut down, the other elementary school has to as well. This happens more than you would think and causes kids to lose days of education.”
From a financial standpoint, one-school advocates argued that while initial construction costs might be higher, long-term savings would come from reduced maintenance and operational expenses. They also saw consolidation as a fairer solution, ensuring that no part of town had to wait longer than the other for a modernized school.
A Decade Later: Where Does Ipswich Stand?
Now, in 2025, Ipswich finds itself still grappling with this decision. Ironically, had the town proceeded with the original plan to renovate Winthrop first and Doyon later, both schools would already have been modernized. Instead, the debate over consolidation has continued for years, delaying progress.
The good news is that the MSBA has once again accepted Ipswich into its school building program. However, the divide between the two factions—those in favor of maintaining two schools and those pushing for a single consolidated facility—remains strong. The town also faces the broader challenge of funding numerous capital projects, further complicating the path forward.
As Ipswich residents, particularly those with young children, seek a resolution, the community must weigh financial realities against educational priorities. The hope is that a compromise can finally be reached, allowing the town to shift its focus from debating school structures to enhancing the quality of education for all students.
No matter the outcome, one thing is clear: Ipswich’s commitment to its children’s education remains steadfast. The challenge now is determining the best way to turn that commitment into action.
