Marlboro residents will participate in a pivotal vote during Town Meeting Day regarding the future of Marlboro Elementary School, which may close at the end of this school year. This decision follows extensive discussions from the school board, which cites a continued decline in student enrollment and increasing costs per student as key factors motivating the proposed closure.

Currently, the elementary school caters to approximately 50 students across pre-K to grade 8, but enrollment numbers are anticipated to drop even further in the next few years. Previous votes, including one in 2024, resulted in keeping the 7th and 8th grades intact, and the 2025 ballot did not contain measures to tuition out any students. However, the situation may shift in 2026 when enrollment is expected to fall to the mid-40s, prompting the board to consider a complete closure of the school.

A long-serving school board member highlighted that the board did not foresee such a drastic decrease in student numbers for the upcoming years, noting that the upper grades still maintain a reasonable student count, yet the lower grades have significantly fewer children enrolling. He warned that a further enrollment decline could lead to increased per-student costs or necessitate additional budget cuts.

Marlboro’s school budget has mirrored trends seen in many rural schools across the state, evidencing rising expenses and dwindling enrollment while trying to uphold full educational offerings. For the fiscal year 2025, the budget stood at $3.85 million, which increased to $4.09 million for FY26. The school board expressed concerns that the operational model of the school is becoming less feasible. In light of these challenges, they proposed a budget of $3.79 million for FY27, a reduction of over $293,000, as they prepare for the potential transition to a tuition-based education system if the elementary school closes.

The ongoing situation reflects a broader trend faced by the district as it struggles to adapt to rising costs and a shrinking student population, significantly impacting its decision-making regarding the future of the school. Residents have until 7 p.m. to cast their votes at the Marlboro Town Offices today.