Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
The project is estimated to be completed over a 2.5-year period (April ‘25 - June ‘27).
View a preliminary project plan document: https://www.natickma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19494/Johnson-Elementary_Future-Use_Project-Plan--Alignment-Meeting_Presented-to-SB_4925 (as presented to the Select Board 4/9/25).
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
The Select Board (a 5-member body) will serve as the elected body that will make the final decision, this is set to happen by June 2027 (subject to change).
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
The Select Board will determine whether to create an Advisory Committee (yes or no) in late 2025 or early 2026. If the Select Board chooses to establish an Advisory Committee, the Select Board will establish: a committee charge, member composition, and other details.
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
- The general public commonly associates the former Johnson Elementary School to this address: 99 S. Main St. (the USPS postal address, as well as Google Maps), but the property is comprised as two distinct parcels:
- 105 S. Main St. (see GIS map and property record card)
- 36 Pitts St. (see GIS map and property record card)
- Some high-level property details (aggregating both parcels)
- The building was built in 1940
- The building totals 26,000 square feet
- The property is zoned as “RG” - i.e. “Residential General” (both parcels)
- The property is 7.3 acres (both parcels combined), which equates to 317,988 square feet
- Floor plan document (PDF) detailing the interior building layout
- The general public commonly associates the former Johnson Elementary School to this address: 99 S. Main St. (the USPS postal address, as well as Google Maps), but the property is comprised as two distinct parcels:
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PROJECT: Johnson Future Use
All Natick Public Schools fall under the School Committee’s care, custody and control. Here are key milestones leading up to the Johnson Elementary School closure:
- Since the late 1990’s, discussions concerning a potential Johnson Elementary closing have been ongoing
- Nov 2021– the School Committee voted (5-1-1) to close Johnson Elementary (no later than June 2025)
- Here’s a document that was presented at a Oct ’21 public forum (by NPS staff and the School Committee), this was presented as the informative, pre-decision document: Recovery, Futuring and Long-Range Facilities and Capital Decision-Making
- Dec 2021– The School Committee approved a phased Johnson closing that:
- Starting the ‘22/’23 school year, the school no longer accepted kindergarteners
- Next, the ‘23/’24 school year continued with further limited enrollment (2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders)
- And, lastly, a final ‘24/’25 school year with only a 3rd and 4th grade
- Dec 2023 – the School Committee voted to accelerate the Johnson Elementary closure – closing the school 1-year earlier than originally planned, at the close of the ‘23/’24 school year
- Dec 2023 – the School Committee voted to transfer Johnson Elementary care, custody, and control to the Select Board (this transfer was then approved at Spring Annual Town Meeting 2024)