Save New Searles Elementary School – Protect Our Community

New Searles Elementary School in Nashua is more than just a place where children go to learn—it is a cornerstone of our community. It is where our children feel safe, supported, and truly known. For many families, New Searles is not just a school; it is a second home.

What makes New Searles exceptional is its deeply nurturing environment. Staff members go beyond their roles as educators—they build meaningful relationships with students and families. Every child is known by name, valued as an individual, and supported both academically and emotionally. This sense of belonging is not accidental; it is the foundation of what makes this school so special.

Today, New Searles faces the threat of closure—driven largely by a facilities evaluation rather than a comprehensive understanding of the school’s impact on students and the broader community.

Furthermore, the facilities evaluation contains notable inaccuracies and fails to reflect significant, recent investments in the building. Improvements made through the dedication of the PTO and the City—including the addition of a safety vestibule, new playground equipment, and planned or already fully executed Unified Arts updates—are either undervalued or entirely unaccounted for in the assessment. These enhancements directly impact student safety, functionality, and the overall condition of the school. Any decision of this magnitude must be based on complete and accurate information, and the current evaluation does not meet that standard.

This narrow approach fails to account for what cannot be measured on a spreadsheet: relationships, stability, and the lasting influence of a strong school culture.

New Searles serves as a vital community hub. It is where families connect, friendships are formed, and a shared sense of community is built. Its inclusive and student-centered approach helps shape confident, compassionate, and engaged young people.

Closing this school would have real consequences. It would uproot children from a familiar and supportive environment, disrupt their academic progress, and sever the deep connections that families and staff have built over many years.

We urge the Nashua School District and local leaders to take a more holistic view of this decision—one that prioritizes students, families, and community impact alongside facility considerations. Before moving forward with closure, we ask that all alternatives be fully explored, including thoughtful budget adjustments, redistricting considerations, and a thorough evaluation of transportation impacts and costs. These factors are critical to ensuring that any decision made is both fiscally responsible and centered on what is best for students and families.

New Searles Elementary is not just a building—it is a lifeline for its students and families.

Stand with us.
Sign this petition and make your voice heard. Help ensure that New Searles continues to be a place where children grow, thrive, and belong.