COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS

NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 55, April 2026

(view past newsletters here:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0BzzUaLZFJDl3TGh0Z1h4SnNVSWs?resourcekey=0-G2h9hm-wvtGDu8uXUmq2mQ&usp=drive_link)

Town Manager Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues

Dear Neighbors, 

Spring is arriving in North Andover, and with it comes Town Meeting season. The Annual Town Meeting will be held on May 12, and this year’s warrant includes a number of important items that will help shape the future of our community. 

As always, the warrant will include the FY2027 operating and capital budgets, which fund the essential services our residents rely on every day. In addition, several articles will focus on long-term investments in town facilities, recreation, and infrastructure. 

The town is continuing its partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to replace the existing Kittredge School with a new, modern facility. The MSBA recently approved a grant of 36.6% of the project total, helping offset the cost of creating a new 21st-century learning environment for North Andover students. 

In addition to the Kittredge project, the warrant will include articles supporting other community priorities such as continued work on the town’s Fields Master Plan, investments in recreation and public facilities, and other initiatives that support the town’s long-term planning efforts. 

Town Meeting is an important opportunity for residents to learn about these initiatives, ask questions, and participate in the decision-making process that guides our town. I encourage everyone to review the warrant materials and join us on May 12 for what is sure to be an engaging and productive meeting. 

I look forward to seeing you there. 

Best, 

Melissa 

News from North Andover Public Schools

North Andover Public Schools. Even with a few snowy days along the way, our schools have remained focused on what matters most: supporting our 

students and continuing the important work outlined in our district goals. As a school community, we remain grounded in our purpose while continuing to grow in our practices, always looking for ways to strengthen teaching and learning and expand opportunities for our students. 

One of the most exciting developments for our community is the progress of the new Kittredge Elementary School project. 

I am pleased to share that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) recently voted to approve the Kittredge Elementary School Project. The project will replace the existing Kittredge Elementary School with a new facility serving students in grades 1 through 5 on the current school site. This is fantastic news for our entire town and represents a significant investment in the future of North Andover’s students. 

The building budget for the new Kittredge School is $79.8 million, and the MSBA has approved a maximum reimbursement of $28.7million, representing 36.6% of the project cost. 

At Town Meeting, there will be a warrant article asking the community to approve the bond for the full cost of construction. If approved, the next phase of the project will include final construction documents and plans. The project is currently scheduled to go out to bid in late spring of 2027, with construction expected to begin in September 2027. If all proceeds as planned, the new building will open for students in the 2029–2030 school year. 

There are also several additional warrant articles that directly impact North Andover Public Schools, including: 

The Town’s Operating Budget, which includes $72,200,000 tosupport the North Andover Public Schools' operating budget. The Town’s Capital Improvement Plan, which includes funding for several school-related projects, including relocating the four modular classrooms currently at Kittredge to the FranklinSchool. 

The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at North Andover High School. Child care will be available for families through Community Services. 

I encourage residents to attend this important meeting and participate in the decisions that help shape our schools and community. Thank you for your continued support of the North Andover Public Schools and the students we serve. 

Pamela Lathrop 

Superintendent of Schools 

News from the Stevens Memorial Library

Whether it is the weather that keeps you inside a little longer or if you are thinking about starting your garden, come into the Library to find a book or magazine, some music or a movie. Come in for a program or help with your technology at the Reference Desk. New items arrive at the Library regularly. Use the Library’s calendar to find programs and book discussion groups. Can’t make it into the Library, use the Library website to get e-books, e- audiobooks, even e-magazines and newspapers. 

Don’t miss a program you would enjoy! Sign up for Stevens’ news in your email from the Library’s website StevensMemLib.org or follow the Library on Facebook using “StevensMemLib.” 

Thanks to the Friends of the Stevens Memorial Library for all their efforts, which fund the many programs at Stevens. 

Library hours: Monday through Thursday 10am – 9pm, Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm, and Sunday 1- 5pm. If the weather is questionable, call the Library or check our website before venturing out. 

Stevens Memorial Library, 345 Main Street, North Andover (978) 688-9505 

Household Hazardous Waste Day

North Andover Household Hazardous Waste Day 

When: April 18, 2026 

Time: 9am - 1pm 

Nonresidents: 12pm - 1pm 

Where: TBI 

210 Holt Road 

North Andover, MA 01845 

978.686.2020 

TBI accepts credit/debit and cash only 

CleanHarbors - check only 

Boat Storage Person

Boat Storage 2026 permits for Lake Cochichewick will go on sale – IN PERSON ONLY- at 384 Osgood Street on Wednesday April 15, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. 

Seasonal Boat Day Passes will be available for purchase online and in person starting Wednesday April 15, 2026. 

Please bring a car registration, proof of residency, and a check or money order for payment as online processing will not be available. Storage spaces are limited to one per household.  

News from Youth & Recreation Services 

North Andover Youth & Recreation Services announces summer 2026 programming! Our summer program registration will be available online beginning Monday, April 6th at 9am. Our summer programs are available for North Andover residents, starting with those currently in Kindergarten this school year. Programs include Summer Fun at 3 sites for current grades K-5, and programs for current grades 6-8, such as Sports & Rec, Girl Got Game, Summer League Basketball, field trips, and more! Instructions on online registration, as well as more information on dates, times, costs, and locations of all programs is available at nayouth.com/summer. Schedules for the 2026 Children's Shows and Concerts on the Common hosted by NAYRS will also be available on our website beginning April 6th. There will be more information available on Stevens Pond 2026 at nayouth.com/pond in mid-April, and registration for season passes will begin on May 1st. Season passes are for North Andover residents and will be free of charge for Summer 2026. We're looking forward to another amazing summer in North Andover! 

A Message from the Town Clerk

Annual Town Meeting is on May 12, 2026. 

Last Day to Register to Vote: May 2, 2026. 

News from the Conservation Department

Any disturbance of vegetation, including the removal of trees within areas protected by the Wetland Protection Act or the North Andover Wetland Protection Bylaw must be approved by the Conservation Commission. Protected areas include wetland resource areas, 100-foot, 50-foot, and 25-foot buffer zones around these resource areas, and 200-foot wide Riverfront areas around perennial streams. Application procedures may vary widely depending upon the nature of the proposal. Please contact the Conservation Department for further direction at 978-688-9530.

Calling or emailing the Conservation Department before removing trees can prevent costs associated with restoration if enforcement action is required following unpermitted cutting or clearing.

Care Solace

Care Solace is available 24/7/365 to quickly and confidentially find mental health providers, substance use treatment, and social services matched to your needs.

(888) 515-7881

caresolace.com/ma-northandover

E-Waste Recycling Drive