Leominster Schools Post Notice on First Student Bus Strike
LEOMINSTER — Leominster Public Schools posted a notice this week warning families about a strike by First Student, the district's bus contractor, even as City Hall opened its new downtown public parking garage and began reviewing Mayor Dean Mazzarella's fiscal 2027 budget.
TOWN HALL City Hall confirmed the Downtown Public Parking Garage is now open, a project residents and downtown business owners have tracked for months. Mayor Dean Mazzarella's proposed fiscal 2027 budget is now available for public review on the city's website.
The city also posted updated guidance for residents considering a home-based business, outlining the parameters for operating one within Leominster, and continues to post updates on the Monoosnoc Brook Stabilization Project as work on that infrastructure effort progresses. The city separately posted FAQs on its Flamingo Express service.
SCHOOLS Leominster Public Schools posted a prominent notice on its website flagging "important information regarding the First Student bus strike," though the district did not detail the scope or expected duration of the disruption. Families with questions about transportation are being directed to the district's bus information page.
The district also updated its 2026 summer busing schedules for Fall Brook, Northwest and Samoset elementary and middle schools, along with revised schedules for Johnny Appleseed Elementary and Leominster High School, both updated July 10.
Separately, Bennett Preschool opened its waitlist for tuition-based peer slots for the 2026-2027 school year. The program is open to Leominster residents only; children must turn three by August 31 to qualify, and interested families can call the Bennett Preschool office to be added.
COMMUNITY & ARTS The Leominster Public Library's "Hikes Through History" program returns Wednesday, July 22, from 6 to 7 p.m., part of the library's ongoing local-history programming. The library has also booked visiting artist Gregory Maichack for a Chalk Pastel Seahorse Painting session for teens on Thursday, July 23.
COMING UP The Planning Board meets Monday, July 20, followed by a Cemetery Commission agenda posted for Tuesday, July 21. Downtown Sounds continues its concert series Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, with another date set for July 24. Sholan Farms hosts its Cruising and Crops Festival Wednesday, July 22, and a Starbucks ribbon-cutting is set for downtown Thursday, July 23.
The city's Bohemian Night (Noche Bohemia) community celebration takes place at Carter Park on Saturday, July 18. At the library, Chess Club meets Monday, July 20, and again July 27; the English Conversation Class and the Literary Leominster Book Club both meet Tuesday, July 21.