Leominster schools warn of First Student bus strike

LEOMINSTER — Leominster Public Schools posted a notice for families flagging a strike by drivers with First Student, the district's school bus contractor, while City Hall opened the long-awaited Downtown Public Parking Garage and released Mayor Dean Mazzarella's fiscal 2027 budget for review.

TOWN HALL

The Downtown Public Parking Garage is now open, City Hall announced, giving downtown visitors and businesses a new parking option. Mayor Mazzarella's proposed fiscal 2027 budget is also posted for public review on the city website. Separately, the Department of Community Development has attached guidance spelling out the parameters for operating a home business in the city, and the Monoosnoc Brook Stabilization Project page has been updated with the latest details on that infrastructure work.

SCHOOLS

Leominster Public Schools posted a notice headlined "important information" for families regarding a strike by drivers with First Student, the district's bus contractor; the district did not detail the scope or duration of the labor action on its site. Separately, the Bennett Preschool has opened its waitlist for tuition-based peer slots for the 2026-2027 school year. Children must turn three by Aug. 31 to qualify, and interested Leominster families can call the Bennett Preschool office at 978-534-7700.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Leominster Public Library has "Hikes Through History," a history-themed program, set for July 22 from 6 to 7 p.m., and its Literary Leominster Book Club meets July 21 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

COMING UP

The city's Downtown Sounds concert series continues Friday and Saturday. Carter Park hosts Bohemian Night (Noche Bohemia) on Saturday, and the town's Final Soccer Watch Party follows Sunday. The Planning Board meets Monday, July 20, the same day the library holds its weekly Chess Club from 7 to 8:45 p.m. and a monthly interactive story time presented by Strega Mama from 10 to 11 a.m.