SPENCER, MA. — It’s a milestone school year in Spencer, where students at David Prouty High School are walking into history. For the first time in nearly six decades, the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District has a brand-new high school building — and excitement is running high.
On Tuesday, Principal Mary LaFreniere greeted students with a simple but fitting message: “Welcome back. It’s going to be a great year.”
The opening marks the first major milestone in a project that has been years in the making. Since 1966, generations of students have walked the same halls at David Prouty. Now, thanks to community investment and persistence from students and staff, a new era has begun.
“I’m super proud to be able to open this facility to all the people here and let the community see what they’ve invested in,” LaFreniere said. “It’s really a gem.”
Superintendent Paul Haughey called the project a testament to community pride and student advocacy.
“I’m so happy for the kids,” he said. “Back in 2018, they were the ones who said, ‘We deserve something better. Enough is enough.’ This is for them.”
A School Year of Firsts
The newly opened academic wing and gymnasium are just the beginning. Future phases of construction will add offices, an auditorium, a cafeteria, and a media center. By August 2026, the front of the campus along Route 9 will have a completely reimagined look.
In addition to a new building, the high school is also launching its first year as an Early College High School in partnership with Worcester State University, giving students expanded access to college-level courses.
The school is also adapting to broader statewide conversations about cellphone use. LaFreniere said David Prouty has strengthened its existing policy:
“Students can’t have their cell phones out during the day, except at lunch. In classrooms and hallways, they’re not allowed. The distraction during instructional time is documented, and we need everyone to get on board. It won’t be easy, but it’s necessary.”
Looking Ahead
While students adjust to new routines and new hallways, LaFreniere said it feels like a shared journey.
“This year, the freshmen aren’t the only ones finding their way around,” she said. “We’re all learning the building together — and next year, we’ll do it all over again when the rest of the campus opens.”
The district will continue its back-to-school celebrations this weekend at the Spencer Fair. Meanwhile, the youngest learners — kindergarten students — will begin their school year on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
For now, David Prouty High School is embracing change — and celebrating a long-awaited new beginning.
