A nearly $1 billion public high school project in Lexington, Massachusetts, will include mostly gender-neutral bathrooms, according to planning documents and a letter from the district superintendent.

The design for the new Lexington High School includes a mix of boys, girls, and all-gender restrooms. School officials say the current layout calls for 60% all-gender bathrooms and 40% gendered bathrooms throughout the building.

The project ranks among the most expensive public school construction efforts in Massachusetts history. The Massachusetts School Building Authority plans to reimburse roughly $121 million of the cost, meaning taxpayers across the state will help fund the new facility in the wealthy Boston suburb.

Lexington voters approved the project despite concerns about the cost of the new school.

What the Lexington High School Bathroom Plan Includes

The proposed layout includes boys' and girls' bathrooms, plus multi-stall all-gender bathrooms located throughout the four-story building.

Superintendent Julie Hackett said the plan attempts to address different needs within the school community.

“The proposed plan includes bathrooms designated for girls, bathrooms designated for boys, and all-gender bathrooms, with the goal of supporting both religious and identity-based needs across our diverse school community,” she wrote.

Hackett also said the design allows future changes if the community wants them.

“The all-gender bathrooms are configured with individual stalls, which means that signage could be changed at any point in the future to redesignate them if the community's needs or preferences evolve,” she explained.

Planning materials reviewed by the Lexington School Building Committee evaluated several restroom layouts using what officials described as an “equity legend,” Mass Daily News reports. The scoring system measured factors such as gender-neutral access, privacy, and visibility.

One option receiving high marks includes fully gender-neutral restrooms with multiple enclosed stalls and sinks.

Who Influenced the Bathroom Design

School officials raised the issue of gender-inclusive bathrooms early in the planning process.

“Bathroom inclusivity was identified as a priority in our educational plan from the outset,” Hackett wrote.

Students and members of the School Health Advisory Council participated in meetings about the bathroom design during the planning stages.

Some members of the Lexington School Building Committee raised concerns during the process. One committee member said they gathered feedback from over 100 students.

That feedback included concerns about bathroom cleanliness and the discomfort some girls might feel in shared facilities.

Why the Issue Matters for Massachusetts

The Lexington project highlights ongoing debates in Massachusetts about school spending and gender policies in public schools.

The new Lexington High School carries an estimated price tag close to $1 billion. Lexington taxpayers will cover most of the cost, but state reimbursements mean residents in cities and towns across Massachusetts will also contribute through the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

The Lexington School Building Committee plans to review updated cost estimates on March 20. Members could vote on the design development submission on April 13.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Lexington High School being built?

The new school will be built in Lexington, Massachusetts, about 11 miles northwest of Boston. The town ranks among the wealthiest communities in the state.

What percentage of bathrooms will be gender-neutral?

The current proposal includes about 60% all-gender bathrooms and 40% gender-specific bathrooms throughout the building.

Who is paying for the project?

Lexington taxpayers will pay most of the cost. The Massachusetts School Building Authority plans to reimburse about $121 million, meaning taxpayers across Massachusetts will help fund the project.

Who decides the final bathroom design?

School officials are seeking clarification on final authority. Administrators believe the Lexington School Committee likely holds the final decision.

When will the design be finalized?

The Lexington School Building Committee plans to review updated cost estimates in March and could vote on the design proposal in April.