School Committee: August 4, 2026

The Chelmsford School Committee meeting on August 4, 2026, focused primarily on the Parker Middle School building project, including updates on the schematic design phase, anticipated costs, and the project timeline. The committee discussed the importance of holding a special town meeting in January 2027 and a debt exclusion election in February 2027 to secure funding, emphasizing that delays could increase project costs by up to $4.1 million and push back the school's opening. The committee voted unanimously to endorse this funding approach. Additionally, the meeting covered the fiscal year 2026 final budget report, noting full expenditure of the $75.65 million budget with detailed allocations including technology initiatives and transportation. The committee also reviewed federal and state grant spending, including special education funding and circuit breaker reimbursements. Finally, the committee discussed updates to the district's physical restraint and seclusion policy to comply with new state regulations, with a vote on the policy scheduled for a future meeting.