School Committee Meeting - August 31st, 2026 | Westford, MA

The Westford School Committee held a meeting on August 31, 2026, focusing on several administrative and financial topics. Key procurement-related discussions included a detailed review of the fiscal year 2026 financial report presented by the Director of Finance, Jenny Lynn. The report highlighted budgetary challenges such as overspending in special education transportation, contracted services, and facility maintenance, with specific dollar amounts noted (e.g., $390,000 overage in special education transportation and $264,000 in special education tuition). The committee discussed strategies for managing these costs, including plans to increase recruitment for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to reduce reliance on costly contracted services. Additionally, the committee reviewed the transportation contract with DEBUS, noting that the current contract extends through fiscal year 2030, with upcoming renegotiations for fiscal years 2028 and 2029 pricing. The food service revolving account was also discussed, including a planned price increase for desserts and milk to address a $169,000 negative cash flow in FY26. The committee approved an interim policy adoption process to comply with new state legislation requiring a policy by September 1, 2026. Capital improvement projects were addressed in the Robinson School Building Committee update, outlining options for renovation or new construction with a projected timeline for completion by 2031 and a town-wide vote planned for 2027. Overall, the meeting emphasized budget monitoring, contract management, and planning for future capital projects.