Westborough’s Borough program highlights vocational gains, seeks out‑of‑district tuition and corporate support

Erin LePrad and Sherry Stevens updated the Westborough School Committee on the Borough transition program and the Sugar Shack vocational enterprise, reporting rising sales, expanded production space and work to attract out‑of‑district tuition students.

The program, which serves young adults in transition from school to adulthood, reported fiscal 2024 sales of $123,855 — a 13% increase over fiscal 2023 — and net profit of $27,600 (about a 23.8% margin). “This past year has been another impactful year marked by growth, innovation and deeper community connections,” Erin LePrad said. LePrad told the committee the program’s on‑site vocational lab, the Sugar Shack, packaged thousands of confections during the holiday season, including “over 4,600 truffles” in roughly 10 days and “72 pounds of fudge in just 1 day.”

Nut graf: The presentation underscored two program priorities: expand capacity to accept tuition‑in students from other districts and strengthen corporate and community partnerships to sustain the enterprise and the student transition work.

Program structure and outcomes: LePrad described a three‑phase vocational model: foundational work at the Sugar Shack (phase 1), community internships (phase 2) and individualized internships that align with student goals (phase 3). Enrollment typically ranges “between 8 and 10 students” over an academic year; LePrad said current supported enrollment was six and noted capacity historically comfortable at about 14–15 students on the upper level. Renovation of a lower level of the program building will “double that capacity,” she said, allowing the program to actively pursue tuition‑in referrals from other districts.

Sherry Stevens, Director of Student Services, said program staff have researched comparable models and were starting contract discussions with several districts that have expressed interest. “We are really working with a couple of districts now who are very interested in sending their students to us,” Stevens said. She added the district has engaged specialized legal counsel to advise on tuition‑in contract language and liability questions.

Business and partnerships: The presentation listed current internship partners including Curry Printing and Affordable Interior Systems (AIS) in Leominster and a new partner, Ocean State job wide (reported by program staff). The Westborough Civic Club funded YMCA memberships this year; the program also reported collaboration with Cub Scout Pack 100 for a successful fundraiser.

Finances and fundraising: LePrad described tools and investments intended to scale production and improve packaging efficiency (label printer, bag sealer) and said the Sugar Shack’s fiscal‑year sales of $123,855 represented “the highest on record.” Cost of goods sold for 2024 was reported as $88,346. LePrad said out‑of‑district placement costs the district would avoid are substantial: “out of district programming costs ranging from $68,000 to $171,000 per student, plus an average of $65,000 for transportation,” according to the presentation.

Gifts and grants: The committee was told a customer conversation at Milk Street Garage led to a $2,000 donation to the Borough program. The superintendent’s report later announced a separate $9,999 grant from the municipality’s insurance provider (named in materials as "Maya") to buy vehicle backup cameras and snow‑removal equipment for the district.

Questions and capacity issues: Committee members asked about historical phase‑3 placements and the program’s tracking of readiness for employment. Stevens said since the structured phase model was introduced three years ago, four students have completed all three phases and were extended paid employment offers upon aging out. Committee members asked about staff capacity to cultivate corporate partners; LePrad said she spends substantial time seeking partnerships and sometimes hits administrative limits for corporate giving because the program operates under the school district rather than as a 501(c)(3).

Ending: Committee members praised the program and repeated encouragement to promote tuition‑in opportunities. Stevens also announced she will retire in September; the superintendent thanked her for 13 years in Westborough and said the district will begin planning a search and a celebration.