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School committee approves FY26 budget after debate over interventionists and arts staffing; additional votes on job descriptions and fees
Summary
After extended discussion about cuts to reading and math interventionists, elementary arts staffing and PE requirements, the Westford School Committee voted to approve the FY26 budget and several consent items; committee members requested post‑implementation monitoring and a future policy review on PE and schedules.
The Westford School Committee voted to approve the district's FY26 operating budget at its Jan. 21 meeting after a lengthy discussion that included concerns about reductions to elementary reading and math interventionists, changes to elementary arts staffing, and the potential downstream effects on special education services.
The motion to approve the FY26 budget was made and seconded during the meeting; committee discussion included repeated requests for ongoing monitoring of outcomes after service reductions. Committee member Laurie expressed equity concerns about reduced interventionist capacity for families who cannot afford outside tutoring. Another member warned that sustained reductions in tier‑2 intervention capacity could, over time, increase special-education identifications and long-term…
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