The Westford School Committee on Jan. 5 opened the required public hearing on the FY2027 school budget, then discussed enrollment adjustments, utility contract timing and one‑time reserves as key factors shaping the budget outlook.

Superintendent Dr. Chu and Director of School Finance Jenny Lin briefed the committee and members of the public on updated figures and near‑term risks. Dr. Chu said the budget as presented is balanced for FY27 but cautioned that “starting with FY28, we’re already gonna be at a hole of $465,000.” The chair noted the committee’s plan to vote on the budget at its next meeting and send it to the town Finance Committee ahead of March town meeting.

Why it matters: committee members said the FY28 gap reflects the end of one‑time offsets and continuing inflationary pressures on transportation, utilities and contracted services. Those pressures could lead to further cuts or a need for new revenues unless state funding or local growth changes. The hearing is an opportunity for public clarification before the committee’s formal vote.

Key details and numbers cited in the hearing:
- Enrollment correction: Dr. Chu said a slide error had listed five third‑grade sections at CRISSA Foley when the school actually has six; she said the correction did not change FTE totals but did affect class‑size averages.
- FTE cost basis: the committee and staff said they typically use a Master Step 4 teacher cost of about $70,000 when estimating the cost of adding a professional position.
- FY28 shortfall: Dr. Chu gave a FY28 hole estimate of $465,000 tied to one‑time offsets and reduced revolving‑fund balances.
- Reserves and offsets: staff said the district has drawn on revolving accounts and one‑time funds to avoid deeper cuts in FY27, and noted a goal to build a $1,000,000 special‑education reserve (previously up to $750,000 but drawn down for costs).
- Utilities uncertainty: Jenny Lin explained that the town’s three‑year contracts for electricity and natural gas (covering fiscal 2025–2027) will expire during FY27, meaning part of FY27 will be subject to a new contract and create projection uncertainty.

Committee discussion touched on class sizes, retirements and program priorities. Dr. Chu said two staff members had already expressed intent to retire, allowing some internal movement without layoffs and supporting a continued recommendation to use an available position to fund a school psychologist.

Public access and materials: staff directed the public to the district website for budget memos and a year‑to‑year comparison (FY27 vs. FY26) posted under the business office budget page. The chair and staff said previously recorded budget presentations (Dec. 1) and the posted Q&A document would remain available for review.

Next steps: the committee closed the FY27 public hearing by voice vote and plans to finalize a vote on the budget at its next business meeting before sending the recommended budget to the town Finance Committee and then to annual town meeting. Before adjourning, the committee voted to enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining and did not return to public session.