Westford School Committee Approves $71.4 Million Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

WESTFORD — February 1, 2026 — Westford School Committee approves $71.4 million fiscal year 2027 budget amid teacher protests over per-pupil spending. The committee voted January 20 to advance the budget for Westford Public Schools — along with the district's fee schedule — to annual town meeting. Fourth-grade teacher Christine Jussome of Norman E. Day School, speaking on behalf of the Westford Education Association, said the district spends $17,626 per pupil and ranked last among comparable communities including Tyngsboro, Littleton, and Chelmsford. School Committee Chair Kathleen Clear acknowledged class-size concerns and said leadership has discussed adding a one-year teaching position, while noting that final state aid figures are not known until June or July. Superintendent Christopher Chu said the district "can't not pay attention" to the stress long-standing funding shortfalls have placed on staff.