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Update: This article has been updated to add additional clarity regarding the income-based free and reduced lunches.
WESTFORD — The latest state budget passed by the legislature on Monday contains millions in funding for the community. This includes $17.55 million in Chapter 70 funding for Westford schools and $2.46 in unrestricted state aid.
School funding has increased by 1.56% from $17.28 million last year. Unrestricted state aid has increased by 5.4% from $2.33 million over last fiscal year, which ended on June 30.
The $52.7 billion budget includes $110 million to continue free, universal school lunches for students in Massachusetts. Normally, under the income-based program, only 7% of Westford students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
The budget includes additional funding for a number of local projects.
- $65,000 for repairs and upgrades to the Parkerville Schoolhouse.
- $56,000 for the purchase of an electric mail delivery truck for Westford Public Schools.
- $35,000 for water bottle refill stations in Westford Public Schools.
- $25,000 for WestfordCAT for production and programming.
- $25,000 for the Westford Housing Authority for internet, digital upgrades and broadband accessibility.
The budget was passed to Gov. Baker’s desk for final approval on July 18. Baker has 10 days to sign the budget.
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