WESTFORD — The School Committee met on Monday evening to review upcoming Town Meeting articles, hear school updates and discuss infrastructure projects.
The meeting began with reports from student representatives on several recent accomplishments at Westford Academy.
Winter sports had a successful season, including the boys swim team, which placed first in multiple events at the state championship meet. The girls basketball team reached round of 16 in the state tournament. Also, WA’s theater department advanced to the semifinal round of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild festival with its performance of “Chamber Music.”
The WA Student Council was also set to host its Polar Plunge fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics this week.
Superintendent Christopher Chew congratulated two WA seniors, Kate Kelly and Grace Hsu, who were recently named among the top high school journalists in New England by the New England Scholastic Press Association.
ATM Article 4 and Article 6 review
Assistant Town Manager Mike Edwards briefed the committee on two articles appearing on the Annual Town Meeting warrant that impact the schools.
The first, Article 4, proposes a $30,000 appropriation from free cash to fund energy efficiency initiatives and allow the town to quickly pursue grants or rebates tied to sustainability projects.
Article 6 would authorize a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement connected to a planned solar installation at the Blanchard School. At the 2025 Special Town Meeting, the town approved a purchase agreement for a solar array at Blanchard. Because the solar equipment would be owned by a private company but located on town property, the agreement would establish a small annual payment rather than a traditional property tax arrangement.
After discussion, the School Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of both articles at Town Meeting.
Sidewalk funding request
Next, the committee discussed a request for federal funding for a proposed sidewalk project along Pleasant Street and Patten Road, which would improve pedestrian access near Westford Academy.
School Committee members unanimously recommended supporting the request, which could cover most or all of the project’s estimated $950,000 cost
Proposed 2026–27 school calendar
Assistant Superintendent Courtney Moran presented the proposed 2026–27 school calendar, which has 180 student days and 184 professional days for staff.
The calendar includes four full professional development days and two half-days dedicated to staff training.
Moran said they are also proposing three additional half-days called “Collaborative Data Meetings,” which would allow teachers time to analyze student data and coordinate instruction across schools.
The proposed calendar also includes five snow days scheduled at the end of the school year if needed.
Committee members discussed several calendar considerations, including how federal holidays such as Juneteenth should be observed when they fall on weekends.
Members also raised concerns about scheduling multiple early-release days in a row, noting that three consecutive half-days and then Good Friday in late March could create challenges for working parents.
The committee will revisit the calendar for potential approval at a future meeting.
Transgender Day of Visibility resolution
The committee then reviewed a draft resolution recognizing International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.
Policy subcommittee members said the resolution is intended to reaffirm the district’s commitment to inclusivity and support for transgender and gender-diverse students.
Westford resident Wendy Gloyd spoke on behalf of Westford LGBTQ+ Friends and Allies at the meeting, saying that the recognition would send an important message to students and families.
Gloyd said transgender youth and their families are facing increased uncertainty and stress due to policy changes in other states.
She said a public affirmation from the School Committee would reinforce the district’s commitment to ensuring all students feel safe and supported in school.
The committee will revisit the resolution discussions at a later meeting, with a proposed vote planned for March 23.
Robinson School Building Project
The committee also received an update on the Robinson School Building Committee’s work to evaluate the future of the Robinson Elementary School.
The town is currently working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to complete a feasibility study examining possible renovation or replacement options for the aging school.
Committee Vice Chair Valery Young said Robinson was identified as the district’s facility with the most significant needs, with approximately $9 million in infrastructure issues.
Through the MSBA process, the town could receive more than 40 percent reimbursement for approved construction costs.
The feasibility study will evaluate multiple options, including renovations, reconstruction, and potential changes to the district’s elementary school configuration.
Young also said the project will examine long-term planning for Westford’s elementary schools over the next 50 years, including district-wide elementary enrollment trends and possible grade configuration changes.
A community forum about the project is scheduled for April 9 at Robinson School at 7 p.m., where residents will be able to participate in discussions about the project.
