Schools OK SRO renewal, $4,000 El Harvey gift
School Committee · Meeting of September 23, 2026
Westborough School Committee renews its school resource officer deal and previews a tighter FY28 budget. The committee voted 5-0-0 to renew the SRO agreement for one dollar a year and to accept a donation of 75 backpacks, worth over $4,000, from El Harvey. Director of Human Resources Tammy Costello reported the district filled 19 of 21 teacher vacancies, with 10 of those hires in special education, and a 95.4 percent teacher retention rate against a 90.1 percent state average.
Superintendent Allison previewed Thursday's budget summit, warning that out-of-district special education placements now cost between $70,000 and $300,000 per student annually even as overall enrollment keeps declining. The committee also debated pursuing Mill Pond and Hastings roof, parking lot and playground projects outside MSBA funding, citing a per-square-foot cost of $25.66 versus $41 to $55 through the state program.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 4,183 words
Source: the School Committee meeting of September 23, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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