Westwood School Committee to Vote on FY2027 Budget and Buffer Zones February 23

WESTWOOD — February 5, 2026 — Westwood School Committee weighs three FY2027 budget scenarios and a new elementary enrollment policy ahead of a February 23 vote. At its February 5 meeting, the committee received revised budget scenarios from Superintendent Pivovar — one adding approximately $300,000 to the previously proposed budget, one adding approximately $352,000, and a third increasing spending to maintain level services — after members at a prior office hours session asked for incrementally higher options. Chair Maia Plotkin described the year as "challenging" but expressed confidence that the school and town would resolve their differences through "improved communication, collaboration, and shared understanding." The committee also discussed a proposed buffer zone policy that would allow new elementary students in designated areas near catchment boundaries to be assigned to one of two schools depending on enrollment, with sibling continuity protections built in. No votes were taken February 5; a public hearing and votes on both the budget and the buffer zone proposal are set for February 23.