School committee approves 2026–27 calendar, $800,000 transfer and routine items

The Leominster School Committee approved the 2026–27 school calendar and a series of routine financial and operational items during its March 2 meeting.

Chair (unnamed) called the vote on the calendar after administrators confirmed holidays and graduation dates; the motion passed unanimously. Superintendent (role) told the committee administrators and the LEA partner had reviewed the calendar “to make sure we've hit every holiday and our graduation date is correct.”

On the finances docket, the finance representative read multiple warrant totals for the general fund as well as grant and revolving accounts. The committee then considered two transfers: one informational and one requiring a vote. The committee approved a transfer of $800,000 from general fund salaries to general fund expenses to cover higher-than-expected utilities and building costs; the superintendent explained utilities came in about 14% above projections. The motion to approve the transfer was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Committee members also approved routine consent items: minutes and subcommittee reports were accepted, a $375.69 donation was accepted with thanks to the donor, and both middle schools were authorized to travel to Washington, D.C., for scheduled field trips. The committee voted to declare obsolete equipment (including a Zamboni) surplus and approved its removal from inventory.

The meeting record shows these were procedural approvals and budget housekeeping rather than policy changes. The chair and staff indicated follow-up for implementation and thanked contributors; no additional hearings or contested votes were held on these items.

What happens next: staff will post final calendar materials and update relevant administrative records; the transfer will be processed through district accounting; and field-trip organizers will proceed with logistics under existing district policies.