Dear Uxbridge Families and Community Members:

I am pleased and proud to share that last evening at Town Meeting, the residents of Uxbridge voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Uxbridge Public Schools FY27 budget, approving the full 2.5% increase to the town appropriation over FY26 as requested and supported by the School Committee. On behalf of our students, faculty, staff, and administrative team, thank you.

This was not a foregone conclusion. Our budget proposal faced significant challenges and resistance along the way, and the outcome last night was a direct reflection of this community's commitment to its children and its schools. To every Uxbridge resident who attended Town Meeting, voted in support, or advocated on our behalf in the days and weeks leading up to last night, your voice mattered, and we are grateful.

A special thank you is owed to the many Uxbridge Public Schools faculty and staff members who attended Town Meeting as citizens and spoke up for our schools. Their presence and passion was a powerful testament to the dedication of the people who serve our students every day. I also want to recognize the Uxbridge Teachers Association for their active efforts in support of this budget proposal since their advocacy in the community made a real difference.

I am equally grateful to the School Committee, who championed this budget and the rigorous, transparent zero-based budget process behind it since work began last October. Their support has been unwavering.

Here is a summary of what was approved on behalf of Uxbridge Public Schools at last night's Town Meeting:

FY27 Operating Budget
The approved budget reflects a 2.5% increase in the town appropriation over FY26. This funding supports the educators, specialists, programs, and services that our approximately 1,670 students across Taft Early Learning Center, Whitin Intermediate School, Uxbridge High School, and the Independence Project (18-22 year old program) depend on every day. (Supporting doc presented at Town Meeting)

Capital Investments
Town Meeting also supported the following school department capital requests:

• Uxbridge High School – Five (5) Tennis Courts with Four (4) Pickleball Courts ($250,000)
• Districtwide Technology – Instructional Hardware Transition to Touch Screens ($88,000)
• Districtwide Technology – Network Overhaul ($197,000)
• Whitin Intermediate School – Gymnasium Floor Replacement ($30,000)

Turf Field & Track Engineering Study
An amendment was made from the floor to fund a formal engineering study of the turf field and track at Uxbridge High School. That facility has now been in use for approximately 15 years which is well beyond its original 10-year design lifespan. This study will give us the data we need to plan responsibly for its future on behalf of our student-athletes and the broader community that uses those facilities.

Student Transportation
Finally, Town Meeting voted to authorize the Year 4 extension of our student transportation services contract with Vendetti Motors, Inc., covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. This contract, valued at $2,147,885 and secured through a formal bid process in February 2023 - required formal Town Meeting authorization under the Uxbridge Town Charter because it extends beyond three years. This approval ensures uninterrupted, reliable transportation for our students and provides meaningful budget stability as we head into the new school year. (Supporting doc presented at Town Meeting)

Last night was a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together for its children. We do not take that trust lightly. Our commitment is to continue being good stewards of every dollar entrusted to us, and to ensure that our schools remain a source of pride for the entire community of Uxbridge.

With gratitude,

Dave Ljungberg, Superintendent
Uxbridge Public Schools