Sudbury schools approve $49.25 million budget after town adds funds for summer bridge

SPS School Committee · Meeting of January 15, 2026

Sudbury schools approve $49.25 million budget after town adds $200,000 for summer program bridge. The School Committee voted 5-0 Thursday to adopt Superintendent Brad Crozier's fiscal 2027 budget of $49,252,426 after Town Manager Andy Sheehan offered revised guidance adding $200,000 to preserve a bridge version of the SMILE and Explore summer programs. Sheehan said the town will fund the increase by shifting OPEB contributions from the general fund to free cash, bringing SPS to roughly 4.17 percent growth.

Committee members criticized the administration's late communication that the COVID-era programs were being sunset, with Nicole noting state law gives the committee authority over program decisions. Sheehan warned that receiving the largest cost center's budget "two weeks after it's due" cannot continue, and previewed a projected $3 million fiscal 2028 deficit driving a likely override. A summer program plan is expected February 9.

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Source: the SPS School Committee meeting of January 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.