Framingham Schools propose $190.4M budget with 10.31% increase for FY26

Framingham Public Schools is gearing up for a significant budget increase for the fiscal year 2026, with an initial proposal reflecting a 10.31% rise, amounting to approximately $190.4 million. This increase is primarily driven by salary adjustments and new position requests, with $14.6 million allocated for personnel costs alone. The budget discussions took place during the Framingham School Committee's open session on January 22, 2025.

The proposed budget highlights a collaborative effort between the schools and city administration, ensuring that educational needs are met effectively. Over the past decade, the district has seen an average annual increase of 4.68% in its operating budget, demonstrating a stable funding relationship with the city. Notably, the recent preliminary Chapter 70 state aid figures indicate a projected increase of $6.5 million, despite a slight decline in student enrollment.

Key components of the budget include the introduction of in-house transportation services, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs associated with out-of-district placements. The district plans to hire 72 drivers and additional staff to support this initiative, although officials caution that full operational capacity may take time to achieve.

Furthermore, the budget addresses the need for additional special education resources, including new classrooms for autism spectrum disorder students and a shift of some out-of-district placements back into the district. These changes are expected to yield significant savings over the next few years.

As the budget process continues, the school committee will engage with city officials and the community to refine the proposal. The final budget is set to be presented to the city council by May 1, 2025, with hopes for approval by mid-June. The committee emphasized the importance of maintaining educational quality while navigating fiscal responsibilities, ensuring that all decisions made will ultimately benefit the students of Framingham.