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Franklin School Committee opens FY27 budget hearing for $72.3 million request, debates staffing and shifting costs
Summary
At an open FY27 budget hearing the Franklin School Committee reviewed a $72.3 million operating request, discussed 0‑based budgeting adjustments, staffing changes (roughly +7 and −7 FTEs overall), and line‑by‑line reallocations intended to increase transparency before a final vote next meeting.
The Franklin School Committee opened a public hearing on its proposed FY27 operating budget and began a line‑by‑line review of a $72,300,000 request, which district staff said represents roughly a 2.5% increase over FY26 after moving healthcare costs to the town.
District staff framed the proposal as a 0‑based budget built around current enrollment and reorganized school configurations. "We looked at the number of students we have in different grades and built budgets around those numbers," a district presenter said, describing efforts to align accounts with DESE function codes and to reduce one‑time funding reliance.
Committee members asked for clarification on multiple reclassifications and program changes. Staff said some contracted services previously housed in the superintendent's line were moved to district‑wide administration (examples included PR services, Zoom licensing and storage), a change described as an accounting shift to improve transparency. Legal settlements were also moved from tuition transfers into a dedicated legal settlements line to avoid repeated mid‑year transfers.
On staffing, the district noted it is adding roughly seven FTEs while eliminating seven elsewhere, for a net wash as it balanced priorities within the established 2.5% guideline. Committee members pressed staff on more specific reductions, including proposals to eliminate two digital learning integrationist positions. "This was not an easy decision," a district leader said; staff explained responsibilities would be redistributed and that the district has added instructional technology teachers at the elementary level since COVID to mitigate the loss.
Special education and student services were central talking points. The district plans to hire an in‑district teacher for students who are blind/visually impaired to reduce reliance on costly contracted services; staff said the position is intended to be more cost effective if a suitable candidate can be recruited. Members also questioned a larger line for out‑of‑district placements and learned the increase reflects shifting previously budgeted tuition transfers into a legal/settlements line for transparency.
On revenue and grants, the district reported several awards and applications: Washington Street Elementary was selected for high‑dosage early literacy tutoring seats (a program partnership, not a stated dollar award), and the district received a $50,000 federal grant to support updated time‑out regulations and staff training. Staff also said a one‑year cybersecurity/phishing prevention grant (about $70,000) covers software costs for both the schools and the town.
Public comment focused on transparency, revolving accounts and the circuit breaker reimbursement formula for special education. A Franklin Matters representative urged clearer public accounting of net school spending; a town councilor on Zoom pressed staff on limits for revolving funds. Staff reiterated that revolving funds may be spent only for their designated purpose, operating surpluses return to town free cash, and Medicaid/Medicaid‑type reimbursements for services go to the town general fund rather than directly back to the schools.
The committee closed the public hearing by voice vote and will revisit the budget for a formal vote at the next meeting. The district also said it will post the budget documents and slide materials for public review ahead of that vote.
