Franklin School Committee approves $72.34 million FY27 budget

The Franklin School Committee voted to approve the fiscal year 2027 school budget, totaling $72,341,254, after a brief presentation and committee discussion.

Superintendent Lucas read the recommendation aloud and framed the vote as the culmination of prior line-by-line review and budget hearings. "I recommend approval of the FY27 school budget in the amount of $72,341,254 as discussed," Lucas said.

Members discussed a line for contracted services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement and the administrative work required to claim those funds. A district staff member, Paula Murano, described the billing process, noting it requires parental consent and a multi-step documentation workflow: treatment plans, progress monitoring and coordination with an external billing partner (Accept Collaborative). "Before we can bill for services, we do need consent from parents," she said, describing the paperwork burden on already limited staff time.

Committee members thanked district staff and town departments for coordinating around recent weather-related disruptions and praised the committee’s work to move budget timelines earlier. A roll-call vote was called and the motion carried unanimously.

The approved budget will be submitted to the town administrator for inclusion in the town budget process and to allow FinCom and the town council time to review in the coming weeks. The committee also noted the district will continue to monitor the Medicaid reimbursement process and the administrative support staff will need to implement billing.

The meeting moved on to calendar items and other routine business.