Foxboro committee signs joint letter urging state to preserve per‑pupil aid, increase special‑education reimbursement and fund universal meals

The Foxboro School Committee approved a joint letter to the state budget conference committee on June 24 asking lawmakers to preserve and strengthen several education funding priorities.

Committee members said the letter, drafted with chairs from nearby districts, asks the conference committee to: maintain a $160 per‑pupil minimum aid figure in the final budget, retain the Foundation Budget Review Commission in the Senate bill, increase the level of circuit‑breaker special‑education reimbursement closer to House proposals, and fully fund universal free school meals so every student has access to school meals regardless of family income.

Committee discussion noted that higher circuit‑breaker reimbursement for special‑education costs and transportation would ease pressure on local budgets and that universal free school meals provide a reliable daily meal for many students. Members described the letter as a collaborative effort developed through area chairs and MASC contacts.

A committee member recused themselves from deliberations on this item because of a potential conflict between a legislative aide role and service on the school committee; the recusal was acknowledged during the discussion. The motion to send the letter carried with four in favor, zero opposed and one recusal.

The committee did not attach a deadline to further action beyond sending the letter; members said the letter was timed to reach the state budget conference process before the end of the month.

Next steps: the district will transmit the letter to the conference committee and monitor the state budget outcome; committee members encouraged continued coordination with neighboring districts on shared priorities.