Finance Committee continues FY27 budget hearings with schools focus
Finance Committee continues FY27 budget hearings; schools budget rises 3 percent. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and School Business Administrator Jana Melotti presented the Franklin Public Schools FY27 budget, rising 3 percent from contractual salary and step increases while maintaining net zero new
Finance Committee · Meeting of April 7, 2026
FRANKLIN — Finance Committee continues FY27 budget hearings; schools budget rises 3 percent. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and School Business Administrator Jana Melotti presented the Franklin Public Schools FY27 budget, rising 3 percent from contractual salary and step increases while maintaining net zero new full-time equivalent positions after notifying seven employees they will not be returning. The district is restoring positions in behavioral support, industry programming, and technology.
A nearly $1 million increase in therapeutic services drove cost growth; special education programs save $1.7 million compared to out-of-district placements. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen proposed using $1 to $2 million in free cash to balance the FY27 budget, but committee members expressed divided views on the strategy.
In the full story:
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Source: the Finance Committee meeting of April 7, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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