Town Council approves four resolutions; adopts strategic planning exercise.
Franklin Town Council unanimously approves joint strategic planning RFI, budgeted at $40,000. The Council voted to support FY27 state budget priorities and H. 4297, the Lowell Mason Act, which would direct a percentage of Chapter 70 funds to arts education. The Department of Elementary and
Town Council · Meeting of March 18, 2026
Franklin Town Council unanimously approves joint strategic planning RFI, budgeted at $40,000. The Council voted to support FY27 state budget priorities and H. 4297, the Lowell Mason Act, which would direct a percentage of Chapter 70 funds to arts education. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education presented data showing Franklin as a capped community receiving $30.8 million in Chapter 70 aid against a required local contribution of $58 million; enrollment has declined more than double the state average.
Representative Jeff Roy attended via Zoom and urged the Council and School Committee to maintain the hold harmless agreement, which provides Franklin an additional $14 million in aid beyond the formula baseline.
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Source: the Town Council meeting of March 18, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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