Framingham City Council and School Committee Joint Finance Subcommittee Meeting - January 27, 2026

This joint meeting of the City Council Finance Subcommittee and the School Committee Finance Subcommittee was held on January 27, 2026, at 5:02 PM to discuss revenues for FY27 and the Framingham Public Schools FY27 budget development. The meeting included public comment, detailed revenue projections, a presentation on the school budget gap, and motions to explore consolidation of city-school services and extend budget deadlines.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tiffany Maskell (District 7) expressed relief that arts, Mandarin, ESL positions were reinstated but noted 96 positions still proposed for cuts, mostly student-facing staff, and urged protecting those roles.
• Therese Actum Roberts (CPAC co-chair) highlighted that Framingham is rated "in need of intervention" for special education outcomes and that eliminating special education positions would harm vulnerable students and increase costly out-of-district placements.
• Bella Octamaroitz (Walsh Middle School student) spoke about her dyslexia and the importance of experienced teachers, Walsh drama program, and urged fully funding existing schools before building new ones.
• A speaker from the Framingham Public Schools community (not named) argued that the city has $26M in free cash, $22M in stabilization, and $41M in excess levy capacity, so staffing cuts are not unavoidable; called for correcting the local contribution.
• Shannon Pearson (elementary health teacher at Dunning Elementary) warned that cutting elementary health positions would push mental health support onto classroom teachers and harm students' readiness to learn.
• Alicia Goodwin (ESL department chair) described improved ESL outcomes at Fuller Middle School (doubled proficiency on WIDA access test) and urged keeping staff who contributed to that success.
• Jessica Villatoro (District 4) questioned why classroom teachers are laid off while central office administrators receive COLAs, and called for transparency and prioritizing schools.
• Herb Chasen urged using reserves to avoid permanent damage from teacher layoffs, noting that smaller class sizes are vital for disadvantaged students.
• Andy Creel (District 4) said running a school is a public service, not a business, and that cutting positions does not eliminate needs; urged using emergency funds.
• Randolph Randall asked to break the pattern of cutting the most vulnerable, suggesting right-sizing, tapping reserves, and collaborating with other agencies (Framingham State, parks, fire) for creative revenue.
• Kim Lee Manual (Fuller Middle School ELA teacher) asked the committees to work together on a budget that supports students and called for funding that reflects the community's values.
• Tara Whitehurst (DEI coach at Fuller) described her daily work with student councils, affinity groups, and lessons on microaggressions, emphasizing that DEI positions are essential for equity and student support.

Discussion Items

• Revenue Projections: City CFO Mr. Tosino and City Accountant Rich presented revenue estimates. Property tax growth (2.5% + new growth) is about $8M, state aid increase ~$500,000, total new revenue ~$9M. Free cash certified at $26M, but $10M must be used to maintain revenue level, and health insurance ($1M) and snow/ice deficits will reduce available funds. Councilor Stefanini requested line-by-line review.
• School Budget Development: Superintendent Dr. Tremblay and Executive Director of Finance Lincoln Lynch presented the school budget gap. Initially $15M increase request, then reduced to $9M gap. After community feedback, a revised proposal restored 1.2M in federal fund risk, reducing proposed cuts from 116 to 96.4 FTEs. The district lost ~700 students, prompting proportional staff reductions. Councilors criticized the starting $15M number as unrealistic and noted the narrative that city council cuts school funding.
• Public Comment on Budget: Many speakers opposed cuts, especially to student-facing positions, and called for using reserves, merging departments, and increasing transparency.
• Consolidation of Services: Councilor Stefanini and others discussed merging buildings/grounds, HR, IT, and capital projects between city and schools. A motion passed to ask administration to propose consolidation of buildings/grounds and capital within 30 days.
• Extension of Budget Deadlines: Councilor Stefanini moved to recommend to the full City Council to invoke the emergency clause in the charter to extend all budget timelines by 30 days. The motion passed 5-0 on the finance subcommittee.
• School Committee Member Comments: Councilor King noted the need for efficiencies and that $9M new revenue is insufficient; Councilor Stefanini emphasized tough choices and looking at non-student-facing positions; Councilor Freudberg urged a data-driven approach and reminded that the mayor can propose mergers under the charter.

Key Outcomes

• Motion 1 (passed 5-0): The City Council Finance Subcommittee directed the City COO and School Executive Director of Finance and Operations to present a proposal to consolidate buildings/grounds and capital within 30 days.
• Motion 2 (passed 5-0): The subcommittee voted to recommend to the full City Council that it invoke the emergency provision of the charter to extend all budget deadlines by 30 days.
• Public comment time extended beyond the 15-minute limit by a 5-0 vote to allow all speakers.
• The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:50 PM to allow setup for the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 PM.
• Next steps: The school committee will continue budget discussions on January 28, 2026, and the City Council will consider the emergency clause at its February 3, 2026 meeting.