Framingham Selectmen Unanimously Back State Education Funding Bill Senate 223

FRAMINGHAM — May 9, 2017 — Framingham Board of Selectmen votes 3-0 to back Senate Bill 223 on education funding, citing $18.2 million in special education costs. The board approved a resolution Tuesday noting that Framingham's 246 out-of-district special education students cost the town $18.2 million annually, with the Foundation Budget Review Commission finding the state underfunds public education by up to $2 billion per year. A selectman called the situation "absolutely unsustainable" and directed staff to send state legislators a copy of the resolution alongside a formal letter. The board also appointed Esther Powell to the Fair Housing Committee, recommended incumbents Betsy Cross and Karen Agate for reappointment to the Metro West Health Foundation, and set December 19, 2017, as the final scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen before Framingham transitions to city government.