Select Board signs warrant flagging 14% school hike

Select Board · Meeting of April 15, 2026

Bernardston Select Board signs town meeting warrant opposing a 14.22 percent regional school hike. Franklin County Technical School Superintendent-Director Rick Martin, who is retiring, and Business Manager Liz Bouchard presented a $236 million building project that would cost the town roughly $248,000 a year, with a district-wide debt vote set for October 6. The board and Finance Committee said they "respectfully do not support" the $4,065,023 Pioneer Valley Regional School District assessment, noting the town began budget season nearly $300,000 in the red before cuts to municipal services.

The April 29 warrant also carries debt-exclusion-contingent purchases of up to $1.08 million for a fire engine and $399,900 for a highway truck. The board reclassified Police Chief James Palmary to exempt salary status at $123,690.91 and heard of a possible shared fire-service deal with Leyden starting July 1.

In the full story:

• The complete report — 852 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of April 15, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.