Maynard School Committee Adopts Flag Policy, Approves Piano Donation Before Budget Push

MAYNARD — March 27, 2025 — Maynard School Committee adopted a new flag display policy and approved a piano donation as it mapped out a public budget campaign ahead of a May override vote. The committee voted unanimously to accept an upright piano donated by the Boys and Girls Club executive director for the Fowler Middle School music program at no cost to the district, and voted 2-1 to adopt a flag display policy — the district's first — requiring U.S. flags on outdoor poles during school hours, with superintendent discretion over other flag requests. Chair Laura Hogan outlined a calendar of public engagement events, including an April 8 community forum at the Maynard Public Library, an April 16 budget hearing, and a May 8 vote, all building toward a May 19 town meeting and expected May 27 special election on a proposed operating override. The committee is recommending a $1.1 million FY26 school budget increase; if the override fails, a separate reduced scenario tied to a 2.5 percent cap — with impacts to staffing and fees — would come before voters instead.