WHITMAN — February 17, 2026 — The Whitman Select Board voted unanimously to request a forensic audit of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District’s finances by the Massachusetts Inspector General, mirroring an earlier vote by Hanson. The move, intended to restore public transparency and confidence, comes as the town faces a projected fiscal year 2027 deficit of over $1 million under preliminary budget assumptions.
The Full Story
The Select Board and Finance Committee met in a joint session to address mounting financial pressures. Chair Carl Kowalski led the meeting by proposing a joint request with the Town of Hanson and the School District to the Inspector General, mirroring a similar action taken in Brockton. Board member Justin Evans noted that while there is no suspicion of criminal wrongdoing, “sunlight probably will help restore confidence” following recent budgetary errors in fiscal year 2025. Acting Superintendent Dr. John Marcus welcomed the assistance, noting that his team has spent the last two months working “non-stop” to forensically understand past mistakes.
“I think that the town really wants transparency and with new people I think this is a perfect time for everybody to get on the same page.” [06:26] — Carl Kowalski, Chair
Town Administrator Mary Beth Carter presented a bleak update for the fiscal year 2027 budget. Preliminary figures show a $1,032,323 deficit if the regional school assessment increases by 5%. To mitigate this, officials are debating a “revenue-based formula” (a 60/40 split between the schools and town) that would reduce the deficit to approximately $711,801. Carter also proposed drawing $240,000 from the OPEB Trust Fund to supplement health insurance costs, a move she described as an “available option” despite not being ideal.
The conversation turned tense regarding the possibility of a Proposition 2 ½ override. While Public Safety chiefs submitted requests for additional staffing (four firefighters and two police officers), Board members expressed deep skepticism. Member Shawn Kain argued that asking for more services is ill-timed when the town is struggling to maintain existing levels following a rejected override in FY26. Chair Kowalski echoed this sentiment, stating it is not “a wise thing to do to ask for one [an override]” that is likely to fail.
Later in the meeting, Select Board member Laura Howe made a surprise announcement that she would no longer be resigning. Despite having previously announced her intention to step down on April 5, she officially took out papers to run for reelection. Howe cited a deep care for the town and a desire not to leave an empty seat, as no other candidates had stepped up to run for the position at that time.
Why It Matters
A forensic audit could provide the clarity needed to stabilize the school district’s budget and determine exactly when and how past financial errors occurred. For residents, the lack of an override means the town must find over $700,000 in cuts, potentially impacting staffing levels, service hours, or other municipal services that have already been thinned by previous layoffs.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Request the Massachusetts Inspector General to conduct a forensic audit of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District finances.
Vote: Unanimous ([10:11])
Motion: Approve an amendment to the Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) for the Whitman Middle School project to include “grant language” required by the MSBA.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:34:06])
Motion: Form a Hobart Dam Replacement Committee to pursue grants and community engagement.
Vote: Unanimous ([01:51:33])
Public Comment
Agenda items included discussions on the Hobart Dam, which is currently listed in “poor” condition. Additionally, Matthew Dyer from the Old Colony Planning Council (OCPC) presented a vision for a 15-mile multi-use trail connecting Whitman to neighboring towns, inspired by the journey of Frederick Douglass.
What’s Next
February 23: Health insurance rates for active employees will be set, which may slightly adjust budget deficit projections.
February 24: The town expects to receive its updated bond rating from Moody’s.
March 10: The next Select Board meeting will feature a detailed presentation on the Animal Control shelter and further budget deliberations.
March 18: The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee is expected to set its formal assessment for the town.
Disclosure: South Shore News founder Justin Evans is a current member of the Whitman Select Board.
Source Video: Whitman Government TV