Flagg School lot project update (Linden Street)

Construction began on this project in mid-July after $730K was approved at Fall Town Meeting. 

“Fall Town Meeting supported $730K in Community Preservation funding for the construction of a new basketball court and track in (was) a vacant grass space,” said Gervasio, who expected most of the work would be completed by school’s start.

Mark Frank and James Keast are managing this project.

Note from Frank Gervasio, Holliston Town Manager:

“The Town has identified an incredibly serious reporting issue involving the Capital Expenditure Fund that has resulted in the fund being overcommitted - not overspent. At this time, there is no immediate risk to the Town’s ability to meet its financial obligations, and we are taking proactive steps to fully understand and address the matter. We have notified our independent auditors and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services, and we are working to retain an independent third party to conduct a comprehensive review. 

My priority is ensuring a thorough, transparent process while safeguarding the Town’s financial resources - which ultimately belong to our taxpayers. 

I’d like to reiterate, there is no money “missing” or misappropriated - this is a financial reporting error that has resulted in an overcommitment of the Town’s capital fund. Anyone with questions or concerns is welcome to contact the Town Manager’s office and to monitor the website/social media channels for further updates. Among other communications, an upcoming HCAT segment will also provide an overview of this matter.”

New School Superintendent

Holliston Public Schools’ new superintendent, Kimo Carter, started on July 1, 2026. Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Howie Barber also started July 15, 2026 – the team at Town Hall look forward to working with them!

Holliston High School Building Project

Per Massachusetts School Building Association’s (MSBA) guidelines, a School Building Committee has formed, including:

Select Board member: Ben Sparrell

School Committee member: Frank Ogura

Two School Committee appointments (parent or educator with MSBA experience):  Lynn Ritucci and Andrew Cunneen

Resident 65+: Deb Moore

Two residents with background in architecture, engineering or construction: Barbara Ryan and Christy Opper

Non-voting school staff: Frank Gervasio, Kimo Carter, James Keast (Facilities Director), David List (High School Principal), and Howie Barber (Asst. Superintendent of Finance and Operations

The new committee met on July 21 with the goal of electing a chair by July 31. The committee elected Barbara Ryan as its chair.

Following this, the next two deadlines for the high school project will be completing an educational profile questionnaire and an online enrollment projection, both due August 31.

After that, Gervasio says, “November 27 is the deadline for an enrollment meeting with the MSBA, and by that date, we’ll also need to provide maintenance and capital planning information.”

Town Meeting

Fall Town Meeting 2026 will take place on October 19, 2026, 7 p.m. Holliston High School auditorium. Anyone interested in submitting a citizen’s petition should contact the Town Clerk’s office.

Woodland Street Bike Park update

Initially funded with an engineering study for $72K in October 2025, the Woodland St. Bike Park project was approved $650K for construction by the town in May 2026.

“We are hopeful construction will be wrapped up for that project in November. 

For updates, visit www.hollistonbikepark.org. 

DPW site

“We are still hoping to take ownership of the Cross Street site sometime in August,” says Gervasio, explaining the Town is waiting to hear more from the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which might be able to help get initial testing, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA. “The EPA can’t help us until we have outright ownership of the property. Hopefully in the next 3-4 weeks we’ll have a better picture,” he said at press time.

Habitat for Humanity Accepting Applications for 550 Concord St. (through August 3)

Habitat for Humanity Metrowest/Greater Worcester is accepting applications for a home ownership opportunity for a 3-bedroom, one bath home at 550 Concord St., Holliston. 

The selection will be made through a state-approved lottery process, with the lottery taking place on Sept. 3. Scroll down under the town website’s “News” section for details.

New Director of Planning and Community Development

The town has hired a New Director of Planning and Community Development, starting August 13. 

“The Town is indebted to Karen Sherman for her over 25 years of service to our community, and we wish her all the best in her retirement,” says Gervasio.

Holliston residents needed for board & committee vacancies

“Some committees meet monthly, some meet (less often), but the town relies heavily on volunteers. It’s sort of the trademark of small-town government in Massachusetts,” says Gervasio, “I’m very biased, but I think it can be a very rewarding experience.” 

At press time, openings included:

Committee/Commission                                                        Term

Agricultural Commission                                                           3 yr.

Cable Advisory Committee - 2 Positions                             None

Community Farm Advisory Committee                                 1 yr 

Community Farm Advisory Committee - 2 Positions        2 yr.

Conservation Commission                                                       3 yr.

Council on Aging                                                                          3 yr.

Disability Advisory Committee - 2 Positions                        None

Envisioning Future Holliston (Health & Human Svcs.)      2 yr.

Historical Commission                                                                3 yr.

Housing Trust - 3 Positions                                                       1 yr. & 2 yr.

Open Space Committee - 2 Positions                                     2 yr.

Policy Advisory Committee - 4 Positions

                  1 Appt. by Select Board          3 yr.

                  1 Appt. by COA                       2 yr.

                  1 Appt. by YFS                        3 Yr.

                  1 Appt. by School Comm.      2 yr.

Sustainable Waste Committee - 5 Positions                          3 yr.

Taxation Aid Committee - 2 Positions                                      1 yr. & 2 yr.

Zoning Board of Appeals - 2 Associate Positions                 1 yr.