Educators from the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District are rallying against a proposed budget that they believe threatens the quality of education for their students. During a recent school committee meeting, several teachers and staff members voiced their concerns, urging the committee to reject the budget set for a vote on April 9.

The original budget proposal included a 5.5% increase to maintain current operations, but this was revised down to just 2.2%. Educators argue that this reduction will lead to significant cuts in essential services, including tutoring programs, special education support, and extracurricular activities. They emphasized that the district currently ranks near the bottom in per-pupil spending in Massachusetts, making the proposed budget a critical issue for the community.

Teachers from various schools, including Freetown Elementary and Grace, highlighted the potential impact on class sizes and the availability of resources. They warned that larger class sizes would limit individual attention for students, particularly those with special needs. The educators expressed that accepting the budget would undermine the progress made in the district and jeopardize the future success of their students.

In addition to the concerns raised about educational quality, financial implications were also discussed. A representative from the Lakeville Finance Committee noted that the proposed budget aligns with the maximum allowable tax levy, leaving no room for growth in the town's budget. This could lead to further cuts in services for residents if the budget is rejected.

The educators concluded their appeals by emphasizing the importance of investing in education to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. They called on parents and community members to join them in rejecting the proposed budget, advocating for a more substantial investment in the future of their schools and students.