In recent weeks, it has been brought to the attention of members of the ConVal community that Francestown is seriously considering alternatives for their elementary school in light of the proposed closure of FES as part of the School Board’s plan if ConVal Article 10 is passed by the required two-thirds majority vote.

To provide additional information on the rationale for this action, below is a summary of the driving forces that have led Francestown down this path.

Francestown Elementary School (FES) is a school worth keeping and investing in for the future. FES is a high-performing school and boasts the highest test scores in the district. It is also the cheapest elementary school to operate in the district. FES has sufficient enrollment to operate effectively and efficiently in both the near and long term. FES plays a key role in the community and is an institution that is deeply valued by the students, parents and residents for a variety of reasons that are difficult to quantify, but absolutely have tangible merit. These include acting as gathering place for community events, injecting youthful energy into the community as well as excitement and optimism from local organizations though their collaboration with the town throughout the year.

Francestown contributes tax revenue to the school district that exceeds the cost of the students from Francestown, indicating that the town could likely support and sustain the school financially.

The proposed consolidation plan is not academically or financially compelling and is premature given the judicial and legislative momentum toward increased funding for public schools. Without a clear plan, the post-consolidation vision for Francestown students is hazy at best and does not indicate that the post-consolidation configuration will meaningfully improve the academic environment. Proposed cost savings will not meaningfully enhance academic opportunities or provide tax relief. Savings will most likely be used to cover the district’s anticipated shortfall related to a combination of increased employee benefit costs and reduced state funding. Recent rulings at the state indicate that it is not a matter of “if” public school funding will increase, but more of a “when.”

It is becoming increasingly clear that the ConVal school district has targeted small elementary schools as their favored cost-cutting measure in spite of other options and strong pushback from Francestown and other towns. Given these opposing viewpoints, long-term alignment between Francestown and ConVal may not be the best path forward for both parties. The Francestown School Committee is looking at all options available. It will take a lot of time and research to determine what is best for Francestown’s students and taxpayers. 

Laura Mafera is a Francestown resident.