Regional school budget soars 13 percent; selectmen warn of crisis
Freetown selectmen weigh 13 percent school budget increase against 2.5 percent tax growth. Town Administrator Deborah L. Pettey reported the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District assessment will rise from $13.4 million to $15.1 million in FY27, driven by escalating health insurance and
Board of Selectmen · Meeting of February 9, 2026
Freetown selectmen weigh 13 percent school budget increase against 2.5 percent tax growth. Town Administrator Deborah L. Pettey reported the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District assessment will rise from $13.4 million to $15.1 million in FY27, driven by escalating health insurance and salaries and a state Chapter 70 aid reduction.
Selectmen characterized the fiscal gap as unsustainable and Selectmen Jared Zager proposed a standing sub-committee of board, finance committee, and school representatives from both towns to develop longer-term strategy. The board voted unanimously to approve routine matters, including two APEX consulting agreements for subdivision-rules and stormwater-management reviews, and ambulance write-offs of $116,848.50.
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Source: the Board of Selectmen meeting of February 9, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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