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School committee declines school choice for 2026–27, citing enrollment stability and costs
Summary
The Franklin School Committee voted to decline participation in the Massachusetts school choice program for the 2026–27 school year after the superintendent warned the district cannot absorb tuition-to-cost gaps or added enrollment while implementing a major reorganization.
The Franklin School Committee voted not to accept school choice students for the 2026–27 school year after the superintendent recommended the district step out of the program while it stabilizes enrollment and completes its recent reorganization.
Superintendent Jagielski told the committee that the recommendation followed a review of the program’s financial and operational implications, including a tuition-to-cost gap and the absence of an applicant-screening mechanism. "I recommend that the committee not vote to accept school choice students at this juncture in time," he said during the discussion. Committee members clarified that school choice works both ways—students in Franklin would remain eligible to apply elsewhere—but ultimately supported the superintendent’s recommendation.
Committee members asked practical questions, including whether special education students are treated differently; the superintendent answered that accepting any student through choice would obligate the district to meet that student’s full services and special-education requirements.
The committee passed the motion by voice vote. The decision applies to general enrollment for 2026–27; members said the committee can revisit participation in future years if circumstances change.
