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Parents and staff urge Franklin County school board to keep family liaisons as cuts loom
Summary
Dozens of parents, current and former family liaisons and students told the Franklin County School Board on May 11 that eliminating family liaison positions and cutting programs like Eagle Tech would hurt vulnerable students and accelerate enrollment decline, and they urged the board to reconsider.
At the May 11 Franklin County School Board meeting, more than a half-dozen parents and current and former family liaisons urged the board to reverse a recent recommendation to eliminate the division’s family liaison positions.
Speakers described liaisons as “the boots on the ground” who connect schools and families, provide emergency supports, and keep students in class. "Liaisons are the boots on the ground. They act as first responders to our educators and staff," Tabitha Collison said in public comment.
Former liaison Jeremy Ramsey, who said he spent nine years in the role, asked the board to vote again on the central-office recommendation, saying principals were not consulted before the decision. "Ask the central office staff to coordinate with all school principals to get their feedback on which positions could be cut that would be least detrimental to our students," he said.
Current liaison Shannon Ramsey detailed services the role provides, from supplying clothing and food to attending funerals and navigating Medicaid and custody paperwork. "These are not extra services. These are the barriers standing between a child and their ability to learn," she said.
Students and parents linked the proposed cuts to wider problems, including declining enrollment and staff morale. "Show us how and why these expenses benefit students more than protecting teachers, family liaisons, counselors, and school level support," said Spencer Reed, who pressed the board for clearer budget explanations and questioned a near‑term increase in technology spending.
Board members acknowledged the concern and said they are working with the county and central office to provide more detail. One board member said written questions submitted by email would be answered and emphasized that plans and procedures would be developed "so we don't leave students hanging." The board did not reverse the recommendation during the meeting; several speakers asked that the board reconsider the decision before the family liaisons’ planned elimination in June.
The matter is expected to remain on the board’s agenda as staff and trustees continue budget discussions ahead of the June meeting.
