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Resident and committee spar over middle‑school music scheduling as district studies staffing
Summary
The Franklin School Committee discussed middle‑school schedule changes that affect music instructional time and heard a citizen warn understaffing has effectively cut music by about 20%; administrators said they are reviewing K–12 music programming and exploring schedule adjustments to preserve ensembles.
The Franklin School Committee discussed changes to the Franklin Middle School schedule that the district says are intended to address staffing constraints while preserving music opportunities.
The Superintendent told the committee that a scheduling review led by Principal Mr. Williams redesigned the middle‑school master schedule, including moving the Compass block to a different time to increase collaboration, planning and student supports. He said administrators are exploring ways to “preserve and strengthen ensemble experiences, including restoring portions of the instructional time on half days,” and plan a broader K–12 review of music instruction and pathways to the high school.
Resident Celia Courtright, of 213 Peck Street, told the committee she believes the district is understaffed and urged the committee to press the town for more personnel. “The idea that we’re cutting music by 20% this year without not laying people off, but that effectively it’s a 20% cut in the program,” Courtright said, arguing the reduction hinders beginners learning instruments and teamwork.
The Superintendent acknowledged the concerns and said that Mr. Williams and a scheduling review committee developed short‑ and long‑term recommendations intended to balance staffing, instructional time and student experience. He urged continued engagement with families and said the district will communicate further updates to the middle‑school community.
Committee members asked about the flexibility of the schedule and possible next steps. Reese suggested a fall survey to learn why families do not register for transportation or to capture preferences related to scheduling; other members noted trade‑offs in different models (for example, maintaining sectionals vs. offering choice). The administration said half‑day restorations and other adjustments were under consideration but dependent on staffing and master‑schedule constraints.
The committee did not take formal action on music programming at the meeting; the Superintendent said Mr. Williams would communicate directly with the middle‑school community and that administrators would present further recommendations in future meetings.
The committee’s next steps: continue the K–12 music review, consider summer goal‑setting meetings to refine priorities, and return with updates before the start of the school year.
