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RSU 24 board allows a Franklin 4‑year‑old to enroll out‑of‑district after lengthy debate over costs and precedent
Summary
After nearly three hours of public testimony and discussion, the RSU 24 board voted to allow a single Franklin pre‑K student to use school choice, amid warnings that the decision could set a precedent with significant special‑education and budget implications.
The RSU 24 school board voted to permit one Franklin resident 4‑year‑old to attend pre‑K in another district, approving the motion after extended debate over legal precedent, cost exposure, and special‑education logistics.
Board members and administrators spent more than an hour weighing the request, with district staff cautioning that allowing pre‑K school choice could require reopening the regional reorganization agreement and produce unpredictable costs. "If there is school choice for preschool...we may have to go there to provide service or contract with those people to provide service," explained Sue Layton, who detailed special‑education complexities and potential staff‑time demands. She warned the board that sending staff to other districts could reduce services for students in RSU 24.
The superintendent and administrators also highlighted potential financial exposure. An operations official provided a concrete example: "A bill for one student in another district right now is going to cost $40,000 for one student," a figure the board cited when considering long‑term budget impacts. Several board members said that while they were reluctant to set precedent, they did not want to force a single child to enroll at a district campus for one year if that would harm the child's best interest.
Supporters of granting the request argued the board should prioritize the student's continuity and family choice. One board member said allowing this single case could be handled on a case‑by‑case basis, rather than immediately reworking the organizational agreement. Opponents warned it could trigger reciprocal requests from other towns that have K–8 choice and create ongoing fiscal strain.
After extensive discussion the chair called for a vote; the motion to allow this child to attend an out‑of‑district pre‑K program passed on a voice vote. The transcript records the board's approval but does not include numeric tallies.
The board did not adopt a district‑wide policy change; members described this action as a single‑student decision that could nevertheless create a precedent the district will need to monitor. Administrators urged the board to consider reconvening a committee to review the reorganization agreement and the operational consequences before broader policy changes are made.
