Hundreds march in support of 103 Franklin teachers who were laid off last week

FRANKLIN, Mass. — Teachers marched more than a hundred strong to Route 140 in Franklin to show support for union members laid off in the town.

“We are out here to represent the 103 teachers who were cut last week," said Donna Grady, President of the Franklin Education Association.

The cuts are necessary due to budget shortfalls according to the town. And, the cuts that will impact all eleven schools in Franklin.

“We have a preschool, 6 elementary schools, three middle schools and a high school and every school is impacted," said Grady.

Parents like Amy Danahy say cuts were made last year and she fears the education of her three children will suffer.

“It’s disappointing and very worrisome mostly because most of us who moved here in the last 15 years did so because of the schools,” said Danahy.

Some programs like music were hit especially hard.

“If the students really don’t get started early it won’t be something they ever really plug into and have as a part of their lives," said Deb Ryan, President of the Music Boosters.

Tonight, the Franklin School Committee discussed the budget via a Zoom call, according to Superintendent Sara Ahern.

“Our town should maintain its commitment to fully fund our public schools," said Ahern.

In a statement released to Boston 25, Superintendent Ahern admits the cuts are drastic.

“We are deeply saddened to have to take such a dramatic approach in developing our budget this year," said Ahern. "We are hopeful that some of our non-pts faculty will be able to be reappointed in the future and we will do so as soon as we are able.”

Parents and the president of the teachers union are hopeful that will happen.

“The town has also has to start funding for their kid’s education," said Grady. "The kids deserve good schools with good teachers.”

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