Freetown-Lakeville Schools Enter State 112th Budget as 62 Staff Exits Take Effect July 1

LAKEVILLE — June 24, 2026 — Freetown-Lakeville schools enter state-supervised bridge funding July 1 with 62 employees exited and Lakeville's budget still unresolved. The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee heard a detailed briefing Wednesday from Director of Finance Jack Higgins on the district's entry into a Massachusetts 112th budget — the state's emergency operating mechanism for districts without an approved budget — effective July 1, 2026. Higgins warned that monthly spending authority will be based on the prior FY26 budget with only a modest Chapter 70 adjustment, likely insufficient to cover a $1.2 million Bristol County Retirement payment due in July, rising transportation contracts, and payroll for year-round staff. He cautioned the committee to spend "very frugal" in July and August to preserve carryover funds for September payroll, and noted that if no approved budget exists by December 31, "the state assumes operation of the district budget." Superintendent Dr. Barbara Starkey confirmed 62 employees will be separated as of Friday, including the high school assistant principal, though one guidance counselor was recalled using Innovation Career Pathway grant funds. Lakeville's special town meeting is scheduled for July 27, and the committee is eyeing a follow-up school committee meeting on July 28 or 29 to respond to the outcome. The committee also unanimously accepted grants and donations totaling more than $188,000, including a $169,117 Mass DEP water grant for Freetown Elementary School's PFAS treatment feasibility study.