Independence for Francestown – a Win-Win
I have the spent the past two years as the Francestown Select Board representative to the Conval Feasibility Committee and Francestown School Committee. I can attest to the passion and resolve that the Francestown Community has to withdraw from the Conval School District and, if successful, SAU #1.
Over the past two years, Francestown has demonstrated repeatedly the expertise, the plan (approved twice by the State Board of Education), and the volunteers to guide us into a new School District. What is not always easy to codify is the effect of withdrawal on the remaining Conval towns. As a donor town, Francestown contributes more than its share. But the impact of that loss on other towns will be offset by the reallocation of resources. Support services and, more importantly, educational staff previously earmarked for Francestown will now be available to the other district schools. In addition, Conval will no longer be burdened by the cost of staffing Francestown Elementary school and supporting an almost 30-year-old building.
All-in-all Francestown withdrawal will be a win-win for Francestown and for the Conval School District.