Letter to the Editor: Regarding Lakeville tax override

To the Editor:

Lakeville residents understand that the budget pressure facing the town is real. But before taxpayers are asked to approve a permanent override, it is fair to expect a clearer explanation of what is driving the increase and what is being done to control it.

The town’s own budget materials show that the town-side operating budget rises from about $10.76 million in fiscal year 26 to $11.21 million in fiscal year 27, roughly 4.2%, while the school side rises from about $21.10 million to $23.11 million, roughly 9.5%. 

At the same time, state enrollment data shows Freetown-Lakeville moving from 2,603 students in 2024–25 to 2,589 in 2025–26, essentially flat to slightly down, not up. The district’s staffing data also does not show an obvious surge that would explain an increase of that size.

That is the central issue. If enrollment is flat and staffing appears relatively flat as well, then residents are entitled to ask what is driving a nearly 10% increase on the school side. If one-time Covid-relief money helped support recurring expenses or positions that are no longer sustainable, then the public deserves a fuller accounting before being asked to permanently absorb those costs through higher taxes.

Massachusetts already requires annual school district audits, but where serious questions have already been raised in public meetings, common sense says the answer is deeper review, not less.

The town has said it is already operating under a hiring freeze and spending freeze, which is a meaningful step. Residents should now be told just as clearly what comparable restraint, review, and structural change is being applied on the school side, where most of the growth appears to sit. 

The public should not be asked to approve a three-year override without a “plain-English” explanation of what costs are recurring, what has been adjusted, and why this will not bring the town right back to the same place again next year. 

Before residents are asked to pay more every year, the town and school district should make sure the numbers are right, cut what can be cut, and show the public a plan that actually fixes the problem.

Melissa Hopkins and Larry Simpson

Lakeville