LeAnne Fifield: Let’s work together as a team to move Franklin forward

To The Daily Sun,

There is no denying that Franklin is short on money to fund everything we need. We have lived under a tax cap without adjustments for cost of living for 30+ years. Our school board and city council have members that truly believe they are doing the best for this community. Some want residents to believe that it is due to mismanagement of funds but once the hype and drama is taken away, they will see it is the increasing costs, cost downshifting from the state and money sent to private religious school (EFAs).

When looking at school achievements, one doesn’t look at an annual test score, they look at how many students are graduating with college credits, how many are going on to four-year college, trade schools, or right into the work force. When the schools can’t afford all the needs for all the students, they’re going to lose many to private schools. Having served on the school board, I can say that the board members are dedicated to giving each child the best education they can provide and the superintendent has worked hard for the Franklin school system. Schools cost money just like all the other departments in the city that we deem necessary.

It is our responsibility to give the children of Franklin the best education we can. The schools are the cornerstone and future of Franklin. We were all educated on someone else’s dime. Now, it is our turn to pay it forward.

The relationship between the school board and the city council is mostly working, but a few are making it tough. Personal attacks and rude behaviors need to be left at home. We all need to come to the table to work as a team for Franklin.

LeAnne Fifield

Franklin