Apponequet Students Hoped For Stronger Support During Walkout

Students at Apponequet Regional High School are speaking out after a failed Proposition 2½ override vote in the town of Lakeville this week could lead to major cuts across the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District.

The failed vote may result in the loss of 56 school department jobs, the closure of school libraries, and even possible cuts to police and fire department staffing in the towns.

On Wednesday, a group of students participated in a walkout protest to show support for teachers and staff members who could lose their jobs. "Teachers just wanna have funds," "Don't be fools, fund our schools," and "No education without taxation" were three of many signs carried by students from all grades across the high school.

Students Say Teachers Are Like Family

Several students visited the Fun 107 studio Thursday morning to explain why they felt compelled to take action.

“I had teachers crying about their colleagues leaving,” one student said. “Teachers were saying they were sorry that the relationships we built with them might not be there next year.”

Students said the walkout was initially organized through an anonymous Instagram post encouraging students to leave campus after lunch in a peaceful protest.

However, students claimed the original plan changed after school administrators stepped in. Instead of leaving campus, many students were directed to walk around the school and make cards or posters supporting teachers. Some students, however, ignored the administration and left campus while school was still in session.

Why Students Still Wanted to Protest

Even though the override vote had already failed, students said they wanted their voices heard in hopes that district leaders or town officials might still find another solution.

“There might be very little hope, but it’s better than doing nothing,” one student said.

Students also argued that young people should have a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their education.

Concerns Over Major Budget Cuts

The district now faces difficult decisions as officials work to close budget gaps ahead of the next school year.

The students told Fun 107 they were surprised that no teachers, particularly the ones with their jobs on the line, joined them in the walkout. “I think they were afraid of getting in trouble,” said the student.

Fun 107 was unable to connect with Apponequet Principal Kahlan Dessert after a number of calls.