I am writing in support of the Franklin County Technical School’s new building project.
As a member of the Franklin County Technical School Committee and mother of two recent graduates, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand just how important Franklin Tech is to our students, our families, and the future of our communities.
Franklin Tech is more than a school. It is one of the places where we prepare the next generation of people who will actually keep Franklin County running. It is our electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, health care workers, welders, technicians, and so many others. These are not just jobs. They are the skilled trades and professions our towns, businesses, farms, hospitals, and families depend on every day.
We are so fortunate to have a vocational school of this quality right here in our backyard. But the facilities need to keep up with the education we are asking the school to provide.
This project is an investment in our kids, but it is also an investment in the entire region.
Our communities need young people to have opportunities to build a future here. Local employers need skilled workers. Our students deserve to learn in modern spaces that reflect the equipment, technology, and working environments they will encounter after graduation.
There is also something important about investing in vocational education that sometimes gets overlooked. Not every student needs to follow the same path. College is a wonderful option for many students, but it isn’t the only path to a successful and fulfilling life. A young person who graduates from Franklin Tech with a trade, a license, an apprenticeship, or a highly sought-after technical skill has something incredibly valuable, and that’s a way to make a living, support a family, and contribute to the community. Our graduation rate of students who stay in the trade after they graduate is a testament to this. That being said, the Tech school’s academics are strong enough that if a student wants to enroll in college, they easily can.
As someone who has lived and worked in this community for years, I want to see our young people have the opportunity to stay here if they choose to. I want them to be able to find good jobs, buy homes, raise families, and become the next generation of neighbors and community leaders.
That starts with giving them the education and opportunities they need.
Supporting this project isn’t simply about constructing a new school. It’s about deciding what kind of future we want for Franklin County and putting our money where our values are.
I believe Franklin Tech is worth that investment, and I hope our community will support this project.
Amy E. Lavallee lives in Whately.