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Members of teachers union speak out teachers of Freeport are here because we feel like we’re not providing students the best The Freeport Board of Edu- product we can because of the cation Action Meeting on Jan. leadership we have,” Dressler 29 was full of tense interac- said, refer ring to district tions, indicative of the dissatis- administration. “We’re lacking faction of the Freeport Teach- transparency. We’re lacking ers Association and other com- guidance and leadership from administrative munity members roles as well as the with district adminschool board.” istrators and board D r e s s l e r trustees. explained that the The meeting, in involuntary transthe cafeteria of the fer of social studies Caroline G. Atkint e a ch e r Pat r i c i a son School, was a Langan, the FTA long and often president, from uncomfortable Freeport High ordeal for those on School to John W. both sides. Dodd Middle School Demands for transin December parency and better re m a i ns a main stewardship of PAtRICIA lANgAN point of contention school resources President, for union members. and taxpayer dolFreeport Teachers Many believe that lars have not abatAssociation the transfer was ed, and there is litretaliation for Lantle evidence that tensions will ease any time gan’s vocal criticism of the district, and that it was in violasoon. Before the meeting, Freeport tion of her contract. District High School special education representatives have mainteacher Christopher Dressler tained that the move was in detailed some of the FTA’s frus- response to a harassment comtrations, which have only deep- plaint filed by another employee against Langan. ened in recent months. “First and foremost, the Continued on page 3
By ANDREW FRANCIS
afrancis@liherald.com
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Student receives MlK Peace Award Fourth grader Pauline Marte, joined by New Visions Assistant Principal Christopher Lomot and Principal Jessica Romero, receives the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, honoring her kindness, compassion, and respect for others. Story, Page 15.
Trustees hike property taxes 4 percent in amended budget By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Village of Freeport Board of Trustees voted for a 4 percent property tax hike, despite vehement objections from Mayor Robert Kennedy, whose streak of 12 consecutive years without an increase will come to an end. This streak has existed since Kennedy was first inaugurated in March 2013. During a special meeting on Friday afternoon, the trustees decided to amend the mayor’s proposed fiscal 2026-2027 budget, which now features a 4.02 percent tax hike, while decreasing the operating budgets of several village depart-
ments. The budget was approved by a vote of 4 to 1 on Jan. 30, with all four trustees voting in favor and Kennedy the sole dissenter. Mayor Kennedy, who has advocated for fiscal responsibility without excessively burdening village residents, strongly voiced disapproval of the amendments made to the tentative budget that he submitted in mid-January. “I object and oppose the motion to the adoption (of) the Trustees’ amended tentative budget that includes a 4.02 percent property tax increase and almost half a million total reduction in the operating budget of the police, Department of Public Works, and several other departments,” Continued on page 4
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e’re going to continue to fight this until they understand that they’re bound by a contract.