The Plympton School Committee confronted a $213,000 budget deficit for the current fiscal year during its meeting Monday night, Oct. 28, prompting an immediate budget freeze and discussions on how to address the shortfall.
The deficit, primarily at-tributed to unexpected special education costs, caught committee members off guard and led to a tense discussion about potential cuts and funding sources.
“This is the third year in a row we’ve had over-runs, so I think that we’re extremely sensitive to that,” said Committee Chair Jason Fra-ser. “This is 5% more to our budget after we’ve already gone to the town voters and asked them to support a certain level.”
Sarah Hickey, the district’s Director of Finance and Operations, explained that the deficit stems from new out-of-district placements and additional support services for students with complex needs. These costs were not anticipated when the budget was approved earlier this year.
“Plympton has had a new out-of-district placement. Plympton has a student that was identified as needing a one-to-one paraprofessional,” Hickey said. “The substitute line was cut and there are a number of long-term absences, so we have long-term subs in for a number of teachers.”
The committee voted unanimously to implement an immediate budget freeze to prevent further overspending. However, members acknowledged that the freeze alone would not be sufficient to close the gap.
“A budget freeze isn’t going to fix this,” said Jon Wilhelmsen, Vice Chair of the Committee. “We’re going to have to figure out a way to get that information so we can have a way to discuss with the town so that the town can make a decision about how they want to deal with this.”

One potential source of funds discussed was the district’s special education re-serve fund, which currently holds about $50,000. The committee also considered using federal grant money to offset some costs, though concerns were raised about the legality of such a move.
Peter Veneto, principal of Dennett Elementary School, expressed concern about the impact of potential cuts on staffing and programs. “After losing a full-time aid last year, if we had to take this step, that would be very difficult to man-age,” he said.
The committee plans to create a prioritized list of potential cuts, ranging from de-laying equipment purchases to more severe staffing reductions. Fraser emphasized the need for transparency in this process.
“I think we literally need
a list from $263,000 down to zero from the least painful to the most painful decisions that may have to occur for us to cover the total hole on our own,” Fraser said.
Committee members stressed the importance of working with town officials to find a solution. They plan to schedule a joint meeting with the Finance Committee and Town Administrator to discuss the situation and explore potential funding options.
“I think we’ll be able to work with the town in order to deal with this,” Wilhelmsen said. “I think the town does recognize that this school and all of the folks that work here do a tremendous amount and do it very efficiently.”

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
KINGSTON – The Kingston Board of Selectmen voted unanimously October 22 to order a dog named Angel humanely euthanized after deeming it dangerous following multiple attacks.
The hearing was held to review three incidents involving the pit bull owned by Rebecca Montgomery of Silver Lake Drive.
Senior Animal Control Officer Joanna Boudreau detailed the first two incidents from April 2023 and April 2024, where Angel escaped her yard and attacked neighboring dogs. The third and most serious incident occurred in September 2024, when Angel broke through a screen door.
“She busted through the screen door and due to the weakness of the [runner] cable it snapped,” said Assistant Animal Control Officer Sonya Buckner, who responded to the third incident. “She attacked the two puppies.”
Torin Jensen, owner of the attacked puppies, described the incident: “Door flings open, dog comes running right out. Jumps on one of my puppies ripping her face, grabbing it very viciously.”
Jensen said his dogs required $8,000 in veterinary care. He also sustained injuries himself trying to separate the animals, stating the combined medical and veterinary bills were $12,000.
“It was one of those moments where you just completely like blackout and shock and just go into like fight mode,” Jensen said.
The board heard testimony from multiple witnesses, including the dog’s owners. Emily Montgomery, Rebecca’s sister, said Angel had never had issues with small dogs before and was “great with kids.”
However, Boudreau recommended the dog be deemed dangerous, citing its history of aggression.
“I do believe that based upon our information, previous incidents, that Angel is a dangerous dog,” Boudreau said. The Board agreed, voting unanimously to deem Angel a dangerous dog.
Boudreau initially suggested several restrictions, including muzzling and insurance requirements. But after deliberation, the board opted for euthanasia given the severity and pattern of incidents.
“This is very difficult to say the least,” said Board Chair Eric Crone before the unanimous vote.
The owners have the right to appeal the decision. If upheld, animal control will coordinate the euthanasia after the appeal period expires.
In other business, the board voted 2-3 against recommending a state-mandated MBTA zoning district, potentially jeopardizing millions in state funding and grants.
The MBTA Communities zoning law requires certain towns to create multi-family housing districts near transit stations. Kingston must designate 50 acres for up to 805 new housing units to comply.
Town Planner Valerie Massard presented a proposal that would concentrate the zoning changes primarily within the Kingston Collection mall property, with some additional areas nearby.
“Valerie’s done an incredible job,” said Selectman Tyler Bouchard. “Our town planner is taking what they’ve done and worked magic with it.”
Bouchard argued Kingston has “the best situation out of any other town” to implement the zoning with minimal impact. The proposal avoids residential neighborhoods and focuses on already developed commercial areas.
However, other board members expressed concerns about state overreach and potential negative impacts on the town.
“I’m an absolute no on MBTA, not because I don’t appreciate all the work the staff has done,” said Selectman Kimberly Emberg. “You guys have done a tremendous job and I honestly couldn’t say enough positive things about the time and effort you’ve put in.”
Emberg warned that approving the zoning could lead to further state mandates. “They’re going to keep moving the goal line,” she said.
Town Administrator Keith Hickey outlined the financial stakes, noting Kingston has received $8.25 million in state grants in recent years that it would no longer be eligible for without MBTA compliance.
This includes $6 million for water and sewer infrastructure related to the Amazon development and $1.6 million for water quality improvements on the Jones River.
Hickey also pointed to upcoming water infrastructure needs, including a $5 million well and $4.5 million water tank, that could potentially qualify for state funding.
“We’re trying to make as positive a thing as we can out of a really lousy situation,” Hickey said.
The town already has 282 apartments at the Kingston Collection mall site, which count toward the 805-unit requirement. Officials said it’s unlikely the full 805 units would actually be built given existing development.
“Could they build 805 units? I guess that’s what would be allowed,” Hickey said. “I think what’s important for people to recognize is that every single property that’s in this district right now is already developed.”
Chair Eric Crone expressed frustration with unfunded state mandates.
“I’m really sick of the state sticking their nose into Kingston and just costing us money, not helping us,” he said. “We haven’t had help. They’ve done nothing but cost us money.”
The board ultimately voted 2-3 against adopting the zoning changes. Bouchard and Melissa Bateman voted in favor, while Crone, Emberg and Donald Alcombright voted against.
According to Crone, State Rep. Kathy LaNatra plans to introduce legislation in January to repeal the MBTA zoning law. However, Hickey cautioned that many communities have already adopted changes.
“The horse is out of the barn,” he said.
The zoning proposal will still go before Town Meeting on Nov. 19. The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the issue next week.
If Kingston remains non-compliant, it risks losing access to certain state grant programs. The attorney general has also sued some towns that rejected MBTA zoning.
“It’s blackmail and it’s terrible and nobody likes it,” Bouchard said. “I’m not gonna mince words about it. It is what it is.”
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Nov. 5.