LAKEVILLE — On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee unanimously voted against the addition of the Brockton and Whitman-Hanson school districts to READS Collaborative.

READS Collaborative is a partnership between 18 school districts, including Middleboro and Freetown-Lakeville, that provides academic programs for students with special needs.

Freetown-Lakeville Superintendent Alan Strauss said that he and Director of Student Services Ashley Bouley had discussed the matter and had “deep concerns” with READS making additions.

“We have a wonderful partnership with READS, but there has been a struggle with services being met,” said Strauss. “My primary concern as superintendent is our students.”

Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee Chair Will Sienkewicz said that he was concerned because he felt that READS was not completing student evaluations in a timely manner.

“I don’t know how adding two more districts is going to make that any better,” said Sienkewicz.

Bouley, who also serves on the READS special education administration committee, said that many of the other school districts which are members of READS seemed to be “on board with approving” the two new additions.

“I’m not too sure if us voting no will make a difference,” said Bouley.

On Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, the Middleboro School Committee voted to approve the expansion of READS to Brockton and Whitman-Hanson.