Staffing Shifts and Reductions Over Time Since regionalization, the number of classroom teachers has declined in proportion to enrollment, and the number of support teachers has increased in proportion to our high needs population. FY26 marks the fourth consecutive year of staff reductions, over which time, the district has eliminated 86.5 FTE (full-time equivalent positions). At the same time, we have added 35 FTE to support our high needs student populations and have increased staffing in special education, English Language Education, and nursing services. Nearly all of these staff are required to meet the needs of our students with disabilities, with some allocation to support our growing multilingual student population. The impact of budget reductions over time has touched all of our students. While not a comprehensive list of reductions, some examples include: • Increased class sizes and all levels, and in particular at the middle and high school levels • Loss of general education classroom assistants at most grade levels • Increased user fees (athletics, parking, student activities) to avoid further staff cuts • Loss of a full-time special education coordinator in an elementary school • Inability to fund necessary staffing to meet students’ English Language acquisition needs • Reductions to equity-based programming (Anti-Defamation League’s A World of Difference Program, Culturally Responsive Teacher Leaders, Seeking Education Equity and Diversity Programming) • Replacement of a certified Librarian with an assistant • Delay and deferment of critical capital projects, such as roofs and heating systems Long-Term Outlook and Efforts to Reduce Structural Funding Challenges We have made significant structural changes, including health insurance adjustments and the elimination of E&D (reserve) fund usage to supplement the budget. However, long-term challenges remain. Based on the current landscape, a 5.25% - 5.5% annual increase will be needed to maintain services for the next 3 years. This will be driven largely by wages, health insurance costs, and increases in both capital and utility costs. Without additional funding, rising costs and enrollment declines will likely necessitate a larger district-wide reconfiguration, reducing the number of schools and the way in which the district operates. The School Committee has begun work on a district reorganization plan, and you can expect to hear more about this work in the coming months. Summary This budget reflects a careful, though unsuccessful, balance between fiscal responsibility and educational needs. While necessary, fiscal restraint impacts student support and educator workload. Limited funding increases are unsustainable and will continue to erode the educational experiences we provide unless we undertake more significant measures to restructure how the district delivers its educational services to students and families. We are committed to working with the community to ensure the best possible education for our students within available resources. Sincerely, Peter Light, Superintendent of Schools
05/2025
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