North Andover schools face $6.9M budget cuts risking teacher layoffs and program reductions

The North Andover School Committee meeting on January 21, 2025, revealed significant budget challenges facing the district, with proposed reductions that could drastically affect staffing and services across all grade levels. The guidance budget suggests a staggering cut of $6.9 million, which would lead to the loss of 23 teachers, 13 teaching assistants, and a counselor in elementary schools alone. The Kittredge School would face temporary closure, and per pupil allocations would be reduced, impacting the quality of education for students.

At the middle school level, the budget cuts would result in the loss of 10.5 teachers and a library media specialist, while the high school would see a reduction of 12 teachers and a 20% cut to the athletic budget. Special education services would also be affected, with reductions in teaching assistants and the elimination of tuition and transportation reserves.

The committee discussed an alternative budget that proposes a slightly less severe cut of $4.2 million, which would still result in significant staffing losses but would allow for some retention of teachers and support staff. However, even this alternative budget would lead to increased class sizes, with some classrooms reaching 27 students, and further reductions in library services and extracurricular activities.

The implications of these budget cuts are profound, as they threaten to diminish academic and social emotional support for students, hinder recruitment and retention of qualified staff, and limit professional development opportunities. The committee emphasized the need for a budget that meets the educational needs of North Andover students while operating within financial constraints.

As discussions continue, the community is urged to consider the long-term impacts of these budget decisions on the quality of education and support services available to students in North Andover.