Northampton educators raise alarms over staffing cuts and student support crises

The Northampton School Committee meeting on February 13, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding staffing shortages, budget cuts, and the impact on student services, particularly for those with special needs.

During the meeting, a Spanish teacher from JFK Middle School expressed the challenges of managing a large class of 155 students after budget cuts reduced language instruction. The teacher emphasized the difficulty in forming relationships with students and maintaining educational standards under these circumstances. The reduction in world language offerings has limited opportunities for new students to enroll in Spanish classes, raising concerns about the long-term implications for language education in the district.

Cindy Mahoney, a member of the Northampton Special Education Parent Advisory Council, addressed the disconnect between reported educational successes and the reality of student performance, particularly in special education. She urged the committee to prioritize the needs of students with disabilities in the upcoming budget discussions, citing recent reports of Massachusetts failing to provide adequate services under federal law.

Kate Fontaine, a department chair at Northampton High School, raised alarms about safety issues stemming from understaffing, sharing a list of incidents involving assaults on staff. She questioned how the district plans to ensure the safety and educational needs of all students amidst these challenges.

Parents and community members echoed these sentiments, with several speaking about the urgent need for adequate support for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Concerns were raised about the violation of IEPs and the lack of necessary resources, which many believe is a direct result of budget cuts. One parent shared their experience of their child’s IEP being disregarded, highlighting systemic issues within the district.

The meeting concluded with a call for action from community members, urging the school committee to recognize the crisis in the schools and to advocate for increased funding and resources. The overarching message was clear: without immediate intervention and support, the educational needs of Northampton's students, particularly those with disabilities, will continue to be compromised.