District leaders seek $100M for literacy and special education initiatives

During the North Andover Tri-Board Meeting on December 16, 2024, a significant discussion emerged around the district's funding needs and educational initiatives. A key speaker emphasized the desire for increased financial support, stating, "I would love a hundred million dollars to be able to run the district." This sentiment reflects the district's ongoing efforts to enhance literacy programs and support for students, particularly those in special education and English language learning.

The district has made strides in literacy through partnerships with organizations like the Hill for Literacy, which assists in analyzing student data to inform instructional strategies. The speaker highlighted the transition of DIBELS testing, an early intervention tool for assessing reading skills, from paper to a computerized format, enhancing the efficiency of student evaluations.

Concerns were raised about rising special education numbers, which have surpassed the state average, and the need for adequate resources to support these students. The establishment of a special education advisory council was noted as a proactive measure to address these challenges.

The discussion also touched on the proposed "purple budget," which aims to maintain service levels while reallocating resources effectively, especially following the closure of Kittredge School. This budget is seen as a way to improve instructional quality without sacrificing existing programs.

As the meeting progressed, participants were invited to share their thoughts, with one member acknowledging the importance of sustainability in the district's initiatives. The meeting underscored the critical need for funding and strategic planning to ensure that North Andover's educational programs continue to thrive and meet the diverse needs of its students.