North Andover School Committee approves 40 positions reduction amid budget crisis

The North Andover School Committee convened on March 20, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding the district's budget and staffing changes. The meeting began with discussions on the challenges faced by educators, particularly the need to do more with fewer resources. Superintendent Pam M. emphasized the importance of supporting teachers to enhance student success, leading to a motion to appoint Chris Sando as the new Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, which was unanimously approved by the committee.

The committee also discussed staffing updates, including the transition of Joe Clark from principal of Franklin School to a curriculum director position starting in July 2025. This change aims to facilitate a thorough search for a new principal at Franklin School, with the search timeline shared with the committee. The committee expressed a desire to ensure a robust candidate pool for the position, noting that over 40 applicants had already applied.

The primary focus of the meeting shifted to budget updates for fiscal year 2025 (FY '25) and projections for fiscal year 2026 (FY '26). Superintendent M. reported an increase in the budget deficit for FY '25, now totaling $4,083,000, attributed to unanticipated costs such as pest control and substitute teacher needs. Proposed funding sources to address this deficit include allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and transfers from the finance committee reserve.

Looking ahead to FY '26, the superintendent outlined plans to eliminate 40 positions within the district, primarily affecting teaching staff. The committee was informed that staff would be notified of their positions on March 21, with the aim of providing ample time for those affected to seek new opportunities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to improve budgeting practices and ensure that future budgets more accurately reflect the district's needs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the ongoing financial challenges faced by the North Andover Public Schools and the district's efforts to navigate these difficulties while prioritizing student and staff support. The committee's next steps will involve further discussions on budget adjustments and staffing changes as they prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.