NAPS School Committee urges community to support $68.2M budget at town meeting

Community programs and budget concerns dominated the North Andover School Committee meeting on May 1, 2025, as officials urged parents to register their children for upcoming activities while grappling with the implications of the town's financial decisions.

The committee highlighted the importance of registering for community programs, emphasizing that the deadline is May 10. Parents can sign up through the North Andover Public Schools website, ensuring their children, starting from kindergarten, can participate in various activities at no cost. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement and support families in the community.

However, the meeting quickly shifted focus to the pressing issue of the school budget, which stands at a critical $68.2 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Committee members expressed concerns about potential amendments during the town meeting that could reduce this budget, jeopardizing essential services and staffing. The discussion revealed that if the budget exceeds the town's levy limit, it could lead to complications, including the need for a special town meeting or even an override election.

Committee members stressed the urgency of community involvement, urging residents to attend the town meeting to advocate for the proposed budget. They acknowledged the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for adequate funding to maintain educational standards. The conversation underscored the importance of collective decision-making, with members hopeful that a compromise could be reached that satisfies both budgetary constraints and the needs of the schools.

As the deadline for budget approval approaches, the committee remains focused on ensuring that the community is informed and engaged, recognizing that the outcome will significantly impact the educational landscape in North Andover for years to come.