Fitchburg Superintendent proposes $2.8M budget cuts impacting 33 positions

Fitchburg Public Schools is facing a significant budget challenge, with a projected deficit of $2.8 million for the upcoming year. During a recent School Committee meeting, Superintendent outlined a plan to address this shortfall through a series of budget reductions totaling $1.8 million, which will involve the elimination of 33 positions across the district.

The superintendent emphasized the collaborative effort behind these decisions, working closely with school administrators to minimize the impact on essential services. Notably, the plan aims to preserve special education and English as a Second Language (ESL) positions, reflecting the district's commitment to supporting its diverse student population. Despite the cuts, the district will maintain a robust team of 31 interventionists to assist students from pre-K through grade 12.

The reductions will include the elimination of 18 intervention positions, with eight of those staff members being retained in other roles within the district. Additionally, the plan calls for a reduction of three middle school teachers and the elimination of two clerical positions. The superintendent also noted that some positions, such as an athletic trainer, will be cut due to difficulties in filling them.

The affected staff members will receive notifications regarding their positions during the week of June 3 to June 7. The superintendent expressed a commitment to keeping class sizes manageable and ensuring that the quality of instruction remains a priority, despite the necessary reductions.

As Fitchburg Public Schools navigates these budgetary constraints, the focus remains on maintaining support for students and their educational needs. The district will continue to explore potential grant funding to offset some of the cuts, particularly for programs that have previously received financial support. The community can expect ongoing updates as the district implements these changes and seeks to stabilize its financial situation.