Superintendent says NEASC placed Randolph High School on warning as enrollment outpaces staffing
Loading...
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Tia Stovell told the school committee that NEASC issued a warning citing a net loss of 7.2 FTEs while high school enrollment rose sharply, putting accreditation at risk unless staffing and course offerings are adjusted.
The Randolph School Committee was told Thursday that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has placed Randolph High School in a warning status because the school's staffing has not kept pace with a substantial rise in student enrollment.
Dr. Tia Stovell, superintendent of Randolph Public Schools, told committee members that NEASC cited a "significant change" in enrollment and noted a reported net loss of 7.2 full-time-equivalent staff. She said the district has added positions in the FY2026 budget intended to address the shortfall but warned the loss of accreditation is a real risk if course options and staffing levels are not restored.
Principal John Licorice, calling from the road during the public hearing, described the situation at Randolph High School as "the most difficult" he has seen in his career amid fast enrollment growth and staff shortages. "We cannot go into next year with the current staffing," Licorice said, warning that without additional hires the school would have to cut courses including advanced and science offerings.
Why it matters: NEASC accreditation affects how colleges and outside institutions evaluate student transcripts. Committee members and district staff said losing accreditation could harm graduatescollege prospects and reverse recent gains in local confidence and enrollment.
Details and context: Dr. Stovell said the district has already added high-school positions in the FY2026 proposal (she referenced eight high-school teachers in the budget) and will work with school leadership to prioritize hires. She also said the town manager asked for seven days to present budget numbers to the town council; the district said it will press for funding to avoid layoffs and course reductions.
Ending: Committee members asked that the NEASC letter and documentation be shared with town leadership to underline the urgency of the funding request.
