Superintendent outlines literacy pilots, retirements and budget gap reduced to $77,845; one‑time $450,000 special‑ed warrant supported
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Parr reviewed literacy program pilots, staff retirements and hiring, and said the district reduced its budget shortfall to $77,845 ahead of town meeting. He said a proposed one‑time $450,000 appropriation for special education has unanimous support from Finance Committee and the Select Board.
Superintendent Dr. Stephen Parr summarized school visits, literacy program pilots, staffing changes and the district’s budget progress at the April 3 Andover School Committee meeting.
“Each program is being taught for four weeks, and then a decision will be made,” Parr said of two literacy pilots underway at several elementary schools. He described classroom visits to South, Bancroft and West elementary schools and said educators are gathering evidence to decide which programs to adopt.
On staffing, Parr congratulated longtime teacher Miss Dufton on her March 28 retirement after 36 years in the classroom and said the district is conducting second‑round interviews for the principal position at West (spelled in the transcript as “Bridal”) and recruiting to replace a retiring science coordinator.
On the budget, Parr said the district has reduced a previously reported $1,870,000 deficit to $77,845 ahead of town meeting, noting that additional retirements produced roughly $100,000 in savings. "We have been able to reduce it by another hundred thousand dollars," he said, and described retirements (18 this year versus an expected 13) as a major contributor to savings.
Parr also said he and Mr. Taverna presented a request for a one‑time $450,000 appropriation to the Finance Committee; the committee voted unanimously March 26 to support that warrant article. Parr said the Select Board also voted unanimously to support the same warrant article during a joint presentation. The district indicated the appropriation is intended for special‑education needs; the transcript did not specify the full breakdown of uses.
Why it matters: The literacy pilots will determine potential districtwide curriculum changes. The $450,000 one‑time appropriation and the remaining $77,845 deficit are the most immediate budget items ahead of town meeting.
What’s next: Town meeting will consider the warrant article. The committee continues community outreach and scheduled budget advisory meetings before the town vote.
