Lynn budget debate centers on proposed cuts to school mental‑health staff

Public testimony during the Lynn School Committee meeting focused heavily on proposed fiscal‑year 2026 budget cuts that would reduce the district’s clinical and social‑emotional‑learning (SEL) staff, prompting repeated appeals from clinicians, parents and union leaders to preserve positions.

Why it matters: Clinicians and special‑education staff said cuts would reduce in‑district capacity to support students with trauma, behavioral health needs and special‑education services. Several speakers warned that reductions would increase out‑of‑district placements, disrupt continuity for vulnerable students and lead to higher long‑term costs.

What speakers said: Fallon Elementary clinical supervisor Megan Levitt described Fallon as “a separate therapeutic elementary school dedicated to providing intensive academic and emotional support,” and told the committee that shifting one clinical supervisor into a clinician role would “be deeply disruptive” and could drive…