The Acton-Boxborough School Committee convened on January 30, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding budget cuts and their impact on educational quality and staff morale. The meeting featured testimonies from various educators who highlighted the challenges faced in the current educational environment.

The session began with assistant teachers emphasizing the importance of their roles in fostering connections with students. They noted that their presence in classrooms allows head teachers to focus on curriculum delivery, particularly during Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) time, where small group instruction is crucial. The assistant teachers expressed concern over their responsibilities during lunch and recess, managing up to 120 students, which they believe is vital for maintaining a supportive learning environment.

Karen Joshi, a 7th-grade math teacher, shared her struggles with increasing class sizes, which have risen by 20%. She articulated that this growth complicates her ability to build meaningful relationships with students, especially as academic and emotional needs have intensified post-COVID. Joshi urged the committee to consider the implications of these changes on student support and teacher effectiveness.

Carrie Cusick, a reading specialist, spoke about the district's MTSS approach, which aims to provide tailored support to students. She warned that proposed budget cuts would significantly hinder the ability to deliver necessary interventions, particularly for students requiring tiered support. Cusick called for the committee to advocate for educators and students alike.

Thomas Sandock, a high school social studies teacher, highlighted the cumulative effects of budget cuts over the past decade, which have led to increased student anxiety and behavioral issues. He expressed concern over the reduction of faculty and staff, which places additional burdens on teachers who are already stretched thin.

Leah Lally, a kindergarten and first-grade teacher, pointed out that current staffing shortages are affecting the delivery of essential services, particularly for students in crisis. She stressed the need for adequate resources to ensure that all students receive the support they deserve.

Amy Maciel, a 4th-grade teacher and vice president of the Acton-Boxborough Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that educators are overwhelmed by increasing demands without corresponding support. She called for a reevaluation of budget priorities to better align resources with the needs of students and staff.

The meeting concluded with a collective plea from educators for the school committee to reconsider the proposed budget cuts, emphasizing that the quality of education and the well-being of both students and teachers are at stake. The committee faces the challenge of balancing fiscal constraints with the imperative to provide a high-quality educational experience.