Concerns over educational support and staffing cuts dominated the Acton-Boxborough School Committee meeting on March 13, 2025, as officials grappled with budget constraints and feedback from the community.

The committee acknowledged significant input regarding the need for general education classroom assistance in elementary schools, as well as concerns about the reduction of Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. A particularly contentious point was the role of the elementary special education coordinator at McCarthy Town Elementary School, which many believe is crucial for student support.

Despite the feedback, the leadership team decided to maintain their original proposal, citing the necessity of hiring a new special education director. The committee emphasized the importance of continuity in the assistant director position to ensure effective support across the district, especially given the challenges of finding candidates with relevant experience in local schools.

In addition to staffing discussions, the committee outlined various reductions, including cuts to central office support and adjustments to athletic coaching positions to ensure equitable distribution of resources. At the junior high level, the reduction of teaching positions will lead to a split team structure for seventh and eighth graders, raising concerns about the impact on student learning.

High school staffing will also see cuts, including two social studies and two English teaching positions, as the district navigates budgetary challenges. The committee's decisions reflect a balancing act between maintaining educational quality and managing financial realities, leaving many in the community anxious about the future of their schools.