The Arlington Public Schools School Committee meeting on March 13, 2025, focused on enrollment trends and budget adjustments for the upcoming school year. Key discussions highlighted disparities in student enrollment across various schools, particularly noting a slight decrease in enrollment at Hardy and Bishop schools, while Pierce Elementary has seen a decline in kindergarten sections.

The committee addressed the challenge of maintaining equitable enrollment while managing class sizes. Average class sizes have remained stable, ranging from 19 to 22 students per class, but the uneven distribution of students across schools has raised concerns. Thompson School, in particular, is experiencing full sections without the physical space to accommodate more students, prompting the need for strategic adjustments.

For the next school year, the committee plans to maintain the number of sections at 38, despite a potential decrease in student numbers. This decision is part of a buffer zone strategy aimed at balancing enrollment across schools. The budget for the upcoming year includes a total salary allocation of approximately $88.7 million, reflecting a $5.2 million increase from the previous year, which accounts for staffing changes and cost-of-living adjustments for current employees.

Additional budget considerations include anticipated increases in out-of-district tuition and facility costs, as well as departmental budget adjustments. The committee is also looking to add staff at Arlington High School and Ottoson Middle School, as previously discussed.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address enrollment disparities and ensure that all schools are adequately staffed and funded for the upcoming academic year.