School Committee plans reorganization to address budget cuts and declining enrollment

Concerns over budget cuts and school restructuring dominated the Acton Select Board meeting on April 7, 2025, as community members and school committee members engaged in a spirited discussion about the future of local education.

The meeting highlighted the pressing need for innovative solutions to avoid further budget reductions that have plagued the school system for the past four years. School committee member Lisa Adel emphasized the detrimental impact of staff cuts on student learning, stating, "Every time you get rid of an assistant... it does matter." She called for a reorganization of resources to maximize efficiency without resorting to additional funding requests.

Jason O'Clan echoed this sentiment, urging the committee to act on existing structural recommendations rather than seeking new funding. He pointed out the need to reassess the use of multiple school buildings and the financial burden of maintaining outdated facilities. "The time is now," he declared, stressing the urgency of addressing these issues.

Community engagement emerged as a crucial theme, with members advocating for clearer communication and input from residents. Glenn, another committee member, highlighted the importance of involving the community in discussions about declining student enrollment and resource allocation. "We have to keep a clear communication channel open," he said, recognizing that many community members cannot attend meetings but still have valuable insights.

The meeting also touched on the need for school policies to be more accessible, with members agreeing that complex legal language should be simplified for better public understanding. "If your policy can't be understood by the community it's serving, that's a problem," one member noted.

As the meeting concluded, the focus remained on finding creative, community-driven solutions to ensure the sustainability of Acton's educational resources while fostering an inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. The school committee's next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of education in Acton.