In a recent hybrid meeting of the Beverly Public Schools School Committee, educators and administrators gathered to discuss the upcoming budget and staffing strategies for the 2025 school year. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as members explored the implications of class sizes and teaching team structures for elementary students.

One of the key topics was the proposed implementation of a three-teacher team model for fifth and sixth grades. This approach, which has been utilized in the past, aims to address rising enrollment numbers while maintaining manageable class sizes. Currently, the fifth grade is projected to have 363 students, with 13 in self-contained programs, while the sixth grade is expected to have around 374 students. The committee emphasized the importance of adapting staffing to meet these changing needs.

The discussion highlighted the educational benefits of a three-teacher team, which allows for a division of subjects among teachers—one focusing on math, another on language arts, and a third on science. This model not only enhances instructional opportunities but also helps to lower class sizes. For instance, with the proposed staffing changes, class sizes would average 23.3 in fifth grade and 24.2 in sixth grade, compared to larger sizes that could reach up to 25.7 if only two-teacher teams were utilized.

Committee members expressed their commitment to ensuring that educational equity and instructional quality remain priorities. The three-teacher model was presented as a strategic response to mitigate class sizes and enhance the learning environment for students. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the decisions made would have lasting impacts on the educational landscape of Beverly Public Schools.

As the committee continues to refine its budget and staffing plans, the focus remains on creating a supportive and effective learning environment for all students. The discussions from this meeting will undoubtedly shape the future of education in Beverly, as administrators strive to balance resources with the needs of a growing student population.