The Beverly Public Schools School Committee held a budget hearing on May 22, 2025, to discuss staffing and class size adjustments for the upcoming academic year. The meeting focused on the potential reallocation of resources to improve student-to-teacher ratios, particularly in the fifth and sixth grades.

The discussion began with a proposal from staff member Lisa, who emphasized the need for two-person teaching teams across 16 sections. This change would necessitate reallocating two full-time equivalent (FTE) positions from other areas within the school. The goal of this adjustment is to reduce class sizes, projecting an average of 21.9 students in fifth grade and 22.5 in sixth grade.

The committee explored the logistics of this proposal, noting that it would require moving existing staff, potentially from interventionist roles, to accommodate the additional teaching positions. The conversation highlighted the importance of maintaining manageable class sizes to enhance the learning environment.

Further discussions revealed that implementing this plan would only require one additional classroom, as the fifth-grade spaces are already identified. The committee acknowledged the need for careful planning and resource allocation to ensure that the proposed changes could be effectively implemented.

As the meeting progressed, committee members expressed their willingness to consider the budget adjustments necessary to support these staffing changes. The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to improving educational outcomes through strategic staffing decisions.

In conclusion, the budget hearing provided a platform for addressing critical staffing needs and class size concerns within the Beverly Public Schools. The committee plans to continue evaluating the budget to facilitate these proposed changes, aiming to enhance the educational experience for students in the district.