The Beverly Public Schools School Committee held a budget hearing on May 22, 2025, to discuss staffing changes and the implementation of a three-person teaching team model. The meeting highlighted the rationale behind this staffing strategy, which was supported by both the administration and some educators.

During the discussion, it was noted that the decision to form the three-person team was made by the building administrator, with input from selected teachers who were deemed capable of adapting to this model. The administration emphasized that this approach had previously been successful at the elementary level and had been implemented at the middle school in the past.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of broader teacher involvement in the decision-making process. While individual teachers were consulted about their assignments, the overall decision to adopt the three-person team structure was made by the administration. Some committee members expressed confidence in the academic effectiveness of this model, while others highlighted a letter from 30 tenured educators urging the committee to reconsider the staffing changes.

The meeting also addressed the broader context of staffing reductions across the district, with specific numbers discussed regarding cuts at the high school level. The administration explained that these reductions were necessary due to declining enrollment in certain grades, which had resulted in fewer sections needed for various subjects.

In conclusion, the committee acknowledged the importance of balancing operational decisions with the input from educators. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of managing school staffing in a changing educational landscape, with the committee set to make final decisions on the proposed changes in the coming weeks.