In a recent hybrid remote meeting held by the Beverly Public Schools School Committee on May 22, 2025, significant discussions centered around budget reductions and their implications for staffing, particularly in special education. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the district as it navigates financial constraints while attempting to maintain quality educational services.

The committee reported a total reduction of approximately 30 positions across the district, with specific impacts noted at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels. The reductions, which included both teaching and non-teaching roles, were primarily achieved through attrition, retirements, and anticipated vacancies. At the high school, 6.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions were cut, while the middle school saw a reduction of 6.71 positions. Each elementary school averaged a reduction of about 2.5 positions.

A critical area of concern raised during the meeting was the impact of these staffing reductions on special education services. The district anticipates a decrease of four special education teachers in the upcoming budget, dropping from 40 FTEs to 36 FTEs. This reduction comes despite an increase in the number of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), raising questions about the adequacy of support for these students.

Committee members emphasized the importance of aligning staffing levels with the specific needs of students rather than solely relying on enrollment numbers. The process for determining staffing levels involved collaboration between building principals and the special education director, who reviewed individual caseloads and projected rosters to ensure that the needs of students receiving special education services were adequately met.

The discussions underscored a broader concern regarding the balance between budgetary constraints and the necessity of providing sufficient support for vulnerable student populations. As the district grapples with these challenges, the committee acknowledged that, under different financial circumstances, they might have made different decisions regarding special education staffing.

In conclusion, the Beverly Public Schools School Committee's budget hearing revealed the complexities of managing educational resources in the face of financial limitations. The anticipated staffing reductions, particularly in special education, highlight the ongoing struggle to meet the diverse needs of students while adhering to budgetary constraints. The committee's next steps will likely involve continued evaluation of staffing models and their impact on student support as they work to navigate these challenges.