In the dimly lit auditorium of Peabody City Hall, a palpable tension filled the air as community members gathered for the School Committee Public Hearing on the FY26 Budget. The stakes were high, with discussions centered around potential cuts that could reshape the educational landscape for students in the district.

John DeCassis, a passionate student from Peabody Prep, took the floor to advocate for the program that has become a lifeline for many like him. “Cutting this program would really hurt students,” he stated, sharing his personal journey of finding safety and success in a learning environment that catered to his needs. DeCassis emphasized that the Prep program was not merely a convenience but a crucial support system that helped students thrive academically and socially. His heartfelt plea underscored the potential long-term consequences of budget cuts, warning that they could lead to increased dropout rates and further challenges for students who rely on such programs.

The meeting also saw concerns raised about the proposed elimination of the assistant principal position at Center School. Susan Petrodellos, a local resident, argued that this decision would overload the remaining staff and compromise the quality of education and student support. “It’s irresponsible and unfair,” she asserted, highlighting the essential roles that both the principal and assistant principal play in maintaining a safe and effective school environment.

As the evening progressed, Pamela Millman urged the committee to seek clarity on the changes to the Prep program, expressing the need for transparency in the decision-making process. “We need to know what we don’t know,” she said, calling for informed discussions that would allow the community to understand the implications of the budget cuts.

Tristan Brown, a resident with a unique perspective, likened the situation to skipping necessary maintenance on a car. “Sometimes I worry with education cuts that we're skipping oil changes,” he cautioned, advocating for creative solutions to the district’s financial challenges rather than compromising essential services.

The meeting concluded with Julie Murray, a teacher at the Carroll School, expressing her dismay at the focus on elementary budget cuts. Her comments reflected the broader concern among educators and parents about the potential impact on the quality of education across all grade levels.

As the community grapples with a projected deficit of $2.2 million, the discussions at this public hearing highlighted the urgent need for collaboration and innovative thinking to ensure that every student in Peabody has access to the support they need to succeed. The voices of students, parents, and educators resonated throughout the hall, reminding all present that the future of education in Peabody hinges on the decisions made today.