Overview
- School committee members voted Thursday night to postpone Friday’s planned notifications while leaders probe the shortfall and potential alternatives.
- Superintendent Jeff Szymaniak says the district faces a $1.39 million FY26 deficit and has instituted a spending freeze.
- The proposal would cut 25 positions across teaching, paraprofessional, and administrative roles, with five additional vacancies left unfilled to save more than $800,000.
- The contracted business manager who identified the problem recommended an immediate cut of about $800,000 and is expected at the next meeting after not attending the emergency session.
- Parents and staff filled the high school auditorium, criticizing transparency and warning that mid-year reductions could disrupt student services, especially special education.