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Whitman-Hanson Delays Layoff Notices as District Probes $1.39 Million Budget Gap

The school committee approved a 30‑school‑day pause for fact‑finding, including a briefing from the outside business manager.

Overview

  • The committee postponed sending 25 layoff notices that had been scheduled for Friday morning to allow exploration of alternatives.
  • Superintendent Jeffrey Szymaniak proposed eliminating 25 roles and leaving five resignations or retirements unfilled to address the gap.
  • District officials said the proposed staffing changes, along with a spending freeze, would save more than $800,000.
  • An independent firm serving as business manager flagged the shortfall in mid‑October after the prior manager resigned earlier this year.
  • Hundreds attended an emergency meeting, voicing concerns about classroom disruption and special‑education services as the consultant prepares to brief the next session.