School leaders lay out FY25 deficit and FY26 staffing changes; Spanish instruction altered at middle school

Superintendent Lathrop told the School Committee on May 1 that the district’s FY25 projected deficit has narrowed to roughly $3 million after accounting for a $1 million reserve added by the town’s finance committee.

Nut graf: The administration outlined staffing changes proposed for FY26, including reassignments and restorations intended to preserve key curriculum offerings while managing budget constraints. The committee and administration emphasized the choices were driven by limited resources and feedback from families and staff.

Lathrop said the district’s revised FY25 deficit reflects earlier communications (the figure had previously been discussed at about $4 million) and relies on potential funding sources pending Town Meeting approval. She listed several FY26 staffing adjustments: one world‑language teacher position at the middle school was reduced from four to three in a draft chart, but the district restored an additional Spanish teacher so that eighth graders will receive direct Spanish instruction for two of three trimesters rather than a single trimester of world cultures with sampling.

Other changes cited: the district filled its third director of curriculum post; one English‑language‑arts teacher moved back into a district coaching role; the middle‑school librarian position is restored to full time; and there are two elementary openings at Thompson School for first and second grades. Lathrop said eight non‑professional employees who had been laid off will be given interview opportunities for those two positions.

The School Committee also voted unanimously earlier in the meeting to accept the minutes of its April 3 session (procedural). No votes on FY26 appropriations were taken at the May 1 meeting; the budget will be considered at Town Meeting and is subject to amendment there.

Ending: Superintendent Lathrop said the administration will continue outreach and refine staffing and program plans as the district prepares for Town Meeting and possible further adjustments depending on voter action.