Board reclassifies Kerry preschool and librarian positions to classified roles; program to continue

Trustees voted July 21 to reclassify two Kerry School positions — the librarian and the general‑education four‑year‑old preschool teacher — from certified to classified roles effective for the 2026–27 school year.

District leaders explained the change as a response to low enrollment and staff retirements; staff presented two options: create combination classrooms (e.g., third/fourth) or convert the two certified positions to classified roles. Teachers and Kerry staff recommended reclassification to avoid the instructional challenges associated with combination elementary classrooms. The superintendent clarified the levy funding for the preschool remains dedicated and the program will continue; converting the roles will reduce program cost variability and stabilize staffing, staff said.

The board moved and seconded the recommendation and approved it by voice vote. Trustees praised librarians and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, emphasizing that the move was recommended by staff as the least disruptive option given current enrollment and budget constraints.