What the Override means for our Schools.
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FLAT ENROLLMENT, RISING STAFFING COSTS
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Student enrollment has remained steady at ~2,200 since 2012.
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Yet Norwell Public Schools added 26.6 FTE teaching positions, costing $1.7M more annually.
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Special Education numbers also do not correlate with increase staffing.
BUDGET GROWTH
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NPS submitted an FY’26 budget knowing it required an override.
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The initial budget included 6 NEW positions—later cut to create the illusion of reductions.
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The final “level-funded” budget still includes 3 NEW positions, including an administrator.
Why are we adding staff during a budget crisis?
Not All “Cuts” Are What They Seem
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Of the 23 proposed cuts, 2 are new positions, only 21 presently filled
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Of the 21, 11 are teaching positions and 7 are aides or support staff
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Only 7 of these teaching positions affect class size or course offerings.
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11 positions can be eliminated through retirements/resignations—no pink slips required.
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6 of 15 athletic roles were already unfilled.
Class Sizes Remain Within Guidelines
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Elementary: One grade (2nd at Cole) would exceed guidelines by just 1 student.
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NHS class sizes remain low—even if cuts happen.
Strategic Cuts = Emotional Reaction
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Cuts appear selected to rally parent votes.
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Why no cuts to senior administration staffing, compensation or benefits?