School Committee hears draft FY27 budget with proposed staff cuts
Amherst School Committee hears extensive public opposition to draft FY27 budget with staff cuts from consolidation. The administration presented a draft budget assuming a 3.85 percent funding increase, incorporating consolidation of Wildwood and Fort River elementary schools into a single Amethyst
Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting · Meeting of June 16, 2026
Amherst School Committee hears extensive public opposition to draft FY27 budget with staff cuts from consolidation. The administration presented a draft budget assuming a 3.85 percent funding increase, incorporating consolidation of Wildwood and Fort River elementary schools into a single Amethyst Brook building and creation of a sixth-grade academy at Chestnut Street Academy. Proposed reductions include 1.4 net clerical positions, 4.0 special education teachers, 2.5 reading and math intervention positions, and 4.5 specials positions.
More than 57 attendees—predominantly teachers, parents, and students—provided testimony opposing the cuts, citing impacts on individualized instruction, adaptive programming, and support for vulnerable students. The committee is scheduled to vote March 24.
In the full story:
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Source: the Amherst School Committee, Hybrid Meeting meeting of June 16, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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