Amherst School Committee allocated over $375,000 to intervention teaching and specialist paraprofessional support at elementary schools. The Committee voted 5-0 to allocate $189,371 in restored town funding to intervention positions after the Town Council voted to add $120,000 above the Town
The Amherst School Committee approved a contested FY27 budget reallocation on a 3-1 vote. Chair Deborah Leonard moved to shift $187,500 within the budget, increasing Regular Instruction Payroll by $120,000 and Support Services Payroll by $30,000 while offsetting the increases with cuts across nine
Amherst School Committee voted to maintain current start times for 2026-27 school year. Laura Jane Hunter moved that any future changes require extensive research, community input, and a formal process; the motion passed with Vice Chair Bridget Hynes supporting and member Sarah Marshall opposed.
Amherst School Committee approved a revised physical restraint and seclusion policy on a 4-0 vote. The April 12, 2026 Policy JKAA establishes a goal of zero or near-zero use for restraint incidents and orders immediate removal of doors from designated restraint rooms within 48 hours. The policy
Amherst voted 5-0 to proceed with sixth grade relocation to Chestnut Street Academy in fall 2026. Committee member Bridget Hynes raised concerns about the plan's cost amid a projected $1.8 million structural deficit and estimated the academy would add more than $1 million annually, questioning the
Amherst advances zoning study for Hampshire College campus ahead of its academic closure in December. From our own coverage: Amherst advances zoning study for Hampshire campus. Also in today's brief (16 items): Town budgets nearly $4 million for FY27 road paving; Valley Green Energy set…
The Hampshire County Registry of Deeds recorded 14 documents for Amherst properties between Sept. 11 and Oct. 10, but only two carried a sale price so far: $691,500 for 23 Summerfield Rd and $500,000 for 63 Flat Hills Rd, for a median of $595,750. The remaining 12 records are either awaiting price
Finance Committee opens fiscal 2028 budget review as rising costs outpace town revenue. From our own coverage: Finance Committee opens fiscal 2028 budget guidelines review; School Committee takes up two staffing additions. Also in today's brief (15 items): Amherst wins $375,000 grant fo…
Amherst launches zoning study to plan future uses of the closing Hampshire College campus. From our own coverage: Planning Board advances PRP housing rezoning; School panel debates HR hire funded by windfall. Also in today's brief (20 items): Town begins zoning study for Hampshire Colle…