Amherst School Committee deferred a vote on the FY27 budget after a public hearing on proposed consolidation savings. The draft budget, proposing a 3.85 percent increase to serve 1,049 students, includes reductions of 4.0 special education teachers, 2.5 intervention staff, and 4.5 specials
The Amherst School Committee voted to maintain school start times for 2026-27 despite six months of construction disruption. Laura Jane Hunter, the committee secretary, moved to formally declare no changes, with future modifications requiring extensive research and community input. The motion
Amherst School Committee adopts new restraint and seclusion policy, votes to remove seclusion room doors. The committee voted 4-0 on May 7, 2026 to approve Policy JKAA, a comprehensive restraint and seclusion policy required by state regulations (603 CMR 46.00 and 603 CMR 18.00). The policy
The Amherst Town Council unanimously adopted a Clean Energy Infrastructure Bylaw on second read, then approved two narrowly divided amendments strengthening water well protections for solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems. The main bylaw passed 12-0 with one member
The Hampshire County Registry of Deeds recorded 14 property transfers in Amherst between Aug. 14 and Sept. 12, but only two had a sale price recorded: $100,000 for 622 E. Pleasant St. and $539,000 for 2 Wintergreen Circle, the period's high. The median of those two prices was $319,500, based on a
The Amherst Council on Aging discussed expansion of senior programs and planned an Aging in Place Fair for October 17 and 24. The council reviewed updates on the Meet and Greet program, which drew 25 to 30 attendees in June, and the Senior Sips program.
Amherst's Energy and Climate Action Committee secured $124,999 in federal grant funding for fire station sustainability upgrades. The committee approved its August 12 meeting minutes with a 4-0-1 vote, with member Bernard Brennan abstaining. The town is also awaiting a response on a separate
Amherst Board of Assessors approved a $38.3 million preliminary real estate tax commitment for fiscal year 2027. All three board members voted unanimously on the commitment, which also included approval of motor vehicle excise abatements from calendar years 2024 and 2026 totaling $19,805.79.
The Governance, Organization & Legislation Committee unanimously approved a proclamation supporting September 15 as International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. All five members voted in favor.
Commission for Persons with Disabilities received a formal ADA complaint over pool access at Mill River Recreation Area. Pamela Nolan-Young, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serving as 504 Coordinator, reported investigating the complaint that the town violated the ADA by denying access
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