Hanover Public Schools Important Budget Update 4/12/24

As you may be aware, we have been planning for a challenging Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) for the past six months. Over the past few weeks, that process has accelerated as important deadlines are approaching. My office is not permitted to advocate on political matters, but we are allowed to provide factual information. We hope this message is helpful in both informing and preventing rumors and misinformation from spreading. 

The current FY25 operating budget is still projected to have an approximate $2.7-$3.0 million deficit or “budget gap.” While every effort has been made to mitigate the impact of this deficit without the reduction of staff, approximately 77% of our budget is salary and a significant reduction to staffing is unavoidable.

How does the Override Budget Impact the HPS?

The proposed override budget “resets” the HPS operating budget to a funding level that supports our current programming, staff, and services. It significantly reduces our reliance on non-recurring funds (Special Education Reserve Fund, previously available COVID-19 relief funding, free cash articles, etc.) for general operating costs. In general, the override budget supports our current staffing levels, class size, academic offerings, extracurricular/athletic programs, and academic resources. It also provides funding for additional (specialized) staff to support student services needs, thus providing a pathway to reduce escalating costs for contracted and out-of-district student services.

Teacher and Staff Layoff Update

As part of the planning process, we are contractually obligated to notify teachers about any potential Reduction in Force (RIF or “pink slips”) cuts by April 15th. All of those notifications were delivered this past week. As of today, we are planning for $3 million in reduced positions to afford us the flexibility needed to adjust to any unknown expenses that may occur over the next few months. There are approximately 41 positions affected. Position and personnel reductions are expected across all schools and departments, including:

• 16 classroom and specialist teachers at the secondary level 
• 11 classroom and specialist teachers at the elementary level
• 4 administrators and all department head roles
• 10 support staff (paraprofessionals and administrative assistants) 

We have identified reductions in nearly every subject or specialist area, but we are attempting to preserve, at least in part, these opportunities that mean so much to our students. 

Impact of Layoffs and the Reduction of Positions

The impact of a reduction of this magnitude will include:

• Class size increases at all schools:
  • Elementary class sizes grades 1 to 4 will have increases of 4-5 more students per class, which will raise class size to 26+ in those classrooms  
  • Middle school class sizes increase at all grades
  • High school class sizes will increase in all content areas, with 30+ students in most core subject classrooms
• Curriculum Impacts Include: 
  • Elementary students will have less time with specialists, including art and music - but they will not be eliminated entirely
  • High School elective classes will be reduced or eliminated; some Advanced Placement classes will be eliminated, run less frequently, or offered via Virtual High School. Elective and AP classes that remain available will have larger class sizes
  • Middle School specialist classes will be reduced but not eliminated entirely. This will result in fewer opportunities for art, drama, and STEM offerings, resulting in “study halls” and non-instructional time.
  • World Languages (French and Spanish) offerings will be reduced, and class size in World Languages will increase at HHS and HMS
  • The inability to provide consistent Tier 2 reading supports for students
• An anticipated indirect impact will be increased difficulty recruiting for and filling critical and required direct student service positions and personnel. These positions are already a challenge to fill, and will be more difficult in an environment where all staff is being asked to do more with fewer resources and support

The position cuts will undoubtedly have a negative impact on our academic offerings, resources, and the overall culture and climate of our school district. Please understand that as this process moves forward, some of these listed reductions and expected outcomes will be adjusted as the normal cycle of programming needs for students changes and staff attrition (resignations, retirements, etc.) occurs. Now that RIF notices have been issued, we maintain serious concerns that our outstanding and well-trained educators will find positions outside of Hanover and won’t be available for recall if the override is successful. If the override is successful, we will recall most of these positions immediately. Some restructuring may be required to adjust to changing needs and potential efficiencies, but overall, a successful override would prevent these reductions. 

The override budget also funds 5 additional positions that we have identified as critical to meet known and mandated student needs: 2 Reading Teachers, 1 Special Education Teacher, 1 Direct Service Provider (speech/language), and 1 Adjustment Counselor. Should the override not pass, these positions may not be filled unless alternative sources of funding are identified.

Technology and Other Resources

In addition to cutting positions, there are other key resources that will be negatively impacted. The School Department had proposed a $400,000 warrant article for the Annual Town Meeting that was intended to replace outdated technology and to establish a reliable replacement cycle for frequently used devices (e.g., Chromebooks, desktops) and infrastructure equipment. After additional consideration of the overall Town budget challenges, that article has been withdrawn. We will continue to maintain the equipment that we have, but much of it has reached the end of its useful life. Without a sustainable replacement cycle, students may not have access to reliable devices and network infrastructure. This issue will be part of an ongoing evaluation between the School Department and Town leadership as we plan for the future. Additionally, curriculum materials that are not already pre-purchased will be scaled back, professional training will be reduced, and school-based supplies will be limited. 

Potential Fees

The School Committee is also evaluating fees for services to help support operating costs, including fees for transportation and extracurricular activities if the override is unsuccessful. There are already fees for high school and middle school athletics that will need to be increased to keep up with rising expenses. Those deliberations will be taking place at upcoming School Committee meetings. 

Resources for Your Review

Over the past 6 months, we have held several public meetings and forums with the School Committee, Select Board, Advisory Committee, Council on Aging, PTA, and more in order to address these issues in a transparent manner and to communicate the impact of an FY25 budget with the funding and resources that are presently projected and available. If you want to learn more about the budget process and the issues that have been discussed, there are several places for you to gain information. They include:

• School Department Budget Page
• Town of Hanover Budget Page
• Slide deck with a budget overview from the January 29, 2024 School Committee meeting
• A video from HCTV of a public forum on December 13, 2023
• A FY25 property tax estimator to assist in projecting how the override would impact your household budget

If you have questions, please contact my office or members of the School Committee. For the most accurate information, please rely on the communications provided by the HPS and Town administration. Thank you very much for taking the time to review this important update.