Unrest over 50 threatened school jobs in Mass. city sparks rally
Teachers, parents and students will gather at Methuen City Hall on Wednesday evening to protest against the potential cuts of up to 50 positions by the school district.
Many education positions that could be on the chopping block include reading specialists and English Learner teachers, said Kara Blatt, co-President of the Methuen Education Association (MEA) and a special education teacher at the Comprehensive Grammar School.
'This would be absolutely devastating to our schools. We are a community where more than one third of our students' first language is not English. I am in utter disbelief,' Blatt said.
Alongside MEA, the group will attend the Methuen School Committee's meeting at 6 p.m. at the Searles Building Great Hall, located at 41 Pleasant St. The protesters will call on the School Committee to tell Methuen Mayor David Beauregard and city councilors 'that Methuen's children deserve better.'
Staff were informed of the possible job losses during recent 'building-level meetings,' a statement from the MEA read. The group claimed city officials have given 'mixed messages' on the decision that have 'only added to the confusion and fear.'
Methuen Superintendent Brandi Kwong did not immediately respond to MassLive for comment.
The cuts 'will cause our class sizes to explode,' Blatt said, and would target programs that are 'essential to many of our highest-need students.' The MEA cited data from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that showed 67% of Methuen students are classified as 'High Needs.'
The news comes just weeks after expired contracts with the MEA were settled by city leaders, a sign the MEA said it took to show the leaders were 'publicly committed to investing in schools.'
'The city has the money,' said Nicholas Desrosiers, a father of five with two children at the Comprehensive Grammar School.
'What our students and families need at this moment are elected leaders who want to stand up for our schools,' Desrosiers said.
'We were told our work mattered. We were told there would be investment. They're going to slash the Wellness programs in the lower schools, and critical arts programs that enrich learning for all students. It's a betrayal,' said Sharon LaPlante, a high school parent and Marsh Grammar School teacher.
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As her mother prepares to leave, Michelle is left with the frustration of knowing that there's nothing she can do. 'I am still helpless. I still can't help her. I still can't help myself. It's a looming darkness you carry every day,' said Valdes.
