07-02-2025
Belchertown residents oppose school budget cuts
BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) – Belchertown residents spoke out against the financial deficit expected to impact the town's school district Thursday night at the Select Board and Finance Committees Joint meeting in town hall.
According to the Belchertown Education Association, the $2.1 million deficit would result in the elimination of 27 to 30 positions in the public school districts.
People who spoke at Thursday night's meeting believe the district and the teachers working in it deserve a fighting chance. 'The proposed $2.1 million in cuts this year would be catastrophic,' says Belchertown resident and educator Peter Weller. 'We simply cannot afford to lose more teachers, programs, or resources. Our students deserve better.'
This deficit comes following the elimination of nearly 17 positions in the district in the current 2024 to 25 school year. An official cited more state and local support as a solution to prevent further deficits.
'It's time for Belchertown to make a genuine commitment to its schools. We must reject further cuts to education,' Weller adds. 'Our elected officials and residents must actively lobby for our governor and representatives for increased state aid.'
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