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Lexington Schools Cut 65 Positions, Send 160 Non-Renewal Notices

Officials say a construction-only tax cannot plug an operating gap driven by enrollment declines.

Overview

  • The district will eliminate about 65 full-time-equivalent jobs next year, which the superintendent said will affect more people because many roles are part-time.
  • Leaders blamed a structural shortfall on fewer students and fast-rising fixed costs such as health insurance, transportation, special education, salaries, and benefits.
  • The voter-approved tax for the $660 million new high school is restricted to construction and cannot close the school system’s operating shortfall.
  • Town officials signaled little appetite for another broad tax override, so the School Committee is moving forward with reductions to balance the budget.
  • The teachers union warned of larger class sizes and stressed that 160 early-career educators received non-renewal notices, a departure from Lexington’s past practice.