The crisis in our schools is like a hole in the roof. A strong budget patches it. A level-services budget just puts buckets and wet floor signs underneath. And the target budget? It cuts a new hole.
Some say repairs cost too much, materials, salaries, too many people on the job. But buckets aren’t a fix. Ignoring the damage now means paying more later, in lawsuits, penalties, emergency services, and long-term harm to our community.
The district needs $4 million more than the city planned. Underfunding schools leads to higher costs down the line, social services, criminal justice, economic decline.
We’ll hear that special education is a “burden” on the budget. But 26% of NPS students qualify.
These students are evaluated and diagnosed through a careful process. If their disability affects learning, they get an Individualized Education Plan, IEP, written with families. It includes placement, academic or behavior support, and services like speech therapy.
Nationally, 75% of students with IEPs graduate. In Northampton, it’s higher. When students get what they need, they’re more likely to succeed and less likely to need public help as adults.
Public education, including special education, is an investment with real returns. Please fully fund our schools.
Public comment at School Committee meeting, Spring 2025
Meet The Horizon 