A Statement from the Batchelder PO, Little PTO and Hood PA

The presidents of the Batchelder Parents Organization, Little School Parents Teachers Organization and Hood School Parents Association urge all parents to vote YES at the June 10th Town Meeting to approve the Proposition 2 ½ Override.  The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the North Reading High School.

The Facts:

• The total request is $10 million spread over 3 years to cover school and municipal budget needs.

• Without the override, the average house in North Reading valued at $812,000 will see at least a $250 increase in real estate taxes per year with the regular 2.5% increase allowed under MA law.

• With the override, the average house will have an increase of $1,710 total spread over 3 years ($495.26 the first year, $682 the second year and $552.09 the third year).

A NO vote will result in several cuts across all North Reading Schools for 2025:

• Elimination of 15.2 positions district-wide

• Higher class sizes and student/teacher caseload at all levels (up to 30 students per class)

• Less breadth and depth of curriculum at secondary level 

• Reduced ability to address student health issues and nursing coverage

• Less digital learning and technology staff for instruction and tech support

• Less ability to address students in need of academic support

• Less funding for classroom supplies and technology

• Less custodial staff for cleaning services and coverage needs

• Higher coach to student athlete ratios 

• Higher risk for budget overages and increased reliance on special revenue accounts (i.e., food service account)

• Increased user fees to families for the busing program

More cuts would be needed for 2026 and 2027.

What you can do:

• Support our teachers, support our schools and support our town.

• Read the latest proposed budget information at the North Reading Budget Central website and attend the budget information session on Thursday, May 9th at 7:30 PM in the Distance Learning Lab at North Reading High School

• ATTEND THE JUNE 10th TOWN MEETING AND VOTE YES ON THE PROPOSITION 2 ½ OVERRIDE.