The teachers union in North Andover, Massachusetts, says budget cuts have left dozens of education staff out of work and temporarily closed an elementary school.
The North Andover Teachers Association said Friday that the North Andover School Committee had voted to cut teachers and teaching assistants. Students at Kittredge Elementary School, which will close temporarily, will be assigned to other schools.
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WATCH HEREThe union said there will be 15 fewer staff members at elementary schools, 11 fewer at North Andover Middle School and eight fewer at North Andover High School.
NATA said in its press released that it is frustrated and saddened by the decision and will continue to fight to stop the cuts.
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SIGN UP Superintendent Pamela Lathrop addressed the "never easy, but … necessary" cuts in a statement to the community, saying that temporarily closing Kittredge Elementary School is necessary to prevent other cuts around the district and part of a long-term plan for putting up a new building.
"While these are financially difficult times, we remain focused on the future," Lathrop wrote, adding, "Our commitment to academic excellence remains strong, and despite financial constraints, we will continue to move forward with important curriculum and instructional initiatives. The welfare of our students is always our top priority, and we will do everything we can to support them through these transitions."
