Peabody Approves School Budget That Cuts Nine Teachers

PEABODY, MA — A popular social studies teacher and a third grade teacher at the Welch Elementary School would be among the nine teaching positions cut under the $77.3 million budget approved by the Peabody School Committee Wednesday night. The cuts come even as the overall spending plan increases by $3.1 million, or 4.2 percent. Those cuts were necessary, however, as the district wrestles with increased costs for transportation, special education and employee healthcare costs.

According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, about 75 residents, parents and school officials attended Wednesday night's meeting. Bruce Nelson, president of the Peabody Federation of Teachers, told the school committee they need to do more to advocate for state education funding for the city. "This has been one of the most difficult processes I have every been through," School Committee member Andrew Arnotis said.

Related Story: Peabody May Have To Cut Staff To Balance Budget

For more on this story, see the Salem News.