When it comes to funding our children’s education, it’s never too late. We’ve heard from the mayor that non-recurring funds are available to cover schools and maintain level services in Northampton this year. She chooses not to use them in the name of fiscal responsibility. Using one-time funds isn’t a choice to rely on them forever. It’s an acknowledgment that we failed to meet our responsibility, and adding the missing money to the school budget is the penalty we pay for not doing the deeper work.

The situation in schools is dire. I’m connected to many teachers, and have never heard them say, “I have so much free time and nothing to do.” They face challenges like never before. While testing shows significant numbers of students behind a year or more in subjects, we are reducing interventionists. Teachers will be asked to skip breaks and prep time to cover for missing staff. There is a budget and service gap this year, as in many years prior, because Northampton has not evaluated its goals and how to reach them.

The city needs a full needs assessment in every department, establish goals, and create clear plans to address any gaps or cuts. Teachers and kids shouldn’t always be expected to do more with less. We need to avoid another round of cuts by leveraging the power of our community. Now is the time for the city to form working groups, explore PILOTS, and build support for sustainable school funding. Leverage the residents to help and level fund services until that work is done.

Daniel Cannity

Northampton