NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. (WHDH) - Students and teachers at North Andover High School walked out of class Monday in reaction to recently announced staffing cuts.
The protest, consisting of dozens of students, began just before noon. Demonstrators looked to bring attention to the lay off of nearly 40 teachers.
“They were told during the school day, teachers were crying in the hallway, kids were hugging them — it was really sad,” senior Addie Duffy said.
Protesters marched toward the school administration building to make their voices heard.
“I don’t care if I get marked absent,” said North Andover senior Ashley Beasley. “I’ll do the work some other time. But for now, I have to support my teachers because they supported me.”
North Andover’s superintendent said the cuts are necessary because the district is facing a $3.5 million deficit for next year.
The North Andover Teacher’s Union says language classes are on the chopping block, the sports budget is getting slashed, and the Kittredge Elementary School will be closing.
The North Andover Teachers Association is fighting to reverse the decision. Other rallies took place over the weekend.
“I care about the town, there are many sophomores and underclassmen I know, and kids in the elementary schools, and I think they deserve the same education that I got,” Duffy said.
School leaders shared a statement, saying they had a “productive discussion” with some of the students, adding, “We support our students in their ability to be involved in their own education… The district is committed to working toward a budget that ensures the best possible outcomes for all students.
A town meeting is scheduled for May 13 to vote on the school budget.
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