WEYMOUTH — The following is a statement from Superintendent Jennifer Curtis-Whipple:
“Given the Town’s current budget constraints and the national and statewide financial uncertainty that the COVID-19 public health crisis has caused, the Weymouth Public Schools, like many other school districts throughout the nation, is faced with difficult decisions and uncertainty in these unprecedented times.
“At this time, it is unclear to what extent the state funding the district relies on, including Chapter 70 and circuit breaker funds, may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We also await the final approval of next year’s budget by the town, which is anticipated to take place on Monday, June 15.
“As a result of the financial uncertainties we are currently faced with, it is our duty to protect the long-term and short-term financial health of the district. Knowing that the district is required by the state to give notice of non-renewals of teacher’s contracts by June 15 and after much consideration, we have decided not to renew the contracts of 112 non-professional status educators at the Weymouth Public Schools for the 2020-2021 school year. Notifications were made earlier today.
“It is our intention that the vast majority of these educators will be invited back to the district as quickly as possible. This decision was not made lightly and we hope it will be largely mitigated as the fiscal picture from the state and town becomes clearer. We have spoken to the Weymouth Educators Association about being able to immediately rehire these educators without having to post their job or go through typical hiring procedures. They are on board.
“Please know that this decision does not reflect the final staffing numbers for next year. But given the current fiscal climate and being up against a firm state staffing deadline that coincides with the potential passing of our budget, this is the only course of action available to us at this time.”
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