Reading Teachers Association Calls for Community Support to Save 40 School Jobs

Reading, Mass. –  Last night, educators and community members advocated for the $6.5 million dollar override that would save over 40 school jobs 

Reading teachers speak at the School Committee meeting on Thursday, October 15. Photo provided by the Reading Teachers Association.

Jessica Bailey, the Reading Teachers Association president, read the union’s public endorsement of the override. 

Multiple teachers spoke during the School Committee’s public comment about the direct impact cuts would have on their students. “I understand this override asks a lot of our community financially. But I’m asking you to consider what we’re asking of our children if it doesn’t pass,” Kindergarten teacher Katie Cole (pictured speaking at the podium above) said. “The thought of having fewer people to see them, know them, hear them, support them, and help them grow is heartbreaking to say the least.”

Vital programs that support students through digital literacy in the library or help students find their passion through the arts. “My partner and I moved back into this community and had such faith in this district's mission we enrolled our two daughters” said Drama Director Natalie Cunha. “So it is more important to me now than ever that she and every single child in this town have access to the brilliant art educators and the exemplary arts programming that guarantee that no student in our district will doubt their worth.”

Below is the full text of the Reading Teachers Association Endorsement:

The Reading Teachers Association encourages all Reading residents to vote YES on the operational override of $6.5 million on November 3rd, 2026. 

Through years of investments, the Reading Public Schools have provided an excellent public education that attracts families to this community. As educators, we see firsthand how those investments at every level equip students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need for life after graduation. However, because of the structural deficit facing the town, the high quality of education in Reading is now at risk. If the override fails, the schools will face significant cuts to programs and personnel that will deeply impact our students for years to come. 

Over the past several weeks, I’ve seen it said many times in various forums that “Reading must learn to do more with less.” However, given the size of the structural deficit facing our town, there is simply no way to make the cuts needed without making sacrifices that undermine our students’ learning conditions. When cuts are made to schools, difficult choices have to be made between meeting state requirements, satisfying legal obligations, and maintaining the programs and services that define Reading Public Schools. 

Reasonable class sizes that allow educators to provide individualized attention to all students are at stake. This includes a diverse and unique range of course offerings at all levels, including Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes that allow students to earn college credit, Innovation Pathways courses that empower students to develop career readiness, and elementary specials like art, music, and physical education that make learning engaging and enriching for our students at a time when play and creativity are crucial developmental skills; library and media specialists when our town has placed a renewed emphasis on the science of reading and literacy; and the myriad of systems and support that protect students from falling through the cracks. Educators commit their careers to investing in their students’ futures, but we cannot continue to “do more with less.” 

Current projections estimate that over 40 school positions would be cut as part of the $3-4 million reduction needed, including a baseline estimate of 15 educators and 20 paraprofessionals. This would include other measures to offset reductions that leave many programs vulnerable and will directly impact students and families.

The RTA does not make this endorsement lightly. We understand the real financial strain residents face as the cost of living has significantly increased over the years. We know the state needs to do more to address the systemic problems of school funding and release more state funds to ease the burden on Massachusetts residents. But until that happens, the Town of Reading will face the same structural problem as many other towns. Ultimately, only Reading residents can decide to sustain and protect our public schools and services. 

On November 3rd, voting yes on the override means investing to maintain the high standard of education that all Reading students deserve.