Jaffrey-Rindge School District to cut staff and activities

The Jaffrey and Rindge School District is facing significant budget cuts after voters approved a $3 million reduction. This decision, made earlier this month, cuts the school budget by about 10%. School board chairwoman Lisa Wiley described the cuts as "devastating," indicating that the school community will look very different. Parents and school officials are worried about the impact of these cuts. Parent Shawn Marsh expressed his concerns as his son participates in multiple afterschool sports, which may not continue with the reduced budget. Wiley emphasized the severity of the cuts, noting that they will affect staff, transportation, and extracurricular programs. The budget reductions will include the elimination of about 24 full-time staff positions, which means the preschool will face major downsizing. Wiley stated that she has never seen such significant cuts in her long career in education. Some parents are reconsidering their children's education options. They are discussing possibilities like moving to a private school or relocating to a different district. Wiley shared that the mood among school officials is anxious and frustrated, but they are determined to find a way forward. The new budget will take effect on July 1, and Wiley remains hopeful about finding ways to maintain some extracurricular activities, especially sports programs.