AXED: Several Teachers Let Go to Accomodate Special Ed Costs

North Andover parents were issued a shocking message from Superintendent Kevin Hutchinson Friday, announcing that several teachers were let go, issued "pink slips" or reassignment letters.

The cause? Special Education costs.

"The reason behind this situation is that we have identified a large potential shortfall of about $670,000 that will impact next year’s approved budget due to the most current costs for Special Education," Hutchinson wrote. "As you know, while we are unable to predict the number of students who will be moving into the district and who will need special services, the district is obligated by law to cover those costs."

Those costs, Hutchinson said, have been increasing rapidly sinbce the budget was developed earlier this year.

"While we are hopeful that there may be some financial resolve, at this time we need to address our budget liabilities per any contractual obligations," Hutchinson continued.

Had the teachers not been notified of their layoff by June 15, the department would have been obligated to keep them for the 2013-2014 school year.

"The unfortunate part is that the personal feelings of hurt and uncertainty of our caring teachers cannot be denied oravoided," Hutchinson wrote. "I simply ask that we be as supportive as we can of all involved, and I hope that we can be constructive as possible as we move forward."