In April, teachers, parents and school leaders gathered in the light-filled Springfield High School cafeteria for the district’s last public budget forum.
After a 10-minute presentation about the district’s budget realities and need for cuts, attendees gathered in small groups. Administrators sat face-to-face with parents and teachers, answering questions and noting feedback.
Special education teacher Pauline Pham asked how staff-to-student ratios would be determined. Her students’ behavioral and emotional needs have significantly risen since the pandemic, and she hoped cuts would not touch her program…