The public forum saw pleas for the council to address what many perceive as a crisis in school funding. Residents highlighted deteriorating conditions and inadequate resources within the Amherst school system, emphasizing the impact on educational quality and the community’s reputation for strong public education. Concerns were raised over staffing shortages, particularly in special education and bilingual programs, with specific calls for immediate funding to support essential services and maintain educational standards.

Cathleen Marisol Bonafed, a student at Amherst Regional High School, expressed dismay at the lack of prioritization for school funding, highlighting the strain on educators and the adverse effects on student support services. Her comments were echoed by other residents, including parents and teachers, who lamented the decline in educational quality and urged the council to allocate more resources to schools.

The council considered various financial models to address the town’s fiscal needs, including significant capital projects such as the development of new facilities for schools, libraries, and public works. Discussions focused on the use of stabilization funds and the implications of high reserve usage on the town’s bond rating. The proposed financial models aimed to balance operating and capital expenditures while adhering to levy percentages.

A concern was the impact of budget constraints on education, as residents and council members debated the trade-offs between funding for road repairs and school needs. Some council members pointed out that while the need for infrastructure maintenance is undeniable, the urgency of addressing school funding cannot be overlooked. The council faced a challenging decision: how to allocate limited resources effectively to meet the community’s diverse needs.

The meeting also touched on the allocation of surplus funds, with debates over whether these should be directed toward immediate school funding needs or retained for future capital projects. Concerns were raised about the historical prioritization of road funding over schools, prompting calls for a more balanced approach that does not pit one priority against another.

In addition to the issue of school funding, the council discussed several capital projects, including the Jones Library renovation and the development of a new Fire EMS station at Hickory Ridge. The town manager and finance director presented an overview of these projects, emphasizing the need for strategic financial planning and community engagement in decision-making processes.

The conversation about the establishment of school zones also garnered attention, with the council approving motions to implement new zones at the Amherst Regional Middle School and High School. This initiative was part of broader efforts to enhance safety and address community concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.