Construction to Begin on New Town Elementary School
Two elementary schools in Amherst are set to be replaced by the new Fort River Elementary School, which contractors will begin construction on this month.
Amherst Regional Schools
New Amherst Superintendent Reaffirms Agenda After Anonymous Complaint
School board members received an anonymous letter alleging misconduct on the part of superintendent Dr. Xiomara Herman earlier this month. Herman, who started her term July 1, reaffirmed her priorities of transparency and healing in the face of backlash.
Amherst-Pelham Regional School District Appoints New Superintendent
Dr. E. Xiomara Herman will start as superintendent of the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools (APRS) July 1, following contract negotiations. She comes to western Massachusetts by way of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, amidst unrest in APRS and the former superintendent’s resignation.
Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit Against Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools Recently Amended
Amherst educator Lamikco Magee filed a federal lawsuit against the district and its former and current leaders alleging retaliation and discrimination. The lawsuit comes after a wave of resignations and a district-wide Title IX investigation.
Amherst’s Elementary Schools Face Over $500k in Budget Cuts
As Covid-19 era federal funds lapse and costs rise, Amherst’s elementary schools will be forced to find extra room in their budgets. Possible changes include larger class sizes, fewer after-school programs, or even layoffs.
Spanish Dual-Immersion Program Continues on Path Despite Losing Grant
Amherst’s successful dual immersion program, Caminantes, has lost an important state grant. Five years after its founding, Caminantes has improved students’ proficiency in both Spanish and English and increased pride in their heritage.
Amherst School District Releases Report on Mistreatment of LGBTQ Students
A completed Title IX report found evidence that leaders in Amherst Public Schools failed to adequately protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination, which was perpetuated by three counselors at the middle school.