SOS stands with NASE
5/10/25 – Support Our Schools (SOS) stands with the Northampton Association of School Employees (NASE) in their recently announced work-to-rule action starting on Monday, May 12. This action is in response to the inadequate cost of living raise offered to teachers by the city in recent contract negotiations. We strongly support their demand for fair pay.
City Council “opt in” facts
4/17/25 – SOS asks the Northampton City Council to opt in, meaning to vote to accept into its charter a longstanding state law provision that allows the city council to increase the school budget beyond the amount provided by the mayor.
Overview of the 3 budget options for FY26
3/30/25 – Only the Strong Budget adequately meets the needs of our district and begins to remedy the current crisis. The other two options are unacceptable: One just continues our current crisis situation, the other will harm our schools and students further.
SOS celebrates nearly $300k to schools
3/4/25 – Northampton Public Schools have been underfunded for far too long. SOS will continue to fight for our schools until they are fully funded, because a thriving community requires thriving schools.
SOS responds to Mayor Sciarra’s FY26 presentation
2/3/25 – In the mayor’s FY26 forecast for the school budget, the limited increase over the FY25 budget would not only keep current cuts in place but would likely require additional cuts.
Facts need context. Budgets need values
1/16/25 – Support our Schools (SOS) responds to the recent op-ed from Mayor Sciarra, “Northampton’s capital spending makes fiscal sense” in the Daily Hampshire Gazette on 1/14/25.
A response to the Mayor’s announcement on postponing the override
8/5/24 – SOS Guest Post: If Northampton were to accurately estimate revenues, those revenues would be considered ‘recurring’, and could be used to fund recurring expenditures – like the schools.
NPS budget observations: a deep dive
8/2/24 – SOS Guest Post: I have been looking at the city budgets, contemplating them, and observing interesting aspects for the last few months.
Stabilization funds in Northampton
8/2/24 – SOS Guest Post: Northampton uses stabilization funds as a wealth accumulation tool . . . Money is diverted from the city’s operating budget and vital services like education.