Schools face cutbacks across the region

Public schools are bracing for layoffs, even as Governor Deval Patrick proposes an increase in state spending on education in the coming fiscal year.

Globe North reporter Steve Rosenberg reports that insurance, utilities and other costs are putting a squeeze on school budgets in several towns north of Boston.

Salem has already seen trouble and a temporary fix. But, citing increases in health insurance, utilities, special education, and teachers' pay, several area districts - including Lynn, Gloucester, Melrose, Swampscott, Hamilton, and Wenham, and the towns in the Pentucket regional district - are bracing for possible layoffs next summer.

"Unless there's a miracle, there will be layoffs," said Lynn Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr., who expects the city's schools will have an $8 million shortfall for fiscal year 2009.

And, in Andover, that town is facing a financial crisis of its own - a budget gap of more than $3 million that is threatening to decimate local sports and push classroom sizes to 30 or more students.

"Each of the past few years, we have had to make do with less," said Brian Major, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.

Major said the town's bleak fiscal picture is forcing local officials to go to voters with hat in hand, seeking an override that would allow them to collect more in new property taxes.