As a lifelong Lowell resident, proud Lowell High School graduate and parent of children in Lowell Public Schools, I’ve witnessed how quality education creates life-changing opportunities for our children.
That’s why the $4 million shortfall between Lowell Public Schools’ funding request and the city’s proposed budget alarms me. This isn’t just a budget issue — it’s about our children’s futures.
This gap represents potential cuts to vital services our families rely on. Enrichment programs, mental health services and special education support can be vulnerable during budget reductions — resources our children simply cannot afford to lose. After years of effort, we’ve finally reopened our school libraries, providing critical literacy resources. Can we really afford to cut these just as they’re making an impact?
As a single mother, I’ve seen how school programs directly affect family stability. The before-school programming at Pawtucketville Memorial gives me an extra hour of work time daily — translating into financial security for my family. This isn’t just convenient; it’s essential for working parents balancing careers and children’s education.
I understand municipalities face tough financial decisions, especially with federal relief programs like ARPA and ESSER expiring. But even in tight fiscal years, education must remain our priority. Supporting schools isn’t an expense — it’s an investment reflecting our City’s values.
Public schools are more than classrooms… they’re community anchors influencing everything from public safety to economic growth. When we invest in safe buildings, up-to-date resources, and dedicated educators, we strengthen Lowell’s foundation.
Even with budget limitations, the City of Lowell must continue maintaining and improving our schools’ physical infrastructure. Kids learn best in environments that are welcoming, healthy and safe – and we owe that to every student and educator.
A $4 million shortfall will have lasting effects, rippling across our entire community. This moment calls for collaboration across departments, political lines and neighborhoods to find creative solutions. We must center every conversation on what’s best for students.
I’m encouraged by the many parents, teachers and city leaders already engaged in thoughtful dialogue about these challenges. We may not agree on everything, but we share a common purpose: ensuring every Lowell child has access to the education they deserve.
As a parent and proud citizen, I’m hopeful. I believe in this city and our ability to rise to the occasion.
Let’s speak up, show up and work together for Lowell’s students. Their success is our shared future — there’s no better investment we can make.
One response to “Let’s Keep Our Commitment to Lowell’s Students”
President McFadden is absolutely correct. The current city cash shortfall is a major deficit that will ensure our schools will have to make cuts in areas that our students and staff desperately rely on. Student support services, academic and trade education expansion, and even teacher stipends for tutoring and other student supports may need to be cut back, to the detriment of our students, schools and staff. We must do better and work on all administrative levels to make up for this shortfall , and find the sources to encumber the necessary funding levels to sustain all our vital LPS services.