The South School community has been completely blindsided by a redistricting decision made by the Andover School Committee voting on a new proposal that was never shared publicly and offered no opportunity for input before the vote. This rushed decision, made at the final meeting before a major election, directly affects our children’s futures, their friendships, and our school community.

What’s even more troubling: South is the only elementary school being split between two middle schools. No justification has been shared with the families affected, and no opportunity was provided for us to weigh in before this decision was finalized.

The effects of this decision are not just logistical, they are emotional. Families are facing confusion, stress, and upheaval, with no chance to raise concerns or explore better alternatives. The lack of transparency and deviation from the established process flies in the face of the Open Meeting Law and the trust our community places in its elected officials.

In fact, a formal Open Meeting Law Violation complaint has been submitted to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, citing the School Committee’s failure to give proper meeting notice and its disregard for the community input process followed throughout redistricting until this final, rushed vote.

This isn’t just about district lines. It’s about our children’s sense of belonging, their emotional well-being, and our shared expectation that decisions impacting families be made fairly and openly.

We are calling on the Andover School Committee to re-vote on the redistricting plan, but only after issuing a proper meeting notice and allowing time for meaningful public input, as required by law. Our community deserves a transparent, inclusive, and fair process—nothing less.

We urge all South School families, neighbors, educators, and supporters of public transparency to sign this petition and if you haven’t already email the School Committee at 📧 schoolcommittee@andoverma.us to share how this decision impacts your family and why our voices must be heard.

Let’s stand together for fairness, community, and our children’s future.