As a student in the Merrimack school district, I am firsthand affected by the proposed layoffs of 22 staff members within our district, most of whom are teachers—17 to be exact. This decision is deeply troubling as it directly impacts me and my peers. With fewer teachers, our student-to-teacher ratios will increase, jeopardizing the quality of education we receive. Classes that are vital for our graduation success and college acceptance are at risk of being cut. Moreover, these dedicated teachers are the backbone of our clubs, trips, sports, and various extracurricular activities that enrich our educational experience.

These cuts will have long-lasting impacts on our district. The administration remains untouched, a fact that raises concerns about prioritization. It's worth noting that, in our high school alone, we have a principal, two vice principals—each with their secretary—an ELO coordinator with a secretary, and a sports administrator, highlighting potential areas for budgetary adjustment without harming our education.

We urge our school board to reconsider the current budget cuts that unfairly target teachers while leaving administrative positions unchanged. Our community deserves a budget that reflects the importance of our educators and seeks to preserve the quality of education by exploring alternative cost-saving measures.

We demand the school board focus on preserving teaching positions and explore other methods, such as administrational restructuring, to address budget constraints. Our future and the future of countless students depend on this decision. Sign this petition to urge the Merrimack school board to rethink their approach and prioritize our teachers and education over administrative overhead. Your support can make a difference. Please sign and share this petition with others who value quality education. Together, we can advocate for change.