The following letter to the editor was submitted by Andover resident Pat Bassermann. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Andover News. You can learn more about our policy on opinion and commentary on our Mission and Policies page.
Last week, the Andover School Committee rushed through a redistricting plan in a 4-1 vote, just days before two members were ousted in the town election. The timing alone raises serious concerns, but what’s more troubling is how this decision disregarded the very community input the redistricting process was supposed to prioritize.
Throughout the redistricting process, the committee had engaged in extensive outreach—including community meetings, surveys, and stakeholder discussions—to ensure transparency and public involvement. However, that commitment to transparency vanished in the final meeting. A new scenario, one that splits South School between West Middle and Doherty Middle School, making it the only elementary school in town being divided. This scenario was introduced and voted on that same night, without any prior opportunity for public review or feedback beyond a brief 20-minute comment period for anyone that happened to be there.
The committee’s own presentation acknowledged that one of the biggest community priorities was keeping elementary school cohorts together. It also stated that every scenario had been shaped by public input. Yet, when it mattered most, South School families were denied the same level of consideration given to previous proposals. Many parents remain unaware that this decision was even made, as no formal communication has been sent. They are only finding out by word of mouth, text message or a Facebook post. Those who do know are understandably frustrated by the lack of transparency.
Redistricting is always a difficult process, but it must be done fairly and with community trust. The rushed approval of this plan—without proper due process—undermines that trust. The newly elected school committee now has an opportunity to restore transparency by revisiting this decision, allowing South School families a chance to voice their concerns, and ensuring that any final plan is truly reflective of the community’s priorities.
Sincerely,
Pat Bassermann
Andover
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