The Hive’s 2025 Budget Guide

Essex Westford School District Undergoes Budget Process

Greg Maiberger and Sam Houghton • February 7, 2025

The School Board proposes an updated budget for the Essex Westford School District annually to be reviewed by staff, parents, and community members. It is subsequently voted on each April. This year,...

Speaking for the students: A discussion with the EWSD student representatives

Scarlett Cannizzaro and Leah Arendt • February 7, 2025

EWSD School Board has two student representatives, senior Samantha Donahey and junior Pankti Desai. Student representatives do not have voting rights, but can offer the valuable student perspective. “The...

EHS upperclassmen initially encouraged to pick fewer credits

Sam Houghton and Greg Maiberger • February 7, 2025

As students worked to finalize their academic schedules last week for the 2025-26 school year, some EHS juniors and seniors were informed that they could only request seven and six credits, respectively....

Budget Guide: By students, for students

Emma Cross • February 7, 2025

The EWSD School Board is working on a budget for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This school year, the district has a budget of $76,570,171, and the current plan is to cut 5-6 million from that...

What’s next for the EWSD’s athletic programs?

Toren Esselstrom • February 7, 2025

Winter snow storms aren’t the only flurries impacting members of the EWSD. Over the past month or two, students, faculty, staff and families have received several emails regarding the continued development...

Amid rumored fine arts budget cuts, EWSD keeps music the same

Norah Lomedico, Genevieve King, Grace Raut, and Oona Osborne • February 7, 2025

The EWSD school board previously claimed that to reach the necessary cuts, they might start “aligning with art—once per week” and start "formal lessons in 6th grade.”