Lincoln plans shift to three-person middle school teams as enrollment falls

LINCOLN — April 9, 2026 — Lincoln charts multi-year shift to three-person middle school teams as enrollment declines. Superintendent Perry told the School Committee on April 9 that with no Lincoln grade projected above the low 60s and Hanscom grades ranging from the 30s to low 50s, sixth through eighth grade should move from four-person to three-person teaching teams over two to three years, primarily through attrition. The fiscal 2027 budget already cuts four Hanscom faculty positions, five special-education tutor slots and a Lincoln ESP role. Director of Educational Operations and Technology Robert Ford reported 87 percent of teachers in the Magic School AI pilot logged productivity gains. The committee unanimously accepted a $1,000 donation from parent Dietrich Jones for the grade-eight trip, approved donating a 2015 portable stage to the Community Center, and announced Dr. Jerron Green as new METCO director starting May 6.