What's Happening in Andover, MA…

Residents of Andover have approved a budget of $213.6m for the next fiscal year, along with several other measures.

The budget is an increase of 3.5% over the last fiscal year and would mean an increase of 5.91% in property taxes for the average single family residence.

Andrew Flanagan, Town Manager of Andover, said he is optimistic about the future of the town, noting that it is strong and has a clear path in moving forward. Local printing services can be used to inform residents of such new budgets and their implications for the future.

About $95m of the budget will be allocated to the Andover Public Schools. Magda Parvey, Superintendent of the Andover Schools, said the funds allocated will be used for coaching math in kindergarten through grade eight, developing a new schedule for the middle school, mental health, and to increase the budget for the arts and performing arts.

Another $9.5m of the budget will be used to cover the costs of professional services related to the design, renovations, and construction of the Doherty Middle School to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and for the design of Andover High School to alleviate overcrowding.

An amount of $1.9m will be allocated to pay for capital improvements, including information technology infrastructure, new vehicles for the police, and sidewalk repairs.