1/24: Boston schools brace for teacher layoffs

In recent weeks, Salem has attracted widespread attention because of a budget crisis that resulted in a $4.7 million midyear shortfall, prompting the layoff of dozens of teachers.

Although no other local community is taking such drastic steps, next year’s outlook may include more bad news for teachers. Governor Deval Patrick is proposing a $223 million increase in state school spending for next year – a 6 percent increase – and it can’t come soon enough.