Dr. Gutekanst presented the FY21 budget request, and SASC gave an update from the High School.

At the 1/22 School Committee meeting principals Tamatha Bibbo and Jessica Downey presented proposed changes to the Middle School Program of Studies, and the School Committee voted to approve the FY20 budget recommendation. Download packet > Watch meeting > Middle School Program of Studies A full description was provided in writing to School Committee, but principals Bibbo and Downey used their time to highlight three proposed changes to the program next year: Community Servic

The 1/15/19 School Committee meeting focused on the Operating Budget for FY20 with a consultation with the Town Manager and a Public Hearing. There was also an update on the Athletic Program. Download packet > Download budget presentation > Watch meeting > FY20 Budget Consultation with Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick, Town Manager, and David Davison, Asst. Town Manager, presented information on budget principles and priorities to the School Committee. Priorities include: Incre

The 1/8/19 meeting covered Enrollment Forecasts for 2020–2035, the technology budget for FY20 and the technology strategic plan, and a new scholarship. Download packet > Watch meeting > Enrollment Forecasts The presentation by Dr. Jerome McKibbens of McKibben Demographics offered a glimpse into both Needham’s future population growth and school enrollment. It predicts a rapid increase in enrollment until 2025-26, then slowly declining enrollment between 2026-34. Needham devia

At the 12/18 meeting, 2019-20 budget discussions continued with a presentation on Student Support Services. There was also an update on the Mitchell modulars. Download Packet > Student Support Services Budget Mary Lammi and Matt Ganas presented the budget request for the Student Support Service, which encompasses: Special Education Section 504 Accommodation Plans Counseling Services Nursing Services English Language Education METCO Home Hospital Tutoring Home School For the m

The 12/11 SC meeting focused primarily on the FY20 budget request, along with an update from the NHS Advisory Council to School Committee. Download Packet > Download Budget Proposal > Watch Meeting > Needham High School Advisory to School Committee Report Students reported a successful series of fall events as well as positive feedback on usage of the new space in the High School. They are looking to focus more on increasing participation both within the school and the commun

Last night Needham held a Special Town Meeting to address 16 warrant articles. Among those were two that are directly related to Needham Schools: Article 11: Emery Grover Feasibility Study (approved) The Emery Grover school administration building is in need of significant repairs, and has been on the town's Facilities Master Plan for many years. $130,000 was approved to evaluate options for the building: 1) full renovation/addition; 2) preservation of facade only with new co

Last night marked the first official school committee meeting of the year. Agenda items included updates on the High School expansion, proposed modular additions for Mitchell, and the start of work on the FY20 school budget. Download packet > Watch the meeting > High School Renovation Needham High School principal Aaron Sicotte provided an update on the High School expansion project. New classroom space is slated to open at the end of October, and the extensively renovated A

Last Thursday, the Needham School Committee held a meeting and book discussion in the High Rock School library. Agenda items included preliminary discussions of the FY20 budget — which includes a focus on Full-day kindergarten — and a vote on an October 2018 Special Town Meeting Warrant Article request for construction of Mitchell School modular classrooms (cost still to be determined). Subcommittee assignments were made: Broadmeadow — Susan Neckes Eliot— Aaron Pressman Hills

The 2018 Annual Town meeting concluded on Wednesday, May 16. Among the over 40 articles voted on by Town Meeting Members were several that impact Needham Schools. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES: Article 16: FY19 Operating Budget (approved) The school operating budget (primarily salaries and expenses) of $71,105,943 was approved within the town's operating budget. This represents a 4.03% increase over the previous year's budget, driven primarily by contractual salary increases a