The
FY16 (School year 2015-16) budget proposal outlines the resources the schools
need to support an excellent educational program for our students, one that is
consistent with the District’s core values of Scholarship, Citizenship,
Community, and Personal Growth. The
proposed budget requests an additional 5.4% funding increase, although most of
this increase is to provide for a similar level of service. In fact, about 90%
of the total request proposes the same level of service next school year as we
have now.
District
administrators developed the FY16 budget plan to meet contractual obligations,
growing special education costs, and expanded student enrollment, particularly
at the secondary level. Increased funds
for Prek-12 special education and high school staff are requested as part of
this plan, as well as resources to support curriculum initiatives and
technology implementation throughout the District.
• Contractual Salary Increases Negotiated contracts for all employees account for
$1.3 million, or less than half of the total requested increase.
• Increased
Special Education Costs Increases in
the number of special education students moving into Needham, special education
tuition and transportation, the addition of a new group home in the Town of
Needham, and the expansion of the Preschool program account for another $1.3
million, or 43% of the $3 million new funds requested.
• High School Enrollment The high school is projected to grow by 50
students in the FY16 school year. A
modest proposal to increase staffing by 2.4 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) teachers
in foreign language, math, social studies, and the arts is included.
• Curriculum and Technology. A modest increase in funding is requested for
the continued development of middle school curriculum leadership, math
programing, technology management, software and website upgrades and licenses,
and the continued implementation of the middle school Personalized Learning
Initiative are proposed and represent about $300,000, or 10%, of the total
budget request.
The
administration also reallocated existing funds as much as possible and
practical to support this budget proposal. Where possible, we have moved existing
resources around to meet new challenges, and some administrative responsibilities
will be increased to address a growing list of state and federal mandates. Unfortunately, many important and worthwhile
proposals suggested by principals and administrators—all designed to enhance
and strengthen student learning—have been deferred to the future.
I believe the budget proposal is prudent and carefully
considered, but it will be a challenge to secure all the resources required to
move school programs forward, especially as the Schools and Town balance a
variety of important needs. You may view the plan and additional
information about the budget on our website: FY16 Proposed Budget Plan
The School Committee is extremely interested to hear feedback
about the budget plan, and they encourage you to attend the upcoming Budget
Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 20th at Broadmeadow to learn
more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions, concerns, and comments.
