Needham’s 2015 Annual May
Town Meeting concluded after three long nights, and there was plenty to be
grateful for as Town Meeting Members consistently voted to support several
school projects and initiatives, including the passage of a $61.5 million
operating budget.
Town Meeting also voted
to support the following School projects and capital needs:
• Articles 31 & 32: Newman Athletic Fields and the Eastman
Conservation Area received $2.3 million in funding to support the renovation of
the fields and the rehabilitation of Eastman.
The Eastman Conservation Area is a popular student destination and will
be upgraded and made handicapped accessible.
• Article 41: School Capital Budget includes
$511,145 to purchase technology, furniture, and copiers. These funds will be used to keep school
technology and infrastructure current and replace older desktops, some over
seven years old. Copiers and furniture
will be replaced only as needed and according to a sophisticated inventory
program.
• Article 39:
$150,000 was appropriated to design a 2,500 square foot cafeteria
expansion at Needham High School. The
school’s enrollment far exceeds its design capacity, and this café project is
the first of two phases of expansion needed at the high school. Next year, the School Committee will work
with Town Boards and Town Meeting to secure additional funds for a classroom
expansion project.
In addition to these
important school appropriations, Town Meeting also provided funding to address
school building upgrades, needs, and maintenance. Additional funds were voted for other capital
needs and contingencies, including for all athletic fields, which are heavily
used by Needham’s students and young people.
The Needham community, as
represented by its dedicated Town officials, Boards, and Town Meeting Members, has once again wisely
prioritized school needs as a clear demonstration of its ongoing commitment to
children. Thanks, Town Meeting!
