FY2019 Budget Approved By School Committee For Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA—On Tuesday night, Framingham's school committee voted 9-0 to support the superintendent’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2019. According to an announcement from the committee, the budget is built upon the philosophy of investing in academic achievement; responsible spending with sensitivity to community budget needs; access and equity models; continued streamlining of operations; creating opportunities for innovation; and data-driven decision making. Totaling $133 million, this budget funds the district’s education efforts in numerous departments, as well as at BLOCKS Preschool, nine elementary schools, three middle schools, Framingham High School and the Thayer Campus.

“Building this budget from the ground up, together with the entire leadership team, has been an important step in developing a shared vision for the future of the Framingham Public Schools," Superintendent Dr. Robert Tremblay said in a statement. "Prioritizing spending to address identified inequities across the district while simultaneously creating opportunities for greater student achievement are among the key goals of this budget package. I am proud to work alongside of our School Committee to take our district to the next level using the Strategic Plan as the roadmap and the budget as the fuel to drive this important work.”

The budget aligns with the Framingham Public Schools Strategic Plan 2017-2020: Where Every Child Can and Will Reach High Levels of Achievement, school improvement plans at all individual schools, and state standards.

“At this critical time in Framingham’s history, we believe that this responsibly crafted budget is the plan we need to begin a long term strategy to make transformational change in support of student achievement,” said Adam Freudberg, chair of the Framingham School Committee, District 4, in a statement. “Together with our Superintendent, the School Committee is an enthusiastic and willing partner ready to appear before the Mayor and City Council as we seek final authorization in a timely manner so this important work can begin, and residents in school communities across the city’s nine districts can benefit from our collective investments.”

The FY2019 invests in several areas, including athletics, bilingual department, bilingual education teachers and support, preparing for school expansion, innovative grants, college and career initiatives, positive behavior interventions, strengthening safety and security, media manager, new director of security, and a part time assistant director of health and wellness.

"Meeting social and emotional needs, as well as language needs, providing support for students who struggle due to the effects of poverty, homelessness, lack of mental health services, as well as those students who have interrupted or limited formal education, are some of the reasons for the budget’s carefully thought out investments for our students," said the announcement.

This budget, in accordance with the City Charter, has now been submitted to the Mayor.

Find the budget book here.