News Nearby: Malden Schools Face 37 Layoffs

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

MALDEN—Blaming state mandates and a sudden drop in federal funding, the Malden School Committee is seeking to cut 37 positions from the district this year to fill a $1.5 million deficit in the $56 million budget.

According to the Boston Globe, the final plan takes a science, math, English, history and business teacher out of the high school, while avoiding hitting staff in the K-8 range, which faces a “baby boom” of students, Superintendent David DeRuosi said.

WINCHESTER—Officials confirmed the  May 18 was arson.

Reports show the fire was set on the front porch of the $1 million plus house, according to 7News.

Jim Covino and his two daughters were awoken by the smoke detectors and escaped without any injuries, according to Fox 25 News. He told firefighters on scene he originally thought the alarm was false, but once he smelled the smoke and saw the fire coming from the front doors, that's when he retrieved his 9- and 13-year-old girls.

MEDFORD—A man accused of viewing child pornography at Medford Public Library was given a second chance at bail after allegedly violating release conditions, according to court filings.

James Judge, 57, of Medford was arrested for a second time last Thursday after he was spotted at Malden Public Library by a library employee on Wednesday, according to police reports. He spent the weekend in jail, but was ordered released by a district court judge following a hearing Monday, according to court records.

STONEHAM—At 4:38 p.m. May 26, Stoneham Police responded to High Rock Road for a report of an assault and battery in progress. The caller claims there was an assault and battery with injuries that just occurred at the residence, and a dispatcher heard a disturbance in the background during the call.

One person was taken to Winchester Hospital, one to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and a third person to Winchester Hospital. No arrests reported. Police to investigate.