Schools

Public Schools To Ask Needham Voters for $1.5 Million Override

Question will be on April ballot.

The Needham Public Schools is looking to voters to expand its budget in the next fiscal year. School Committee members presented the $1.5 million override proposal Monday, outlining the plan for “innovation and extended learning.”

According to Superintendent Dan Gutekanst, the override would:

  • Restore previously cut school programs;

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  • Provide for innovative learning opportunities for our elementary students;

  • Extend the K-8 school day to optimize learning for all students;

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  • Ensure the professional staff has sufficient time to meet during and after school to improve instruction and strengthen learning.

  • In a statement on the Needham Public Schools website, officials said the fiscal 2015 budget — as it stands — “only allows Needham to deliver the same level of school services as in FY14; the proposed Supplemental Budget enables us to move forward and closer to our peers.”

    The proposal calls for:

    • Spanish, Technology, the Arts, and expanded Health and Physical Education in grades 1 to 5 and Music in kindergarten.

  • An additional 75 hours or three weeks elementary instruction; an additional 30 hours of instruction at middle schools.

  • Voters will be asked to make a decision on the supplemental budget on April 8.

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