Superintendents_update

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February 2008

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Superintendent's Upate
by Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update 15 Feb '08

15 Feb '08

Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates to conclude the week. The School Committee continues to work closely with the Finance Committee and Selectmen to ensure we have the resources we need to run a high quality program for students in the 2008-09 school year. The School Committee adopted a 4.5% increase, or $1.8 million, for the new school year. While this is a significant amount, the reality is that most of this represents increased costs in contracts and special education programs. And even with this new revenue we will need to reduce our overall staffing by a few staff and ask some administrators to assume additional responsibilities. My sense is, however, that we will still be in very good shape and will provide excellent services to Needham's young people. In anticipation of another extremely tight budget the following year, the School Committee has begun to discuss a request for additional funds from the taxpayers. This request will likely include the funds needed to open High Rock as well as other important needs to prevent further program erosion and to support new programs for Needham students. I urge parents and community members to stay informed about the budget process as it moves forward into the spring and the next school year. On a related note, the school department has sent out a letter to the parents of students who receive free transportation to and from school. State law requires free transportation for students in grades K-6 who live 2.0 miles or more from their school. However, Needham has traditionally offered free transportation for all students grades K-6 who live 1.5 miles or more from their schools. It is my recommendation that the School Committee next year charge those families the transportation fee of $375 to help offset the costs of our transportation program. In an effort to better plan the number of buses required, we are requesting that those families receiving a letter respond to the survey included and send this information back to your child's school. Please refer to the district's website for further information about our [ http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ss_transportation.htm ]School Transportation Program The Needham Public Schools staff has been busy producing four cable televisions shows highlighting the Needham Schools. Three of the programs, entitled Needham Schools Spotlight, are focused on the district's recently approved goals: Goal One: Advance Standards Based Learning (featuring Broadmeadow's Stephanie Hamel, Pollard's Steve Guerriero, and Needham High's Dan Hudder); Goal Two: Develop the Social and Emotional Skills of All Students (Tom Denton, Guidance Director, Broadmeadow's Angie Morrison, and Pollard Principal Glenn Brand); Goal Three: Promote Active Citizenship (Tom Denton, Needham High Principal Paul Richards, and students Matt Barnes and Dan Antoszyk). The fourth program, featuring six of our high school METCO students (Ronald Sisco, Guillermo Caballero, Vanisa Jenkins, Diego Huezo-Rosales, Chanise Parks, Terniece Lee) reflecting on their experiences in the Needham schools, is a thoughtful and candid conversation about the successes, challenges, aspirations and even fears of our Boston students. The programs have been or will soon be broadcast on [ http://www.greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Page%203!OpenPage ]The Needham Channel . Please tune in! All of us were horrified this morning to learn about the shootings at Northern Illinois University. This terrible crime is another tragic reminder that while we can't guarantee student and school safety, we must be vigilant in our efforts to anticipate, plan for, and respond to school emergencies. The principals, staff, central office administrators, and town emergency officials will continue the planning and collaboration we believe is critical to ensure each child is safe to, during, and from school. I am impressed with the proactive way in which the Needham Public Schools and the Town of Needham work together to ensure safe, healthy, and secure schools for our children. If you have a suggestion, comment, or idea about your child's school and safety, I encourage you to contact the principal. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this senseless tragedy. Finally, I continue to enjoy my visits to the schools and classrooms. The teaching and learning I observe, along with the recent efforts of all the students and staff who made the high school musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a success, and the young scientists at Pollard who competed in this week's Science Fair reflect the district's core values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth. A talented staff appreciates your ongoing partnership and support! As always, please don't hesitate to contact me: 781.455.0400, x 203 or dan_gutekanst(a)needham.k12.ma.us Enjoy the February break with family and friends. Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

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