• Budget Hearing The School Committee is currently considering a 5.7% increase in the budget for the 2012-13 school year (FY13). The budget plan addresses growing enrollment at the secondary level by adding new teachers at High Rock, Pollard and the high school, and the proposal also provides funding to maintain existing programs. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to ensure that resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. However, providing adequate resources for schools has become increasingly challenging, especially as Federal stimulus dollars are depleted and local and state revenues are uncertain. My blog posting shares some of the challenges we are facing this budget season: Superintendent's Blog

The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming Budget Hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 17th at 7:00 p.m. at Broadmeadow to learn more about the budget proposal and share your comments, questions, and concerns. The School Committee wants to hear from parents, especially around the need for additional classroom teachers and whether or not the School Committee should significantly increase school bus transportation fees due to rising costs for bus service.

It will be critical for parents, students, and the community to weigh in on the budget and offer your perspective and voice. You may view additional information and an outline of the proposed NPS budget on the district's website: FY13 Proposed School Budget

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration Parents, students, and members of the community are invited to attend next Monday's (January 16th) observance of Martin Luther King Day at Needham High School beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the school's auditorium. Please join the Needham Clergy Association, The Town of Needham Human Rights Committee, and the Needham Public Schools as we "Bring the dream to Needham... and live the dream together!"