Dear Parents and Guardians: A few updates: 2011-12 Budget Plan I will present a preliminary budget recommendation for the 2011-12 school year (FY12) to the School Committee this evening. I will be recommending a budget of $48 million, an increase of 5.1% over the current school year. Developing the budget this year has again been a challenge, especially within the context of a difficult economic climate. School administrators and staff developed the budget knowing that the Needham community has high expectations for student learning and achievement but limited resources to fund all school programs. If approved, this request allows us to meet all contractual obligations, provide additional funding for special education services, and address some enrollment growth at the secondary level. The School Committee invites you to participate in the upcoming budget discussion and attend a budget hearing scheduled for January 18th to learn about the proposal and share feedback and comments. Beginning tomorrow you may view the FY12 preliminary budget proposal in the "News" section of the district's website. Bullying Prevention Plan Over the last few months, the district has collaborated with parents, teachers and community members to create a document entitled, "Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan", which will also be presented at the School Committee meeting tonight. The School Committee will vote to adopt the plan at its meeting on December 21st. The Bullying Prevention Plan and our work with students, staff, and families will continue to evolve over the next few months as we further develop our curriculum, professional development model, and parent education program. Please take a few minutes to read the plan, and if you wish, provide comments and feedback. The plan can be found at our district's homepage under "News": http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/ Comments should be sent to: christine_brumbach@needham.k12.ma.us Student Award Congratulations to two Needham High School students, Rebecca Noble and Ethan Samet-Marram, who will receive the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' (MASS) Award presented annually to two outstanding seniors who demonstrate exemplary academic success in high school. These two young people, both of whom are at the top of their class, clearly represent the finest of our students, and their hard work and passion for learning reflects the values of the Needham Public Schools: Scholarship, Citizenship, Community and Personal Growth. Thanks to their teachers for encouraging them and to their parents for supporting them. They will be honored at the December 21st School Committee meeting. Have a great week! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Needham Public Schools 781.455.0400 x203 dan_gutekanst@nnedham.k12.ma.us