Dear Needham Public Schools Families: Let me first take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy New Year! Allow me to share a few of updates: • 2024-25 School Year Budget Public Hearing Tuesday, January 16th Recently, I shared my preliminary budget proposal for the 2024-25 school year <https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PnQgt-IiiXt9XG4kwSIbHHuEda4ZP9vqK11xe3Nt8Jg/edit?usp=sharing> (Fiscal Year 25) with the School Committee. The School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the budget tomorrow evening, Tuesday, January 16th at 6:30 p.m. at Broadmeadow (also via zoom <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AA7iPQmRvn0MNS8Gm59rl8OwJQ1LPac9/view?usp=sharing> and cable television) and all community members, parents, students, and staff are welcome to participate. Detailed information about the budget plan is available on the district’s website: FY25 Budget Proposal <https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/business__operations/business_office/budgets_and_financial_documents> *• Pollard Middle School* Recently we learned that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has invited Needham <https://www.massschoolbuildings.org/sites/default/files/edit-contentfiles/About_Us/Board_Meetings/2023_Board/12.13.2023/December_2023_Board_Presentation_Final.pdf> into its process to explore the possibility of receiving funding from the state for a renovation and expansion of Pollard into a grades 6-8 middle school. I encourage all families, particularly those who have or will have children in grades Preschool through five, to learn more about this important and ambitious project <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bdKFuW-HJgJdSx5Xt1SHV3l0VzZcvgavJBL0p4nM5ew/edit?usp=sharing>. Stay tuned in future updates for more information. *• Virtual Check in with the Superintendent* On Monday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. I will host a Virtual meeting for families and parents. The link to the meeting is here: 02/05/24 Virtual Meeting with Superintendent at 7:00 p.m. <https://needham-k12-ma-us.zoom.us/j/84701594759?pwd=L29leDg1NnNTd0NKeXI0VGh2OTQxdz09> During this meeting I will briefly highlight key efforts in our district's strategic plan, and then I will open up the conversation to general questions and comments about any school topic from participants. The zoom meeting will last about 50 minutes and will not be recorded. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you! *• Superintendent's Blog* My most recent post, Resolutions for a New Year! <https://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>, is available. Here's to a new week of learning! Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 *He/His/Him* 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子 的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.