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 (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 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

• Pollard Middle School Recently we learned that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has invited Needham 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. 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. 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!, 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.