• Parent Survey Don't forget to complete the Needham Public Schools' Parent Survey. To date about 15% of our Needham families have completed the survey, and we would like to see at least 20% contribute their perspective and ideas. It is important that we hear from as many parents as possible so that our educational planning can reflect the input of a variety of constituents in Needham. The results of the survey will be shared at an upcoming School Committee meetings and in the annual Performance Report.

Your feedback is important to us and we thank you in advance for taking the time to share your opinions and comments. Please submit your survey by February 1. You can access the survey at the following URL:

• Budget Update At its meeting this past Tuesday evening, the School Committee approved a budget plan totaling $46,059,078 for the 2010-11 school year (FY11), a 1.49% increase, or $676,193, over the current year. You may access budget information on the school department's website by clicking here: FY11 Budget Information

While the budget plan preserves the programs that the community values, there are several painful reductions in the budget due to increased costs and limited new sources of revenue. I want to commend the School Committee for tackling an extremely difficult and complicated budget. Your School Committee members have invested countless hours, early in the morning, late into the evening, and on many weekends studying the funding requests, making suggestions for balancing the funding plan, and collaborating with the Finance Committee to ensure our students receive the best possible level of resources. I appreciate their tireless work and energy and the wisdom and perspective they bring to their role in this community. It is an honor to work with a great School Committee!