Dear Needham Families: On Tuesday evening, January 20th, the School Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the 2015-16 (FY16) School Year Budget Plan at Broadmeadow. The School Committee urges parents, community members, and others to attend the Hearing to learn about the budget plan and voice ideas, questions, concerns, and comments. The FY16 budget plan under consideration, a proposed 5.37% increase over the current year, meets contractual obligations and addresses significant increases in PreK-12 special education costs. A small amount of additional funding is proposed to be allocated to the high school to meet growing enrollment and program needs. The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager's office to discuss school needs and ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student. Nonetheless, it will be a challenge to secure all the resources needed to move school programs forward, especially as the Schools and Town balance a variety of important needs. The School Committee encourages public input on the budget process before they vote on a final plan January 27th. You may view the plan and additional information about the budget on our website: FY16 Proposed Budget <http://rwd1.needham.k12.ma.us/finance/Budget#FY16%20Budget> or you may check out a recent post in the Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/> . If you are unable to attend the Public Hearing, please share your ideas with the School Committee at schoolcommittee@needham.k12.ma.us Respectfully, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools