[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Upate

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Parents and Guardians:

A few updates to conclude the week.

•  The School Committee continues to work closely with the Finance
Committee and Selectmen to ensure we have the resources we need to run a
high quality program for students in the 2008-09 school year.  The School
Committee adopted a 4.5% increase, or $1.8 million, for the new school
year.  While this is a significant amount, the reality is that most of
this represents increased costs in contracts and special education
programs.  And even with this new revenue we will need to reduce our
overall staffing by a few staff and ask some administrators to assume
additional responsibilities.  My sense is, however, that we will still be
in very good shape and will provide excellent services to Needham's young
people.  In anticipation of another extremely tight budget the following
year,  the School Committee has begun to discuss a request for additional
funds from the taxpayers.  This request will likely include the funds
needed to open High Rock as well as other important needs to prevent
further program erosion and to support new programs for Needham students. 
I urge parents and community members to stay informed about the budget
process as it moves forward into the spring and the next school year.

•  On a related note, the school department has sent out a letter to the
parents of students who receive free transportation to and from school. 
State law requires free transportation for students in grades K-6 who live
2.0 miles or more from their school.  However, Needham has traditionally
offered free transportation for all students grades K-6 who live 1.5 miles
or more from their schools.  It is my recommendation that the School
Committee next year charge those families the transportation fee of $375
to help offset the costs of our transportation program.  In an effort to
better plan the number of buses required, we are requesting that those
families receiving a letter respond to the survey included and send this
information back to your child's school.  Please refer to the district's
website for further information about our [
http://district.needham.k12.ma.us/ss_transportation.htm ]School
Transportation Program

•  The Needham Public Schools staff has been busy producing four cable
televisions shows highlighting the Needham Schools.  Three of the
programs, entitled Needham Schools Spotlight, are focused on the
district's recently approved goals:  

Goal One:  Advance Standards Based Learning (featuring Broadmeadow's
Stephanie Hamel, Pollard's Steve Guerriero, and Needham High's Dan Hudder);

Goal Two:  Develop the Social and Emotional Skills of All Students (Tom
Denton, Guidance Director, Broadmeadow's Angie Morrison, and Pollard
Principal Glenn Brand);

Goal Three:  Promote Active Citizenship (Tom Denton, Needham High
Principal Paul Richards, and students Matt Barnes and Dan Antoszyk).  

The fourth program,  featuring six of our high school METCO students
(Ronald Sisco, Guillermo Caballero, Vanisa Jenkins, Diego Huezo-Rosales,
Chanise Parks, Terniece Lee) reflecting on their experiences in the
Needham schools, is a thoughtful and candid conversation about the
successes, challenges, aspirations and even fears of our Boston students. 
 The programs have been or will soon be broadcast on [  
http://www.greisnet.com/tnc.nsf/Page%203!OpenPage ]The Needham Channel . 
Please tune in!

•  All of us were horrified this morning to learn about the shootings at
Northern Illinois University.  This terrible crime is another tragic
reminder that while we can't guarantee student and school safety, we must
be vigilant in our efforts to anticipate, plan for, and respond to school
emergencies.  The principals, staff, central office administrators, and
town emergency officials will continue the planning and collaboration we
believe is critical to ensure each child is safe to, during, and from
school.  I am impressed with the proactive way in which the Needham Public
Schools and the Town of Needham work together to ensure safe, healthy, and
secure schools for our children.  If you have a suggestion, comment, or
idea about your child's school and safety, I encourage you to contact the
principal.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims
of this senseless tragedy.

Finally, I continue to enjoy my visits to the schools and classrooms.  The
teaching and learning I observe, along with the recent efforts of all the
students and staff who made the high school musical, How to Succeed in
Business Without Really Trying, a success, and the young scientists at
Pollard who competed in this week's Science Fair reflect the district's
core values of Scholarship, Citizenship, Community, and Personal Growth. 
A talented staff appreciates your ongoing partnership and support!

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me:  781.455.0400, x 203 or
dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

Enjoy the February break with family and friends.

Dan Gutekanst, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

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