[Superintendent's Update] Superintendent's Update

[Needham Public Schools Superintendent's Update]

Dear Needham Public Schools Families:

Allow me to share a few updates as we begin winter break:

*•  Equity Audit Presentation  *The District's equity consultant, Ms.
Christine Robinson, presented her initial findings about equity and
inclusion in the Needham Public Schools to the School Committee this past
week.  I urge parents and community members to read my blog post to learn
more:  Superintendent's Blog <http://npssuperintendent.blogspot.com/>
Additional information and next steps will be shared in the New Year.

*•  District Website  *Thanks to the efforts of our technology staff,
school/department secretaries, and administrators we successfully launched
our new website on December 1st. Please check it out if you have not
already done so:  http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/  I hope you will find
timely, accessible, and useful information on the website; please share
your feedback!   I also want to acknowledge the efforts of NHS graphic arts
teacher Robyn Briggs who worked with the following students to help with
the design, especially the creation of our our new logo:  Charlie Bateman,
Eric Zhu, Sam Bello, Evan Anderson & Tyler Smith.  Congratulations to all!

•  *2018-19 (FY19) School Budget & Hearing*  The School Committee is
currently reviewing a proposed 4.6% increase in the budget for the 2018-19
school year (FY19).  The budget plan maintains services in the schools and
provides the resources required to address enrollment growth and special
education needs.  The School Committee encourages you to attend the upcoming
 Budget Hearing scheduled at 7:00 p.m. for Tuesday, January 16th at
Broadmeadow.  To learn more about the plan and voice your ideas, questions,
concerns, and comments.  You may view the presentation I shared with the
School Committee recently by clicking this link: FY19 Budget Presentation
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=4472344>
. You can also review detailed budget information available on the school
department's website:  FY19 Budget Documents
<http://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/administrative/business_office/budgets_and_financial_documents>
.

Finally, for those of you celebrating the holiday, Merry Christmas!  And
for those of you who are just celebrating, well... have fun!  My wife Karen
and I will enjoy Christmas at home with our daughters, and I am looking
forward to a little down time with a good book.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments:
 781.455.0400, x203 or dan_gutekanst at needham.k12.ma.us

Thanks for your generous and ongoing support of the Needham Public
Schools.  Thank you, especially, for sharing your children with us each
day.  They are amazing, talented, and spirited young people!  I hope you
understand that I am honored and humbled to serve as your superintendent.

Respectfully,

Dan Gutekanst
Superintendent
Needham Public Schools
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