Greetings,

The School Committee will finish interviewing the last candidate for Superintendent on Tuesday at 7pm. They will then make a decision to visit two candidate's districts before their final debate and selection of a new Superintendent for Needham.

Now, on to the budget...

Budget gap of $4 million could result in a reduction of 50 teachers—
These reductions will cut the heart out of our school system

The FY07 school budget—which funds the next school year—has a shortfall of $4 million. In order to balance the budget about 40-50 teaching positions, as well as other personnel, services, and equipment needs, will likely have to be eliminated. Such drastic reductions will impact programs, class size, and services at every school.

To put it in perspective, these reductions are the most drastic cuts ever.

What is on the chopping block?? People and programs that make the Needham Public Schools a high quality school system.

To find out what programs are being considered for elimination or reduction, and to let your views be heard, attend the School Committee Budget Hearing on Tuesday, January 17 at 8:30 pm in the Broadmeadow School Performance Center. The number of people attending this Hearing will speak volumes about how much Needham citizens support their schools! The School Committee will make final decisions on the budget one week later, on January 24, so attending the Budget Hearing on January 17 is crucial.