Committee Reviews Proposed 5.4 Percent School Budget

The School Committee is currently reviewing a proposed 5.4 percent increase in the budget for the 2015-16 school year (FY16), and encourages interested residents in attending a budget hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m. at Broadmeadow.

The budget, according to an email update from Superintendent of Schools Dan Gutekanst, addresses a significant increase in PreK to grade 12 special education costs and growing enrollment at the secondary level. Positions would be added at High Rock, Pollard and the High School.

“The School Committee is working closely with the school administration, Finance Committee, and Town Manager’s office to ensure resources are available to provide a quality educational program for each Needham student,” he wrote. “However, 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.”