New Discussion Thread - Schools
Neil Rossen
http://www.mysouthborough.com/2010/01/19/is-closing-neary-the-answer-to-the-schools-budget-crunch/comment-page-1/#comment-12674
and comment as they see fit.
I suspect this will be the central issue at Town Meeting.
Meanwhile, I am doing my best to combat spam and inappropriate
postings.
Rueger family
Dear Southborough Parents,
We would like you to invite you to an informational FY 2011 K-8 school budget discussion with Superintendent Dr. Gobron and members of the School Committee on
Tuesday, February 2nd at the Woodward School.
Morning session at 9:30am
and
Evening session at 7:00pm
both sessions will be held in the Cafeteria at Woodward.
We feel that it is necessary to keep parents informed and educated about the budget approval process before voting in April at our Town Meeting. By attending this meeting this is your chance to become more informed and to make educated choices about what you consider important to our schools. Superintendent Dr. Gobron will share the same presentation he has given to the School Committee as well as to our Selectman. School Committee members will be there on Tuesday to answer your questions and address your concerns.
There are many more details about the K-8 school budget and by attending one of the meetings next week, you will be able to gain a more fact-based understanding of the implications this proposed budget means for our children.
* Administration has asked School Committee to consider a 3.63% increase
over FY 2010 school budget. (FY2011 proposed budget is $16,769,000)
* At this time, even with the approval of this increase, reduction in current staff levels will happen. This means six classroom teachers, one custodian, one tutor, and 1.55 specialists.
* Our Southborough Selectman of have asked all town departments to submit, at the very least a 0% increase budget.
* If the Administration were to propose a budget with no increase that could translate to an additional 9-10 teachers being eliminated. Either of these scenarios will effect every grade from K-8.
* Residents need to be present at Town Meeting in order to vote on the approved budget from School Committee. Attendees at TM have the authority to cut any town budget even more,
but they do NOT have the authority to increase any budget.
It has always been a challenge to keep informed on budget discussions here in Southborough. We are suggesting during the next few months keep informed on what is happening town-wide....not just in the schools. We recommend reading local newspapers (Metrowest, The Villager) and also reading the blog about local events by local resident, Susan at www.mysouthborough.com. We have found this site up-to-date, informative, and has numerous posts about current events and meetings. Also, the local public access education channels (Verizon #36 & Charter #13) have started to broadcast the recorded School Committee meetings. The times are as follows: Sun 1pm; Mon 6pm; Tues 11am; Weds 8pm; Thurs 2pm; Fri 10am; Sat 3pm. At this time, School Committee is working on acquiring an email address so you may send your questions and comments to them directly.
Also, please mark your calendars with the following dates:
February 10 School Committee meeting @ Trottier Middle School Library @ 6:30pm
March 10 School Committee meeting @ Trottier Middle School Library @ 6:30pm (Public Hearing)
April 12 Town Meeting (usually will run at least two evenings, please plan accordingly)
Undoubtedly there will be additional meetings with the town Selectman and Advisory Committee. Use the above mentioned resources as well as the town website Southboroughtown.com. to stay aware.
We realize that fitting ‘one more thing in’ is never easy in any of our schedules but it is very important that you know all the facts about our K-8 school budget so you can make an informed decision. An actively involved parent can make a difference to our educational system. We hope to see you next Tuesday at Woodward.
Sincerely,
Eileen Cozzolino