At the February 25 School Committee Meeting there was discussion of the NEF Winter Grants, the NHS Student Performance Report, and an FY26 Budget Update.
Superintendent Comments
- Dr. Gutekanst recognized NHS Senior Vann Hotchkiss and his diving coaches. Vann became the MA State Champion in Diving for the 3rd year in a row!
Public Comments
- Several members of the public expressed their thoughts about the literacy curriculum and current pilot.
Discussion Items
Needham Education Foundation (NEF) Winter Grant Awards: Aubrey Goodman & Kristi Daly, Co-Chairs of the NEF Grant committee presented on the NEF Winter grant awards totaling $15,069. More information can be found on the NEF Website.
- 7th Grade Yoga Integration Experience – Pollard – $3,460 Small Grant, Grant Writer: Joshua Sanders, 7th Grade Social Studies teacher
- Playaways for Broadmeadow Library – Broadmeadow – $4,998 Small-Express Grant, Grant Writer: Jennifer Potter, Teacher Librarian
- Video Games as Literature Course – Needham High School – $6,611 Large Grant, Grant Writer: Chris Farnsworth, English Teacher
NEF noted that they received fewer grant requests this cycle so a lower total amount of grants were awarded than in previous years.
School Committee members expressed their thanks to the NEF for their work and support of NPS Programming.
Needham High School Student Performance Report: Principal Aaron Sicotte presented an update on NHS student achievements. This is a brief sampling of the many different types of academic and extracurricular achievements.
Test Scores
- More students are taking the SAT & ACT again after a dip during the pandemic. Scores are down in comparison to previous years, not unique to Needham, national trend attributed partly to pandemic. High in comparison to Massachusetts, Needham students are out performing state averages.
- More students are also taking AP courses (college level classes). AP test scores show 94.3% are getting 3,4 or 5. Performance is a reflection of the experience of Needham High School students and teachers.
Classroom Achievements
- 9th and 10th Grade Awards: Citizenship, Academic Excellence and “Locked In”
- French Exchange Program is back after pandemic
- Fine & Performing Arts students had great success in state competitions
- Student Artwork is featured in Art in Bloom Exhibit at the Needham Public Library
- Ambassadors – 200 students giving their time to ease the transition of incoming 9th graders. Level of commitment is remarkable.
Club Activities (a few highlights from last year)
- Speech & Debate – highly respected within the Speech and Debate community. 9 Academic All Americans, 3rd in National District Tournament, 17 students (more expected) qualified for National Tournament.
- Best Buddies – Needham, Wellesley and Dedham cross town to connect at the same level and have sense of community.
- Black Student Union – highlighted the group’s activities including Adonai Baptista, president of Needham High School’s Black Student Union, remarks during the Martin Luther King Day ceremony.
- SALSA (Students Advocating for Life Without Substance Abuse)– 80 students, volunteer many hours every month especially with the younger student population
FY26 Budget Update: Dr Gutekanst presented a brief update on the FY26 school operating budget.
- Outcome of retirement incentive ($25,000 incentive, plus sick time buy back of up to $8,000) 17 teachers will retire.
- Careful selection of new hires and will be at a different level in the pay scale.
- Will be able to continue with the current budget plan and bring to Town Meeting.
Action Items
- Approval of NEF Winter Grant Awards – Unanimously approved
- Approval of fees for FY26 revolving funds for various programs including Needham Community Education, Nutrition Services, Preschool, Athletics, and Transportation. – personal conflict of interest stated by Alisa Skatrud, Andrea Longo Carter, Matt Spengler and Michael O’Brien. Chair called for a Vote of Necessity as there is no other governing body who can approve these fees and Roll Call vote was held. – Unanimously Approved
School Committee Comments
- Diversity movie series, What’s Normal Anyway?, next film on March 3, registration available via NCE
- Needham High School’s Winter Musical Mamma Mia March 7th, 8th & 9th tickets available here
- Needham Community Council Antiques & Collectibles Sale March 6th, 7th & 8th more information here
- Week of March 10th NEF Trivia Bee and March 14th Needham Exchange Club Trivia Night supporting youth programs
- School Committee open house Saturday March 1st 9:00 a.m. Emery Grover Administration Building
The Next School Committee Meeting will be March 4, 2025 at 6:30pm.