At the January 21 School Committee Meeting there was an Athletic Department Update, discussion of the MS/HS Program of Studies and continued discussion of the FY26 School Operating Budget.
Public Comments
- A junior at the high school spoke about accessibility concerns at NHS including broken ADA push buttons at entrances.
- Several parents spoke about concerns about elementary literacy and the ongoing literacy pilot.
Superintendent Comments
- Thank you to Needham Diversity Initiative for organizing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Athletic Department Update
NHS Athletic Director Ryan Madden gave his annual Athletic Update along with NHS students Molly Perlman & Lucas Lear. They showed a video of highlights of the athletic program so far this year.
- Many students received awards and are continuing with athletics in college
- They would like to highlight these accomplishments as well as acknowledge the many supporters of Needham Athletics.
- Student leadership team has many plans for the upcoming year including “Launch Pad” interviews of coaches, discussion of mental health topics, and an official appreciation week. Planning an additional Middle school Olympic-based field day on a half day to provide a fun activity for middle school students as well as community service opportunities for NHS athletes.
- There had been a budget request of an additional $50,000 for athletics which will not be able to be funded this year. Increased price points for officials and transportation have created issues. Trying to solve some of these issues by having alumni or coaches officiate games, creating a curriculum to train students as new refs next year, as well as reshuffling stipends to cover programs. They would like to keep as many students as possible participating in after-school activities without increasing athletic fees.
- Thank you to the Boosters Club of parent volunteers who raised and donated money to the athletic program for uniforms, equipment, gear for coaching staff, filming games, choreography and other enhancements to the athletic program.
School Committee expressed appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere of Needham athletics.
2025-2026 Middle & High School Program of Studies
Pollard Principal Tamatha Bibbo and NHS Principal Aaron Sicotte gave their annual Program of Studies Report.
Middle School
- programs were developed, some changes/clarifications, and a statement of purpose around commitment to equity. Clarified/removed regulations around COVID information
- Mathematics: added in a statement of purpose; clarified vision according to state standards
- Wellness program: information around sex ed unit grade 6 & 8
- Performing Arts: updated information on requirements and expectations for performances/competitions.
High School
- Some new courses planned for 2025-26 and others are being removed due to low student interest or content now covered in other courses.
- Pausing the 10IP program due to lack of student interest. Will continue to focus on 9IP and consider bringing 10IP program back in the future.
- Latin program has had declining enrollment over the last 10 years and will no longer be offered at the beginner level. Students currently enrolled in Latin will be able to complete their language pathway, but it will no longer offer Latin in the future.
- ASL will be offered as a new world language at NHS as there is significant interest in the ASL program in middle school.
- Changes need to be made after the Statewide Vote that eliminated MCAS as a graduation requirement.
- Students are still required to take MCAS, but Competency Determination now established locally by coursework. Typically 9th/10th grade ELA/Math, 9th grade Biology.
- Each district is required to explain how they will determine competency. Proposed language for NHS compliance:
- In Needham, students will still be expected to take MCAS tests. The data is very useful for the district to evaluate learning. It is also good for students to learn to sit for standardized tests in preparation for their future as the vast majority of Needham students go on to college where these types of tests are required.
- Typically only a handful of students do not pass a section of the MCAS each year and they usually pass on a second attempt. However, in the future, rather than needing to retake the MCAS test, competency may be determined by portfolio & performance based evaluations.
School Committee engaged in robust discussion about the proposed program of studies changes.
FY26 School Budget Discussion
Dr Gutekanst presented an update on the FY26 School Budget proposal.
- Proposed budget reductions are ongoing after the Town Manager’s updated revenue forecasts.
- Every line item in the budget is being reviewed.
- Exploring a teacher retirement incentive for a minimum of 15 teachers (possibly up to 20 teachers). Spending money in this fiscal year to save money on salaries for next year.
- Final presentation of the proposed FY26 Budget for a SC vote will be Jan 27th
The next School Committee Meeting will be January 27, 2025.