Budget approved
In a unanimous vote, the School Committee approved a $14 million total operating budget, including all sources of revenue and expense, for fiscal 2013. The request must still pass through the Finance Committee and Town Meeting.
The final budget request differs slightly from the most recent draft. Interim Superintendent Joe Connelly said that, because of two recent retirement announcements, the district now has an additional $42,000 to apportion. He asked to earmark $20,000 for the world languages program at Hildreth Elementary School and to keep the remaining $22,000 in the salary account in case it becomes necessary to add another fourth-grade section. The School Committee made his recommended changes.
School calendar set
The School Committee approved a calendar for the 2012-13 school year of 185 days, with classes starting on Wednesday, Aug. 29 and ending on Thursday, June 20. Five snow days are built in, so the end of school could come earlier if the snow days are not used.
School Committee member Piali De abstained from the vote. She said she objected to a professional development day scheduled before the first day of school, preferring to have one after school begins so the teachers can focus their full attention on it.
“Before school has started, all thoughts are on opening the door to students,” De said.
