Post date: Dec 23, 2015 1:56:32 PM
The spirit of helping others has been particularly evident in our schools these past several weeks. Students and school personnel alike engaged in a variety of efforts to spread goodwill and cheer during this season of giving. I thank all the parents and guardians who supported them in their efforts. I extend my best wishes for a happy holiday and wonderful New Year to our students, their families, the faculty and staff. Tomorrow, Wednesday December 23rd is our final day of school before the winter break. Students, faculty and staff return to school on January 4, 2016.
School Year 2016-2017 School Calendar
Utilizing the guidelines recommended by last year’s Calendar Advisory Committee, two attached calendar options were presented to the School Committee at their last regular meeting. The most notable difference in the calendars is the length of the 2017 February Break. Calendar Option A includes a five day February Break while Option B includes an extra day for the Winter Break on December 23, a two day February Break, and a day off on March 17, 2017. The School Committee invites your feedback on these calendars. They will take a vote establishing the official calendar for 2016-2017 at their televised meeting on March 2, 2016. Please send feedback no later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 via electronic mail to lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com or via US postal service to the Lunenburg School Committee, 1025 Massachusetts Ave., Lunenburg, MA 01462.
2016-2017 School Calendar Option A for Feedback 12-12-2015.pdf
2016-2017 School Calendar Option B for Feedback 12-12-2015.pdf
FY17 Budget Hearing
The Lunenburg School Committee in compliance with M.G.L. and the Town of Lunenburg Charter advises parents/guardians and all citizens that a draft of the proposed FY17 Budget is available for review at the Office of the Superintendent, 1025 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg, MA, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Copies are also available at each school and at the district website (www.lunenburgschools.net ).
A public hearing of the budget will take place on Wednesday, January 6, 7:00 p.m., at Lunenburg Town Hall, 17 Main Street, Lunenburg, MA. The meeting will be televised. The Lunenburg School Committee will vote on the FY17 Recommended School Department Budget in the regular session of their January 20, 2016 meeting. The proposed budget requests $12,693,332 for salaries and $5,777,323 for non-personnel expenses. The total increase is approximately 5.46% above the FY16 budget. Additional teachers recommended include a classroom teacher for grade 3 and technology teacher. I have also recommended a school technology coordinator in the budget.
A number of public meetings on the budget will be held by the various Town boards and committees between now and Annual Town Meeting in May, 2016. On January 27, 2016, the Governor will release his recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2017 State Budget. The Governor releases his recommended budget in January. On February 5, 2016 the Lunenburg Town Manager’s recommended FY17 Budget is released. I will keep you updated regarding the budget as the process moves forward.
New & Revised Policy
The Committee invites public comment on Policy 3503.01 Security Cameras in Schools, revised Policy 1202 Facilities Use and Policy #3504 Emergency Plans. The policies can be found at http://www.lunenburgschools.net/school-committee-1/policy-under-review. Comments may be mailed to the Superintendent’s Office, 1025 Massachusetts Avenue, Lunenburg or submitted via electronic mail to lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com . Comments must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday January 5, 2016.
At the December 16, 2015 regular meeting the School Committee approved revisions to Policy #5713-Physical Restraint which was updated consistent with revisions to state law. This policy is available upon request from school offices and is also posted at our website.
Building Update
The building is 70% complete. The exterior work is focused on completing the installation of roof metal edges. Inside masonry work is complete and crews are washing and cleaning. Installation of the casework in the high school is almost complete. The casework for the middle school has been delivered and installation has begun. Wall tile is installed in both the high school and middle school wings. The wall tile installation is now underway in all central corridors. Framing and blocking is nearing completion in the gym and painting is underway. The auditorium duct work is complete, stage rigging is installed and light and sound boxes are on site. We anticipate that the scaffolding in place for the high work will be dismantled soon and auditorium acoustical clouds hung. The locker rooms have the first coat of paint. The maze of electric and data lines is being connected. Music, art, and technology classrooms are being framed, dry walled, taped and sanded. The project continues on time and on budget. We are very excited about the progress. Photos are available on our Facebook pages. Reconfiguration planning continues in all our schools.
Reminder
The arrival of winter will likely bring the more typical freezing temperatures, snow and ice conditions associated with the New England region. Notifications of school cancelations are posted on Boston news channels, local radio, district social media, and via School Messenger.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Loxi Jo Calmes
Lunenburg Public Schools
1025 Massachusetts Ave.
(978) 582-4100 x211
(978) 582-4103 fax