Post date: Mar 16, 2015 6:14:43 PM
Superintendent’s Update March 15, 2015
As scheduled, work on the project site for the new Lunenburg Middle/High School continues. Shawmut Design and Construction, Construction Manager for the project, would like to alert area residents of the use of temporary lighting on completed erected steel framing and decking. Use of temporary lighting is a mandatory OSHA requirement to ensure the safety of all personnel onsite. Building “A” slab installation is scheduled for Thursday, March 19 and will require extended hours for the Concrete subcontractor the day of the installation. We anticipate some trade contractors to be onsite as late as 11:00 p.m. to complete this work.
Teen Art Show
Don’t miss the wonderful art show Can't Live Without HeART which includes work from LHS art students. The exhibit is open through March 25 in the Wallace Community room at the Lunenburg Public Library. Go to http://www.lunenburglibrary.org/ for library hours of operation.
Diversity Advisory Committee
The School Committee is seeking individuals interested in serving on the Diversity Advisory Committee. As per a newly approved policy the Diversity Advisory Committee consists of at least one (1): parent, student, School Committee member , District Civil Rights Coordinator and an educator from each building. The District Civil Rights Coordinator will serves as coordinator of the Advisory. The responsibilities of the Advisory are: (1) To evaluate Civil Rights compliance annually utilizing the DESE program review standards. This advisory will ensure that all students, regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, limited English proficiency, sexual orientation, disability, or housing status, have equal access to all programs, including athletics and other extracurricular activities. It makes recommendations to the SC for such changes as are indicated by the evaluation; (2) To promote activities for students that promote social justice and provide opportunities for learning about different cultures and perspectives; and (3) To seek financial support for activities for students.
Parents, educators and other individuals interested in serving on the Diversity Advisory Committee are encouraged to submit their name and contact information to Liz Petersen via electronic mail at lpetersen@lunenburgonline.com or by phone at 978-582-4100 X 211.
PTO Membership Matters: Parent’s Night Out
You don’t want to miss this year’s Parent’s Night Out this coming Saturday, March 21st at 7 p.m. The event is a fun filled night with adult conversation, tasty hot and cold appetizers, cash bar and plenty of dancing to the fantastic band, Wheelhouse. A large silent auction will take place between Wheelhouse’s two sets. Tickets can be purchased for $25 per person on the PTO website www.lunenburgpto.org fundraiser page. Only 150 tickets are available. While you’re at the site remember your membership matters. It isn’t too late to join the PTO. All proceeds go to benefit the school district. Thank you for your support!!!
FY16 Budget Hearing is April 1, 2015 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall
A comprehensive document titled “Fiscal Year 2016 Superintendent’s Budget Report” is available on-line at http://www.lunenburgschools.net/school-committee-1/budget . Printed copies are available at any school office. The School Committee has scheduled a hearing on the budget for 7:00 p.m. on April 1, 2015 at Town Hall. The hearing will be televised. The proposed budget reflects the cost increases necessary for the continued operation of the district at level service and also includes additional personnel and instructional materials. The proposed budget recommends the addition of 21 positions and totals $18,273,840; an increase of $1,519,177 or 9.07%.
The funding request allows the District to maintain high-performing schools responsive to the individual needs of all its students. We acknowledge the current fiscal reality as well as our responsibility as educators to advocate for the needs of students. The requested budget is significantly more than the increase recommended in the Town’s Preliminary Budget Recommendations as presented by the Town Manager, February 19, 2015. The School Committee has charged the school administration to include in the April 1 Budget Hearing the impact of the lower level of funding.
The Finance Committee Chair at the conclusion of my presentation last week asked how the community could resolve the difference between the requested school budget and the recommended Town appropriation. The community’s budget process is designed to address this situation. If additional revenues are not identified and made available, the budget will need to be reduced. Available funds will be allocated to areas of highest priority and/or mandated requirements. We will make clear what stays and what is removed from the budget. An equally transparent process is utilized if additional funds are available. The final budget is set at Annual Town Meeting. I encourage everyone to attend or tune into the televised school budget hearing, ask questions, seek clarification and attend Annual Town Meeting on Saturday, May 2nd.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Calmes
Lunenburg Public Schools
1025 Mass. Ave.
Lunenburg, MA 01462
978-582-4100 X 210 (Office Phone)
978-582-4103 (Fax)
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