School Budget Hearing Tonight

The Medfield School Committee will hold a public hearing will be held tonight (Monday, Jan. 27) on the proposed budget for next year's school department.

The proposed FY15 budget, which is posted on the school department website, includes a 3.98 percent increase that:

• Maintains current staff
• Includes "steps and lanes" and a cost of living increase
• Centralizes professional development spending
• Funds professional development priorities
• Expands both Preschool and Full-Day Kindergarten 
• Adds a Math position at Dale Street School
• Expands high school course offerings (1 World Language and 1 Science)
• Establishes a new Life Skills program at the high school
• Expands the co-teaching model at Blake Middle School
• Increases hours/days of technology staff, office staff, and Special Education staffing
• Includes projection for transportation increase
• Eliminates 1.0 full-time-equivalent Maintenance position
• Eliminates one section of Grade 2 

• High academic achievements for all students: Maintain and enhance current staff levels
• Excellence in teaching: Professional development priorities
• Technology for students and staff: Upgrade hardware and software
• Early childhood education: Expand full-day Kindergarten and Preschool offerings
• Increase revenue generation: Tuition, all fees to be reviewed (student, building use, etc.)