WPS Budget Process: Important Dates and Info

WPS Budget Process: Important Dates and Info

On Tuesday, Wellesley Public Schools superintendent David Lussier presented what is known as the “gap list” - the approximately $3.3 million in cuts to the fiscal year 2015 proposed budget that will occur if Wellesley voters and Town Meeting do not approve a budget override this spring.

About 60 percent of the cuts, or $1.99 million, would be to existing staff and services. The remainder is for new initiatives such as additional staffing to support increased enrollment at the high school, needed math/literacy specialists at the elementary school, full day kindergarten and other elements of Dr. Lussier’s long-term strategic plan.

Parents who wish to share their opinions on the proposed school budget and override have several opportunities:

• School Committee Meeting, Tuesday February 11 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall: The School Committee will vote on whether to approve the "gap list” and send it forward in the budget process. There will be an opportunity to speak before and after the meeting. Can’t attend? You may email school_committee@wellesley.k12.ma.us.
• Advisory Committee Hearing, Wednesday February 12th at 7 p.m. in the Juliani Room, Town Hall: The Advisory Committee, which provides financial oversight and plays a critical role in the budget process, will provide a recommendation on each town department budget. There will be a Citizens Speak at 7 p.m. Parents also may provide feedback toadvisorycommittee@wellesleyma.gov.

Parents also may express their opinions to the Board of Selectmen (sel@wellelseyma.gov) Please note that letters sent to these email addresses become part of the public record.

Questions? Contact Becca Cahaly (rebeccatellalian.com), Mate Converse (mconverse@converse.net) or Eunice Groark (egroark@yahoo.com) Sprague School Committee 21 representatives. For more information, visit the Committee 21 website or read this week’s C21 newsletter here.