May 1, 2008

Dear Nixon Families,

It’s hard to believe that we have only 7 or so weeks of school remaining this year!  You will soon be learning of our many end-of-the-year activities.

Class Sizes Next Year

As a result of the additional state funding received, Nixon is currently slated to have five fourth grade classrooms next year, bringing class sizes down from 25.  However, we have had twenty children enroll as new students in first grade, significantly more than anticipated, bringing our class sizes in grade 1 next year to 23 or 24.  I will continue to keep you apprised of this situation.  Other class sizes remain about the same as when I last informed you.

“Late” Sign

Following the lead of other schools in Sudbury, we have begun posting a sign in the drop off area in the morning once school has begun.  This sign serves two purposes.   First, it reminds you to walk your child in once the duty person is no longer present.  We strongly believe that students should not be disembarking in this busy area without supervision.  Second, it serves as a reminder that students are expected to be in class, seated, and ready to learn at 8:55.  Teachers report that when students “dribble” in, the entire class momentum can be slowed and students coming in late are not properly oriented and ready for the day.  We hope you will work with us in using this sign to help us achieve our goals of safety and timeliness for all students. 

Budget Update

I want to update you regarding the impact of the budget on programming and staffing in Sudbury per recent communication from Dr. Brackett (his words in italics).   The non-override budget is $27,024,955 is just $13,000 more than this year’s budget.  As you are aware, this has required cuts and reductions to staff, programs, and services.  It h as also caused the School Committee to increase fees to offset the costs of transportation, sports, and activities in order to free resources for other aspects of our academic program.

Below is a detailed list of the final budget-balancing plan.  A number of staff cuts will be achieved through attrition, that is, staff who resign, retire, or request an extended leave.  In addition to the cuts, there are several staff members who, because of enrollment, seniority, or licensing issues, will be teaching in different grades or schools next year.  

A total of 22.05 FTE (full time equivalent) staff will be reduced.  This includes 13 full or partial teacher lay-offs and 18 full or partial assistant, secretarial and maintenance staff lay-offs.  (NOTE:  At Nixon I have had the difficult task of laying off three staff members, reducing the hours of another, and informing three assistants and one staff member that they will be moving to other schools.)  It is our practice not to release the names of staff who resign or are laid off.  (I ask that you to please respect the dignity of those in this situation for whether and how they choose to tell the community of their situations.  I will announce the names of next year’s staff and their assignments at the end of the school year.  Decisions about specific assignments of staff for next year as still being made.)

If you have questions about the plan, please feel free to talk with me or call Dr. Brackett at 978-839-3211.  We urge you to read the School Committee and Superintendent’s newsletters now posted on the district website. 

 

Salaries/Positions FTE (full time equivalents)

 

4.50 Elementary Classroom Teachers                                          $197,100

1.50 Elementary Specialists (art, music, PE, etc.)                       $ 65,700

6.65 All Kindergarten Assistants eliminated                                 $156,528

4.50 All 1st Grade Literacy Assistants eliminated                        $105,908

-1.60 ADD .5 General Ed. Assistant (to offset above)   -$37,661

2.00 6th Grade Core Teachers                                                        $87,600

1.50 Middle School Unified Arts Teachers                                    $65,700

0.50 Middle School Secretarial Staff                                               $15,000

1.00 Wellness and Social Studies Curriculum                             $43,800

        Specialists reduced

0.50 Central Office Support Staff reduced                                    $18,334

1.00 Maintenance position eliminated                               $65,000

       Professional Development/Curriculum                                  $30,000

      Development Salaries Reduced

 

Total Salaries                                                                                        $783,008

 

Expenses

 

Professional/Curriculum Development Services Reduced        $25,000

Memberships in State, Regional, Professional Associations     $13,800

District-wide supplies, equipment, postage reduced                   $33,641            

District-wide technology (new and replacement) reduced        $44,647

Number of bus stops/busses reduced                                               $41,000

Middle School Late busses eliminated                               $21,752

 

Total Expenses                                                                                    $179,840

 

Total Reductions                                                                                 $962,848

 

Fee Increases

 

Transportation*

              Individual Bus Pass       Current $225                   08-09     $350

              Family Bus Pass           Current $350                   08-09  $635

 

Sports   

              First Sport                       Current $125                   08-09 $195

              Subsequent Sports         Current $75                     08-09 $95

 

Activities/Music (e.g. Math Club)

              Per Activity                      Current $30                     08-09 $50

 

(*NOTE:  The School Committee has decided that rather than eliminate non-mandated bus routes—those under 2 miles and for 7th and 8th graders—we will offer this service but charge the amount necessary to cover the cost of the program.)

 

Around the School

I love having the opportunity to cruise around the school to see what is going on.  Today I saw fifth graders making scenery for their upcoming play in art class as well as engaging in discussions about their novels and finding surface areas and volumes of three dimensional objects.  Fourth graders learned about the Sudbury reading program in library (6 books expected each summer, books over 301 pages count as 2 books!).  Third graders read a poignant excerpt from “Eleven” and used it to inspire their own writing.  Second graders used money to count the days of school that have gone by and greeted one another using one of the many Open Circle games, “One, two, three…”  First graders compared the weather each day and number of teeth lost each month using bar graphs, and Kindergarteners played literacy games, making words with similar endings.  Your children are eager learners, always willing to share and explain what they are learning.

I look forward to seeing many of you Friday at Bingo Night and next week at our evening concert.

On a personal note, my daughter Megan, gave birth to a son, Gabrielle,  on April 17, three weeks early.  He is a tiny little one, but a joy, and reminds me again of how precious each child is, and how blessed we are to work with them every day! 

Sincerely,

 

Joni Jay