Greetings PSB Community,

 

I write to inform you of the budget vote passed by the school committee and its implications for our school district. The school committee approved an FY25 Operating Budget of $136,638,226 that focuses on the following priorities: our strategic plan, high-quality teaching and learning, a foundation of equity, adequate time on learning and enhancing literacy for all. The FY25 budget affirms these commitments as well as engenders some additions: new K-8 ELA curriculum-launching K-2 next year, maintaining class sizes within guidelines, teaching positions added to BHS, staffing addition to athletics department, expanding BEEP to full day and piloting a new middle school Winthrop house at Driscoll.

 

In each budget prepared by the district, there are competing needs and a finite amount of resources to meet those needs. Given that our initial proposal exceeded the Town allocation, the administration was charged with bringing forth options to consider for reductions. Great thought was put into the deliberation that resulted in the prioritization of reductions to consider. After thorough consideration of our financial situation and the challenging economic climate, the adopted budget necessitated staff reductions which includes K-5 World Language, literacy coaches and positions within the Office of Teaching and Learning.

 

We understand that this news is concerning, disconcerting and represents a loss to our PSB identity; we are taking every possible step to mitigate the impact on our students, staff and school communities while maintaining the integrity of our educational programs.

 

As we move forward, we ask for your understanding, patience, and support during this challenging time. We are all in this together, and it is through our collective efforts and resilience that we will overcome these obstacles and continue to provide the high-quality education that our students deserve.

 

We will keep you informed and updated. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the success of our students.

 

Sincerely,

Linus J. Guillory Jr., PhD

Superintendent of Schools