CNS News | May 2024

The 2024 Annual and Special Town Meetings concluded on May 13 and funding for Needham Public Schools continues to be a priority for the town. A number of school-related articles were approved.

As we do each spring, CNS is looking to bring on new board members for next year. If you are interested in helping keep the community informed about school-related issues, please visit our website and submit an application by June 7.

Joanie Daly, Co-Chair

Abigail Hays, Co-Chair

Elizabeth Bresnahan

Amy Chan

April Crawford

Karen Hodys

Keith LaFace

Frederica Lalonde

Jennifer Schaffstein

Kara Williams

Annual and Special Town Meetings

The 2024 Annual and Special Town Meeting concluded on Monday, May 13. Among the over 50 articles voted on and approved by Town Meeting were several that impact Needham schools and students:

• FY '25 Operating Budget
• Town and School Information Technology Consolidation
• Pollard Middle School Feasability Study/MSBA
• Auditorium Upgrades and Improvements

Other articles that may be of particular interest to children and families concerned recreation options in Needham and contained appropriations for:

• DeFazio Complex Fencing
• Athletic Facility Improvements - Claxton Field

A summary of the approved articles can be found on our website, along with links to more detailed information.

School Committee Updates

In the most recent town election, incumbents Liz Lee and Michael O'Brien were reelected to their seats.

Liz Lee took over as School Committee Chair in April, and Michael O'Brien is the new Vice Chair.

Has CNS been a useful resource for you during the past year? You can help us keep families informed by joining the CNS Board!

Being a CNS board member allows you to make a big impact without a large time commitment. We are seeking new board members who are civically engaged with an interest in issues related to education and the Needham Public Schools.

CNS board members serve a three-year term and responsibilities include attending 4-5 CNS board meetings, watching and writing summaries of 2-3 School Committee meetings, and engaging with and providing school-related information to the community on an ongoing basis via social media, school meetings, and your personal network.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit the CNS website and fill out an application by June 7.

2024-2025 Needham Public Schools Calendar

As we look ahead to the next school year, we encourage our readers to make note of the Wednesday, August 28 start date for the 2024-25 school year and to peruse other important dates on the school calendar.