School Budget: Concern About Program Cuts and Class Size

Increasing class size and program cuts are a major concern of teachers, residents and parents, some of which who voiced these concerns at a school committee meeting on Feb. 13, as reported by the Community Advocate.

One woman, a mother of three in the school system, said that Shrewsbury public schools have "continued to be on a downward slope."

Superintendent of Schools Joe Sawyer last month presented his recommended school budget for FY2014 (which can be found here), which, at $54.28 million represents an 8.5 percent increase over FY2013. The budget includes the addition of 45.5 full-time equivalent positions, including 21.5 classroom teaching positions, four administrative positions, 6.4 special education professionals, 9.0 special education paraprofessionals, one technology support position and 3.6 part time receptionists.

While many addressed class size, other issues were addressed, and Sawyer reiterated the factors that shaped his proposals, said the Community Advocate.