More changes in school system
Published on April 4th, 2007
STONEHAM, MA - The School Committee acknowledged acceptance of one administrator's resignation, while bidding farewell to one of its own.
Chairwoman Kristin Russo announced that Middle School Principal Christine McMenimen would finish up the current year and move on to a new position as a middle school principal in her hometown of Wilmington.
Congratulating McMenimen on her successful candidacy for the position, Russo wished the long time Stoneham employee her best, inferring that Wilmington's gain was Stoneham's loss.
"She has been a real asset to Stoneham."
Committee Vice chairwoman Maureen Soley then took over the gavel to announce the end of Russo's term on the School Committee.
Soley thanked Russo for her three years of service to the School Committee and particularly for being inclusive of everyone in town and for working as an advocate for all of Stoneham's children.
"She has really done everything she can to reach out to people," answering every e-mail and returning each phone call.
Russo decided against running for another term due to time constraints. She and her husband have three young children.
"As a superintendent, getting support and encouragement from the School Committee is critical," School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly told Russo. "You've always given us the encouragement to face the tough battles."
Before leaving, however, there were still budget issues to address and the committee dove in.
Last week, Selectman Paul Rotondi presented a plan for a $3 million tax override. That plan calls for the School Department to receive $24,389,000 for FY08, which demonstrates a 6 percent increase over the current year, which would cover escalating costs of maintaining service with some money earmarked for restoring some programs and staff lost over the past few years, with a 3.3 percent increase over the FY08 budget for the ensuing four years.
In response to that plan, and at the request of the Finance Board, the School Department came up with a five-year projected budget to outline its upcoming needs. Connelly said that Rotondi's plan was somewhat short of what the schools identified as needing to maintain existing services, restoring programs and giving employees cost of living pay raises, but the difference might possibly be made up with new revenue initiatives.
"It certainly appears better than what we've experienced in the past several years of cutting and cutting. As Paul described it, 'It would certainly stop the bleeding.'"
Connelly went on to say that the plan was a modest one "but it's not unfair in its allotment to the schools...We're hoping state aid will not remain level funded."
Rotondi's plan is contingent on the public's support of a $3 million tax increase.
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