Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 17, 2025 PUBLIC SCHOOLS | FROM PAGE 1 proposed budget increase and involved expenses charged previously to Emergency Assistance Grants. These expenses involve curriculum materials in each of the three school buildings, districtwide professional development and two full-time equivalent English Language Learner (ELL) teachers. • Tier 3 expenses accounted for $592,806 of the increase. This money involved reserves for all bargaining units negotiations and non-unit Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. • Hashem described Tier 4 as “the highest priority for additional staff.” He earmarked $209,162 for a full-time equivDON’T CUT THE CURRICULUM: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Michael C. Hashem urged the School Committee members not to “abandon” the School Department curriculum as a way to balance the budget. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net alent certified occupational therapist assistant, a full-time equivalent High School math teacher, a full-time equivalent High School Social Studies teacher and part-time school psychologist. “Our district has gone through a series of challenging transitions over the last five years, and I am working with the School Committee, leadership, and all the stakeholders to attempt to get the district in a more stable place,” Hashem said in his budget message. THE POWERPOINT HIGHLIGHTS: In his presentation, Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Michael C. Hashem broke down the major components of a $2.5 million increase in his proposed school spending plan into four categories. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “I believe we have taken steps in moving our district forward. The budget was developed with the district’s need for stability in mind. It is also directly related to our District Improvement Plan and the recently adopted five-year Strategic Plan,” Hashem said. “As is the case with all school systems, our students and their needs are the main priority. This includes providing a safe and welcoming learning environment, support for our staff to provide instruction using high quality resources, and working to communicate with all stakeholders to provide transparency and accountability.” Hashem cited three areas of district focus: • Develop a work culture and environment to ensure Saugus is a district where educators are valued, appreciated and motivated. The budget tie in: maintaining professional development funding that was charged previously to ESSER and maintaining the teaching staff. • Offer students in all grades access to opportunities that match their talents and interests. The budget tie in: offering instruction in key areas that provide students with the skills to be successful in college and careers, providing funding support for athletics and extracurricular programing and continuing to support the new Enrichment Program (which involves funds unrelated to the School Department’s operating budget). • Provide all students with standards-aligned and consistently outstanding instruction in supportive learning environments. Budget tie in: maintain curriculum materials funding previously charged to ESSER and continue to fund staffing to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education. Hashem told School Committee members that he intends to be “fiscally responsible” while at the same time providing students “with a reason to go to school.” “Don’t let the curriculum get abandoned, because we do PUBLIC SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 8
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