School Committee Newsletter
February 26, 2025
Budget Planning for the 2025/2026 School Year Continues
The School Committee has met with the Superintendent and Administration several times on the proposed 2025/2026 budget. One significant challenge we are facing is a 20% increase in health insurance rates compared to last year. This has a considerable impact on our budget, and we are working to balance the educational needs of our students with the increased costs, and the impact it has on taxpayers. We are also thinking long-range to balance the impact of potential overrides.
Our next meeting and public budget hearing is on February 27th. Several of you have provided feedback, which we have been discussing as a committee. Please continue to share your thoughts with us. The School Committee, Superintendent, and Administration will review the budget with the Finance Committee on March 11th and 12th, before finalizing the budget at the end of March and then presenting it to voters at the Annual Town Meeting in May. You can view the current draft of the budget online here.
Ipswich Elementary School Building Update
In December, we shared that our district’s application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) was accepted. The benefit of partnering with the MSBA is they provide significant support and funding assistance for the construction of a new school building. In July, we will enter the Eligibility phase, the first step in our multi-year journey in partnership with the MSBA. To provide more details to residents, the School Committee will be meeting at the end of February to prepare FAQs and other informative materials. Stay tuned for more information.
Our Commitment to All Students
Ipswich Public Schools’ remains committed to providing equal access to education to all students, regardless of immigration status. This has always been, and continues to be, the district’s policy. The School Committee, along with Superintendent Dr. Blake, have been following the most recent guidance from our state agencies, and have confirmed the proper policies are in place. You can visit the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website to learn more.
Activities and Accomplishments
The School Committee congratulates Principal Adam Mullen-Whitehouse for being named Principal of the Paul F. Doyon Memorial School.
The School Committee reviewed and approved updates to 19 district policies. The District Policy Manual can be reviewed on our district website.
The High School Student Representative to the School Committee (and Environmental Club member) presented a proposal for the club to develop and maintain a Rain Garden, which would be located just outside of the Performing Arts Center; the Rain Garden project was unanimously approved by the School Committee.
The Water Department shared photos from their January Tri-Board presentation on “Voices on Water,” which feature students from our district.
The School Committee voted to open School Choice in the district for the 2025-2026 school year.
Upcoming District Events
Thursday, February 27th - School Committee Meeting and Budget Public Hearing. 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online.
Thursday, March 6th - School Committee Meeting. 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online.
Tuesday, March 11th - School Committee and Finance Committee meeting. 7pm in Town Hall Meeting Room A and online.
Wednesday, March 12th - School Committee and Finance Committee meeting. 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online.
- Thursday, March 20th - School Committee Meeting. 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online.