Ipswich School Committee Newsletter

Town Meeting voters overwhelmingly voted to approve both School Budget articles. The first article, approving the budget of $39,000,000 for the 2024/2025 school year, passed with strong support. The second article returned $950,000 in unspent money to the Education Stabilization Fund thanks to the district’s prudent fiscal management. This money will be earmarked for use in future years. The Education Stabilization Fund serves to manage override funds across multiple years. The complete budget is available on the district website.

In 1660, William Paine created a trust to benefit the Ipswich schools. The trust, which is now managed by “The New Feoffees,” serves to supplement education through enrichment and enhancement programs. We are pleased to announce the allocation for the 2024-2025 school year will be $1,036,726, of which $777,544 will be allocated for William Paine Enhancement Grant awards, and $ 259,181 for Edmond Traverso-Robert Weatherall Innovation Grant awards. The Paine Grant Committee is currently reviewing applications for this grant cycle, and we look forward to hearing a presentation of their recommendations for grant awards in June.

The School Committee continues to negotiate with three bargaining units – the Ipswich Educators Association, Education Support Professionals (ESPs) and Paraeducators Association. The current contracts expire at the end of this school year. At the most recent negotiation session on May 13th, the School Committee heard the unions’ financial presentation which requested the School Committee propose a salary increase. The School Committee will make a financial and compensation proposal to each unit at the next scheduled negotiation session on May 30th. The School Committee’s proposal will encompass salary increases, adjustments in paid time off, including family leave, and health insurance costs.

Presently, two additional negotiation sessions have been scheduled before the end of the school year.

In April, the School Committee authorized Superintendent Dr. Blake to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for each elementary school, seeking funding assistance for a future school building project. We eagerly await a decision regarding acceptance into the competitive program, expected this coming December. To learn more about the condition of our elementary school buildings, the SOI documents can be viewed on the district website.

The School Committee congratulates Kate Eliot on her reelection, and extends a warm welcome to our newest member, Haley Rist.

Earlier this month, Kate Eliot was reelected for her second term, reflecting the community's continued trust in her dedication and leadership. We are equally excited to have Haley Rist join us for her first term, bringing fresh perspectives and new energy to our team. Together, we look forward to advancing our mission and making a positive impact on our schools.

• Following recommendations from Dr. Blake and the Search Committee, The School Committee unanimously voted to hire Eric Oxford as the Pupil Personnel Services Director.
  
• The School Committee voted to approve 19 updated policies.
  
• We thank our teachers, recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week, which was May 6 through May 10.
  

• Sunday, June 2nd - Ipswich High School Graduation - 10am at the High School (rain or shine)
• Thursday, June 6th - School Committee Meeting - 6pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online
• Tuesday, June 11th (rain date Wednesday, June 12th)- Crane Beach Picnic (Grades K - 8)
• Thursday, June 13th - Last Day of School for Students (Grades K - 11)
• Thursday, June 20th - School Committee Meeting - 7pm in the Middle/High School Ensemble Room and online

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