Weston School Committee weighs literacy overhaul and 3.31 percent budget increase

WESTON — February 12, 2024 — Weston School Committee weighs literacy overhaul and a 3.31 percent budget increase. Superintendent Dr. Karen Zaleski presented a revised $47.55 million FY25 budget that moves 11 previously ESSER-funded positions, including five permanent substitutes and elementary interventionists, into the operating budget. Zaleski eliminated three instructional coach positions but is asking the committee to preserve $246,000 in an "elementary leadership TBD" bucket while she works with teachers to define a replacement model. Member Maya Bhat introduced a draft resolution to phase out the Lucy Calkins Units of Study curriculum, requiring a transition plan by June 2024 and implementation by September 2025. Assistant Superintendent Kimo Carter cautioned the district "can't get wrong" the curriculum choice, rejecting the consultant's recommendation to wait for the publisher's revised version sight unseen. Member Lisa Reilly pushed back on a high school permanent substitute: "Prior to COVID, there were no subs at the high school. Zero dollar sub budget."