Weston teachers union opposes new elementary administrators, defends instructional coaches at FY25 budget hearing

WESTON -- February 5, 2024, Weston teachers union pushes back on FY25 budget swap of coaches for elementary administrators. Weston Teachers Association President Patty told the School Committee on Monday that Superintendent Dr. Zaleski's proposed FY25 budget, which adds a full-time vice principal at Field School and half-time vice principals at Woodland and Country while eliminating instructional coaches and some library teachers, misplaces priorities, saying allocations "should prioritize the needs of our students and support our educators." Parent and district reading interventionist Kate Whitworth defended coaches, telling members "our test scores are good in Weston" because of them. Parent Juanzhen Liu and senior Salman Taffi pressed for a paid robotics coach, citing 67 student participants and a fourth straight worlds qualification under volunteer Kerry Gumbert. Staff also briefed members on 11 equity-audit recommendations to be folded into the March strategic plan, and the committee accepted a $1,000 Rotary Club of Weston and Wayland donation to robotics.