The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District Transparency Project

Reducing the number of sections to 5 results in: Grade 6 101/5 = 20.2 average class size Grade 8 110/5 = 22 average class size Compared to the projected class sizes in the comparable grades in the Whitman Middle School: Grade 6 170/8 = 21.25 Grade 8 179/8 = 22.3 The Hanson Middle School average class sizes are still smaller. Using the $71,000 average teacher salary, that’s another $142,000 in savings. If these are added to the suggested budget cuts and use of E/D and CB discussed at the March 13, 2024, School Committee meeting of $910,500 it totals $1,282,500 in combined savings to the towns of Hanson and Whitman. Taking this approach will show a good faith effort to help bridge the FY25 budget deficits that both Whitman and Hanson are grappling with. I continue to oppose a “School override” that has been promoted by several Whitman officials and citizens. What concerns me is that failure to significantly reduce the FY25 school budget before voting to certify the assessments to the two Towns could result in the school department being excluded from future efforts by the Select Board/Board of Selectmen and Finance Committees to use Free Cash, Stabilization Accounts, and other revenue sources to balance the Towns’ FY25 budgets. Respectfully, Kathleen A. Ottina■ When writing or responding, please remember that the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. -- Jeff Szymaniak Superintendent Whitman-Hanson Regional School District @WH_Super