Plans for Sherwood Middle School move forward
By Melissa Muntz Community Reporter

Shrewsbury - Shrewsbury is one step closer to receiving state funds for renovations at Sherwood Middle School. Shrewsbury was one of 162 school districts requesting funds for construction or renovations at 423 diff erent school sites, and Sherwood Middle School was one of 83 schools across the state to survive the first cut.

Shrewsbury must now conduct a feasibility study to determine the viability of a construction or renovation project at the school.

The state has several million dollars earmarked for school improvements following the completion of a four-year moratorium on such projects.

School Committee Chair Deborah Peeples said this is an exciting first step toward the improvement of the school facility.

"[The state has] agreed, for at least the first cut in the process, that Sherwood Middle School is a school in need of reconstruction or some kind of construction eff ort … which is a very good thing," Peeples said.

School budget

hearings scheduled

The Shrewsbury School Committee will hold fiscal year 2009 budget hearings at its Wednesday Jan. 23 and Wednesday Feb. 6, 2008, meetings. Peeples said the committee scheduled the hearings in response to requests from people who want to be involved in budget talks much earlier in the process.

"We are really hoping this will give members of the community an opportunity to come, ask questions, let us know what their priorities are, and share their concerns about the budget," Peeples said.

Each of the hearings will begin at 7:30 p.m. following regular School Committee business. Depending on the amount of interest, Peeples said, more hearings will be scheduled if needed.

"We really want to give people an opportunity to be heard," she said.

Social worker hours

may be added

Shrewsbury elementary schools may be getting additional support for students and families. Shrewsbury School Superintendent Dr. Anthony Bent said that he and Special Education Director Ellen Meyers are working on securing a social worker for elementary school families.

"While we have a wonderfully strong district and terrific students and families, some students and families need a little help in trying to navigate the academic success piece for their children," he said.

Bent said plans were still very preliminary and he would have more information for the School Committee by their December meeting.