Medford School Committee approves supplemental appropriation to restore positions, funds nurses and special-education supports

The Medford School Committee unanimously approved a supplemental appropriation on Jan. 13, 2025, allocating voter-approved Question 7 and Question 8 funds to restore staff positions, add nursing coverage and fund facilities and technology upgrades.

The move follows a presentation from Gerald McHugh, budget analyst for Medford Public Schools, who summarized how cuts adopted in the FY25 budget were implemented and how the override funds will be spent. McHugh told the committee the city advanced money ahead of the override vote and the district is proposing to use that plus the new override revenue to reestablish 14 positions (including teachers, literacy coaches and paraprofessional behavior specialists), fund a Chromebook refresh and cover other immediate needs.

Why it matters: voters approved two override questions in last Novembers election that directed additional money to schools and to compensation. The committees vote commits those local funds to staffing and programs before the fiscal year ends, including items tied to collective bargaining and contract obligations that must be funded in FY25 if agreed to by negotiators.

McHugh detailed line items and new hires that would be funded by the supplement. He said the citys advance and the override will allow the district to add back 14 positions previously proposed for cuts (2 elementary teachers, 2 high school teachers, 2 literacy coaches, 1 nurse, 4 curriculum administrators and 3 paraprofessionals/behavior specialists) and to buy a Chromebook refresh estimated at $500,000. He also outlined proposed new hires and…