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Malden superintendent reports early reading and math gains but flags FY27 funding pressures
Summary
Superintendent Sippel reported midyear assessment gains—Grade 1 literacy growth, DIBELS and i‑Ready improvements—and described a FY27 outlook showing a $501,000 Chapter 70 increase alongside a $1.6 million shortfall from FY25, prompting discussion of advocacy around the state funding formula.
Superintendent Sippel told the School Committee on Feb. 2 that early midyear results show promising student growth across several measures, including higher‑than‑average literacy growth in Grade 1 at Salemwood School, improved K–5 DIBELS results and gains on IXL and i‑Ready in math and in Grades 4–8.
Sippel described “meaningful growth” as progress toward grade‑level standards rather than attainment alone and said preliminary subgroup trends for English learners and students with disabilities are positive; he committed to sharing more disaggregated data at future meetings.
Director of Finance and Operations Toni Mertz presented the FY27 budget outlook, saying Malden is projected to receive a $501,000 increase in Chapter 70 funding. Mertz and Sippel also reported that the district must address a $1.6 million shortfall originating in FY25 and noted that 270 of 351 Massachusetts communities received only minimum aid under the current formula, which the district and committee members said warrants review.
Committee members acknowledged the difficulty of balancing state net‑school‑spending obligations and local priorities and discussed forming a working group to examine possible advocacy and reform of the Chapter 70 formula as FY27 is the final year of the Student Opportunity Act phase.
Superintendent Sippel also described instructional changes supporting the gains, including increased student “heavy lifting” through peer discussion, active problem‑solving and non‑evaluative formative coaching for teachers. He said embedded professional development occurs approximately every other week and was created through scheduling adjustments without added cost.
Committee members asked for more detailed benchmark data and consistent measures across schools; the Superintendent said those disaggregated analyses would be provided in subsequent reports.
