Procedures

School Committee Procedures

To ensure that all citizens who wish to speak to the committee have the opportunity and to insure the committee is able to conduct the district's business in an orderly manner, the following rules and procedures are adopted:

  1. Citizens will be heard at the interested citizens position of the agenda.
     
  2. Citizens may also be heard on specific issues at other points on the agenda with approval of the Chairperson.
     
  3. Speakers will be allowed three (3) minutes to present their material. The presiding chairperson may permit extension of this time limit.
     
  4. Topics for discussion must be limited to those items listed on the School Committee meeting agenda for that evening.
     
  5. Improper conduct and remarks will not be allowed. Defamatory or abusive remarks are always out of order. If a speaker persists in improper conduct or remarks, the chairperson may terminate that individuals privilege of address.
     
  6. All remarks will be addressed through the chairperson of the meeting.
     
  7. Speakers may offer such objective criticism of the school operations and programs as concern them, but in public session the committee will not hear personal complaints of school personnel nor against any member of the school community. Under most circumstances, administrative channels are the proper means for disposition of legitimate complaints involving staff members.
     
  8. Written comments longer than three (3) minutes may be submitted to the committee before or after the meeting for the committee member's review and consideration at an appropriate time.

The School Committee appreciates your assistance in helping it discharge its duties properly.

School Department Budget Process

The School Committee budget process begins in August and September as the administration and the School Committee review the previous year's budget, as well as the district's strengths and weaknesses, anticipated cost drivers from contracts, capital projects, resources, regular and special education enrollment, and other needs. 
These factors, along with state aid projections, are used to determine the School Committee's budget request to the town. 
The School Committee's budget subcommittee and the administration work with the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, and town staff throughout the year to determine the town appropriation to the School Department. This appropriation, together with grants, state aid, and revolving funds, are used to finance the full school department budget, which is voted on and approved by the School Committee in March and voted on at Annual Town Meeting in May. 
Public participation is encouraged throughout the entire budget process, and the School Committee traditionally holds a budget hearing in March every year for public input on the proposed budget. This year, the School Committee invites community input early in the school year to assist in budget visioning at the beginning of the process. The public can also provide feedback about the budget or other school department issues during the public comment portion of each School Committee meeting. 
Each year, the School Department's budget appropriation is the result of decisions made by the Board of Selectmen, the Finance Committee, the School Committee, and ultimately by Town Meeting. On behalf of Littleton Public Schools, we encourage you to get involved.