Schools

School Committee Restores Foreign Language, Athletics Funding, But Cuts Remain

Middle school foreign language, athletics and student activities funding restored to school budget.

Read a more complete report on Tuesday's budget vote:

The Medford School Committee restored funding for the school system's middle school foreign language program and other items in the 2013 school year budget that originally faced cuts. But some cuts remain.

The budget was raised by only $83,000 to $47.483 million from the original budget presented Monday night. But reviews of available city funds and projected state funding led to the discovery of about $250,000 in additional non-budget funding available to restore certain programs, Mayor Michael McGlynn said Tuesday.

Find out what's happening in Medfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The budget was passed by the school committee unanimously after it met in non-public session for about an hour Tuesday.

The middle school foreign language department's budget of $119,398 was originally slated to be cut. That was restored in its entirety. Other items restored include: $50,000 in funding for athletics, $19,500 for student activities, and $65,000 to hire a new assistant principal for elementary schools. Funding for aides in kindergarten classes was partially restored to $92,000; $160,000 was spent on those positions in 2012.

Find out what's happening in Medfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

About $1.3 million in cuts remain, including five currently open elementary school teaching positions totaling $243,290, two open teaching positions at the Curtis Tufts School at $97,316, and $75,000 in the outside cleaning budget.

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