Budget Receives School Committee Approval

Superintendent Pia Durkin says her FY15 budget request of $116.4 million represents the beginning of the recovery of New Bedford Public Schools.

The School Committee approved this request in a unanimous vote of support last night.

Durkin says the funding in this budget won't solve every problem, but it's a step towards the right direction.

Included in this budget is the new literacy program for elementary schools, the New Bedford High and Parker school turnaround plans, and support and services for current level 3 schools.

The money will also help begin filling the gap of much needed services lacking in the FY14 budget.

The new budget will not cause any layoffs but will actually help fill some much needed services such as nurses and English Language Learner teachers.

The budget must now be approved by the City Council before it can take affect.