New Bedford Schools ’16 Budget: ELL Programs A Priority

New Bedford superintendent Pia Durkin has high expectations for the next school year.

At last night's school committee meeting she presented the preliminary 2016 Fiscal Year Budget, requesting $125,771,768.

Among the priorities are English Language Learner services , with student language barriers playing a major role in the school system's under achievement.

Durkin says identifying students in need of ELL services is only part of the battle. Currently, New Bedford has about 2,400 in the ELL category, with that number growing rapidly.

The budget's other priorities include extending Fridays to regular school hours for elementary students, and replacing outdated middle school text books.

New Bedford originally requested $130 Million for the 2015 Budget, but was finalized at $116 Million. Durkin said the 2016 Budget is expected to be approved around mid May.