Needham School Committee Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Needham School Committee?

The Needham School Committee is the policy-making body of the Needham Public Schools. 

The School Committee is responsible for:

• Defining the vision and mission of the Needham Public Schools;
• Hiring, guiding, and evaluating the Superintendent; 
• Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; and
• Setting and reviewing district goals and policies to support student achievement. 

Who are the members of the School Committee?

The Needham School Committee is comprised of seven elected members serving staggered, three-year terms. The School Committee also has a non-voting high school student representative.

Needham School Committee, April 2024 - April 2025

Elizabeth Lee (2027), Chair

Michael E. O’Brien (2027), Vice Chair

Connie Barr (2025)

Michael Greis (2026)

Andrea Longo Carter (2025)

Alisa Skatrud (2025)

Matthew Spengler (2026) Max Scott, Student Representative, SY 2024-25

When and where does the School Committee meet?

The Needham School Committee generally meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Broadmeadow School Performance Center, 120 Broadmeadow Road, beginning at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Please click here for the complete meeting schedule. Meetings are also broadcast and live streamed by the Needham Channel. Meetings are open to the public and parents, caregivers, community members, and students are encouraged to attend.

How can I participate in public comment?

The Needham School Committee values community input and offers an opportunity for the public to speak to the School Committee at the beginning of each meeting. Community members may testify in person or virtually (Zoom links are posted on the meeting agenda). Each speaker has three minutes to offer testimony. The public comment period is not a time for debate or response by the Committee. Please review the Committee’s Policy on Public Participation at School Committee Meetings for complete details. 

I’m seeking help for my child at school. Where can I go for help?

Start by talking with your child’s teacher or guidance counselor. Teachers and guidance counselors know their students best and are excellent resources for parents and caregivers. If you need additional help resolving an issue, reach out to your school principal. If, after speaking with the school’s staff, child’s teacher and principal, you still have concerns please call the Superintendent’s Office at 781-455-0400 x 11203 or email the Superintendent’s Executive Assistant Liz Sullivan at [email protected] for further guidance.

How can I find out what takes place at a Needham School Committee meeting?

Needham School Committee meeting agendas are posted here at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Packets of meeting documents are posted here, usually one day prior to the meeting. Approved meeting minutes are posted here. Video recordings of School Committee meetings are available on the Needham Channel.

What are the School Committee’s goals?

Read more about the SY24-25 Action Steps in support of the District’s Strategic Plan as approved by the Needham School Committee.

How can I contact the Needham School Committee?