Nashua Schools Supt. Pushes For Bigger Budget

NASHUA, N.H. - Nashua Public Schools Superintendent Jahmal Mosley is asking an increase of 3.4 percent over last year's school budget to provide some reassurance to teachers and staff that they will not be let go. According to the Union Leader, the proposed $110 million school district budget would actually be $146.6 million when benefits were factored in.

Mosley told the aldermanic budget review committee on Wednesday that “the changing demographics of Nashua” are reflected in his proposed budget. “You have more, what I say browning in Nashua, than you ever have before,” he said.

According to Mosley, about 24 percent of the district’s students are Hispanic, about 10 percent are Asian and 7 percent are black or multi-race. In addition, he said there is a growing number of students who use English as a second language.

“By far this district has done a disservice to these kids,” Mosley said of the English Language Learners, adding he is not placing blame, but feels he must advocate for the students and their families.

Mosley is recommending that the district hire two more English Language Learner (ELL) teachers, eight paraeducators for kindergarten classrooms, one grant writer, an assistant director of human resources, an additional school psychologist and reinstate three custodial positions.

To read the full story, visit the Union Leader.