Middleboro’s School Committee passed a $28 million budget on Thursday night that drew approval from the town’s financial officials, but fire from the teachers union chief.

The budget drew fire from Lynne Sullivan, president of the Middleboro Education Association, who protested the elimination of four teacher aides. Interim Superintendent Michael F. Malone said three more teachers will be hired as a result of the personnel cuts.

Malone cut positions across the board, including the assistant superintendent, which has been vacated by Theresa Craig, who resigned to take a position as executive director at READS Collaborative.

• Grades 1-5 gained several new positions, including an elementary coordinator who will oversee the elementary complex of the Henry B. Burkland and Mary K. Goode schools. Malone promoted Anita Rodriguez, the principal of the Goode School, to the position.

• The elementary level lost six aides, but gained 14 positions, including two librarians and recess monitors.

• Malone eliminated the assistant headmaster position at the John T. Nichols Jr., Middle School and added two teacher posts.

• At the high school, Malone said he will spend $22,000 to bring back the freshman sports program.

Source: Taunton Gazette, May 6, 2011