2012-01-19 School Committee Minutes

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January 19, 2012 Chair Robinson reported on the Audit Committee meeting he attended. The meeting was attended by the auditors. Discussion was held on the areas to audit next year. Reading had a breakeven year. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty followed up on Mrs. Janowski's comments regarding the MLK Breakfast and Celebration. He thanked all that helped coordinate the event. He thanked METCO Director Jesenia Castro for securing the guest speaker for the event. He also reported on recent meetings he attended on the Educator Evaluation Process including his trip to Washington, D.C. to work with State and Federal officials. Dr. Doherty said he would present more information at an upcoming meeting. He also attended an informative workshop earlier in the wee. 4. Assistant Superintendent B. Continued Business FYI Budget Update Ms. DeLai reviewed that status of the FY 12 budget. All accounts are in good shape as we enter the second half of the fiscal year. C. New Business FYI 3 Special Education Cost Center Dr. Doherty gave a brief overview of this cost center and turned the meeting over to Ms. Elmer Ms. Elmer reviewed what was included in this cost center. She reviewed the roles of staff that are included in this area and focused on the need for the previously approved hirings to address the behavioral health of students by alleviating the case loads on the school psychologists to allow them to counsel students. Increases in this cost center include salaries for staff, the addition of staffing to address the above mentioned needs, legal services, tutoring services, transportation and out of district placements. She also mentioned that the district will be upgrading the software, adding modules to the Semstracker package. Reductions in the Special Education Cost Center include parent transportation, adaptive equipment purchases, out of district placements, paraprofessional educators, testing & evaluation, instructional and administrative supplies. The use of Special Education offsets will supplement the budget. Ms. Elmer and Ms. DeLai addressed the questions submitted by committee members. FY 13 Other District Proerams Cost Center Ms. DeLai reviewed the make up and functions of this cost center. She reviewed the Health Service budget which includes the school nursing staff. Reading is fortunate to have a nurse in every building. Increases in salaries, professional development and supplies make up the increases in this cost center. Ms. DeLai addressed the questions submitted by committee members. Ms. DeLai reviewed the Athletic Cost Center which includes salaries for the Athletic Director, Coaches and Clerical support as well as contracted services ranging from equipment maintenance to police details. The budget also includes supplies and materials and other expenses such as professional development, event entry fees, awards, equipment and dues & memberships.