2000-03-15 School Committee Minutes Financial Forum

Home Browse Search

Financial Forum 2 _ _ March 15, 2000 Mr. Twomey stated that not every town has the numbers, Reading is viewed as a desirable community to live in and people come to Reading for that reason. Mr. Dahl stated that although Reading may handle special education in a way that is more comforting to parents when we compare ourselves to the 10 surrounding communities our numbers place us about sixth. He stated that Reading is not an extravagant community when it comes to special education. Dr. Harutunian advised that we are below the per pupil spending on special education. Dr. Harutunian stated that he is concerned larger class sizes may prompt people to have their child tested and attempt to get them on an IEP. Mr. Nestor stated that he felt money spent on litigation to prevent this would be wisely spent. The Town Manager stated that the Board of Selectmen has selected Lincoln Properties as the designated develop of the landfill. He stated that the proposal calls for a hotel and 350 luxury housing unit, 10% to be affordable housing. Mr. Griset asked what the numbers were estimated to be for school age children residing in the luxury apartment unit. The Financial Forum discussed the two proposals on how to resolve the budget crisis. The Town Manager stated that if the forum is able to reach a conclusion this evening all members should realize that this numbers have not yet been confirmed. At 9:30 p.m. Chair Grimm advised that the Committees would caucus for 15 minutes. Dr. Harutunian discussed the option of going for "pothole money" from the state to cover unanticipated special education costs. Ms. Cavicchi moved that the School Committee support the recommended reduction of $1,041,553 as outlined in the Finance Committee Chair's proposal number one as it appears in the Financial Forum agenda of March 15, 2000. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey. At 9:55 p.m. the Financial Forum called back to order. Chair Dahl advised that the School Committee took a formal vote and unanimously supported proposal one.