2000-03-20 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- March 20, 2000 Dr. Harutunian distributed information from Finance Committee Member Bob LaLechur letter regarding his appraisal of our financial situation as a town. FY01 BUDGET Dr. Harutunian advised that approximately 4 weeks ago the School Administration met to put together a list of potential reductions. On December 28th the Administrative Council met to discuss the reductions. He stated that the Council completed that process and at each follow up Administrative Council meeting we discussed and modified the list. By mid -January the information we received from Administrative Council was used to create the reduction list. Dr. Harutunian advised that the list only represents the work of the administration and not the School Committee. For the purpose of the audience Dr. Harutunian showed the 3 reductions that the FinCom Chair is recommending ➢ Regular Day, Administration, Special Education, Other Services $829,553 ➢ School Maintenance $182,000 ➢ Town Maintenance $ 30,000 Town Maintenance - The administration is recommending that the $30,000 reduction from town maintenance be taken from natural gas. Dr. Harutunian advised that the administration has entered into a consortium and has received more favorable rates. School Maintenance — The administration is recommending several reductions in maintenance as broken down in the reduction memorandum of 3/17/00. Mr. Keigley asked if the Superintendent is comfortable with the $182,000 reduction in maintenance. Dr. Harutunian advised that he was and discussed each line in the custodial maintenance reduction page dated March 17, 2000. Chair Dahl advised that after reducing $182,000 from the maintenance budget it still leaves a 3% increase and that represents stabilization in the budget. Over the last two years the increase in maintenance is about 9 -' /z %. Ms. D'Antona stated that the 3% increase in maintenance does not include a contract that has not been settled and that needs to be taken into account. Mr. Keigley stated that the square footage of the buildings continues to increase and the budget does need to go up to meet the needs.