1999-03-24 School Committee Minutes

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Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting Reizular Session March 24, 1999 Call to Order The school committee meeting was called to order by Chair Robin D'Antona at 7:34 p.m. All members of the school committee were present: Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards and Richard Foley, Town Accountant. Chair Robin D'Antona welcomed Mr. James Keigley to the School Committee. She also congratulated Susan Cavicchi for her reelection to the School Committee. Ms. D'Antona announced that no bills or payroll would be circulated. Citizen Input None Budget Discussion Ms. D'Antona said the purpose of the meeting was to review the budget options so that the School Committee would have the privilege to give a balance budget to the Town Meeting. Dr. Harutunian said the budget reductions are just under one million dollars. He said discussions would be continued next Monday evening if no closure were reached. He reviewed the handout, Reading School Committee FY 00 Budget. A revised memo dated 3/24/99 regarding FY00 Budget Reductions was issued due to corrections in the Special Education section. The Superintendent discussed the bulleted items regarding Coordinator of Extra Curricula Activities and reductions of the oil and gas account. Dr. Harutunian said the administration was recommending a $994,994 reduction to the FY00 budget and he was prepared to answer any questions from the School Committee and make any adjustments. Mr. Dahl said he was glad the Coordinator of Extra Curricula Activities was back in the budget. He said he would like additional discussion regarding additional teachers at the high school due to the increase of students next year. Dr. Harutunian said the high school principal requested nine additional teachers and the School Committee recommended 5.5. He explained the recommendation of eliminating the Project Achieve Program. By doing this, two certified teachers would be put back into the academic area. One would be put in the science area and it is unknown at this time where the second would be placed. Ms. Williams expressed concern about freshman students being overlooked who were in need of this program. The Superintendent felt confident that the needs of all of the high school students would be met. Chair Robin D'Antona said it is not always appropriate to eliminate a program; she would like to see data to justify it. Dr. Harutunian said he has not received any complaints from the parents, teachers or students regarding the elimination of this program. The Superintendent agreed to provide data by January 2000.