1998-02-05 School Committee Minutes - Finance Committee

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SCHOOL COMMITTEE /FINANCE COMMITTEE -2- February 5, 1998 • Projected enrollment increase of 64 students at a cost of $332K in the 1999 Budget, could it be offset by a reduction in the METCO program? Dr. Harutunian responded that it probably could not be offset. He stated that 830 of the budget is staff and there is no increase in staff for METCO. He stated that METCO pretty much pays for itself. • Will any of the increase in Special Needs be offset by additional state funding? Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a memorandum from Dr. Ardi showing that the total increase would be approximately $66,000. • Why such a large increase in elementary school staff with only a 64 student increase in the total enrollment? Dr. Harutunian advised that of the 13 staff requested, 2 are K -5 Instructional Specialists, 8 are Regular Educational Assistants, 1 Science Educational Assistant and 2 Technology Educational Assistants. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that there has been no increase in Regular Education Assistants since 1994. He also advised the Committee that the 2 Technology Educational Assistants will cut back on repair costs. Dr. Harutunian answered questions submitted by Finance Committee Member Grimm as listed: • How are actual FY98 expenses comparing to Budget? Will the School Department need additional funds in the Spring to finish out FY98? Dr. Harutunian advised that the Custodian Contract has been settled and will need to go to Town Meeting for money for settlement. Dr. Harutunian also distributed his memorandum of February 3, with a draft of this year's FY98 Budget projected out until the end of June, 1998. We appear to have an overall balance of $9,560 however, suspect that will require additional monies at the April Town Meeting because of Special Education.