1998-02-18 School Committee Minutes - Finance Committee

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING February 18, 1998 Chairman Keigley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at town hall. Present were the Finance Committee, School Committee members Cavicchi, Spadafora, Stohlman, and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and School Building Committee Chairman Graham. Chairman Graham of the School Building Committee made a presentation to the Finance Committee regarding the proposed Coolidge project. He advised that on Saturday, February 21, at 9:00 a.m. a tour of the Coolidge Middle School Building will be given to Town Meeting members and the Finance Committee. Finance Committee member asked whether the School Building Committee assumed a more rapid rate of enrollment. Chairman Graham advised that used the projections done by NESDEC through the year 2007. Projections beyond 10 years are probably not very accurate. Selectman Hines stated that the School Committee had just received a report from the School Size and Enrollment Committee and their recommendations need to be evaluated. Dr. Harutunian advised that the School Committee took a formal vote to endorse, for the purpose of not losing a year, putting the Coolidge Project on the warrant. The School Committee will be holding public hearings and will deliberate on March 4th and 5th. Chairman Graham stated the School Building Committee's belief that the Coolidge Project is the best option for the town of Reading to solve the Reading Middle School Problem. He stated that the School Building Committee was established by Town Meeting and reports to Town Meeting. Chairman Keigley stated that he is not comfortable with the Finance Committee making a recommendation when the School Committee itself is not sure of the decision. He suggested that a meeting be held with the School Committee after their meeting on March 5th.