1998-10-13 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION October 13, 1998 Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. in the RMHS lecture hall. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Stohlman, Twomey and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Dr. Harutunian described the budget process to members of the audience. He advised that the superintendent's recommended budget should be complete by the end of December. BILLS AND PAYROLL Bills and payroll are as follows: $465,529.90 October 5, 1998 Bills $580,542.33 October 8, 1998 Payroll $179,715.87 October 13, 1998 Bills $143,514.58 October 2, 1998 Payroll CITIZENS INPUT FY00 BUDGET Donna Selger stated her support for a gifted and talented program in the lower grades. She stated that high achievers need appropriate curriculum and opportunities. She stated that approximately 12 people were here to speak in support of a gifted and talented program and more would have attended but there is a conflict with this meeting and three elementary school PTO meetings. Carolyn Epstein agreed with Donna Selger's statement about the need for curriculum to acknowledge learning differences in the younger grades. Dorothy Casolaro stated that there has long been a focus on special education but we also need to focus on quicker learners. Constantly repeating the same basic skills bores children. Lucinda Ellert agreed with the statements regarding the gifted and talented program and stated that instrumental music should be brought to the fourth grade. Donna Selger submitted letters for the record from people who were unable to attend the meeting. Neil Hunt stated that the School Committee had supported a gifted program in the past and he would like information on how it worked.