1998-10-14 School Committee Minutes - Financial Forum

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts BUDGET COUNCIL October 14, 1998 CALL TO ORDER At 7:35 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the School Committee to order at the Budget Council Meeting held at the Parker Middle School. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona and Stohlman. Ms. Williams arrived at 8:10 p.m. At 7:35 p.m. Ms. Grimm called the Finance Committee to order. At 7:35 p.m. Mr. Nestor called the Board of Selectmen to order. The Library Board advised that they did not have a quorum present at this time. Town Manager Hechenbleikner and Richard Foley discussed the FY00 -FY02 Projected Revenues — General Fund. PEAT MARWICK STUDY Dr. Harutunian and Town Manager Hechenbleikner discussed Mr. Griffin's memorandum regarding recommendations for town and school merger. Mr. Griffin's memorandum included a summary financial sheet that was reviewed. Mr. Stohlman stated that when the Peat Marwick report was last discussed there was an issue about who would be in charge of maintenance and how it would be pulled out of the budget. Dr. Harutunian stated that a document is needed that says maintenance falls under the school department and there will be a commitment that no funds will be spent on anything other than maintenance. BUDGET MODIFICATIONS Dr. Harutunian stated that he would like to come to closure on discussion regarding the $190,000 surplus funds that was discussed at the last Budget Council meeting. Dr. Harutunian stated that at the last Budget Council the Council discussed using $42,000 for maintenance. He stated that the school department had $145,000 that has been taken out of per pupil. The School Committee has authorized 3.5 education assistants for large classes and he would like to see the Budget Council restore the principals' 20% hold.