1997-02-26 School Committee Minutes

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BUDGET MEETING WITH THE FIN COM 2 FEBRUARY 26, 1997 The Superintendent added that he recently found out that Reading is being charged $8,423 for the cost of one student who is attending Minute Man. He indicated we could be charged for seven other students who are going to Minute Man. He stated Reading has a low amount of students now at Northeast Regional, presently costing the school department approximately $90,000. Mr. Blewitt asked if we plan to fix this under a warrant article? Dr. Harutunian said the Town Manager needs to know this week what we are asking for. Mr. White, FinCom member, stated the portable move is not considered in this final amount. Mr. Blewitt suggested three options: 1. Fix within our own budget 2. Reserve fund transfer 3. Town Meeting Mr. Cummings asked if we thought tuition and transportation out could be handled ($164,858) in the Special Needs FY97 budget? Dr. Harutunian said we can do anything we are directed to do. CAPITAL PLAN The Superintendent advised that the Eaton Project is still open with the State. If the Town gives us $350,000, then we can get 66% reimbursement from SBAB. Russ Graham, Chair for the School Building Committee, added an AdHoc group of 4 members wanted to know the total amount of money and expressed their concern that the Town would not be reimbursed. He explained that an override was initiated but it did not pass. The enrollment crunch is about to happen. When asked if the SBC could come up with a plan to get state reimbursement, Mr. Graham indicated that it was decided they could. Dr. Harutunian explained that Eaton would be reimbursed by the state (66 %) and Birch Meadow would not. FinCom member Carol Grimm asked if when Eaton was complete would we get full reimbursement right away. The Superintendent replied he would be in touch with Jim Anderson who will indicate to the him as soon as possible. • Presently the Superintendent does not have a definitive