1995-02-13 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS READING, MASSACHUSETTS OPEN HEARING BUDGET MINUTES FEBRUARY 13 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the budget hearing to order at 7:30. All members were present as well as Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards. Mr. Twomey thanked everyone for coming. He stated that the School Budget has been submitted to the Town Manager. He invited everyone to speak up and voice their concerns. There was a telephone link up with Mrs. Mirkin fielding the calls. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills were as follows: February 13, 1995 - Bills - $ 142,820.41 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: February 10, 1995 - Biweekly - $ 142,371.91 Mr. Twomey introduced Jennifer Page, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School. She in turn introduced three school principals from Sweden. Bengt Olos Sennero,(upper elementary grades) Mona Nyberg, and Berit Nordlund ( both grade 7 - 12) were in attendance. Mr. Twomey thanked them for attending. Mr. Twomey stated that the draft budget was 9 1/2 to 10% higher than the last fiscal budget. Four classrooms were being added at Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow. This means hiring eight additional teachers as well as all supplies necessary to outfit the classrooms. Mrs. D'Antona stated that two new programs for FY96 would be the Understanding Handicaps funds and the Information Technology Coordinator. Mr. Stohlman noted that the technology equipment budget is separate from the school budget. Mr. Twomey stated that there was a $ 650,000 - $ 700,000 difference between the School and what the Town Manager has allotted. $ 650,000 is large discrepancy. Mr. Twomey introduced and welcomed Christine Cerretani, High School Student Representative. At this point they were going to take questions from the audience. Chair Twomey asked everyone to state their name before they asked their question or made their comment.