1996-01-18 School Committee Minutes

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BUDGET HEARING MINUTES 2 JANUARY 18, 1996 Ellen Montier, a Killam parent, asked if the Superintendent sees us moving forward with new programs or are we always going to be catching up? Dr. Harutunian replied that the 18 million dollar budget includes $500,000 for Special Education; $400,000 for pre- negotiated salaries; $300,000 for new staff at Parker and Coolidge and $375,000 for step increases. He added that we are a million dollars less than what we projected for needs. The Superintendent stated this is a conservative approach - we will get a better idea when the excise tax comes in. The Three Boards will be meeting on January 27th. Sue Berger, a Birch Meadow and Coolidge parent, stated the School Council has spent time looking into the Birch Meadow School Improvement Program. She added that class size and an additional nurse are priorities. Ms. Berger stated that some day she would like to see the goal be a nurse at each of the schools. Citizen Kendra Cooper asked about the Labor for Special Needs - expected the projection to be less. Wanted to know what happens if someone sues the Town? Dr. Harutunian stated it was never our intent to reduce our Special Education budget. Labor is an area we expect to go up. Another Killam Kindergarten parent, Nancy Benjamin, asked about class size in the future for grade three. The Superintendent stated there has been no discussion beyond next year. The projection is that this is our peak year in Kindergarten. Any changes in class size would be in consultation with the parents and teachers. Chair Cummings added that class size has always been a driving issue with the School Commit- tee. There have been 10 classrooms added in the last few years and students have also been bussed to different schools. Ms. Montier asked about Capital expenses. Dr. Harutunian stated that $500,000 for teachers; $200,000 for boiler replacement; vehicles and equipment; fire alarms and the American Disability Act add up to approximately $800,000. Marjorie Pasino asked how firm are we to the technology coordinator? Mr. Cummings replied the need has been acknowledged by the School Committee. Adjustments have been made to the regular education account as special education people were being paid from that account. Grants that we no longer have now need to be absorbed by the Special Education account.