1996-02-12 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 12, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session meeting to order at 9:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Susan Cavicchi. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. FINANCE COMMITTEE QUESTIONS The Superintendent answered questions of the Finance Committee concerning the $500,000 Capital request for technology and the FY97 School Department budget. At 10:45 p.m. the School Committee adjourned to the Selectmen's Meeting Room and discussed the Superintendent's request that the high school receive $14,000 for computers. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve C & J's bid for high school computers for $14,000. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman offered to amend the motion that some portion of $3,000 of the high school money should be held if the Superintendent agrees. Mr. Spadafora agreed to withdraw the motion until the Superintendent comes in with a cut list for the $14,000. The School Committee asked the Superintendent to come up with a list of potential cuts in the event that the March 2nd meeting results in an agreement to cut. LEGISLATIVE LIAISON LETTER Ms. D'Antona presented the letter regarding School Committees that she asked to send to Governor Weld, Representative Jones, Representative Casey and Senator Tisei. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve Ms D'Antona's comments "The Reading School Committee acknowledges its fiduciary responsibility to preserve and support the quality of education in our community. The community has a fundamental right to an elected school board. We believe the education of our children impacts the future of our society therefore it is in the interest of all of us to demand excellence with the protection and support of an elected school committee. We vehemently oppose any legislation which alters our responsibility or eliminates our role in that regard." Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.