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SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING 2 JANUARY 9, 1995 <br /> Dr. Harutunian explained there is $65,000 for teachers' step changes. <br /> Associate Superintendent Richards stated Reading has been chosen as 1 of 5 school districts to be <br /> a Project PALMS demonstration site. PALMS is an acronynm for Partnerships for the Ad- <br /> vancement of Learning in Math and Science. <br /> Mr. Spadafora asked where the money for leadership in the Health Education resides. <br /> Dr. Harutunian said he would provide the percentage for substitutes used for Professional Devel- <br /> opment and other categories. <br /> Mr. Cummings asked about the middle school staffing. Dr. Harutunian replied that the middle <br /> school students are on a 6 day cycle, noting Language Arts and Math 6 times a week and Science <br /> and Social Studies 4 times a week. Next year it will be 6 of each subject. <br /> The Superintendent replied to FinCom Blewitt's inquiry about 3 educational assistants by stating <br /> that we add classrooms but not educational assistants. He noted that we actually need more than <br /> the number shown. <br /> Parents in the audience raised questions about the Barrows and Birch Meadow class sizes. Dr. <br /> Harutunian explained that Barrows Kindergarten is the largest in the system. He stated the <br /> addition of another teacher was discussed, but realizes that other issues need to be considered <br /> besides the $30,000 salary, there is a $5,000 benefit package and a portable classroom costing <br /> approximately $65,000 to $80,000. <br /> He added that the Birch Meadow Principal anticipates 98-100 additional students next year. If <br /> that number is true then we may have 5 Grade 1 classrooms. If we do not get that number he may <br /> in fact open up another Grade 4. <br /> Mr. Richards stated dedicated educational assistants could free up the teacher for instruction. <br /> Dr. Harutunian advised that other school classrooms will be offered to parents for their child. <br /> Mr. Twomey asked about the division of educational assistants among the elementary schools. <br /> Dr. Harutunian replied that he would have preferred to add 2 - 2 1/2 educational assistants to the <br /> necessary 3. He will be meeting with the elementary principals to discuss this issue. <br /> Mr. Richards explained that Dr. Harutunian was going to recommend 1 more hour of regular <br /> educational assistant time per classroom but that idea was out. <br />