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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS <br />Reading, Massachusetts <br />SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING <br />BUDGET OPEN HEARING MINUTES JANUARY 11, 1993 <br />CALL TO ORDER <br />Chairman Matthew Cummings called the Budget Open Hearing of <br />the Reading School Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. All <br />members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona, <br />who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Super- <br />intendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superinten- <br />dent Susan Y. Wheltle, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Sally <br />Hoyt, FinCom member Nathan White, a reporter from the <br />Chronicle, and approximately 80 citizens. <br />FY93 BUDGET <br />Mr. Cummings gave an overview of the FY94 Level- Service <br />Budget, explaining the distinction between level - service and <br />level - funded. He pointed out that there was a shortfall of <br />more than $800,000 and that this included no salary raises <br />other than step increases. <br />Ms. Hoyt reported on a Massachusetts Municipal Association <br />Conference on January 9th, in which the association voted an <br />educational policy which supports reform, but objects to the <br />funding mechanisms of the most recent educational reform bill <br />as "unresponsible ". <br />Chairman Cummings then opened the hearing for public comments. <br />Reading Teacher Association President Stan Quinlan read a <br />statement criticizing the present FY94 budget for not <br />including any salary increases. <br />Other citizens spoke about the METCO program and School <br />Choice. Many spoke of the need for strong advocacy by School <br />Committee and citizens to have the Level Service Budget <br />accepted. There were questions about special education costs, <br />and School Committee members pointed out that Reading's <br />philosophy on inclusion is both educationally sound and cost <br />effective. <br />The issue of having an override to support education was <br />raised by one member of the audience. Another said that if <br />education is a priority, then is should be funded, and over- <br />rides should be used for other services. <br />ADJOURNMENT <br />At 8:55 p.m. Chairman Cummings thanked the audience for <br />attending and adjourned the hearing. <br />