1989-08-31 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes 2 August 31, 1989 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly stated that all of Reading's schools are ready for the arrival of 3700 students. Most of the buildings have received the proper clearances for a safe environment from friable asbestos or PCP contamination. The schools are clear of radon and water is regularly tested for lead leaks. He added that many teachers have been working on summer curriculum projects and Horace Mann assignments. The expected elementary enrollment of 1699 students shows an average class size of approximately 25 students. School Committee Members discussed the Kindergarten classes at Birch Meadow and Eaton. Dr. Munnelly explained that the plan is to equalize the students between Birch Meadow and Eaton. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET 1989 -90 Stan Nissen provided the audience some background for the figures School Committee has been requested to cut from the budget. The figure, that was received today, to be cut from the Town's overall budget is $797,000. The School Committee portion of that amount is 40% making our figure $238,800. If the town votes a trash fee, our figures would be reduced to $134,800. Dr. Munnelly provided the rationale that would give support to his specific suggested cuts. He stated new programs and services should not be added at this time because we may not be able to fund them into the next budget. The major focus should be on a regular day's program and instruction. Dr. Munnelly felt we could respond to the budget cut concerns by dividing it into four tiers and sorting the cuts into two scenarios. Scenario One being the deep cuts and Scenario Two the cuts based on a trash fee. He went on to explain the following four tiers: .Tier One - includes funds now available or funds that could be raised early; cuts that should be made now and on into the future; and program additions in FY90. .Tier Two - includes funds raised with more difficulty and postponements of equipment and materials. .Tier Three - includes cuts in services not central to in- structional mission. .Tier Four - includes deep cuts central to instructional mission.