1985-03-04 School Cimmittee Minutes

Home Browse Search

32 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1985 Old Business Mr. Coco, School Committee representative on the Law Committee, gave a brief review of recent meetings as they related to School Committee issues. He said that the High School property easement was discussed. The Law Committee is carefully monitoring business with the Town's legal counsel in order to keep operating as effectively as possible. University of Massachusetts Water Study Dr. Wells reviewed for the School Committee the University of Massachusetts Water Study Research Project which is studying the health effects of Reading's water on youngsters. The project is in its eighth year. Metco Budget Projection Regarding the Metco budget, Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the State Department of Education has given financial guidelines of 7.8% for preparation of the 1985-86 budget. An extended period of budget preparation will be necessary before the School Department receives the final figures approved by the State. As in the past, Schedule A (direct costs) and Schedule C (transportation) for Reading's Metco project will be fully funded by the State. To clarify Reading's budget preparation, Dr. Munnelly suggested that the School Committee accept a Schedule B (personnel costs) amount of $96,000 for the 1985-86 year. This amount can be assured as income to reduce the amount of taxes to be raised by the Town. Mr. Nissen moved that Schedule B Metco receipts be used to reduce the Town's education budget and for 1985-86 the amount of $96,000 be approved. The motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, was unanimously approved. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of February 28, 1985; and Salary and Expense Accounts as of February 22, 1985. These statements wer reviewed. Dr. Wells informed the School Committee that the Selectmen were, that evening, considering the School Committee's request to free up the portables at Pearl School School for rental purposes. The School Department has received numerous inquiries about rental of the portables. R.M.H.S. Students Honored Dr. Wells informed the School Committee that two Reading High School students had been awarded prestigious prizes and scholarships in a writing contest sponsored by Discover Magazine and the National Science Teachers Association. David Perreault won a first place prize of $5,000. Patricia Callaghan won a $1,000 runner-up award.