1985-04-23 School Cimmittee Minutes

Home Browse Search

50 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 1985 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that the Reading School Committee approve the FY86 Statement of Assurances for all applications for State and Federal funds administered by the State Department of Education and to authorize the Chairman and the Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the School Committee. Pearl Street School - Financial Status and Projection Report Dr. Wells noted that it appeared, from the report prepared by Mr. Winslow, that the Pearl Street School rental account was "in the black," adding that this report dealt with the School only, and not the portable classrooms. Mr. Winslow went over the figures of the report - Document C-1 - noting that the Administration had been able to keep their word that they could "break even" charging a rental fee of $4.25 per square foot. He said the salary portion of the projection was up because it has been found that the amount of custodial hours originally planned for is not enough to maintain the building properly and make weekend checks of the property. He added that in his pro- jections for FY86 he raised heating costs to take care of a possible increase in the price of oil and added $5,000 for roof maintenance but, even with these increases, he expects a balance of about $12,000. It was noted that money received over and above the expenses can only be used to maintain the building. Mr. Winslow recommended the rental fee for the Pearl Street School remain the same. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that the rental fee for the Pearl Street School be maintained at $4.25 per square foot for the building proper, not including the portable classrooms. Projected Elementary School Enrollments 1985-1986 The Committee discussed briefly the projected enrollment for elementary schools which Dr. Wells had sent to members prior to the meeting. The figures, contained on Document C-2, showed a slight increase over the present enrollment. However, Dr. Wells noted that not all children who took part in the Kindergarten screening would necessarily be enrolled in the Fall. He added that they should have more complete information in about a month when the 1985 census figures become available. The Superintendent noted that the teacher-pupil ratio average is 23, although there are some classes which have 26, 27 and 28 students, which, overall, is good. Progress Report - Birch Meadow School P.T.A. Playground Project Noted for the record was a report from Birch Meadow School P.T.A. President John Nolan on the progress of their playground project. It stated that they had received $1,100 in donations from families of children in the school, realized a $950 profit from a recent dance, and plan a yard sale for May 11th. Also the Planning Comiuittee will meet soon with Mr. Marc Alterio, Director of Physical Education, to select equipment for the playground. Dr. Wells said he had viewed the site and that there has been a great deal accomplished.