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124 <br /> READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 <br /> preserve." The Superintendent said that an All-Boards meeting has <br /> been scheduled for November 5th, at which time the FinCom will give a <br /> preview of the Town' s financial condition. <br /> Chairman Allan was of the opinion that the only budget items which <br /> could be cut back on are painting and building repair, adding that <br /> extraordinatory costs, such as roof replacement, should not be ab- <br /> sorbed in the regular budget. <br /> Dr. Wells said the Administration was making the same recommendations <br /> that were used for Proposition 2 1/2. He said these recommendations <br /> were all right for a short period of time but do not make sense in the <br /> "long haul. " He added that he felt the Committee should tell the <br /> FinCom that they are willing to cut down on transportation and <br /> building repairs for 12 months, but if they are talking beyond that <br /> point then they should talk about getting additional funds. He also <br /> said that the specific recommendation he had would save about $100,000 <br /> and would mean no building repairs and, if the Committee was willing <br /> to listen to hue and cry of parents, bussing only students who live <br /> more than two miles from school. <br /> Mr. Nissen agreed, noting that although High School enrollment is <br /> declining the Elementary School enrollments have stabilized and the <br /> Gifted and Talented Program may some day be extended beyond the <br /> Elementary Schools. He added that he would not be willing to tell <br /> parents that the Committee will not provide them with services . <br /> Mr. Lewis pointed out that the longer repairs are postponed the more <br /> they cost, and asked what the projected time frame is for this <br /> "financial crunch. " Dr. Wells replied, "The FinCom says the next 2 or <br /> 3 years will be the worst since the depression. " <br /> Mr. Nissen felt the only things that could change this situation would <br /> be an override of Proposition 2 1/2 or additional funds from the <br /> State. <br /> Mr. Coco said he does not feel FY87 will differ from FY86 except for <br /> normal escalation. He added that the Committee might reconsider "user <br /> fees , " that reducing transportation may be a viable option, and that <br /> perhaps athletics could be cut back, but he didn' t see that any big <br /> cuts could be made without reducing the quality of education. <br /> At the conclusion of the discussion the consensus of the Committee was <br /> that the Administration would answer the FinCom' s questionnaire using <br /> the discussion and t:ne Superintendent ' s recommendations as guidelines . <br /> School Committee Goals 1985-86 <br /> Chairman Allen led off a discussion of suggestions from various <br /> members for 1985-86 School Committee goals . Mr. Nissen noted that the <br /> Committee has already stated that dealing with Chapter 188 (Education <br /> Reform Law) should be a priority, adding it was not a small matter. <br /> Mr. Coco said "he wanted to emphasize the need to know the long and <br /> short term implications of Chapter 188 , and this will entail a lot of <br /> work. Chairman Allen suggested that communicating information to the <br /> Community about Chapter 188 could be one goal. <br />