1983-02-28 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 1989 Chairman Garroway noted that these items had been deleted from the budget only, because the School Committee felt the Central Office relocation was more important, but in light of the Finance Committee vote against the move and their announced intention to sponsor a Town Meeting article to address Town -wide space needs, he supported Dr. Wells' recommendations, for the reasons he stated. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to delete the amount of $50,000 from the 7200 series of the FY84 budget. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the sum of $50,000 be restored to the FY84 budget for the items enumerated on document B -2 -b. Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, to amend the motion by deleting Item #5 (for a word processor for the Central Office) and add the amount of $8,000 to Item #4 (for insgructional equipment - computer hardware and software). Dr. Wells pointed out that the Department of Public Works and the Town Clerk's Office both had word processors, adding that many small offices now used them. He said the Central Office had many uses for a word processor and it would enable them to accomplish many tasks more efficiently. He asked that if the Committee did not want to vote for the $8,000 would it consider allocating a lesser amount to lease a word processor. Mr. Landers said he was not negative about a work processor, rather the intent of his motion was to increase the amount spent on instructional materials and improve computer literacy. Mr. Coco agreed that a word processor would be convenient but felt they required skilled operators, another person may be needed to operate it, and there would be maintenance costs. He mentioned the possibility of the Town purchasing a word processor which would interface with its new computer. Mr. Coco said he favored allocating the entire $50,000 to education. Mrs. Philbrick pointed out that when cuts were made in the budget pupil cost items were not deleted. The Chairman called for a vote on the amendment offered by Mr. Landers. The amendment failed to pass. The vote was 2 -3, with Mr. Landers and Mr. Coco voting for and the Chairman, Mr. Allen and Mrs. Philbrick voting against. Mrs. Philbrick then moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that the Administration be directed to investigate leasing a work processor, which would greatly reduce the cost, and that the excess amount be applied to Item X14. The motion carried, 4 -1, with Mr. Allen casting the dissenting vote. Mr. Coco then requested that all items on B -2 -b be voted upon separately. The Chairman agreed to his request. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to add to the 4210 series $5,000 for Item 1 - Hot Top King Street Driveway - P. J. H. The motion carried 4 -1, with Mr. Coco voting in the negative. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, to add $2,800 to the 4200 Series for Item 11- = Flo ti 1° torrid ^r and 3 ___ - Paton. The motion carried; 4 -1; �, with Mr. Coco casting the dissenting vote.