1983-07-25 School Committee Minutes

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1_R3 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 25, 1983 Mr. D'Orlando went on to say he has listed the recommendations and categorized them as those now completed, those in progress, those to be done at a later date, and the few to be rejected. He also stated that in September the High School will be notified as to whether or not it will be accreditted, and that at the end of two and five years he must show the NEASC what progress has been made on their recommendations. Mr. Garroway said he was distressed that the teachers had indicated that they were in the dark about the budget process since when Dr. Wells had gone to the High School to go over the budget there was no indication of this. Mr. D'Orlando agreed, adding that the budget process had been completely open. He also noted that when Dr. Wells came to speak about the budget only a few teachers came to listen. He said he believed the teachers' comments were a "lobbying effort." Mr. Nigro commented that communications must improve from the faculty to the Administration to the School Committee, and even to parents, students, the Finance Committee and the Town Meeting. He offered to work with the High School on communications. He also said he would like to do something about improving the per pupil expenditure. Acting Chairman Philbrick commented that over one hour had been spent discussing the financial aspect of the report, and asked if there were questions on other parts of it. Mr. D'Orlando noted that there were also many commendations. Mr. Nigro said he would like Mr. D'Orlando to come to another meeting so that the School Committee could go over other areas of the report in more detail. End -of -the year Financial Reports Mr. Winslow noted that the Cafeteria Statement showed a profit of 6%, adjusted to 3.5% after capital expenditures, for the past year. He said he felt the School Lunch Program had been very successful. Food Services Director Miss Cook answered a number of questions from School Committee members regarding her expectations for the lunch program in the future. Several questions dealt with the availability of government commodities, price of "Type A" lunch and the possibility of continuing to operate at a profit. Miss Cook said it is very difficult to predict future availability of government commodities. Although she doesn't expect any great reduction for the upcoming year, these commodities may, however, eventually be replaced by cash reimbursements, which could hurt the local program. She noted that a profit of only 1% is pro- jected for next year, maintaining the same lunch price, because of escalating costs and reduced government commodities. She recommended the pruchase of a large freezer, which would save money because bulk purchasing results in lower costs. This would cost at least $12,000. She added that with food costs increasing and government commodities decreasing she did not feel the cafeteria account would be able to bear the cost of repairs and capital outlay expenditures.