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Dr. Doherty welcomed and thanked Representatives Dwyer and Jones for attending <br /> our meeting. <br /> Representative Jones updated the School Committee on the state budget process. He <br /> shared that the House budget should be announced in mid-April and deliberation will <br /> take place the last week in April. <br /> Representative Dwyer shared that the Governor's budget provides for approximately <br /> $1.2M in aid. He also said that he will be sitting down with the Speaker of the House <br /> to share his priorities for his constituents. <br /> Mr. Robinson asked about the METCO funding in FY15. METCO will be level <br /> funded in the FY15 budget. <br /> Mrs. Janowski urged the Representatives to continue to advocate for METCO. She <br /> feels METCO works and is an important program. She then asked about unfunded <br /> mandates that are associated with the implementation of the Common Core <br /> Curriculum Standards. She asked how districts will be able to fund the <br /> implementation of the standards, curriculum and instruction and assessment. <br /> Representative Dwyer indicated he has written a bill that is currently before the <br /> House Ways & Means Committee addressing these concerns. Both Representatives <br /> urged committee members and the public to email the House Ways & Means <br /> Committee to advocate the passage of this bill. <br /> Representative Dwyer asked Superintendent Doherty if our district technology was <br /> ready for the upcoming PARCC assessment. The Superintendent said it was for this <br /> year because we will only be testing one group per school. <br /> Mrs. Janowski feels it is important to have the technology infrastructure to support <br /> this testing. She pointed out that students wishing to use their mobile devices will be <br /> required to use a keyboard. She feels this is another unfunded mandate. <br /> Mr. Robinson asked where the funding would come from for the proposed bill. <br /> Representative Dwyer indicated that a working group would be created to explore <br /> revenue sources. <br /> Mr. Croft asked about the timeline on the bill. That would depend on the level of <br /> advocacy to support the proposed bill. <br /> Mrs. Gibbs asked for information regarding METCO Lobby Day. Representative <br /> Jones shared that the METCO Legislative Breakfast was recently held and Lobby <br /> Day is later in the spring. He finds Lobby Day to be most impactful. He is able to <br /> meet with students to listen to their concerns and accomplishments. <br /> Mr. Robinson shared that we have a new METCO Director and that he is doing an <br /> excellent job. Representative Dwyer asked to have Mr. Cross reach out to him. <br /> Representatives Jones and Dwyer presented Citations of Appreciation to Mrs. Gibbs <br /> and Mrs. Janowski for their years of service as members of the Reading School <br /> Committee. <br /> Page 12 <br />