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B. New Business (Out of Order) <br /> Representatives Jim Dwyer and Brad Jones and Senator Jason Lewis discussed <br /> happenings on Beacon Hill. <br /> Representative Jones touched upon work being done on Chapter 70 funding, the <br /> FY16 budget and recent hearings on PARCC testing providing information on <br /> what direction the state should go in respect to student assessment. <br /> Representative Dwyer shared that he is part of a group that has authored a bill to <br /> ask for a three year moratorium on PARCC testing and the implementation of the <br /> Common Core. It is agreed that assessment is needed but a determination needs <br /> to be made as to which is the best assessment for students. <br /> Discussion continued regarding student assessment, unfunded mandates and the <br /> FY16 budget. <br /> Senator Lewis updated the committee members on the FY16 budget. He shared <br /> the recommendations that circuit breaker is being fully funded, local aid be <br /> increased and Chapter 70 funding increased. He also said that $25,000 is <br /> earmarked for field improvements in Reading. Reading has been cited in the state <br /> for the work on the safe and supportive schools initiative. An interim report has <br /> been released on the foundation budget which will address health care and Special <br /> Education costs. <br /> The Senator was pleased that Reading recently had a presentation on substance <br /> abuse/tobacco. He is the Chair of the Public Health Committee and knows that <br /> education and information is important in combating this public health problem. <br /> Mrs. Webb expressed concerns regarding Smart growth densities and the need to <br /> continue to work with Town officials on 40B housing. <br /> The School Committee continued discussion on student assessment. Both <br /> Representatives said that the proposed moratorium on PARCC and the Common <br /> Core are in the early stages of discussion. <br /> Dr. Snow Dockser attended an Education Committee hearing last week and <br /> wanted to be sure that when looking at free full day kindergarten that attention is <br /> paid to the financial impact on districts that now have tuition based programs. <br /> Representative Dwyer said that conversation is well on its way. Representative <br /> Jones said that there will also be an impact on existing facilities when free full <br /> day kindergarten for all is offered. <br /> Chair Robinson thanked the legislators for attending tonight and called a brief <br /> recess at 6:50 p.m. <br /> Mr. Robinson called the meeting back to order at 7:02 p.m. <br /> Staff Recognition <br /> Page 12 <br />