2016-01-25 School Committee Minutes

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Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to approve the consent agenda as amended. The motion carried 5-0. Accept a Donation Chair Robinson welcomed Lisa, Rob and Samantha Gibbs to the meeting. The Gibbs family, on behalf of Samantha's Harvest, presented the Reading Public Schools with a donation in the amount of$2,500 to be used to support special education professional development. Mrs. Gibbs provided a brief background of Samantha's Harvest and the fundraising efforts of the Samantha's Harvest organization. Part of Samantha's Harvest mission is to educate and support organizations for people with Down Syndrome. The group holds fundraisers throughout the year and is able to make donations to several organizations including the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to accept a donation in the amount of$2,500 from Samantha's Harvest. The motion carried 5-0. Mrs. Webb wanted to acknowledge the sizable donation from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to be used to purchase new mats. With the additional mats we will be able to host statewide wrestling events. C. Reports Student Mr. Gillies had nothing to report. Liaisons Mrs. Joyce shared that the girl's ice hockey team will once again hold their Pink in the Rink fundraiser on Saturday night. Dr. Snow Dockser mentioned that the SEPAC would be meeting on Thursday night. D. New Business FY17 Budget Discussion The School Committee began budget deliberations. Mr. Robinson reminded the committee that the proposed budget is $150,000 higher than the recommended budget increase from the Finance Committee because of the implementation of the new science curriculum. Dr. Doherty thanked all that contributed to the development of this budget document. Dr. Doherty pointed out that in addition to the operating budget the district relies on revolving account and circuit breaker offsets and grants to operate the schools. Page 12