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Parker ELA teachers Julie Merrill and Andrew Spinali addressed the proposed cut of <br />an ELA block in the middle school schedule. The double block provides for social - <br />emotional support, curriculum pacing and helps the grade 6 students transition to <br />middle school teaching time management skills. The reduction in ELA time may also <br />affect our Bridge program students reducing the opportunity to interact with their <br />peers during the ELA class. <br />RTA president Eric Goldstein and RMHS teacher Jeff Ryan asked the School <br />Committee to vote to ask the Board of Selectmen to put a Proposition 21/2 question on <br />the ballot in April suggesting a lower amount. A successful vote would address the <br />personnel cuts in the budget which will have an adverse effect on our student's <br />success. <br />High school budget parent Andy Friedman asked the committee to consider non- <br />personnel/program cuts. <br />Killam parent Jessica Kaufamn is concerned about teacher cuts and asked if the <br />building based budgets could be cut or eliminated to restore these positions. <br />Former RMHS student Nathan Giacalone asked that the foreign language cuts be <br />restored. He feels the opportunity to study languages is important especially in our <br />global society. He asked that that areas such as administration be looked at for <br />reductions. <br />Julie Wall, parent and former foreign language teacher asked that all possibilities be <br />examined and exhausted before eliminating any positions. <br />Alicia Williams, PAC & Birch Meadow parent, is disheartened at the loss of foreign <br />language and other cuts. She feels that the funding of professional development <br />seems high in comparison to what is being cut. Are there ways to offer less <br />expensive professional development. Have teachers been asked if they find the <br />professional development opportunities helpful. <br />RMHS sophomore Kelly Ward expressed her concerns of the reductions in the <br />foreign language programs and feels that learning a language exposed students to <br />different cultures. She also feels that this reduction will negatively impact Reading in <br />the view of colleges. <br />Middle school student Kathy thoroughly enjoys her foreign language class and would <br />like to see the offerings continued. She handed the chair a petition signed by 521 <br />students in support of keeping the foreign language programs. <br />Marianne Downing, Parker and Joshua Eaton parent, said the sixth grade students will <br />be directly affected and seventh graders may not get into foreign language in eighth <br />grade. She referred to the Munis budget saying that several non -represented positions <br />appear to be receiving large increases. She next addressed professional development <br />and asked if teachers found it important; what data do we have showing that PD is a <br />benefit to student outcomes? Mrs. Downing next spoke about the 185 days in the <br />teachers' contract saying that the average teacher days in 24 peer districts in 183. She <br />would like the committee to look at the teacher days. She would also support a <br />smaller override and reminded the community it is not just about the schools. <br />Page 1 2 <br />