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Reaular Session January 22, 2001 <br /> Paula Perry made a statement regarding the importance of class size at the elementary <br /> level and that more than just the number of students in a class needs to be taken into <br /> account when determining where teachers will be placed. She stated that she hoped the <br /> Committee would leave the decision on teacher placement to the principals who are <br /> aware of specific student issues in each classroom. <br /> Gary Phillips recommended that the School Committee revise the budget presentation <br /> and adopt an approach similar to the Board of Selectmen's so citizen's can compare items <br /> line by line from previous year. <br /> Linda Phillips asked why, when we have the same number of out of district special <br /> education students, is there such a large increase in cost. <br /> Mr. Dahl stated that the issue was discussed at the last meeting, the question had been <br /> answered, several time. <br /> Mr. Griset stated that it is unfortunate that we can't be civil. He stated that the question <br /> had been answered and Dr. Harmunian had agreed to provide documents again to Ms. <br /> Phillips. <br /> Linda Snow Dockser discussed the importance of class size and stated that more than the <br /> number of students in a class should be considered. She stated that the decisions on <br /> where to place teachers should be left to principals and staff who are aware of <br /> confidential issues with students. She thanked the Committee and Dr. Harutunian for <br /> allowing parents to participate in the budget process. <br /> Dr. Harutunian stated that no decision has been made regarding keeping two of the four <br /> elementary teachers, adding 1.2 middle school teachers and .8 high school teacher. <br /> Gael Phillips Spence discussed the importance of class size including the class size of <br /> remedial classes. <br /> Ellen Mounteer discussed the amount of fund raising that parents do in Reading to <br /> support the schools. She stated that the community needs to be aware of how much time <br /> and money parents invest in the Reading Public Schools. She stated that this budget may <br /> be the beginning of a downward slide for the school system because of lack of funding. <br /> She discussed the amount of money school PTO's raise each year to provide enrichment <br /> to the students. <br />