2001-01-22 School Committee Minutes

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RRe ular Session 3 January 22,2001 Kathy Guyott stated that she took a survey of all PTOs in town and every year PTOs raise approximately $180,000. She stated that in addition to PTO's there are parents that have paid for intercom, books,copy machines, furniture, word processors and classroom equipment. She stated that Reading is one of the few towns that do not provide bussing. She stated that she checked and bussing costs are not included in the per pupil. Al Garbarino asked for clarification. He stated that the discussion was around adding two elementary teachers when in fact the recommendation is to cut two of the four elementary teachers. He also asked how many empty classrooms there are. He asked that the cost of operating a fifth school be reviewed. Dr. Harmunian advised that he is correct the Superintendent's Recommended FY02 budget included eliminating four elementary teachers. He has made an adjustment that would bring back two of the four that were recommended to be eliminated. He stated that right now there are no empty classrooms. He stated that depending on where the principals and administration decide to place two elementary teachers there may be an empty classroom next year. Dr. Harutunian stated that people need to remember that the new school is not being built just for the next five years but for the next 40 years. He stated that building the new school would allow all other elementary schools to have core facilities including art and music rooms. Mr. Keigley stated that the project has been delayed because of litigation and that is increasing costs for the new school and that the economy is slowing. Ms. D'Antona stated that some teachers going to the new school will be from portable classrooms that will be eliminated because of the building project. Mr. Dahl advised that 16 classrooms would be removed from the existing elementary schools to provide space for dedicated art/music, etc and those classrooms would be moved to the new school. He stated that the cost of a principal, secretary,media specialist etc. would be increases to the budget. Karen Petterson stated that she is pleased with the MCAS results but is concerned about the fact that students will need to pass the test in order to graduate. She asked what was being done to help students who are at risk. Dr. Harmunian stated that he feels that he will not be successful unless 100% of the students taking the MCAS test pass the test. He stated that a program has been started to work towards the goal of 100%passing the test. I