2010-02-01 School Committee Minutes

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February 1, 2010 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve a new High School Band user fee in the amount of $175 per year per student to be implemented beginning in the 2010-11 school year. The motion carried 6-0. The School Committee requested that a report on participation numbers be presented in the fall. The discussion then turned to the position of Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Doherty then went on to review the roles of the Central Office Administrators. He pointed out eliminating or decreasing the role of the Assistant Superintendent would hinder the districts ability to move the mission and vision forward. He introduced Mrs. Callan, Barrows principal and Richard Davidson, Wood End principal, who read a position paper supporting the need for a full time Assistant Superintendent. (See attached) Mrs. Freedman, RMHS principal, echoed the sentiments of the position paper and spoke of experience in districts she had worked in that had eliminated the position and work in curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology ceased. Chair Robinson thanked the principals for their input. Ms. DeLai then provided an update on revised revenue projections as a result of the Governor's recommended budget. She outlined the assumptions used when developing the FYI 1 and FY12 budgets. The total additional state aid to Reading totaled $1,733,554. the Assistant Town Manager then made adjustments based on last year's difference, potential health insurance increases, community priority in special education it was determined that there would be approximately $512,554 of additional state aid available to the town. $354,000 would be available to the schools. Dr. Doherty then reviewed the recommended restorations determined through a meeting with the Administrative Council. The recommendation is to restore in the Regular Day cost center: 2.0 FTE middle school teachers, 2.5 FTE Elementary Library Media Specialists, 1.0 FTE Instructional Specialist, .4 FTE RMHS teacher and to the Undistributed cost center to restore the full N and freshman athletic schedules. He also reviewed the areas not to be restored. Chair Robinson asked how much more money it would require to up the high school position to 1.0 FTE. Ms. DeLai said it would be approximately $33,000. Mr. Robinson stated that he feels the town used very conservative numbers and would be open to adding an additional $40,000 to the budget. The School Committee asked clarifying questions Mr. Robinson directed the Superintendent to add an additional $40,000 with $33,000 to be used to add .6 FTE to the high school put back and the remaining to be used in the Undistributed cost center. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the FV2011 School Department Budget in the total amount of $36,390,308 consisting of the following cost center amounts: