2009-01-15 School Committee Minutes

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January 15, 2009 Mrs. Gibbs reported on the upcoming Martin Luther King breakfast taking place in the RMHS Performing Arts Center on Monday January 19th 3. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini stated that the district is abuzz with activities. He also reported that he is very pleased that the use of technology in our classrooms is on the rise. He also encouraged the public to attend the Martin Luther King event on Monday. 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business 1. FYI 0 Budget Superintendent Schettini presented the FYI 0 Administration and Regular Day budgets. He stated that we must stay focused on the district mission and vision and we may be slowed but not stopped on our path towards excellence. He reviewed how the budget was developed using the directive received at the November Financial Forum to develop a level funded budget and pointed out that the budget is also policy driven. He reminded the committee that in their deliberations they need to remember that if money is to be added to a cost center, it will be taken from another area of the budget. The Superintendent also cautioned the committee that future 9C cuts may impact our current budget. Any reductions will reduce services. He has no specific information regarding FY09 9C cuts as of yet, but will pass it along when the decisions are made at the state level. He reviewed the impact of the reductions on the Administration section of the budget. There are no significant increases in any item. One concern is the impact of implementing MUNIS of the Administrative staff. Ms. DeLai and Superintendent Schettini pointed out that many roles the town hall staff played in the school payroll activities are now the responsibility of the school department. Ms. DeLai indicated that this data entry should be done by our department but is very time and personnel consuming. Superintendent Schettini continued with the Regular Day budget presentation. Regular Day makes up the largest portion of the budget. He reviewed the cuts in personnel but stated he has not determined yet where the positions would be cut. A major concern in the years ahead the impact of further reductions will have on class size, program reduction/elimination and support services. His hope was to have many of the personnel reductions in the FYI 0 budget will come from attrition. Another major concern the Superintendent has is in the reductions of materials and supplies which includes curriculum purchases, professional development and instructional technology. These cuts will have a definite negative impact on teaching and learning not just next year but for several years to come. Superintendent Schettini informed the committee that he recently had a meeting with the PTO Presidents and the Technology Fund to ask them for assistance with the maintenance of technology where appropriate. He also asked the Technology Fund representatives to help provide a fair equity across the district. The PTOs and the Technology Fund were very receptive to his request. Mr. Schettini stressed that this is not a forever solution and was hesitant about approaching the group for this request.