2007-01-22 School Committee Minutes

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Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Call to Order READING, MASS. 2hair Webb called the public hearing to order at 7:31 p.m. at the Coolidge 8WkEk ol1Rul2tp I 06se Room. Present Alp were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Director of Human Resource and Finances Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Fin Com Representative Chuck Robinson, Fin Com Representative Hal Torman, Fin Com Representative George Hines, Wood End Principal Richard Davidson, Birch Meadow Principal Tom Daniels, RMHS Principal Joseph Finigan, Coolidge Principal Craig Martin, Killam Principal Paul Guerrette, Parker Principal Linda Darisse, Barrows Principal Karen Callan, Special Education Program Coordinator Jacqui Orphanos, AI3 Representatives Scott Dunlap and Phil Callahan, RTA President Stan Quinlan, Chronicle Reporter Doug Wood Boyle, and Advocate Reporter Melissa Russell. Several budget parents and citizens were also present. Chair Webb read the mission of the Reading Public Schools and acknowledged the members of the Finance Committee, budget parents and building principals, who were present at the meeting. Public Hearing on FY08 Budget Superintendent Schettini did a short presentation on the FY08 Budget. He highlighted the following areas: • FY08 Budget Building Procedure • Reading Public Schools Mission • State of the Schools Address Excerpts that focus on school improvement and excellence • School Committee Policy on the Annual Budget • Budgeting Towards Excellence • Bottom lines of the four possible budgets (Reduced Service, Baseline, Level Service, Recommended) • Budget meetings • What if we were average? School Committee welcomed input from the community on the FY08 budget. Lesley Haley, President of Understanding Disabilities-thanked the school committee for their support of Understanding Disabilities. She gave a status report of the program this year. Cathy Stygles, Realtor from REMAX Top Achievers in Reading-Gave data from Realty Times Market Report which indicated that the excellence of this school district is one of the top reasons that families purchase homes in Reading. Compared to the average home prices of Wakefield, North Reading, Stoneham, and Woburn, the value of Reading homes is $10,000 greater than homes in other communities. Priscilla Hollenbeck, budget parent from Joshua Eaton-talked about a specific line item on the recommended budget referring to the need for an additional Elementary Reading Specialist. She gave data indicating support for the position. A copy of her data is attached in the minutes. Mr. Caruso made a motion to adjourn the public hearing seconded by Mr. Michaud Roll call vote 4-0. Ms Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Caruso Public hearing adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Ms. Webb called the regular school committee meeting session to order at 8:26 p.m. Bills and Payrolls Bills and payrolls were circulated to all members of the committee. Citizens' Input 'sere was no citizens' input.