2006-01-03 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- January 3, 2006 Superintendent Schettini stated there were many initiatives resulting from the District Improvement Plan. He has met with parent group, curriculum groups and the Reading Teachers Association. He stated he was trying to bring the message forward. He stated there would be a "Spotlight on Education" meeting on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at the Multi-Purpose Room at Coolidge Middle School to explain to the Community the direction of the Reading Public Schools and several of the initiatives we are currently doing. The School Administrators would be present. Liaison Reports Mrs. Gibbs stated there was an NEASC article regarding the Commission of Secondary Schools. There were five members completing two consecutive three-year terms on the Commision of Secondary Schools. Our Superintendent Pat Schettini was one of them. She stated that he is recognized for his fine work as an educator not just in Reading but outside of the district as well. Ms. Webb stated the Reading Symphony Orchestra was able to raise $2,500 for the P.T.O.s of our five elementary schools. The elementary school administrators and staff attended the event. The event was very enjoyable. Thank you to the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Personnel Superintendent Schettini stated that they have hired a new Director of Facilities. Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai and Student Representative stated that she was very excited to announce that they have appointed Mr. Joseph Huggins as the new Director of Facilities. Joe was formerly the Director of Facilities for Melrose Public Schools and prior to that, the Assistant Director of Facilities in the Town of Lynnfield. He will be starting January 30, 2006. FY07 Budget Superintendent Schettini gave a presentation overview of the FY07 Budget. He went over the dates for the budget discussion meetings. Tonight, we would be reviewing Administration and Regular Day. January 9, 2006 would be the review and discussion of the Special Education Budget. The Public Hearing for the FY07 budget would be on January 12, 2006. The School Committee is due to vote on the budget on January 23, 2006. He went on to say that Reading is well below the State average. He stated that the pie chart in the budget is statistically identical to the pie chart of other years. The bottom line is $1,957,333 or a 6.2% increase. There are budget drivers of $2,107,304. He explained