2006-02-27 School Committee Minutes

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` 'IJ U,, v FSJJ. Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts 1.1 Regular Session February 27, 2006 Call to Order Chair Spadafora called the regular session to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Media Center at J. Warren Killam Elementary School. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. McFadden. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input There was none. Gifts There were no gifts. Mr. Spadafora welcomed everyone and thanked the Killam Community for hosting the event. He stated there was an informal gathering before the School Committee Meeting. The teachers gave highlights of the work they are doing. Ms. Webb thanked Mr. Guerrette for his unwavering leadership to our teachers. Liaison Reports Mr. McFadden stated he finished the Health Insurance Advisory Committee last week. They were expecting a 15% increase in the budgeted cost for heath insurance. In actuality there was no increase, saving the Town over one million dollars. Mr. McFadden attributes the savings as the Town treating the situation as a business and hiring a health care consultant to help. He stated that it would be hard for Blue Cross Blue Shield to justify a 15% increase in premiums when their earnings are so high. They anticipated an 8-10% increase in premiums for next year maybe less. Mr. McFadden thanked Steven Tringale, Reading resident and consultant, for his help. Chair Spadafora stated that health insurance is a significant part of the budget. Last year there was a 25% increase in health insurance. Chair Spadafora stated he asked Mr.