HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-20 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting of the Finance Committee
Open Session
Date: March 20, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Town Hall Conference Room
Fincom Members Present
David Greenfield
Paula Perry
Paul McNeice
Mark Dockser
Jeanne Borawski
Hal Torman,
Jeffrey Perkins Arrived at 7:50 p.m.
Karen Herrick Arrived at 7:40 p.m.
Visitors:
John Doherty, Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent
Karen Janowski, School Committee
Hal Croft, School Committee
Chuck Robinson, School Committee
Chris Caruso, School Committee
Rob Spadafora, School Committee
Call to Order
Staff Members Present
Bob LeLacheur, Town Finance Director
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
James Bonazoli, BOS
Gary Brackett, Town Counsel
Chairperson Greenfield called the Finance Committee to order at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Janowski called the School Committee to order.
Mr. Greenfield returned to the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Mr. Croft, Mr. Hechenbleikner, Mr. Brackett and Mr. LeLacheur left the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
The Finance Committee and School Committee were call back to order at 8:39 p.m
Il. Recommended Procedure
A. Continued Business
FY2014 School Department Budget
Dr. Doherty and Ms. DeLai reviewed the changes between the Superintendent's Recommended
and School Committee approved budgets. Dr. Doherty explained that the School Committee
will request that Town meeting approve the allocation of $250,000 from free cash in the FY2013
Capital budget to be used to purchase curriculum materials. If this request is approved the
School Committee budget would be reduced by that amount.
Mrs. Perry asked about the additional staffing to address behavioral health needs in the district
and wondered if we could capitalize on funding from health insurance companies. Dr. Doherty
indicated we could not but we can recommend and direct families to seek out other services that
private health insurance may cover.
Dr. Doherty reviewed enrollment and class sizes trends. He pointed out that the additional
staffing requests are need to address the large incoming grade nine.
Ms. DeLai reviewed the foundation budget and how the Foundation budget is determined for
each district.
Mr. Spadafora left the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Ms. DeLai reviewed the district per pupil spending and how our per pupil spending ranks with
other comparable communities.
Superintendent Doherty reviewed the budget drivers used in developing the budget. The drivers
include salaries, the implementation of curriculum initiatives, a large grade nine class, significant
increases in out of district tuitions, the continued need to provide behavioral health supports for
middle and high school students, and a reduction in circuit breaker reimbursement amounts.
Ms. DeLai reviewed information on energy and utility usage and grant and revenue offsets.
Dr. Doherty reviewed the School Department Cost Centers and reviewed the budget drivers for
each.. Mr. Dockser asked how Reading's Special Education spending compared to comparable
communities. Ms. Delai responded that we are close to the state average.
Ms. DeLai reviewed the Town electricity, natural gas and water consumption over a five year
period.
Ms. DeLai answered previously submitted questions.
Mr. Greenfield appreciated the level of transparency that allows for open and frank discussions.
He also appreciates the level of trust that is a result of the transparency.
Ill. Information
IV. Future Business
V. Adioumment
Mr. Torman moved, seconded by Mr. Dockser, to adjourn. The motion carried 7 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m._
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they
occurred during the meeting.
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