HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-11-30 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
REGULAR SESSION November 30, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cavicchi called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's
Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, D'Antona,
Griset, Keigley and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Associate
Superintendent Richards and Town Accountant Richard Foley. Mr. Dahl arrived at 6:40
p.m.
CITIZEN'S INPUT
There was no citizen input
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Harutunian distributed a request for information from Mrs. Phillips.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Dr. Harutunian requested that the Committee approve the transfer of funds for hiring a
special education teacher for two students to be housed in Coolidge Middle School at a
cost as noted in memorandum.
Mr. Twomey asked if that is the last unused classroom at Coolidge.
Dr. Harutunian advised that is the last classroom.
Mr. Twomey moved to approve the transfer of funds for hiring a special education
teacher to be housed in the Coolidge Middle School for two students at the cost
noted in the memorandum dated November 29, 2000. Ms. D'Antona seconded the
motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr.
Keigley and Mr. Twomey.
FY02 BUDGET
Dr. Harutunian distributed information on the FY01 shortfall and his recommended
increases for the FY02 budget over the FY01 budget.
Mr. Twomey stated his concern that no inflationary increase was factored into the
Superintendent's recommended increases for non - personnel items.
REGULAR SESSION 2 November 30, 2000
Mr. Twomey asked that the Superintendent and Town Accountant determine what the
inflationary increase would be on non - personnel items
Mr. Dahl asked if salaries are included in the special education figure.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the $950,000 increase for salaries includes all salaries. The
special education figure includes non - personnel items.
Mr. Griset asked how long it has been since the budget included funds unanticipated
special education students.
Dr. Harutunian advised that it has been two years since unanticipated students have been
funded.
Mr. Griset stated that he was pleased to see unanticipated students included in the budget.
He stated that it was a straight forward way to present the budget.
Mr. Twomey asked if fuel increase had been factored into the special education
transportation costs.
Dr. Harutunian stated that the administration feels fairly confident that the increase of
$650,000 will cover all special education increases.
Mr. Twomey asked whether the new position just voted for the new special education
teacher was included in the recommended budget increases.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the position was factored into the $950,000 salary increase.
Mr. Dahl stated that he felt this was a realistic approach in light of the fact that we do not
know if any additional state aid will be available this year.
Dr. Harutunian reviewed his recommended FY02 budget increases including $950,000
for salary increase, $255,000 for curriculum and $650,000 for special education costs,
$160,000 increase for sick leave buyback for the new retirement plus program and
$355,000 for fuel increases. Dr. Harutunian advised that the Town is not including a cost
of living increase in their budget and if his recommendation is approved the school
budget would be in the same format as the town budget.
Mr. Twomey asked for confirmation that the Superintendent's recommendation for
budget increases would result in to reduction in programs and essentially the same
number of FTE's.
REGULAR SESSION 3 November 30, 2000
Dr. Harutunian advised that he may come back in the fall with cost savings measures
similar to the one presented this evening for the special education teacher. Dr.
Harutunian advised that no programs would be reduced and that the 3 -5 language arts
curriculum was being implemented.
Mrs. Mandell asked what was included in the $255,000 for curriculum.
Dr. Harutunian advised that was books and materials for the program.
Mr. Dahl moved to accept the Superintendent's recommended budget increase for FY02
over FY01. Mr. Keigley seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr.
Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey.
At 7:25 p.m. Mr. Griset moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of
conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with teachers, nurses,
educational assistants, secretaries and clerks, custodial maintenance workers,
cafeteria employees and to discuss an administrative personnel issue not to return to
regular session. Mr. Keigley seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi,
Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools