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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01-02 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session January 2, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, Russo and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Also present were Finance Committee Members Dick McDonald and Cathy Martin and Selectmen Matt Cummings. BILLS & PAYROLL The Committee circulated bills and payrolls for signature. YOUNG ALUMNI Four members of the RMHS Class of 2002, CC Costello, Jon Rosenthal, Amanda Foulds and Janelle Downing discussed their experiences at college and answered questions from the Committee regarding how RMHS prepared them for college. The Committee took a short recess after the students finished their presentation. Chair Griset stated that over the past several weeks he had been dealing with a family crisis and he thanked Dr. Harutunian and the members of the School Committee for their support during this time. HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Harutunian thanked the Parker students and art teachers for the artwork decorating the School Committee conference room. Dr. Harutunian advised that Mr. McFadden was attending the Governor's inaugural ball and would not be at this evening's School Committee meeting. FY04 BUDGET Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a revised page 3, 4 and 5 of the FY04 budget. Dr. Harutunian thanked Selectmen Cummings and Finance Committee Members McDonald and Martin for attending this evening's meeting. Regular Session 2 January 2, 2003 Dr. Harutunian presented his recommended FY04 budget. He stated that this budget included increases in salaries, special education costs and utilities that he believed are necessary to move into the next year. He stated that he is anticipating a minimum reduction of $2.8 million. Ms. Martin asked if the reduction was from the FY03 budget or the proposed FY04 budget. Dr. Harutunian advised the reduction was from the FY03 budget. Dr. Harutunian asked the Committee for direction on how they wanted the budget presentation. He asked if they wanted to begin with proposed budget reductions or an overview of the proposed budget. Mr. Twomey stated that he believes the entire budget will be reviewed as the Committee reviews the reductions. He discussed the problem the schools face with a May 1St deadline for staff and he discuss the possibility of an override. Mr. Russo concurred with Mr. Twomey. Mr. Dahl stated that he wanted to look in detail at the budget so the community would have the opportunity to understand what the reductions will mean to the educational system in Reading. The Committee discussed and agreed to hold a meeting on January 8th for a budget overview and Dr. Harutunian to answer general questions by the Committee and the public. A citizen in the audience asked if Reading receives any Title One money. Dr. Harutunian advised that Reading has not received Title One money in six years. Mr. Twomey asked Dr. Harutunian to provide him with an explanation at a future budget meeting on why regular education continues to take a disproportionately larger hit on reductions that any other budget area. Dr. Harutunian advised that for the past 3 years he has been told to increase only those areas mandated by law and by contracts. Regular education includes contracted salary increases by special education includes mandates. i Regular Session 3 January 2, 2003 Mr. Dahl stated that as a community we need to approach the state and inform them that they must fund special education. Ms. Webb stated that it is important that the community understand the trends in special education and regular day and asked for a history of the budget for the percentage of both regular day and special education. A member of the audience asked what the state average of the percentage of students in special education is. Dr. Harutunian advised approximately 15 %. Mr. Russo asked if the district has seen a drop in costs since the change from maximum feasibility. Dr. Harutunian advised that he believes it will be 10 years before you see a significant drop in costs. Ms. Cavicchi noted that in some states districts are going to a 4 -day school week to save money. Dr. Harutunian advised that the state requires a minimum of 180 days of school. Dr. Harutunian asked that he receive all budget questions by January 6th at 12:00 p.m. Dr. Harutunian asked members of the Finance Committee if they agreed with his preliminary numbers on reductions. Chair Cathy Martin stated that her only question was whether lottery receipts would be cut. She stated that Brad Jones indicated no expectation of a reduction in lottery receipts. ADJOURN At 10:00 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi moved to adiourn. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, awlt 6��- Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools