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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-02-24 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session February 24, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, McFadden, Russo and Twomey. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian. Executive Session At 7:00 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Secretaries & Clerks, Nurses, Custodial Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Educational Assistants, Administrators including the Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, the high school principal, the Coolidge and Parker principals, the Barrows, Birch Meadow, Eaton and Killam principals, the two assistant high school principals, the Coolidge and Parker assistant principals, the Directors of Special Education, Food Services, Athletics, Nurses and Facilities, the Assistant Director of Facilities, the Secretary to the Superintendent and the Administrative Assistants for Finance, Personnel, Curriculum and Central Office, to discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices, to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and to approve executive session minutes. To return to regular session at approximately 7:30 p.m. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. CALL BACK TO ORDER At 7:50 p.m. Vice Chair Dahl called the meeting back to order. All School Committee members were present. Also present were Superintendent Harutuman, Associate Superintendent Richards, Finance Committee Member Dick McDonald and Town Accountant Richard Foley. BILLS & PAYROLL Bill and payroll circulated for signature. Regular Session 2 February 24, 2003 The Committee agreed to take agenda items out of order to accommodate guests. FY03 BUDGET Mr. Foley updated the Committee on the status of the FY03 budget. He stated that there are still many unknowns but at this point it looks good. Mr. Dahl asked what the key unknowns are. Mr. Foley advised that heating problems, special education and building maintenance could still create unforeseen problems. Dr. Harutunian advised that another water valve had broken at the high school causing a flood. Mr. Russo stated that an analysis should be done on the valves to see what the problem is. After discussion, Mr. Russo agreed to wait until the election before requesting an analysis of the valves. WARRANT ARTICLES Dr. Harutunian requested that the Committee review and approve placing the three School Committee articles on the Town Meeting warrant. School Committee a Town Meeting Warrant for April 8 "'. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Mr. Twomey moved that the School Committee approve placing Article 13 on the Town Meeting Warrant for April 8th. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Mr. Twomey moved that the School ( Town Meeting Warrant for April 8t". Mr. Russo seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Regular Session 3 February 24, 2003 CITIZENS INPUT There was no citizen input. GIFTS There were no gifts to report. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the steps taken to remove snowdrifts from the roofs of the schools. Dr. Harutunian thanked the Fire Department and the Maintenance Department for their assistance. Dr. Harutunian advised that he is continuing to work on the lighting situation at Barrows. He stated that he is waiting for cost estimates for shields for the lights but stated his concern that the shields would lessen the level of security at the building. Dr. Harutunian discussed the Storm Water Management Advisory Committee's memorandum regarding a public hearing. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee that Mr. Russo serve as the liaison to the Storm Water Management Advisory Committee. Dr. Harutunian stated that the Committee needs to continue to work on budget reductions for FY04. Dr. Harutunian notified the Committee that quotes were received from five consultants for the Superintendent's Search. After discuss the Committee agreed to interview the consultants on March 11 cn Dr. Harutunian discussed the amendment to the SBA filed by Massachusetts Senate. He thanked Mr. Twomey, Mr. Graham, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Representative Jones and Senator Tisei for their work in moving this amendment forward. Mr. Dahl discussed Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 5. He stated the Article gives the School Committee an additional appointment to the Town Audit Committee. Dr. Harutunian discussed an e -mail from Dr. Mandell to Jeff Wulfson of SBA and Mr. Wulfson's response. Regular Session 4 February 24, 2003 Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on safety procedures. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that 146 subcontractors and contractorss have pulled papers on the new elementary school. Mr. McDonald explained the process if bids came in lower than anticipated for the new elementary school. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the all -day kindergarten process. Dr. Harutunian advised that his meeting with Vinme Cameron of RMLD was cancelled due to the snowstorm. He advised that he would be meeting with Mr. Cameron in the near future. Dr. Harutunian discussed a communication from Flansburgh regarding the sub bids on the new elementary schools. Dr. Harutunian stated that Richard Foley met with Dom Cacciapuoti to discuss the Town's maintenance budget. He stated that the Town Manager is aware that there is only $7,200 left in the budget. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee on the leak at the police station. He thanked the DPW for their assistance. Dr. Harutunian stated that citizens interested in serving on the Superintendent Search Committee should address their requests to Chairman Bill Griset in care of the Superintendent's Office. Mr. Russo stated that he wanted to discuss further Mr. Wulfson's letter and two notable comments in the last section of the letter where it states that the school department can submit an amended application for just the Barrows' project. Mr. Twomey stated that the SBA will review anything that the Committee gives them but the SBA has also indicated to the School Committee what they will reimburse. Mr. Dahl stated that the SBA would review, but it would still have to meet all qualifications that were laid out by the SBA, including the removal of portables and the addition of art and music rooms to each elementary school. Mr. Russo stated that renovating just Barrows would be a less expensive option and given the fiscal situation the Committee should pursue that option. Regular Session 5 February 24, 2003 Mr. Twomey stated that the architect projected that doing just renovations to Barrows would be a more expensive solution than the creation of a new school and smaller renovations to Barrows. Barrows would have to become so large that the entire school would have to be redone, including core facilities and the amount of land Barrows is situation on is not appropriately sized for a school of that size. He stated that the SBA also stated that since we have another site expressly for the purpose of a new school their preference is that. Mr. Russo stated that he was not privy to some of the conversations Mr. Twomey was referencing, but he accepted Mr. Twomey's explanation and stated that he wanted to move on to the second item in the letter that caused concern and that was that we didn't need a special election because schematics would have been acceptable to the SBA. Mr. Twomey stated that the special election was not for schematics but for the Town to decide whether to move forward with the project based on the schematics and the schematics were necessary so the voters would know what they are voting for. The Committee discussed their 1999 vote not to support any project that is not reimbursable. Mr. Russo stated that before taxpayers make a decision they need to know what the reimbursement rate the state is committing to. Mr. Twomey restated what the SBA has told the district regarding reimbursement. Mr. Dahl stated that history with the SBA is once you are on the SBA list the state fulfills its obligations He stated that our state representatives and state senator have worked hard to get the best reimbursement for Reading, and he believes that they will continue to work hard to get reimbursements for Reading. Mr. Russo stated that his opinion that too much money is being spent on buildings and not enough on students. He stated that this is the worst financial situation in the state since the depression. Mr. Dahl moved that the School Committee reaffirm its intention not to support any renovation to the high school that is not reimbursable. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mr. Dahl withdrew the motion. Mr. Russo moved that the School Department not accept going ahead with the proiect unless the reimbursement rate is at least 50 %. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 1 -5. Mr. Russo voted yes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Twomey voted no. The motion did not carry. Regular Session 6 February 24, 2003 Mr. Dahl moved to reaffirm the School Committee vote on May 10, 1999. Mr. T_ women seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Twomey voted yes Mr. Russo voted no. FY04 BUDGET Dr. Harutunian distributed information regarding his proposed FY04 reductions and additional revenue. Mr. McFadden stated his concern that $75,000 for revenue is still conservation for the increase in athletic user fees. Mr. McFadden discussed charging a user fee for extra curricular activities. Mr. McFadden asked that a list of the athletic teams that will be cut if no override is passed is forwarded to the Committee within two weeks. Mr. Dahl stated that he would like to see a plan for the athletic program. Mr. Twomey stated that he wants to see a plan that better balances the reductions from the budget areas, including administration, custodial maintenance and other services. He stated that regular day is taking a larger percentage of the hit in the reductions. He stated that the Committee may not agree with the recommendations but they want an opportunity to review the proposal. Mr. Dahl agreed with Mr. Twomey. He stated that he wants to be able to look at a different scenario that would better balance the reductions. Chair Griset stated that he did not want the Superintendent to put together a proposal that included reductions that would not be considered legal reductions under state mandates. After discussion the Committee agreed to review items they would like to see added to the reduction list. Mr. McFadden moved to add the $30,000 for merit bonuses to the reduction list. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey voted yes. Mr. Dahl moved to add the unanticipated private and public tuition of $120,000 and four unanticipated transportation costs of $60,000 for a total of $180,000 to the reduction list The vote was 4 -2 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl Mr. Griset and Mr. Twomey voted yes, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo voted no. Regular Session 7 February 24, 2003 Mr. McFadden stated that he voted no because historically we have had unanticipated in the past and he felt it was not truth in budgeting. Mr. McDonald stated that he was not speaking for the Finance Committee but that he believed that unanticipated should be removed and the Committee should go to Town Meeting and ask that any unanticipated be covered out of free cash. Mr. McFadden moved to add the position of assistant facilities director to the reduction list. After discussion regarding the duties and responsibilities of the assistant facilities director Mr. McFadden withdrew his motion. Mr. Russo moved to put professional development on the list and direct the Superintendent to come back with justifications. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden Mr. Russo, and Mr. Twomey. Mr. Dahl moved to direct the Superintendent to bring back a plan to reduce custodial overtime. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey The Committee discussed the revenue from the increase in athletic user fees and the sports that may be eliminated. Mr. Dahl stated that he would like to see a program of what costs the $200 user fee would cover including coaches, officials, fields, etc. Mr. McFadden suggested having Phil Vacarro and Dom Cacciapouti attend a School Committee meeting to discuss their areas of reductions. Mr. McFadden moved to request that the Athletic Director and the Facilities Director come before the School Committee. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 3 -3 Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo voted yes Ms Cavicchi, Mr. Griset and Mr. Twomey voted no. The motion did not carry. Mr. McFadden moved that the Superintendent come back to the Committee with between $0 and $100,000 in additional administration cost reductions. Mr. Russo seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey voted yes, Ms. Cavicchi abstained. Mr. Russo stated that a few months ago he voted to abstain regarding the new elementary school because he did not have sufficient time to review the information. He stated that he has met with the Superintendent and reviewed the matter. Mr. Russo distributed information regarding the new elementary school. He stated that he would like to discuss the decision he has come to on this matter. Regular Session 8 February 24, 2003 Ms. Cavicchi stated that it is the responsibility of each Committee Member to vote on the day the subject matter is on the agenda. She stated that Mr. Russo received the information the same day as the rest of the Committee. The Committee took a vote and a majority of the Committee voted in the affirmative. She stated that Mr. Russo abstained and there is no point in rehashing. She stated that it is Mr. Russo's responsibility as a Committee Member to support the majority. Mr. Twomey objected to discussing the matter further. He stated that he thinks a discussion on the matter would be improper for the same reasons noted by Ms. Cavicchi. Chair Griset stated that Mr. Russo abstained and he cannot reposition your vote. Ms. Cavicchi stated that it was curious that Mr. Russo has decided to advise the Committee of his final decision the night before the election when we have had many meetings prior to this. Mr. Russo stated that he is making an honest statement. He stated that he has an obligation to make a public statement. He stated that perhaps he should have made the statement earlier but that it is incumbent on him not to be a coward and stand as a duly elected official to make a decision. He stated that the public is not interested in knowing his decision after the election. Chair Griset stated that Mr. Russo had made a decision and his decision was to abstain. Chair Griset opened the meeting up to members of the audience who wished to discuss the reductions. Two members of the audience stated that the athletic program should be eliminated before any teaching position is eliminated. MINUTES Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 2, 2003 with the changes as noted. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 7, 2003 with the changes as noted. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey voted yes Mr. Griset abstained. V Regular Session 9 February 24, 2003 Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 8, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 9, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 14, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 21, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 27, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey voted yes Mr. Dahl abstained. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of January 30, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of February 3, 2003. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey voted yes Mr. Griset abstained. ADJOURN At 11:05 p.m. Mr. Dahl moved to adjourn. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools