HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-10 School Committee Minutes - Financial ForumReading School Committee
Reading, Massachusetts
Financial Forum Meeting November 10, 1999
Chair Grimm called the Finance Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. Chair Hoyt called the
Board of Selectmen to order at 7:35 p.m. The Library board did not have a quorum
present. The School Committee did not have a quorum present and did not call to order
until 9:00 p.m. School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl and Twomey were present.
Ms. D'Antona arrived at 9:00 p.m. and Ms. Williams arrived at 9:20 p.m. Also present
were Superintendent Harutunian, Town Manager Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town
Manager Dean, Town Accountant Foley and Town Treasurer Klepeis.
The Town Manager reviewed projected revenues.
The Town Manager advised that he, Superintendent Harutunian and the Chairs of the
boards had met to brainstorm for ideas to solve the projected shortfall. The Town
Manager advised that he had put together a chart of ideas that he had taken from the
meeting to review as possible alternatives for balancing the FY01 budget. The Town
Manager reviewed the chart of possible increases in revenues or decreases in expenses,
and the chart showed the impact that each action would have on the FY01 budget.
Ms. Anthony asked why the fee increase in the chart was listed at I%.
Town Manager Hechenbleikner advised that he had used I% only because it was an easy
multiplier.
Ms. Grimmer asked what the approximate cost per household would be for a trash fee.
The Town Manager advised that it would be approximately $120 per household or a
sticker system could be implemented.
Ms. Anthony asked if there has been any movement on changing the way special
education is being charged.
Dr. Harutunian advised Ms. Anthony that he had attended the Massachusetts Association
of School Superintendents' meeting and that there is talk about the state picking up from
50% to 90% of any special education student expense that is three times the foundation
budget. Dr. Harutunian advised that there are about 40 students in Reading that fall into
that category.
Chair Dahl stated that even with the best of budget planning the special education charges
can bring a budget out of balance.
Financial Forum Meeting 2 November 10, 1999
The Town Manager discussed possible funding scenarios that were included in the
Financial Forum packet.
Mr. Twomey stated that careful planning is needed, and a 3 to 5 year projection should be
completed so that if it is decided to go for an override, we are sure that the problem is
taken care. He also stated that a discussion should be held so that the taxpayers are aware
of the cost and of the goals.
The Town Manager stated that the goal of this packet was to include all the different
scenarios and ways that were thought of to solve the problem. He stated that because an
item is listed in the packet did not mean that they necessarily thought it was a good idea.
The Town Manager reviewed the overrides in the state from 1990 to 1998, the type of
override and whether the override was passed or defeated.
The Town Manager reviewed the capital plan.
The Town Manager stated that whether we are going to pursue an override or take
another route the planning has to start as soon as possible.
Ms. Anthony stated that she would be reluctant to go for an override in March. She
stated that time is needed to review all the information and assets. She questioned why a
total school package was not being considered as Marblehead recently did.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the problem with doing an override on Dividence is that we
are already a year behind, and if it doesn't pass this year, you have waited a year, have no
solution and SBAB is looking at lowering reimbursement rates after this year.
At 8:55 p.m. George Hines arrived.
At 9:00 p.m. Robin D'Antona and Jim Keigley arrived and Chair Dahl called the School
Committee to order.
Mr. LeLacheur stated that we need a short term fix for the budget but also a long term
plan is necessary.
Financial Forum Meeting 3 November 10, 1999
Mr. Twomey stated that a general override has the advantage of not creating a division in
the town with the town versus school problem. He stated that Reading has a town wide
problem and it should be solved on a town wide basis.
Mr. Nestor stated that a date needs to be set as soon as possible for the Board of
Selectmen to discuss an override. He stated that he believed it should be on the March
ballot because you do not want the additional expense of a special election. He stated
that it is obvious an operating override of anywhere from $1.7 million to $2.2 million is
needed to solve the shortfall.
Ms. Klepeis stated that she applauds Mr. Nestor's idea. She stated the best way to
resolve the issue is for the Board of Selectmen to unite and to come up with the most
conservative answer that actually solves the problem.
The Town Manager and Superintendent advised that they would put together a 3 -5 year
operating plan for the town and schools to present to the Selectmen.
The importance of a 5 -0 vote was discussed so as not to split the town on the issue.
At 9:20 p.m. Mary Williams arrived
ADJOURN /EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:30 p.m. the Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen adjourned.
At 9:30 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to enter into Executive Session for the
purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparations for negotiations with the
Teachers' Association, Custodians and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees,
Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants, Nurses and Tutors
and to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and to discuss pending
litigation. Not to return to regular session. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The
vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and
Ms. Williams.
Res ectfully submitted,
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools