HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-12-16 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Session December 16, 1999
CALL TO ORDER
At 7:40 p.m. Chair Dahl called the meeting to order in the Superintendent's Conference
Room. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl, Keigley, Twomey
and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate
Superintendent Richards.
BILLS & PAYROLL
Warrant 48 $165,805.90 12/13/99 Warrant 44 $324,214.53 11/29/99
Warrant 46 $109,621.91 12/6/99 Payroll 43 $155,141.94 11/26/99
Payroll 47 $189,049.37 12/10/99 Payroll 46 $740,447.57 12/2/99
LIAISON REPORTS
Ms. Williams updated the Committee on the Millenium Celebration plans.
Mr. Keigley updated the Committee on the Board of Selectmen meeting.
Ms. Cavicchi advised that the winter and spring Recreation Brochure has been
distributed.
HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Harutunian advised that the artwork in the School Committee Conference room was
the work of students at the Parker Middle School. Dr. Harutunian showed a video tape
made at the Parker Middle School which will be used as an orientation tape for next
year's sixth grade students.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on college acceptances and the Coolidge Middle
School building project.
Dr. Harutunian advised that this evening's meeting should be completed in time for
people to stop at the high school to see part of the RMHS holiday concert.
Regular Session -2- December 16, 1999
FY01 SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDED BUDGET PRESENTATION
Dr. Harutunian thanked Richard Foley, Dennis Richards and the office staff for their
assistance in preparing the FY01 budget. He advised that 240 copies of the budget
were distributed and copies were available for the public at the library and at town hall.
Dr. Harutunian advised that this budget included very little expansion. He stated that if
the money in the budget for RMHS is not made available the Committee may have to
rescind the new graduation requirements. He stated that he had made a commitment to
include an additional school nurse and that he has included that in his proposed budget.
Dr. Harutunian stated that the elementary curriculum included in the budget is very
important and if it is not funded we cannot expect to see 4`h grade MCAS scores
increase. Dr. Harutunian also stated that the only way this budget will happen is if the
override is passed.
Dr. Harutunian gave a presentation on the FY01 budget including guidelines used in
developing the budget, analysis of the school budgets from FY93 to FY01, school
budget by program FY99 to FY01, allocation of line item budget by program FY01,
number of births 1991 -1998, enrollment data from 1994 through projections to 2004,
personnel requests and curriculum initiatives.
Mr. Dahl stated that although he may not agree with an athletic fee and the fee may not
generate a significant amount of funds it may be necessary.
Mr. Keigley stated that he was disappointed the other curriculum initiatives have been
cut out. He stated that he hopes the town will work hard to come up with a budget to
support education.
Dr. Harutunian thanked the members of the Board of Selectmen and Finance
Committee for attending tonight's meeting and asked that all members of the School
Committee, Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee submit their questions
regarding the budget to him by December 28cn
Ms. McCulley asked how many coaches are employed.
Dr. Harutunian advised that he would get back to Ms. McCulley with that information
during the School Committee meeting to discuss the athletic budget.
Ms. Carrick questioned the AP testing fees.
Dr. Harutunian advised that most districts pay for the students to take the AP tests.
Regular Session -3- December 16, 1999
ADJOURN
At 9:35 p.m. Mr. Keigley made a motion to adiourn. Ms Williams seconded the
motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Kei ley, Mr. Twomey and
Ms. Williams.
Respectfully submitted,
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Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools