HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-08 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
REGULAR SESSION January 8 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cavicchi called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m. Present
were School Committee members Cavicchi, D'Antona, Stohlman and
Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Associate
Superintendent Richards and Finance Committee member Penta.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a breakdown of all
computer related expenses as requested by Mr. Stohlman at the
meeting of January 6th. Dr. Harutunian also updated the
Committee on the status of Media One's free access to the
Internet for all school buildings.
Ms. Mandell distributed to the Committee a request from the
Reading Advantaged Charter Middle School committee regarding the
possible rental of space at Reading Memorial High School.
BUDGET
Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the reduction of
students in special education is 1/2% not to as stated at the
meeting of January 6th.
Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a copy of the job
description for elementary and middle school instructional
specialists.
A discussion was held regarding the addition of a .5 secretary at
Reading Memorial High School. Mr. Stohlman questioned whether
there is a more efficient way to set up the office staff at the
high school so that the additional position would not be
necessary.
Mr. Stohlman requested that a letter be sent to the legislature
noting that the METCO number has not changed in "X" years and
request an increase.
Ms. Williams asked if the number of METCO students has gone down.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the number has gone down from 100 to
approximately 78 but that Reading is still within the range.
REGULAR SESSION -2- January 8. 1998
Mr. Stohlman questioned why 10 new educational assistants are
necessary.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the principals requested ed
assistants rather than assistant principals and that the number
of ed assistants has not increased since 1993. Dr. Harutunian
advised that the goal is to bring the ratio back to 1994 level.
Mr. Stohlman stated that if the argument is to bring ratio level
back to 1994 then should be able to document the ratios.
A question was raised regarding the $2,500 increase in
professional development.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the school department is actually
doing more professional development for less money.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the graduation line went up $300.00
because after talking with the principal, found that he was
paying some of the graduation costs out of another account and
prefer to show actual cost out of appropriate budget line.
Mr. Stohlman asked what the audio /visual account includes and why
there is an increase.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the account includes VCR's,
televisions, overhead projectors, carts and assorted equipment.
The reason for the increase is more teachers, more students, and
trying to build a ratio for each building.
A question was raised regarding the increase in copier expense.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the principals have all received
their new copiers and they are more efficient but also more
expensive.
ADJOURN
Mr. Stohlman made a motion to adjourn at 9:05. Ms. D'Antona
seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms.
D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams.
tfully submitted,
ec
C\
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph. D.
Superintendent of Schools