HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-18 School Committee Minutes - Finance CommitteeREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING February 18, 1998
Chairman Keigley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at town
hall. Present were the Finance Committee, School Committee
members Cavicchi, Spadafora, Stohlman, and Twomey. Also present
were Superintendent Harutunian and School Building Committee
Chairman Graham.
Chairman Graham of the School Building Committee made a
presentation to the Finance Committee regarding the proposed
Coolidge project. He advised that on Saturday, February 21, at
9:00 a.m. a tour of the Coolidge Middle School Building will be
given to Town Meeting members and the Finance Committee.
Finance Committee member asked whether the School Building
Committee assumed a more rapid rate of enrollment.
Chairman Graham advised that used the projections done by NESDEC
through the year 2007. Projections beyond 10 years are probably
not very accurate.
Selectman Hines stated that the School Committee had just
received a report from the School Size and Enrollment Committee
and their recommendations need to be evaluated.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the School Committee took a formal
vote to endorse, for the purpose of not losing a year, putting
the Coolidge Project on the warrant. The School Committee will
be holding public hearings and will deliberate on March 4th and
5th.
Chairman Graham stated the School Building Committee's belief
that the Coolidge Project is the best option for the town of
Reading to solve the Reading Middle School Problem. He stated
that the School Building Committee was established by Town
Meeting and reports to Town Meeting.
Chairman Keigley stated that he is not comfortable with the
Finance Committee making a recommendation when the School
Committee itself is not sure of the decision. He suggested that
a meeting be held with the School Committee after their meeting
on March 5th.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING -2- February 18, 1998
It was decided that a joint meeting between the School Committee
and the Finance Committee be held on March 6th at 7:00 p.m. to
discuss the Coolidge Project.
Dr. Harutunian distribute to the Committee a copy of the Charter
School law.
Dr. Harutunian answered questions stated in the memorandum dated
February 11 from Finance Committee Member Grimm:
1. Special Needs
Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a breakdown of
the $578,978 increase in costs for the SPED budget.
2. Custodial /Maintenance
Dr. Harutunian advised that there is a separate budget
attached to the School Committee Budget which was
distributed for maintenance to town buildings. Dr.
Harutunian distributed a breakdown of the $357,540 referred
to as contract expenses. Dr. Harutunian also distributed a
copy of the resume of the new Director.
3. Capital
Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a breakdown of
work at Joshua Eaton, Birch Meadow and Reading Memorial High
School from SIEBE Environmental Controls ENE, Inc.
Dr. Harutunian advised that it has not yet been determined
where the oil tank will be removed from.
Dr. Harutunian advised that the $430,000 for boiler /burner
replacement has been wrapped into building projects.
Dr. Harutunian advised the Finance Committee that the $700,000
for boilers is $100,000 to finish boiler and asbestos abatement
at Birch Meadow and $600,000 to complete RMHS asbestos abatement.
Dr. Harutunian advised the Finance Committee that the Custodial
contract has been settled and will be looking for $16,766.29 for
retroactive pay for FY97 and approximately $23,000 for
retroactive pay for FY98. He also advised the Committee that he
may seek an adjustment at April town meeting for the Special
Education Account.
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING -3- February 18, 1998
ADJOURN
Mr. Stohlman made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi
seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr.
Spadafora, Mr. Stolhman and Mr. Twomey.
espectfully submitted,
Harry K Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent