HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-14 School Committee Minutes - Financial ForumREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
BUDGET COUNCIL October 14, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
At 7:35 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the School Committee to order at the Budget
Council Meeting held at the Parker Middle School. Present were School Committee
members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona and Stohlman. Ms. Williams arrived at 8:10 p.m.
At 7:35 p.m. Ms. Grimm called the Finance Committee to order.
At 7:35 p.m. Mr. Nestor called the Board of Selectmen to order.
The Library Board advised that they did not have a quorum present at this time.
Town Manager Hechenbleikner and Richard Foley discussed the FY00 -FY02 Projected
Revenues — General Fund.
PEAT MARWICK STUDY
Dr. Harutunian and Town Manager Hechenbleikner discussed Mr. Griffin's
memorandum regarding recommendations for town and school merger. Mr. Griffin's
memorandum included a summary financial sheet that was reviewed.
Mr. Stohlman stated that when the Peat Marwick report was last discussed there was an
issue about who would be in charge of maintenance and how it would be pulled out of
the budget.
Dr. Harutunian stated that a document is needed that says maintenance falls under the
school department and there will be a commitment that no funds will be spent on
anything other than maintenance.
BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
Dr. Harutunian stated that he would like to come to closure on discussion regarding the
$190,000 surplus funds that was discussed at the last Budget Council meeting. Dr.
Harutunian stated that at the last Budget Council the Council discussed using $42,000
for maintenance. He stated that the school department had $145,000 that has been taken
out of per pupil. The School Committee has authorized 3.5 education assistants for
large classes and he would like to see the Budget Council restore the principals' 20%
hold.
W.
BUDGET COUNCIL -2- October 14, 1998
At 8:10 p.m. Ms. Williams arrived.
A discussion was held regarding the addition of a secretary and an Assistant Director in
the maintenance department. Dr. Harutunian advised that there are 1,000 back logged
work orders and 10 -12 new work orders are issued every day. He advised that
assistance is needed in preparing RFP's and long term project plans.
CAPITAL PLAN
Russ Graham, Chairman of the School Building Committee made a presentation
regarding the three proposed elementary building issues. Mr. Graham advised that at
this time the School Building Committee is leaning towards Option B which includes
building a new elementary school and renovating and adding on to the Barrows School.
Mr. Graham advised that the School Building Committee would be requesting a special
town meeting in mid - December regarding the elementary solution.
Town Manager Hechenbleikner stated that in addition to the cost for the buildings in the
capital plan, the committees need to be aware that the increased enrollment will increase
the operating budget.
The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to support the recommendation of the administration to
vote for up to $42,000 to be spent on custodial maintenance and the remainder of the
funds to be used to restore per pupil allocation. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The
vote was 5 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams.
ADJOURN
At 9:25 p.m. Mr. Dahl made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion.
The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms.
Williams.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools