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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-01-16 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING BUDGET SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 16, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the budget session to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards, Town Accountant Richard Foley, FinCom member Rocco Nenarella and a representative from the Chronicle. Chair Cavicchi informed the audience that we would be discussing Custodians/ Maintenance, Athletics, Health and the Food budgets this evening. CUSTODIAL /MAINTENANCE Dr. Harutunian asked the School Committee to put $60,000 for FY98 with an asterisk beside the Director. This salary is subject to negotiation. He also asked that the FY97 Custodians number be changed to 25.7 and FY98 changed to 21.7. Dr. Harutunian asked that the FY98 agency amount, which has been paid by the Administration, be incorporated with the overtime amount. Members of the School Committee were in agreement with this. Mr. Foley said there is no FY97 budget for longevity and that needs to be reflected. At 7:50 p.m. Mr. Twomey arrived. Mr. Stohlman asked for information on the custodians reflected in the $125,081 amount and suggested a new line for carpenters, electricians, HVAC, supervisor, and similar trades be created and explained. The Superintendent said he would indicate that at the bottom of page 52. BUDGET MINUTES 2 JANUARY 16, 1997 Mr. Cummings asked for the FT equivalent for custodians and Mr. Twomey suggested adding that information to the narrative on page 6. Dr. Harutunian explained because of the new additions at the Eaton and Birch Meadow Schools each would have a .5 custodian and there would be one at the high school. A feasibility study will denote where the distribution will be. Mr. Stohlman stated it needs to be clear and should be explained that way. The Superintendent noted that our carpenter retired this year and because the Director of Buildings voiced the need for a HVAC person the carpenter position was not filled. Dr. Harutunian offered justification for a carpenter. School Committee reviewed the information that was provided and asked for further explanation. Chair Cavicchi left the room while natural gas was being discussed. Ms. D'Antona raised a question about the cost of natural gas. Dr. Harutunian stated that it did cost more than what we were told for Eaton. We should be able to get a better price for gas now that we are bigger. He noted that there is less cleaning and components for gas. Mr. Cummings asked for the year to date figures for gas. Associate Superintendent Richards provided that information. Mr. Stohlman asked about the Asbestos Abatement Due to Heating Repairs for $15,000 and if it would be included in the $1.85 million for the high school. Dr. Harutunian said he would like to keep it in the FY98 budget. Mr. Twomey asked where the vendor costs for Dr. Harutunian's November 20, 1996 school recommendations were. Mr. Stohlman said this needs clarification on what is being paid for through maintenance. BUDGET MINUTES 3 JANUARY 16, 1997 Mr. Cummings asked for the carpenter hours. Ms. D'Antona asked to have the boiler room work checked for Parker Middle School enclosure dated November 20, 1996. Dr. Harutunian added that in June they become our property. Mr. Cummings asked about the boiler room work at Birch Meadow. HF. A 1,TN Chair Cavicchi informed the audience that there will be a full policy discussion on Nursing Services after the budget discussions have been completed. She reminded the audience that the nurses /contractual services is a policy item not a budget item. There may be more than one public hearing regarding the nurses. Dr. Harutunian added if anyone would like information on the Winchester Hospital presentation to call Central Office and we would be able to send it to them. He stated we could bring the representative from Winchester Hospital back in or it could be shown again on Continental Cable. RMHS nurse Nancy Geljookian asked if the nurses could be present the same night as the representative from Winchester Hospital. Parent Mary Williams suggested more information be supplied to the schools regarding School Committee meetings. Mr. Spadafora again noted that this was not a policy discussion. School Committee meetings are posted in the schools and in the Chronicle way in advance. A five in break was held. The Superintendent stated he needs to talk to the physician about his salary and asked to have an asterisk placed next to that line item on page 49. BUDGET MINUTES 4 JANUARY 16, 1997 Mr. Foley explained the clerical line for both Health and Athletic Services is a Grade 5 position and should both be identified as $8,800 for FY98. He explained that Longevity will be paid out for one nurse separately. Dr. Harutunian stated the Athletic Director has been taken out of the RTA and now the director has to report to him. Mr. Foley related that he could not fmd the back up for extra curricula for FY97 and that the FY98 amount is what is being paid now. The Superintendent added that transportation is going up per load, per trip. Mr. Spadafora asked for a copy of the Administration Athletics Guidelines. FOOD SERVICE Dr. Harutunian stated the food service program is self sufficient. Ms. Cook keeps the program in the black and is anticipating a revenue of $658,884. OTHER Chair Cavicchi stated there would be a continuation of Regular Day and that will be continued on Saturday along with Special Education and Maintenance. ADJOURN At 10:08 p.m. Mr. Stohhnan moved to adjourn. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Cummings Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey Respectfully s 'tted, C Harry Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools