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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-04-09 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session April 9, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the meeting to order at 7:55 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of the RMHS. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Stohlman, Twomey and Williams. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian. Chair Twomey introduced Student Representative, Vijay Sankaran to the Reading School Committee. The following groups were recognized by the Reading School Committee: Recognition of Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School Science Olympiad Winners. Recognition of Reading Memorial High School Drama Club 1998 State Finals Winner at the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival. Recognition of National History Day Winners. Recognition of Teachers with 30 or more years of teaching service. At 8:40 p.m. Chair Twomey advised that the Committee would take a short break. At 8:45 p.m. Chair Twomey called the meeting back to order. BILLS b PAYROLL There were no bills and payroll for this meeting. CITIZENS INPUT Lorraine Warren stated her concern about the budget cuts. She suggested the following: Regular Session -2- April 9, 1998 1. May be time to take a stand on the budget at town meeting and stick with the original budget. 2. Cost for transportation under SPED should be looked at, people should be transporting their own children to school. Dr. Harutunian advised that his job is to put together a reasonable and necessary budget for the children. If we push our budget will probably need an operational over ride. This year is probably financially better than next year. The town has to decide what kind of education and what kind of town it wants. Dr. Harutunian also advised that under Mass Law 94 -142 it is mandated that SPED children be transported, there is nothing we can do about it. Chair Twomey clarified that the recommended cut of $490,000 is a reduction in a $2.2 million administration increase. It is not actually a cut from the budget but less of an increase than requested. Ms. Cooper asked whether the administration plans to replace custodians at Eaton with contract workers. She stated that the buildings should be maintained on a regular basis. Last year she asked for maintenance schedules and was told there are not any. She asked whether there would be a meeting to discuss this issue. Dr. Harutunian advised that he has notified ASME that the number one recommendation of Peat Marwick was to pilot contracting out in one school. Peat Marwick will be back before-the Budget Council to discuss recommendations. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian distributed information on the Arnold and Dorothy Berger Award. The 1997 -1998 Arnold and Dorothy Berger Award goes to teachers at the Birch Meadow Elementary School for their Technology 2000 Proposal. Dr. Harutunian distributed copies of two letters of concern and in support of the RMHS Drama Program. Dr. Harutunian advised that he had spoken with Mrs. Cavicchio and Mrs. Dennis by telephone about their concerns. Regular Session -3- April 9, 1998 Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that Charlie Papandreou will be serving as the Interim Assistant Principal at the Coolidge Middle School through June. Dr. Harutunian distributed information on bids received for furnishing, delivering and assembling scientific equipment at RMHS. Mr. Stohlman moved to accept the low bid from SlayCo, Inc. for $34,290 with the stipulation that evidence of workers' compensation insurance, property damage insurance and public liability insurance be received within ten days of the award and upon receipt of satisfactory references. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Dr. Harutunian distributed the motion under Article 16 for the 1998 Annual Town Meeting. Mr. Stohlman questioned why the motion states that the School Committee is asking for authorization rather than asking for validation. Dr. Harutunian will clarify with town counsel. Ms. Williams asked for further information regarding the Drama Program and how all activities are funded. Dr. Harutunian stated that equity is important for all groups and the issue should be looked into. However, can't get rid of one program in order to fund a new one. We should be adding. BUDGET A discussion was held regarding the $75,000 FY 98 budget shortfall. Dr. Harutunian also advised that Beth Klepeis told him today that the school department is over budget $8,000 in phone bills. Mr. Stohlman moved we request an additional $75,000 for the FY98 budget. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Regular Session -4- April 9, 1998 Dr. Harutunian distributed a memorandum regarding the budget shortfall for FY99 and his recommendations on what should be cut and what should not be cut. Dr. Harutunian stated that he is looking for agreement on specifics from the Committee or for the Committee to advise of their differences and allow him to come back with new recommendations for cuts. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Stohlman, that the administration look at putting back the foreign language program into the budget. It was also the consensus of the Committee, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams that the administration look at putting back 2 ed assistants into the budget. Dr. Harutunian will come back to the Committee with revisions on what should be cut and what should remain which will include the items they requested. It was agreed a School Committee meeting would be scheduled for the 16th at 6:30 p.m. before town meeting. Ms. Cavicchi made executive session sessions in prepa Association. Ms. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. and Ms. Williams. a motion at 10:43 p.m. to adjourn into for the purposes of conducting strategy ration for negotiations with the Teachers' Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools