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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-08-24 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 24, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session of School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's conference room. All members were present. Also present were Superin- tendent Harry K. Harutunian and a reporter from the Chronicle. Mr_ Tw0mey_nuwed tco into executive session for the puose of non -union negotiation dis- cussion. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings Ms D'Antona Mr. Stohlman Mr. Spadafora Mr. Twomey CALL TO ORDER OF THE SPECIAL BUDGET FY'96 MEETING Chair Cummings reconvened the special budget FY 1996 meeting of School Committee to order at 7:45 p.m. Along with the School Committee members and Dr. Harutunian, the Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards, Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis, Town Accountant Richard Foley, FinCom members Steve Blewitt and James Keigley were also present. Dr. Harutunian invited Ms. Klepeis and Mr. Foley to come to the table as he began discussion of the FY96 budget. He handed out an overview of his document that outlined the areas that have been transferred to another area because of miscoding or transposing of figures. Superintendent Harutuman expressed the concern over the $250,000 Spring shortfall. He added that in October, when the FY96 budget was built, it was built on numbers much lower because we found in the Spring we needed more money. 'The Superintendent outlined his recommendation of anticipated adjustments ($316,508) to be made to the FY96 Budget for the following reasons: $250,000 (Approximate amount of deficit in the FY95 Budget) 33,508 ( "file difference between the FY96 request and the FY96 allocation) 33,000 (Unanticipated repair work on the Joshua Eaton roof) A fourth item was the difference of $12,000 to move the modular class room. These are the major costs that amounted to the $316,508 without the $12,000. Of the $316,508 (without the $12,000) deduct $33,508 (the difference between requested and appropriated salary adjustment account) and deduct $22,888 (the amount transferred from the SPECIAL FY96 BUDGET MEETING 2 AUGUST 24 1995 high school roof bond to the Eaton roof bond) leaving $260,112 that amount is what the Superintendent is recommending to the School Committee for adjustment. In the Capital Outlay of $238,000 deduct the $12,000 for the modular classroom movement leaving $226,000 for Capital Outlay. Dr. I- larutunian explained there are five columns in the budget: o Original Budget FY95 ($16,389,325) • Actual Expenditures FY95 ($16,861,076) • Original Budget FY96 ($17,975,000) • General Cuts ($384,183) • Recommended Cuts ($286,683) The Superintendent explained that on July 1, 1994 budget figures showed $16,389,325 for the total operating budget. He continued with the actual expenditures for FY95 of $16,861,076 and the original budget for FY96 is $17,975,000. One particular account of the FY95 budget for Special Needs was $2.5 million on July 1, 1995 - almost needed $3 million to get through last year - a 15% increase in what we asked for and what we spent. He added we needed 16% increase last year and have only increased our figures by just over 2% this year - about $65,000 more in the FY96 budget than what we spent in FY95. As you look across the columns you will see about a 6% increase. Dr. Harutunian stated the last two columns should be titled adjustments rather than cuts. The Superintendent advised that he has met Principals and they are aware of the general maintenance, only what is a safety problem. with the Athletic Director, Maintenance and cuts. He added there will be no proactive Ile explained he is going with the total operating adjustments to the budget of $286,683 that will apply to all 5 areas except Special Needs. Although he does not feel the remainder amount of $200,000 to be transferred would be enough money for Special Needs. He stated we are working on alternatives to the SEEM collaborative and have recently hired an interim Director for PPS. School Committee members expressed concern about getting line item detail. Mr. Keigley stated he hoped by FY97 or FY98 we can get a handle on the situation. Assistant Superintendent Richards stated some of FinComs questions can be answered by October 1. He added all administrators will be accountable and noted that several of the procedures the Selectmen, FinCom and School Committee suggested or voted on have been implemented. School Committee members stated these figures are being put on hold and agreed to have Dr. Harutunian provide them with the line items where they are needed. Ms. Cavicchi stated this will be a new budget, but not a document written in cement. SPECIAL FY 96 BUDGET MEETING 3 AUGUST 24,199 Chair Cummings gave the consensus of the committee to take the approach of money as outlined until we have the recommended adjustments. It was noted that School Committee members wanted to keep the Information Coordinator, Computer Supplies and Equipment. They also asked Dr. Harutunian not to use Capital Items in the budget. Dr. Iarutunian asked the members to give him a call if they want to add more information. IIe was also asked by School Committee to itemize with Mike Lombardo what might be cut. ADJOURN At_9 AQ_p.m._Mr Spadafora moved to adjourn. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms. _Caviechi, Mr_Cuii}mi s, Ms. D'Antona Mr adafora Mr Stohlman Mr. Twoma Respectfully submitted Harry Harutunian Superintendent