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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-11 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SPECIAL BUDGET SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 11, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the special budget session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superin- tendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards, FinCom Representative Tom Green and a reporter from the Chronicle. Dr. Harutunian stated the structural firm connected with the Eaton project and the MIAA have asked that we evaluate the snow on our buildings for safety purposes. He stated the memo from FinCom Chair Steve Blewitt regarding the $500,000 toward computers will be followed up. On the January 18th he will be discussing the revenue the Town expects with Beth Klepeis, Richard Foley and Peter Hechenbleikner. SUPPORT SERVICES The Superintendent outlined the changes made on page 45 regarding the salary adjustments for nurses that are subject to negotiation and on page 48 he explained the change made in the number of custodians due to summer help. Mr. Spadafora asked the Superintendent to elaborate more about adding one more nurse. Dr. Harutunian explained that the principals are asking for one full -time nurse. He wants to stay within the MIAA guidelines. He added that teachers and educational assistants have been retrained as for minor emergencies. Mr. Stohlman asked Dr. Harutunian if he could get the approximate number of students that participate in athletics and extra curricular activities. He also wanted to know if the cost of the Athletic Program has kept in line with the fees being asked for. Dr. Harutunian stated this year $13,000 came from the Athletic Program to help out Special Edu- cation. Next year the Athletic Director will have to use his revolving account. SPECIAL BUDGET MINUTES 2 JANUARY 11, 1996 Mr. Stohlman asked if he could have a recapitulation of the Athletic Revolving Account and its current balance. Mr. Cummings questioned the Athletic Services Maintenance of Fields for $4,000. Dr. Harutunian replied that last year's field lines were not paid. Chair Cummings asked for information regarding the following: Revolving Account previous to FY95 for the maintenance of fields Coaches - was there a swap sport for the volleyball coach? What has changed in this district to make a nurse a priority item and the logistics of how a 3 5 hour nurse would add to our services? Dr. Harutunian stated a nurse would be floated to where they are needed. Ms. Cavicchi asked about drivers for out of town meets. Dr. Harutunian answered anyone, if asked 18 or over, would need to provide their insurance to the Superintendent, Associate Superintendent or the Athletic Director, they would then be classified as a temporary employee. He noted coaches are covered under Massachusetts General Law for $100,000. He stated the administration is reviewing the transportation policy. Several parents commented on the need for another nurse in the Reading school system. Mr. Spadafora questioned how many medical calls from the fire department came to the schools in FY95 and FY96. There was a two minute recess. Dr. Harutunian stated the reason for an increase in Athletic Services Supplies is because we have had a donor in the past who supplied many of the banners and letters. Mr. Stohlman appealed to the public to help out with this. Mr. Spadafora asked about the ownership of the fields. The Superintendent replied the Town cuts the grass only. We have to line the fields. Mr. Spadafora asked about first aide training for coaches. The Superintendent stated that he plans to have all coaches, teachers, cafeteria, etc. trained. Chair Cummings wants to know the number of games /sports being played and the full cost of material and equipment for any new sports programs. He also asked where the medical supplies money from FY95 went? SPECIAL BUDGET MINUTES 3 JANUARY 11 1996 Mr. Cummings asked to have the agency line verified - what is school related and what is town related. Mr. Twomey requested that we look at what we are doing according to the high school accreditation and asked for periodic responses. Chair Cummings asked for a cost analysis on a private concern as well as our own custodians to clean the schools at night. Dr. Harutunian took a minute to explain the cost of heating oil versus natural gas that was provided by Boston Gas. Chair Cummings had questions regarding the cost per gallon for oil and wanted to know if we have a contract price or is it on a per delivery basis. Also if it has been put out to bid? Mr. Spadafora asked if the energy audits from every school were being followed? He stated he would supply the Superintendent with a copy of the audits he has. He also asked for a list of the maintenance items for buildings ($266,059). Mr. Twomey wants to know what else is not in the $266,059 that the building principals are requesting? Mr. Green wondered why Food Service was not in the budget. Dr. Harutunian stated they are completely self sufficient except for salaries. He has asked Cathy Cook, Food Service Director for comparison purposes to put a budget together for FY96. ADJOURN At 10:50 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi moved to adjourn to executive session for strategy discussion of a potential litigation. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was unanimous Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey RLrctfully itted, y �H arutunian, h.D. Super' tendent of Schools