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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-01-10 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN HEARING MINUTES JANUARY 10, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the Budget Open Hearing of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Lecture Hall. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards, FinCom member Nathan White, a reporter from the Chronicle, and approximately 20 citizens. MOMENT OF SILENCE Chair D'Antona asked the audience along with School Committee members to observe a moment of silence for Natalie Jansen, who died on Christmas day. The Superintendent noted that Ms. Jansen served 16 years before retiring last year as the Super- vising Psychologist in the Reading Public Schools. FY95 BUDGET Dr. Munnelly's opening remarks stated the budget is a finan- cial plan for carrying out an educational plan. He added that the FY95 $16.7 million for schools and money from Town to total an $18,555,000 budget. The Superintendent advised since 1991 the projected elementary student population's growth will be 204. He stated that buildings need new equipment and that additional repairs will be increased by $100,000. Another feature of the budget includes salaries along with regular step increases and union negotiated raises. Chair D'Antona reminded the audience that the School Committee is here to listen to the concerns of the public and gave the cable phone number for others listening at home to call with their comments and questions. Reading Teachers Association President Robert Donovan, on behalf of teachers, requested commitment from the Town of Reading to fund a school system of the 21st century. He stressed the need for multimedia labs that would include video and computer links with outside networks and within the school system. Dr. Munnelly explained for computer access the proposed budget includes $5,000 for an additional phone line at each school. He noted that an additional $50,000 for computers, most of OPEN HEARING MINUTES 2 JANUARY 10, 1994 which is being targeted for Parker Middle School this fiscal year, has been added in. He added the Technology Task Force will have us making a major investment and stated we could expect their report in April. Mr. Donovan outlined maintenance needs at the high school that include replacement of ceiling tiles, floor tiles, lockers, the zone heating system that has classroom temperatures ranging from the 40's to the 80's. Chair D'Antona thanked Mr. Donovan for his information and stated this year we are hearing that maintenance is a priority. The first question raised by a call -in listener expressed concern over the plan for Eaton's first grade classes to house 27 and 28 students. School Committee members affirmed their commitment to reasonable class sizes, noting that Educational Assistants and Tutors will be deployed to help with classes of larger sizes. One School Committee member advised he would support alterna- tive plans that would reduce class sizes in the primary classrooms by increasing numbers in the primary grades. Reading citizen Mrs. Anthony asked how much money has been established for Capital Improvements and if a ten year plan has been developed. Dr. Munnelly replied that a five year plan has been developed for projects to be funded by warrant articles for townwide capital budget and he is working on the ten year plan. They include roof replacement, school building renovations and additions (2/3 will be reimbursed by the state), over $100,000 has been requested for boiler replacements this year, gas conversion and oil tank removal, ceiling tile replacement, track renovation at Reading Memorial High School and the library space at Barrows. A five year capital projects plan to be funded from the operating budgets appropriated by Town Meeting has also been developed. Another caller expressed alarm over first grade classroom size at Eaton and asked School Committee to investigate this further. A member of the Reading Memorial High School Council, Rachel Baumgartner, pointed out that teachers ideally feel they need $250 for the needs of each high school student - presently $122 is the amount called for in the proposed budget. Dr. Munnelly stated even with the override and some monies from Education Reform, we are still playing catch -up. OPEN HEARING MEETING 3 JANUARY 10, 1994 School Committee member Tom Stohlman advised that the Town levied $500,000 less than the cap established by 2 1/2 and was planning to do the same this year. He continued by stating, "I have a real problem, given all these needs and not levying all that was voted." Dr. Munnelly commented on other needs not outlined in the FY95 budget: 1.5 specialists, four teachers at Birch Meadow, less than adequate art, physical education and music program and the necessary planning time for teachers. Chair Roberta D'Antona introduced this budget as a "Level Standards Budget ". She added support is needed from the FinCom, Town Meeting, Selectmen, and the community for a long term commitment in Reading for excellence in education. A citizen expressed appreciation to the School Committee for laboring over budget figures and asked that they continue to stress education as the most important issue to be addressed. FinCom Chair Richard Coco stated the Finance Committee will look at the whole budget, Town and schools, before making their recommendations and before going to Town Meeting. Dr. Munnelly thanked Continental Cablevision for providing the call in service. ADJOURN At 8:55 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn from the Open Hearing. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey Respec�nlhl Subn�ed Robert I Mu0nelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School COMmittee