Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-01 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the School Committee Budget Workshop meeting to order at T50 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. Chair Twomey stated this meeting was called to make further revisions on the FY96 budget dated November 28, 1994. BUDGET WORKSHOP Dr. Munnelly advised that the most recent recommendations and back -up have been added to the FY96 budget and they are now in the budget dated December 1, 1994 to be considered this evening. Ile highlighted the FY96 budget to be identified as follows: 1. Examine Programs and Services 2. Layout 1995 Needs as Base Budget 3. Build in New Necessities e.g. Enrollment Increases, Special Education Requirements, New Buildings, Raises for Staff Identify as Structural Changes 4. Identify New Programs and Any Catch -Up Needs Mr_ Cummings referred to a difference and an adjustment to be made in Administration salaries. Dr. Munnelly announced Reading's portion of the Early Retirement money will be $58,500 to be paid on a 5 year pay back scale beginning in FY96. A school committee member stated that money needs to be encumbered in FY95 monies to be paid out in FY96. To still be considered in the FY96 budget is $1500 for the Fair School Finance Council. An adjustment to teacher differentials as shown on page 11 was noted and will be corrected to the amount of $165,339 as shown on page 29. Mr. Shannon asked Chair Twomey to put the new Coolidge principal's salary range on the next agenda. REGtiLAR SESSION MINt1TES 2 DECEMBER 1 1994 School committee asked for a breakout of the salaries for secretaries and an explanation of the time teachers used for professional development, personal , bereavement and sick days. Chair Twomey added because we are trying to uplift professional development there may be a need to increase substitute or professional development money. Mr. Twomey asked that tuition reimbursement be identified in each area for teachers, secretaries and educational assistants. Dr. Munnelly was asked to prioritize the hardware /software /peripherals for $285,000 and the Media Centers Upgrade of $27,000 listed in Capital Improvement Projects. Assistant Superintendent Richards stated if the $400,000 is funded then the $52,000 can fund for the non - capital items listed on page 78. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the FY96 Technology Plan as outlined on page 78. George Shannon_ seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1, George Shannon abstained. Chair Twomey stated figures for system -wide computers should be changed to read $43,000 (page 12) and that $45,000 needs to be added as Instructional Regular Day Computer Coordina- tor (page 1 i ). That an asterisk be added to reflect that those changes are dependent on the if the $312,000 goes into the budget. Dr. Munnelly explained the new high school requests on page 20. Roberta D'Antona moved to support the specialist assignments as outlined on pages 18 and 19. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Members stated prioritization can take place later on. The vote was 4 -2. it was noted that Mr. Cummings and Mr. Shannon were the opposing votes. Dr. Munnelly stated lie needs to verify the differences between FY95 and FY96 teachers. iie added that the special education issues will be discussed during school vacation with the administrative council and how they can best handle issues before going through the iEP process. Pupil Personnel Director Bill O'Connell explained the standard of maximum education process for each child required by state law. Ms. Cavicchi suggested a coalition of parents and advocates be developed to analyze special education situations. Discussion was raised regarding the $20,000 IEP Computer line item. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 1, 1994 Matthew Cummings moved to cut out the $20,000 for the IEP Computers. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1. It was noted that Ms. Cavicchi was the opposing vote. Mr. Cummings suggested that the band transportation number be reduced to $1500 and to put $500 into new programs. Matthew Cummings moved to reduce the $2000 for band transportation to $1500. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1. It was noted that we ended discussion of the FY96 budget at Athletics. ADJOURN At 1 1 : 10 p.m Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn from regular session to executive session for the purpose of negotiations and strategy. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Geoi-g_e Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey Respectfull Submitted, Robert 1. i6n nell,,, Ed. Superintendent Of Schools �Prretary To The School Committee