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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-12 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES BUDGET HEARING DECEMBER 12, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the budget open hearing session of the School Committee to order at 7:10 p. in. in the lecture hall at Reading Memorial High School. All members were present with the exception of Thomas Stohlman who was expected to arrive later. Superintendent Robert J. Munnel- ly was also present and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards was expected to arrive later. There were approximately 85 Reading citizens in the audience along with a reporter from the Chronicle. Chair Twomey along with the School Committee members welcomed the audience. BUDGET HEARING Dr. Munnelly requested the audience to assess the programs and services in the proposed Reading Public Schools FY96 Budget with the appropriations amount of $18,223,636. He outlined the pro- posed FY96 Budget Summary as follows: Administration $802,166 Inst Regular Day $12,164,389 Inst Sped Education $3,067,214 Support Services $219,557 Athletics $326,280 Custodians /Maintenance $1,819,030 "TOTALS $18,398,636 REVENUE OFFSET $175,000 APPROPRIATIONS AMOUNT $18,223,636 a change of 9.79% from the revised FY95 Budget Chair Twomey prefatory to discussion informed the audience that the School Committee knowingly adopted a base budget and structural changes that next year's revenues will not be able to support. He added prioritization and cuts will need to take place. He informed the audience the only new program added to this budget was a modest amount to fund Understanding Handicaps. In answer to a Killam parent's question regarding the 162% change in the Administration amount, Mr. Twomey answered this includes the pool of money set aside for all of the union's salaries. BUDGET [CARING 2 DECEMBER 12 1994 Judy Leblanc, an executive from the Understanding Handicaps Program, thanked the School Com- mittee for their vote to include them in the FY96 budget. Another member from the Understanding Handicaps Program read a brief statement from the parents that also thanked the School Committee. A Reading citizen expressed her support for a Central Office Finance person and also added her sup- port to the elementary principals for the 4 extra teachers and specialist time. Chair Twomey stated the specialists; half -time art, half -time music and half -time physical education along with additional staff are proposed to maintain a moderate teacher /student ratio. He noted the FinCom will review the budget thoroughly -- -this is the beginning of the process. Killam parent, Al Hamilton, spoke about the parent /student ratio in grade 5 and asked what parents could do to ensure the quality of this level funded budget. He was advised to contact the Town Manager who is charge of a balanced budget, to attend FinCom meetings where they are reviewing and making recommendations to all of Reading's budgets, and to call Town Meeting members with their concerns. School Committee member Mr. Cummings stated revenue will need to be increased and asked the public to keep in touch with them as they begin to prioritize. Chair Twomey suggested additional funding may come from Education Reform. Rachael Baumgardner pointed out the many of the needs of Reading's schools as a whole and in- formed the School Committee of the parent groups who have supported the school system. She also supported a Central Office Financial Advisor. Maryellen LaCroix voiced her concern about the numbers in grades 1 and 2. Lorraine Horn reminded people about the "Kids Count" program and encouraged them to become involved with the group. She also expressed concern that the FinCom may cut or prioritize what the School Committee has suggested in the proposed budget. Mr. Stohlman joined the meeting at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Cummings informed the audience that the total $18,223,636 does not include the $312,000 in capital items. Nis. 1 lorn asked about the large increases in the utility bills. BUDGET HEARING 3 DECEMBER 12, 1994 Tile Superintendent replied the utility bills are based on what we have used over the years with the increase due to the additions to the buildings reflected in the FY96 budget. He added we bid for gas rates as a consortium. Killam Principal Guerrette added their request for a grade 1 teacher is in the budget, that will make 5 grade 1 and 2 classes. Mr. Twomey and Mr. Cummings stated the School Committee is trying to keep smaller ratios at the elementary level and bring space on line. Mr. Twomey stated when Eaton's addition was being planned the portables were not anticipated to remain there but now the thought is if they stay there the RiSE program maybe moved there. A RISE parent, Mary Kay Watts, applauded the pre- school program for kids with handicaps and mentioned a group of these parents want to meet with Pupil Personnel Director Mr. O'Connell on their proposal for implementing a transitional kindergarten in the 1995 -96 school year. She asked School Committee members to also look at the proposal they have sent. Chair Twomey responded to a question addressing the Professional Development money increase of $39,000 as a step moving towards the education reform requirement. Ms. Hamilton asked if the substitute teachers line reflected Professional Development. Chair Twomey replied when we get the exact number to present to the FinCom then the community and staff will know the School Committee's commitment. Dr. Munnelly explained the SEEM Collaborative program as one where mutual support to share classes in a cost effective way. Ms. D'Antona encouraged the community to go to FinCom meetings and listen as other Town De- partments explain their budgets. ('hair Twomey reminded people that Town Meeting members are listed in the phone book and closed the budget hearing at 8:25 p.m. DISCUSSION A School Committee member noted surprise when he found out the superintendent had made the decision for the conversion to gas at Eaton Elementary School. Dr. Munnelly stated even though gas is more expensive the long range trade off is the wear and tear on the burners and the environmental issues. He added the heating units can be used for either gas or oil. BUDGET HEARING 4 DECEMBER 12, 1994 Gene Shannon moved that any future conversion to gas will be discussed with the School Commit- tee. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Discussion continued with members stating they should have been part of the decision making. The vote was 5 -0. Ms. Cavicchi absented herself from the motion. Dr. Munnelly stated a letter from Prevention Educator Jane Fiore requesting support from the Administration and the School Committee regarding "Safe Homes" has been received and lie en- couraged School Committee members to respond. Ms. D'Antona read Ms. Fiore's letter that asked for a signed contract from the students and parents of grades 6-12. The contract highlighted that students not have alcohol at parties and that the parties be chaperoned. Gcorge Shannon moved that an appropriate letter be sent in support of the "Safe Homes" contract to Jane Fiore. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Ms. D'Antona praised the parents for helping to make decisions for the Safe Home Goals. The vote was unanimous. CALENDAR The Superintendent noted School Committee would have a budget meeting on December 14th, and on December 19th a discussion with students regarding conflict resolution; principals on evaluations and the work we do with the Reading Police Department. He added that he would like to discuss the length of the school day before teacher negotiations and asked about having the School Commit- tee Goals about Action Plans moved to January. Chair Twomey asked if the School Committee could have a copy of the Town Manager's budget as soon as he arrives at the figures. ADJOURN Thomas Stohlman moved to adjourn to executive session at 9:00 p.m. for the purpose of barga� ining and negotiations discussion. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cumming Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlm R ' WIRM Timothy Twomey Robert I Munneliy, Ed. D. Supeftndent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee