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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-12-14 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 14, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular session of the School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superin- tendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. OLD BUSINESS Chair Twomey stated the School Committee would be making the final vote on the FY96 draft budget in light of the information heard on Monday evening, December 12th. Mr. Shannon publicly apologized for a misunderstanding regarding the assumption that School Committee had regarding the trench dug for gas line access to Eaton Elementary School. Dr. Munnelly addressed Between Meeting Note #7 in September where he informed the School Committee about this issue. He added that the decision to put the trench line in came after he spoke with the former Chair. The Superintendent continued by saying he was distressed that the members of the School Committee thought he would proceed without a discussion on any of the policies. He added no major commitment has been made to advance with gas for heating purposes. Tile gas line that was put in at Eaton in the Spring was for hot water. Adjustments on the FY96 budget can be made after a study of gas versus oil heat. BUDGET FY96 Mr. Stohlman questioned the $24,000 for Structural Increase on the Custodial Form E page. Dr. Munnelly stated he would check to see if that figure has already been built into the summary. Athletics The Superintendent advised that he misunderstood Athletic Director Vaccaro's request for dues payment of coaches professional associations. The A.D. removed our assessment from the Mass Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) from the officials line and placed it on the dues line therefore we need to put the $1,087 back into the budget. lie added the athletic official salaries will increase 4% in FY96, thus a $50 fee for one official per game would be increased to $52. When informed that the percentage looked higher, Dr. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 14, 1994 Munnelly said he would get the back -up information. Another consideration suggested was to call it fees and adjustments instead of dues. Regarding volleyball, Dr. Munnelly stated the costs are the same as boy's gymnastics other than the one time start up cost of uniforms. He noted that according to the MINA ruling games have to be played on a ribber floor as opposed to a wooden floor. Dr. Munnelly pointed out on the Instruction Regular Day, Form D for Supplies are more than the amount the principals asked for. He asked that $10,000 be removed from Instruction Equipment Repair and $5,000 be removed from Office Equipment Repair. Assistant Superintendent Richards briefed School Committee about the new IEP forms that are designed to be completed on current technology. He added the request of $20,000 would add 10 new computers to the Reading Public Schools. In response to a question posed by the Chair, Mr. Richards stated we have received a grant that would provide assistance for substitutes as teachers are being trained. He also added that the computers in the schools are primarily there for student use. There are approximately 500 IEP's done each year. Information about Professional Development Costs Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the Assistant Superintendent has calculated substitute costs attributable to professional development so we can gauge professional development costs properly. Mr. Richards stated his research indicated that in FY94 we spent $15,200 for 304 days of substitute coverage so teachers could do activities such as attend professional conferences, meetings and workshops, work on curriculum projects and visit other schools. The major sources of funds for this expense item are grants and school improvement plan funds therefore the substitute money does not represent an additional contribution toward professional development beyond what we propose in the current budget. Extracurricular The Superintendent pointed out the salaries for advisors was approximately $3,000 above the actual amount needed and would therefore be available for reduction. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 14 1994 Current Assumptions Specialists Assignments Dr. Munnelly advised the request for an additional half time person in each of the three specialist areas of art, music and physical education. George Shannon on the recommendation of the Administration moved to reduce the FY96 budget by $15,000 from Instructional Office Equipment Repair and $3,217 from Extracurricular and add back in the $1.087 MIAA Athletic Dues for a new Appropriations Amount of $18,206,506. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and i abstention The Superintendent responded to an inquiry about the length of day for the RISE program. He advised the RISE program offered more physical and occupational therapy in the 4 hour classes. Ms. Cavicchi expressed surprise at how many people at the open hearing spoke in favor of tiie request for a financial person in Central Office. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee members that Mr. Richards is presently writing the grants and if we had a person to seek grants through businesses, etc. we would then be able to find new areas we may be qualify for. The Superintendent circulated an additional page explaining custodial and agent overtime that has been composed and should be added to the FY96 budget. Dr. Munnelly advised the Town Manager would have the FY96 budget on December 15th, copies will be sent out to the schools and other interested parties. Chair Twomey thanked Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Richards for their time and explanations that put the FY96 budget together. ADJOURN At 9A5 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of bargaining and negotiation discussions. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings George Shannon ReSpeet h SUbtnMW Thomas Stohlman n Timothy Twomey Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee