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Home My WebLink About1993-01-11 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING BUDGET OPEN HEARING MINUTES JANUARY 11, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Matthew Cummings called the Budget Open Hearing of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Super- intendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superinten- dent Susan Y. Wheltle, Selectmen Daniel Ensminger and Sally Hoyt, FinCom member Nathan White, a reporter from the Chronicle, and approximately 80 citizens. FY93 BUDGET Mr. Cummings gave an overview of the FY94 Level- Service Budget, explaining the distinction between level - service and level - funded. He pointed out that there was a shortfall of more than $800,000 and that this included no salary raises other than step increases. Ms. Hoyt reported on a Massachusetts Municipal Association Conference on January 9th, in which the association voted an educational policy which supports reform, but objects to the funding mechanisms of the most recent educational reform bill as "unresponsible ". Chairman Cummings then opened the hearing for public comments. Reading Teacher Association President Stan Quinlan read a statement criticizing the present FY94 budget for not including any salary increases. Other citizens spoke about the METCO program and School Choice. Many spoke of the need for strong advocacy by School Committee and citizens to have the Level Service Budget accepted. There were questions about special education costs, and School Committee members pointed out that Reading's philosophy on inclusion is both educationally sound and cost effective. The issue of having an override to support education was raised by one member of the audience. Another said that if education is a priority, then is should be funded, and over- rides should be used for other services. ADJOURNMENT At 8:55 p.m. Chairman Cummings thanked the audience for attending and adjourned the hearing.