HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-27 School Committee Minutes Fri-.
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
` o f Vi=i,'_.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2014-01-27 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room
Address: 62 Oakland Road
Purpose: Open Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Hal Croft
Karen Janowski John Doherty, Superintendent
Chuck Robinson Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent
Lisa Gibbs Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent
Jeanne Borawski Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services
Chris Caruso
Andrea Nastri, Student Representative
Conner Traugot, Student Representative
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Paula Perry, Fincom Member
Mark Dockser, Fincom Member
Linda Snow-Dockser, parent
Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle
Reading Budget Parents
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent
Topics of Discussion:
I. Call to Order
Chair Croft called the School Committee to order at 7:03 p.m.
He reviewed the agenda, announced the meeting was being recorded and welcomed
guests.
Mr. Croft called the public hearing on the FY2015 budget to order and asked if there
was any public comment.
Linda Snow-Dockser asked about the reduction in the grant writer line. She also
asked if it was feasible to work with local colleges to bring in interns to assist in data
analysis to address the need for a data or information management specialist.
Page I 1
Dr. Doherty said that most federal grants that we have applied for in the past no
longer exist. He also shared the SEEM Collaborative has hired a grant writer that is
available to the participating districts.
Ms. DeLai responded to the data analysis question by saying that although it would
be great to develop a relationship with colleges it would not meet what the district is
looking to accomplish. The specialist would work with teachers to identify relevant
data on student outcomes.
Michele Sanphy, budget parent, applauded the administration for including special
education needs in the prioritized list of positions.
Mr. Croft closed the public hearing at 7:08 p.m. and called open session back to
order.
II. Recommended Procedure
Reports (I)
1. Student
Ms. Nastri reported on two band/color guard fundraisers this weekend
including the annual yard sale and a hypnotist.
Mr. Traugot reported that the winter athletics are in full swing and the RMHS
Boys Track 4 x 400M relay team won the MA State Elite event, set an RMHS
record and are ranked 9th nationally.
Mrs. Janowski asked Ms. Nastri about the Real World Problem Solving
activity. Ms. Nastri said it was a great experience and that there were a lot of
positive comments made by her classmates.
2. Liaison
Mrs. Janowski added that it was a fantastic event; truly a valuable educational
experience and was impressed at the viable solutions the students had for the
four problems. The four problems were: Core Values, the repurposing of an
empty space at RMHS, making RMHS greener and connecting the alumni
with RMHS.
Mr. Caruso echoed Mrs. Janowski's sentiments adding that it was great seeing
the junior class interact. The students were dressed professionally and spoke
eloquently.
Executive Session
Mr. Croft declared the executive session is necessary to protect the litigation and
bargaining position of the body.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to go into Executive Session
to conduct strategy with respect to litigation, collective bargaining and
approval of minutes and to return to open session at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Page 12
The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Janowski, Mr. Caruso,Mr.
Croft, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Borawski.
The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Chair Croft called the open session meeting back to order at 8:15 p.m.
A. Public Input (I)
Mr. Croft asked for public input.
There was none.
B. Continued Business
Continued Discussion of the FY2015 Budget
Dr. Doherty handed out two documents to the committee members. The first was
answers to all the questions that have been submitted. The second, in response to
a committee request, a prioritized list of the unfunded needs. He shared that the
district leadership identified 8 priorities they felt were most crucial in moving the
district forward.
Mrs. Gibbs noted that the ranked priorities have direct impact on the classroom
but she felt that the districtwide technology leadership position is important to
move our district forward.
Dr. Doherty said that we will be conducting a technology audit and we will use
the results to determine if any of our current technology positions can be
restructured to meet the needs of that position.
Mrs. Borawski asked if there would be a cost savings with the position.
Dr. Doherty indicated there needs to be one person overseeing the whole
operation.
Mrs. Janowski felt that the unfunded priority that would allow for additional time
for teachers to collaborate should be reconsidered. She felt it is low cost with a
great return on investment.
The district leadership team felt the 8 items they prioritized are more important.
Mr. Robinson understands that to add items to the budget,the committee will
have to make decisions to cut other items. He asked about the proposed increase
in substitute pay and the possibility of eliminating that item.
Dr. Doherty explained that the difficulty in providing substitutes for classroom
teachers affects the staffing of the school by using a paraeducator to cover the
classroom then a substitute needs to be brought in for the paraeducator.
Mrs. Janowski asked if the percent increase to substitute pay could be reduced.
Page 13
Ms. DeLai reviewed the proposed rates and indicated that there is a pool of
money that is used for substitute pay and decreasing the increase would not
address the issue that surrounding districts are paying substitutes more than
Reading.
Mr. Robinson asked of the frequency of unfilled positions. Ms. DeLai said it was
a regular occurrence.
Mrs. Gibbs asked if the increase will address the coverage issues. Ms. DeLai said
the teachers are very concerned about the lack of coverage. Mrs. Gibbs added
that the range and quality of substitute is widely varied and it is important to
ensure we have the highest quality substitute in our classrooms and therefore
cannot afford not to pay them.
Mrs. Janowski referred to question 50 regarding special education consulting
services. She asked if ABA/BCBA services could be brought in-house. Ms.
Elmer responded that we do not have the capabilities to provide these services in
district. Mrs. Gibbs asked if we have considered hiring this position in district.
Ms. Elmer explained that ABA provides home services and services provided for
in a student's IEP and BCBA could cost $80,000 per position.
Mr. Robinson asked if there was a chance that the consulting costs could go
down. The addition of a school psychologist may allow us to reduce the BCBA
consulting costs.
Mrs. Gibbs, providing full disclosure that she is the EMARC Board Chair on
leave, asked if we could provide services that we currently receive from EMARC.
Providing vocational services in district would be more challenging.
Ms. DeLai handed out information on per pupil spending. She first reviewed
information on historical general fund expenditures by function as a percentage of
the total. Education spending historically has been around 50% of the general
fund expenditures. She pointed out that in 2012 the figure was 37% but that
decrease was due to debt service restructuring. The next handout outlined per
pupil expenditures (Reading vs. State Average). We currently rank 305 in the
state for per pupil spending.
Mrs. Janowski asked for clarification on the per pupil figure. Ms. DeLai said
although education spending accounts for 50% of the municipal budget we lag in
per pupil spending. This is a revenue issue.
Geoffrey Coram asked when the budget will move beyond a maintenance budget.
He feels that the School Committee needs to inform the community that we are
lagging behind in the efforts to move the district forward because of funding
restrictions.
Dr. Doherty shared that the town has finite resources and the town and schools
need to work together with the community to determine the best use of the free
cash available. The ability to add the items the administrative team has deemed
priority items is a key element in moving the district's vision forward.
Page 14
Mrs. Janowski thanked Mr. Coram for making an excellent point. The
community needs to understand that in spite of our outstanding reputation we
need to invest in our schools.
Mr. Croft is pleased that the behavioral health initiative continues to be a priority.
Dr. Doherty reminded the committee that they will be voting on the FY2015
budget on February 3`d. If the committee has any other questions or would like
clarification on any other items, he requested that they are submitted to him as
soon as possible.
Mr. Robinson asked what the Financial Forum agenda on Wednesday night
covered. Dr. Doherty said the Library project and revenue discussion. He also
indicated that the Finance Committee may not have a quorum.
Mr. Robinson was concerned that the Finance Committee may not have a quorum.
C. New Business
III. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll (A)
There were none.
b. Approval of Minutes
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open
session minutes dated January 13,2014. The motion carried 6-0.
c. Bids and Donations
Accept Donation from Friends of Reading Wrestling
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation
in the amount of$500 from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to be
used to support the coaching assistant for the wrestling team. The
motion carried 6-0.
Accept Donation from Reading Lacrosse Association
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to accept a donation
in the amount of$6,000 from the Reading Lacrosse Association to be
used to support the coaching assistants for the boys' lacrosse team.
Mrs. Janowski asked about the number of assistants. Ms. DeLai
responded that because of the speed of the game and player specialization
it is desired to have additional coaches.
The motion carried 6-0.
Page 15
Calendar
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, moved to cancel the February 10th
School Committee meeting.
Dr. Doherty explained that the agenda was light and we were scheduled to discuss the
Naming of Facilities. At this point the Superintendent is in the process of forming the
sub-committee.
Mr. Robinson wondered if we should hold the meeting as scheduled in case there
needs to be more discussion on the budget after the Financial Forum.
Dr. Doherty indicated that the School Committee has voted a budget that has been
higher than the Finance Committee's proposed amount.
The motion carried 6-0.
Mrs. Janowski and Mrs. Gibbs announced that they will be unable to attend the
Financial Forum.
Mrs. Gibbs followed up on Mr. Robinson's point that how is it possible to have the
Financial Forum without the Finance Committee having a quorum.
Finance Committee member Paula Perry shared that the Finance Committee is down
two members and at times it is difficult to get a quorum.
IV. Information
V. Future Business
VI.Adjournment
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs,to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not
the order they occurred during the meeting.
At fail,
Js 1; F. Dohe Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Page 16
Identified Need Budgetary Rank
Impact
School adjustment counselors at the elementary and middle levels to providing more 1
1.0 FTE
counseling to struggling students who need targeted social,emotional,and behavioral $65,000
supports to succeed.
Instructional coaches for Mathematics to model effective teaching practices for staff 1.0 FE 2
and to help implement the new Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. $65,000
Additional special education staff to address the growing teaching and administrative 3
demands on teachers,the increasing complexity of the needs with which students are 3.0 FE
presenting,the pervasive and growing proficiency gap between special education and $195,000
general education students,and the need to provide for more inclusive settings
throughout the district
Data or information management specialist to assist administrators and teachers in 4
FE
managing,monitoring,reporting,and analyzing all of the educational data available to 1.0 00
districts and schools $50,000
Additional funding for professional development for staff,particularly in the area of 5
$50,000
behavioral health,tiered systems of support,and effective use of data and technology
Tier 2 academic,social and emotional supports at all levels(e.g.general education 3.0 FE 6
tutors,staff trained in applied behavior analysis) $60,000
School adjustment counselors at the elementary and middle levels to providing more 7
1.0 FE
counseling to struggling students who need targeted social,emotional,and behavioral $65,000
supports to succeed.
Instructional coaches for literacy to model effective teaching practices for staff and to 1.0 FE 8
help implement the new Massachusetts curriculum frameworks. $65,000
Total for Priorities $615,000
Additional time for paraeducators to collaborate with teachers,serve as a teacher NR
resource,learn how to modify curriculum and implement accommodations,and take $115,000
advantage of professional development opportunities(two hours per week for
instructional paraeducators)
Additional time for teachers to collaborate,learn,and grow in their professional NR
practice(to be accomplished through additional funding for substitutes during the $30,000
school day or time beyond the school day for collaboration)
Instructional technology specialist at the elementary level(currently five schools share 1.0 FE NR
one full-time specialist) $65,000
Additional technology maintenance staff to service the increased amount of 1.0 FE NR
technology employed throughout the district $40,000
Districtwide technology leadership position to lead and manage the day to day NR
1.0 FTE
operations of our technology and data rich 215`century learning and teaching
$95,000
environment
Increased funding for technology maintenance and replenishment $50,000 NR
Additional general maintenance staff for facilities department 1.0 FfE NR
$50,000
Additional funding to allow for planned painting cycle of 15-20%of classrooms per $120,000 NR
building per year
TOTAL BUDGETARY IMPACT $1,180,000
NR-Not Ranked
Historical Per Pupil Expenditures
Reading versus State Average
15,000.00 -- 3,000.00
14,000.00 -
13,000.00 - - 250000-
1 '1-- - 2,000.00
10,000.00 -
9,000.00 :- - — 1,500.00
8,000.00 - - - --- -
7,000.00 - - 1,000.00
6,000.00 -
5,000.00 - - - __- - 500.00
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12
•••State Average ammo Reading Difference
Historical Per Pupil Expenditures
Reading versus State Average
15,000.00 -
14,000.00
13,000.00 - -
12,000.00
11,000.00 -.-
10,000.00
9,000.00
8,000.00
7,000.00
6,000.00
5,000.00
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12
■State Average •Reading
Year State Average Reading Difference Rank
FY06 11,210 9,726 1,484 232
FY07 11,858 10,149 1,709 242
FY08 12,448 10,407 2,041 255
FY09 13,006 10,742 2,264 272
FY10 13,048 10,749 2,299 277
FY11 13,354 10,976 2,378 293
FY12 13,636 11,051 2,585 305
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3 ..a
FY2015 Superintendent's Recommended Budget
School Committee Questions and Responses
Introductory Section
1. Is the list of Unfunded FY'15 Budget requests in priority order?
Currently, no, this list is not in priority order as listed on Page 7.
2. Could you give details of what Professional Development staff would get for$50K? Was there a
specific program in mind?
The two areas that we would have focused on include:strategies and best practices for addressing social,
emotional, and behavioral needs as well as developing and implementing interventions in these areas
and best practices for effective use of data and analytical tools to inform instructional practice. There is
no specific program or vendor in mind. The additional funds would be used to send staff to conferences
or other districts(and provide substitutes for their classes)or for outside consultants to provide training
either during in-service time or, if necessary, during the school day with substitute coverage provided for
them.
3. I'd like some context for the figure 36.9%of our total budget is spent on education. Does this
percentage include accommodated costs? Where does this figure come from and is it calculated
the same way from district to district?
This figure is calculated based on data available in the municipal databank report which is found on the
Division of Local Services(part of the Department of Revenue)website. The figure is derived by taking
the total amount spent on education divided by the total municipal expenditures for FY2012 as reported
to the DOR by the Town Accountant(on the annual Schedule A). What is reported by the Town
Accountant as an education expense would include some accommodated costs(e.g.special education
tuition, operations and maintenance expense)but not other accommodated costs(e.g. health insurance
expense).
4. What is driving the need for a new health curriculum in gr 3-5?
After about a decade of utilizing the Life Skills program as part of the Health& Wellness curriculum and
hearing concerns that the materials were becoming dated and less engaging, a team of elementary and
secondary educators were appointed by the Superintendent to conduct an assessment of the curriculum
and to examine options. It was determined that the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill health curriculum would be
most appropriate for our current and future program needs. Over the summer, all elementary Health&
Wellness educators received training on how to best implement the new curriculum, mapped out units
and lessons for each grade level, and then began piloting lessons this fall. The additional materials and
resources will allow teachers and students to fully benefit from the curriculum, and they will also provide
a better transition and vertical alignment with our updated Teen Health curriculum in the middle and
high school. Overall, it allows educators to explore a variety of topics with students in a more current
and engaging manner. Units are all presented in an age appropriate manner for each grade, and include
topics such as: growth and nutrition, emotional/social health,personal health and safety, as well as
drugs and disease prevention. Materials can be reviewed at the following website:
http://www.mhschool.com/health/2005/student/MApickbook.html
5. Fig.22 indicates that$3425 is spent on schools. Do any of the other items cover education
expenses(I'm particularly looking at Insurance)?
1
Some of the expenditures in the other categories are for the benefit of schools, most notably insurance
which includes health insurance expense for all employees, town and school.
6. Throughout the budget,there are comparisons to our peer community group. I'd be interested to
see MCAS results in Reading compared to peer communities. This does not have to be part of
budget discussions though...could occur during next time MCAS is on our agenda.
These charts are included below. As the data indicates, amongst these comparable peers, Reading ranks
8 of 13 for ELA MCAS, 10 of 13 for Math MCAS, and 6 of 13 for Science MCAS as measured by the percent
of students scoring proficient or advanced(based on Spring 2013 MCAS Assessment).
ELA MCAS- % Proficient &Advanced
95 - -
90 - - -
80
75 -1 :11
Oe <C ,.. ao % �,.. a�5 e� ��c 0e �� �°
Math MCAS- % Proficient&Advanced
100
-
90 - -
60 —
-
40 -- -- - -
30 --
20 - - - - -
cb
Oe P� q� a� acz e�� se ��� �e `ter ��ti
�r Lr hr
‘4°
2
Science MCAS - % Proficient &Advanced
100 - — — —
90 -- — —
80 — — — — —
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7. Why are we only proposing to add a social worker at the HS and not middle and elementary?
If revenues had permitted, we would have added social workers at all levels. The needs at the High
School were deemed to be of the highest priority given behavioral health data that we present and
discuss in the budget document.
8. How do our 19 district-wide SPED programs compare to other districts?
We have, essentially,six categories of programs as well as the RISE pre-school programs. These
programs, as outlined in the budget book,service students with a variety of disabilities. Most districts in
Massachusetts have a similar variety of programs although they may not have all of the programs we
do. In addition, there are some districts that have specialized programs that we do not. For example,
North Reading hosts a program for individuals with hearing disabilities which we do not have. Most,at a
minimum,have programs for students with autism, language and specific learning disabilities, and
intellectual impairments in addition to learning centers. A number of districts have begun to create
programs for students with social/emotional needs over the last several years and this number is
expected to continue increasing.
9. Why do we continue to buy new technology and apply for grants when we don't have the training
to use it?Why do we continue to purchase when we are having trouble keeping up with what we
have?
Over the past several years, we have provided our teachers with many different professional
development opportunities around the use of technology in the classroom. One example of that is the
Expanding the Boundaries of Teaching and Learning Class which has provided hands-on, intensive
training to nearly half of our teachers over the last several years. Currently, there is a second generation
of this class being offered to around thirty of our teachers. However, as we all know, the pace of
technological change is very rapid and there are new technologies and applications coming out every
year. If we don't commit to providing professional development each year, we risk falling behind and
becoming reliant on obsolete technologies.
3
The vast majority of the technology that we have been purchasing over the past several years has been
to replace technology that has become obsolete, is no longer supported by current software,or can no
longer support current bandwidth speeds. Purchases of other newer technology, most notably iPads, are
motivated by the significant positive impact that these devices are having on student learning and
engagement.
10. It is noted that the technology ratio is 714 devices per technician and the optimal amount would
be 500.What data supports this argument?
There are two notable references that support this—although both documents include even lower ratios.
We based our optimal on what we felt was reasonable and affordable for our community. The first
reference is "Technology in Massachusetts Schools:An annual report based on data submitted by
districts in 2011"produced by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in
June of 2011 (this was the last year that this annual report was produced). On Page 22, in the section
entitled"Technology Support", the report states, "In order to minimize downtime and maximize the
potential of technology to impact learning, the Department's technology guidelines recommend that
districts have the equivalent of one full-time position(which can include contracted services)to support
every 200 computers. In 2009-2010,fewer than 18 percent of districts had this level of support. On
average, according to district data, a technical support person maintains approximately 445 computers."
The second reference is entitled, "Local Technology Plan Guidelines(School Year 2010-11 through School
Year 2014-15)"also published by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education. The introduction to this document states, "These guidelines are designed to help districts
develop purposeful long-range technology plans. While not mandated, the guidelines represent
recommended conditions for effectively integrating technology into teaching and learning." It goes on
later to say, "These guidelines are based on the School Technology and Readiness(STaR)Chart1
developed by the state's Educational Technology Advisory Council(ETAC). Using the STaR Chart,along
with advice from stakeholders across the Commonwealth, the Department has developed this new set of
guidelines for schools to use in technology planning. These guidelines are not mandated but rather
recommended benchmarks for districts to meet by the end of the school year 2014-2015. The
Department will use these guidelines to gauge the progress of districts'implementation in order to
approve their technology plans annually." Under Benchmark 4,Accessibility of Technology, Section E.
Staffing, Subsection 3 reads, "The district provides at least one FTE person to support 400 computers.
Technical support can be provided by dedicated staff or contracted services."
11. Have we really gone ten years without any districtwide technology leadership?This is very
alarming.
Technology leadership has been provided at the district level by a number of people including the
Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools,and the Network Manager.
However, Reading Public Schools does not employ a full-time Director of Technology as many other
school districts in Massachusetts do. With the leadership of this full-time function resting on the
shoulders of several different members of the leadership team who already have full-time jobs and
responsibilities of their own means that this function is not led as effectively as it could be. The need for
a district Director of Technology position has been discussed in each of the last ten years of budget
discussions.
12. How much will the IT Audit cost?It is being done in conjunction with the Town?I would propose
no new purchases until this is done.
4
Based on school districts that have had such an audit performed in the last couple of years, we estimate
that this will cost between$15,000 and$20,000. This audit is not being performed in conjunction with
the town as it is primarily focused on the infrastructure, technology,and staffing necessary to support
educational technology versus operational technology.
13. What is the optimal square footage per maintenance staff?It is noted that we would like to go
from 433,333 to 325,000.Where is the data that supports why this is necessary?
Last year, we administered a survey to a number of area districts regarding maintenance staffing as part
of our discussion to reclassify the general maintenance position to an electrician position. Those survey
results revealed that the average number of square feet maintained per maintenance person was
217,300. We know that we are not able to afford to get to this ratio, but felt that 325,000 was a
reasonable compromise position.
14. Can the painting program be placed in the capital improvement plan?
Historically, based on the definition of capital projects, we have been told that painting is an operational
rather than a capital expense.
15. Please provide the historical costs for substitutes.
The table below shows the historical expense for substitute teachers going back to FY2005. FY2012 is the
year that we switched from using a third party to provider to employing our own substitutes.
FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13
279,801 273,796 268,293 307,738 299,587 307,608 392,771 239,941 233,843
Budget Drivers
16. The budget includes a 2.5%increase for non-union personnel.What was it last year and did
everyone get the same percentage?
Last year's budgeted COLA for non-union personnel was 2.5%. Not all individuals received 2.5%. The
range was 1.0%to 4.0%.
17. Please provide the rate comparison for substitutes.
Please see attached"Substitute Pay Rate Comparison". Below is the average, high, low, and median
rates based on the data collected from other districts.
Non-certified Certified Short Term
Average $70.42 $78.86 $109.65
High $85.00 $95.00 $265.96
Low $60.00 $75.00 $60.00
Median $75.00 $85.00 $125.00
18. What is the 3%contractual rate increase in the special education transportation?Do we negotiate
this?
5
We participate in the SEEM Collaborative's regional transportation network for special education
transportation. The collaborative approach has resulted in significant savings by sharing transportation
to the various out of district special education schools among districts. The SEEM collaborative bids
special education transportation in accordance with Chapter 308 and is responsible for managing the
transportation contract with the provider. The 3%rate increase reflects the contractual increase for next
year.
19. Figure 4: Can we point to anything that caused the number of students on IEP's to increase by 65?
The data in Figure 4 is the number of students on in IEP's as of October 15t of the given school year as
reported by DESE. This number fluctuates during the course of the year. In the prior year,for example,
the number dropped by 31 students. We submit student information data to the state three times per
year. The number that is shown for 2013-14 is the number reported to DESE in the June 2013
submission. The figure that was reported in the October 1,2013 submission is actually 767.
20. The budget proposes an FTE increase of 4.8 of which 3.2 go to special education. How does this
compare to the last few years?It seem like the only positions we are adding each year are for
special education.
Last year, the majority of positions added(4.6)were in the regular day budget and these were for the
high school due to higher than normal enrollment increases. In the prior year, there were four special
education positions added to the operating budget but this was due to a reduction in the IDEA grant,
which funds special education positions. In each of the last several years, we have had to add special
education paraeducator positions. These additions are due to changing and increased needs of special
education students, as well as the growth in the RISE Pre-school program.
Cost Center Budgets
Administration
21. Why are there MASC dues?I thought we took this out last year.
While this was discussed, it was never agreed that the expense would not be included.
22. What is the 89.5%increase in advertising?
Based on historical actuals, FY2014 appears underfunded and the amount has been adjusted for FY2015.
One Globe advertisement costs us$2,500-$3,000 per add and we are assuming at least one Globe
advertisement for FY2015.
23. What is the 33.8%increase in equipment?
Again, looking at historical actuals, FY14 appears underfunded and the amount has been adjusted for
FY2015. The one known area where a significant increase is expected is for photocopier leases. Our
current lease expires in June of 2014. We have examined current state contract leasing rates and,based
on the copier suppliers that we would likely utilize for our new lease, rates have been adjusted up
accordingly.
24. What"employee benefits"are included in Other Expenses? Is this health,life insurance,etc.or
something else?
6
The employee benefits included in the administration budget are the district's matching contribution to
tax sheltered annuities for members of the teachers bargaining unit. By contract, teachers hired after
the 1998-1999 school year(these are employees who are not eligible for sick leave buyback)are eligible
for an annual$150 matching contribution to their tax sheltered annuity. We have approximately 55
teachers who are eligible for this benefit this year.
25. Is the increased revolving fund support for clerical salaries sustainable?
We do feel that this offset is sustainable. The offset is provided to offset the additional time and effort of
central office administrative assistants used to support our extended day,summer school, and adult
education programs. Central office assistants are responsible for collecting and depositing receipts,
ordering of supplies and materials, time and attendance entry,payroll administration, and financial
reporting for these community education programs. Those programs have grown significantly over the
past three years and required increased effort of central office support staff.
26. What is the increase in revolving fund support?And which revolving fund is used to support the
Administration cost center?
Please see question and response above.
Regular Day
27. If we reduced the COLA assumption slightly(say 2.25%or 2.0%),what would be the savings that
could be applied to cover some of our unfunded budget requests and what would be the impact
on the average teacher's salary?
The 2.5%COLA that is discussed is the COLA proposed for non-represented employees who make up
approximately 7%of the entire permanent work force of the school department. Reducing their COLA
slightly would yield a savings to the FY15 budget of approximately$10,000 to$20,000 and would have
no impact on average teacher salaries.
28. I'd like to see Figure 77 expanded by adding four columns: A total difference from previous year
and%change from previous year column after both FY 14 Actual Salary and FY 15 budgeted
Salary.
These revised tables are provided as an attachment to this Q&A document but we are not able to
incorporate them into the budget book. The width of the table would be prohibitive and to reduce it to
enable it to fit on the page would render it nearly unreadable. This Q&A document, however, is
included as an Appendix to the FY2015 School Committee Budget Book.
29. I don't understand how Figures 76 and 77 tie together. Figure 76 says Regular Day Salaries
increase to$22.4 million(adding the first three salary lines together). Figure 77 indicates Regular
Day Salaries increase to$22.8 million. I'm having the exact same confusion on figures 82&83.
Could you clarify for me?
The salary figures provided in Figure 76 are net of the budget offsets whereas the salary information
provided in Figure 77 are actual salaries for staff and do not include offsets since offsets are provided as
an offset to the overall salary line in the budget module. Further complicating the comparison is the fact
that Figure 77 does not include stipends as these are considered"additional pays"rather than salary.
7
Figure 77 also does not include employee benefits(e.g.sick leave buyback and longevity)whereas Figure
76 does include these amounts.
30. Two questions regarding our current use of Full Day K revenue to support staff salaries: First, is it
appropriate to be depleting this fund,when we know we will need this money to help bridge the
gap when we move to free,full day K? Second,when this revenue stream goes away,which we
know it will,how will we cover the$800,000 in salary costs we have been using this revenue to
support?
We felt we had to maintain the offset at the same level that it was at last year,namely$820,000. If we
had attempted to decrease the offset amount, then our overall budget increase would have been even
greater with less of an offset. For example, if we had reduced the budget offset to$600,000, then our
budget request would have been over$2.1 million—or an increase of 5.4%.
When this revenue stream is depleted, the lost revenue would be made up by the increase in Chapter 70
funding that we would get as a result of having all of our full day kindergarten enrollment included in the
Chapter 70 funding formula(presently, those children who pay tuition—over 60%of our kindergarten
enrollment—are counted as half-day children under the state's Chapter 70 funding formula).
31. Why such big increases in stipends and dues&memberships?
The stipend increase is due to the addition of curriculum chairs across all grade levels to provide
curriculum and instructional leadership in the absence of instructional coaches in math and literacy. This
adds$17,500 to the budget. In addition, the stipend schedule for non-athletic differentials was re-
negotiated last year. In many cases,stipends are slightly higher than previous stipends. These amounts
were not reflected in the FY2014 budget but are now included in the FY2015 budget.
The dues and membership line increase results from the addition of the dues for Project Lead the Way at
the middle and high school levels(formerly paid for from a grant),as well as expenses related to
scheduling which should have been captured under instructional services rather than dues and
memberships. This will be corrected in the FY2015 School Committee Budget document.
32. What is the contractual rate increase for transportation?
We have a five year contract with our current transportation vendor. In that contract, transportation
rates increase by 2%per year.
33. How many homeless students are we transporting? Where are they being transported from?Are
there any state level reimbursements for this new expense? Has this been pursued with our state
reps? Would this fall under Title 1 funding? I am very sympathetic to this and absolutely feel we
should do this but we shouldn't just except on our dime.
We are currently transporting two homeless students. They are being transported from temporary
housing as arranged by state or non-profit homeless assistance agencies. The mandate to transport
homeless children is under federal legislation, the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The
McKinney-Vento Act"ensures homeless children transportation to and from school free of charge,
allowing children to attend their school of origin(last school enrolled or the school they attended when
they first become homeless)regardless of what district the family resides in. It further requires schools to
register homeless children even if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records
or proof of residence."
8
Due to the efforts of State Auditor Suzanne Bump and her research demonstrating this as an unfunded
mandate, the state began issuing reimbursements for homeless transportation in July of 2013(for
expenses incurred in FY2013). The state reimbursed us for nearly 100%of our expense. However, under
the state finance regulations, the reimbursement is considered a general fund receipt(meaning it was
deposited to the town's general fund and, therefore, could not be used as an offset to the school
department budget).
While Title I does permit the use of funding for services to homeless students, neither of the current two
students are attending Title I schools.
34. Why are the regular day stipends up 20.5%?
This increase is driven by the addition of$17,000 for new curriculum leader positions for Math and ELA
across the district. These positions will attempt to partially fulfill the role that would have been filled by
full-time instructional coach positions.
35. Why are employee benefits up 15.5%?
Employee benefits include longevity and sick leave buyback payments to staff. This line item is up due to
known and anticipated retirements in FY2015 and the sick leave buyback amounts that will be owed to
these employees.
36. What is the math increase of 13.6%? Would this not fall under the elementary curriculum
increase?
This is the increased building level expense, most notably at the elementary level,for math workbooks
and consumables associated with the new math curriculum.
Special Education
37. I'd like to see Figure 83 expanded by adding four columns: A total difference from previous year
and%change from previous year column after both FY 14 Actual Salary and FY 15 budgeted
Salary.
These revised tables are provided as an attachment to this Q&A document but we are not able to
incorporate them into the budget book. The width of the table would be prohibitive and to reduce it to
enable it to fit on the page would render it nearly unreadable. This Q&A document, however, is
included as an Appendix to the FY2015 School Committee Budget Book.
38. Why is actual FY'14—Behavioral Health Coordinator listed at$35,765 vs.the budget of$60,734?
And,why is FY'15 budget down to$59,450?
The behavioral health coordinator was on leave for the first three months of the school year. The
amount shown in the FY'14 actual column is the remaining amount to be paid to this individual from the
date of her return to the end of the year. The FY'14 budget amount was higher than what the individual
received as a salary for FY'14. The FY'15 amount reflects a 2.5%increase over the FY'14 actual annual
salary for this individual.
39. Why is Team Chair salary down 10%or$31,153 when FTE of 3.4 remains the same?
9
There is an error in the FY'14 Actual Salary column for team chairs. We have two team chairs that
started mid-year and their annual salary was projected incorrectly as the mid-year start date was
overlooked. The amount was overstated by$37,919. The true projected FY'14 salary for the team
chairs is$270,597. These corrections will be made in the final School Committee budget version.
40. Why is Secretary down 5%or$4,292 when FTE of 2.0 remains the same?
As was the case above, the special education secretary position was vacated in October and replaced in
November. An error was made in calculating the actual FY'14 salary obligation as the mid-year start was
overlooked. The amount was overstated by$6,872. The true projected FY'14 salary for special
education secretary is$75,043. These corrections will be made in the final School Committee budget
version.
41. Why are Legal Services up 50%?
If you look at the last two years of actual spending, you will see that we have averaged$63,742. This
year, year-to-date through December, we have already spent$33,000 putting us on target to end the
year very close to that average. We are utilizing our special education legal firm for a number of things
in addition to legal counsel for unilateral placements,special education hearings, and settlement
agreements. In addition, we consult with this firm when we are addressing non-special education
student issues. We are also utilizing them to assist with providing professional development to staff(we
have a lot of new staff,particularly team chairs)on special education law,processes, and procedures.
They also review or policies and student handbooks and assist us with the development of policies(such
as the new harassment and bullying policy).
42. Why is Department Head up 159.6%?
Over the past several years, the high school has had a special education department chair that,like other
department chairs,has carried a 0.6 teaching load while serving as a 0.4 department chair. This year,
SY'13-14, the high school department chair position became a full-time department chair position. This
change is reflected in the staffing table in the FY'14 actual salary column and this new position is
maintained in the FY'15 budget.
43. Why is Professional Development up 56.3%?
We have been fortunate, over the last few years, to have benefited from a significant grant award for
special education professional development. In FY2010 and FY2011, we received no federal special
education professional development grant funding. Then, in FY'12, we received over$52,000 which was
ten times higher than the amount we received in FY2009, the last year that we received these funds prior
to FY'12. The source of this large increase was unexpended ARRA funding that the state had to disburse
to districts. In FY'13, this grant dropped to$31,000 and this year, it has dropped to$19,000. We believe
that the funding for next year will be very low or non-existent. Therefore, we have had to allocate an
amount in the operating budget to ensure that we are covering the professional development needs of
staff next year absent federal grant funding.
44. Why is Testing&Assessment up 61%?
10
There are a number of new editions being issued for several of the instruments that we use for special
education and psychological testing and assessment.
45. Why is transportation up 11%?
This is both in-district and out-of-district transportation. The increase reflects both the contractual rate
increase for the special education transportation vendor(3%)as well as the transportation necessary for
the additional out-of-district placements that are included in the FY/15 budget.
46. With the Out of State Tuition,did we see this coming? How is it that we don't find out about
increases like this until we receive the budget?
History shows that there is great variability,particularly in this tuition line. One placement at a private
out-of-state school can cost anywhere from$100,000-$200,000. An out-of-state residential placement
can cost over$300,000. Typically, we are aware of students that are in-district who, due to their
growing needs,may require services beyond what the district is able to provide at some point in the
future. It is always our goal to provide services in the district wherever and as long as possible. But there
are times when an outside placement is necessary from a district perspective or desirable from a parent
perspective. There are,however, other times when we have students placed in out-of-district schools
whose families move into Reading from other districts. Based on special education regulations, the
responsibility for paying those tuitions then shifts to our district. This year, we have three such students
who have moved to Reading for whom we will be responsible for out-of-district tuition payments next
year. In sum, there are times when these increases are predictable and times when these are not. You
are learning about these increases at this time as these discussions and analyses are occurring as part of
the budget process. While we may decide that it is in our best interest to budget based on certain
assumptions regarding placement, these placements do not always come to pass.
47. How many students does the increase in tuition to collaboratives represent?
We are assuming that we have ten additional students attending collaborative programs next year.
48. Why is the Occupational Therapist up 6.8%?
Steps,column changes, and assumed cost of living increase for occupational therapists in the district
(they are part of the teachers bargaining unit).
49. What is included in consulting services? Why the increase of 21.5%?
We use consultants in three major areas—vocational services,special education programming
consulting(e.g.implementation of the Massachusetts Tiered System of Supports), and BCBA(Board
Certified Behavior Analysis)services. The increases are coming from vocational services and BCBA
services due to an increase in the numbers of students requiring these services.
50. Please break down the consulting expenses for special education for this year and in the proposed
budget.Consulting services for special education are$262,000 for this year and increase to
$319,000 next year.We expended only$25,000 in 2011.
11
Below you will find a breakdown of what was budgeted in FY'14 for this category and what is included in
FY'15. Please recall that in FY'11 and FY'12 approximately$100,000 in EMARC Vocational services was
being charged to the tuition line rather than the consultation line. Thus, the actual expenditures in this
line for FY'11 should have been more on the order of$125,000 and for FY'12$166,627.
FY14 FY15
Wediko 65,000 65,000
EMARC 178,000 199,320
ABA/BCBA 17,500 48,700
AAC/AT 2,450 6,350
Total 262,950 319,370
51. Why is speech up 400%? What does this represent?
Speech services are required for one of our out-of-district students.
52. Why are Stipends up 159.6%or$47,664. What is this?
This is where the high school special education department chair expense is captured. The historical
figures represent the 0.4 department head stipend and allocation. As discussed above, the position is
now full-time and 100%of the salary is now allocated here.
Health Services
53. What is the dollar amount for competency stipend?
Competency stipends are$500 per competency.
54. Do we really need to increase our hourly nurse substitute rate to$125?Are there nurses out there
who will work for$75? This is a 67%increase.
The average of districts surveyed is$117. The median is$125 with a high of$180 per day and a low of
$75. The proposed rate of$125 is not an hourly rate, it is a daily rate.
55. Can you expand on what the competency stipends are? Are they one-time stipends or permanent
salary increases?
Competency stipends are an additional amount of$500 that are applied annually to a teacher's salary
upon demonstration that they have met one of several competencies including dual certification in
special education and the teacher's current teaching area, National Board Certification, and National
Institute for School Leadership certification, to name a few. Once the employee demonstrates that they
have this competency, they receive this stipend each year. A teacher can receive more than one
competency stipend if they demonstrate the competency in more than one area.
Athletics
56. Do we have enough included for our uniform replacement goals? I do not want parent support
groups being asked to fund new or replacement uniforms.
12
The intent is that the requested amount would allow for replacement of two to three teams'uniforms in
a given year. The funding in the athletic budget funds only those uniforms which the district"owns"or
takes possession of at the end of each season. This would include,for example,football, basketball,
baseball, and softball. Parent booster organizations typically fundraise for uniforms when they want
their team uniforms replaced ahead of the replacement schedule. Parent booster organizations are not
ever asked by the district to fund new or replacement uniforms.
57. Have we included enough for equipment? Again,I do not want parent support groups buying
footballs,baseballs,lacrosse balls etc...
Typically,parent booster organizations are not funding supplies and equipment.
58. Could I please have some history on the non-athletic differential salary schedule negotiations?
Also,what were the significant increases in stipends?
The revision of this salary schedule was something that was bargained as part of the 2011-2014 CBA. It
was agreed that a labor-management committee would meet to discuss the roles and positions and
adjust compensation according to the time and effort required for the various positions. Those
discussions resulted in a revised non-athletic differential salary schedule that went into effect for the
final year of the contract. We have attached to this Q&A document a listing of all of these differential
amounts for 2012-13 and 2013-14 and the differences as well as the overall budgetary impact based on
the revised amounts.
Extracurricular Activities
59. Why is he professional salaries line up 35.9%compared to Athletics which is only up 4%? I
understand stipends but that is a different line at 18.6%.
The driver of this increase is stipends and results from the re-negotiated non-athletic differential salary
schedule that went into effect this school year. The schedule had not yet been finalized when the FY'14
budget was finalized and, therefore, those new stipend amounts were not included in the FY'14 budget.
Many of the stipend amounts did increase in the new schedule.
District-wide Networking and Technology Maintenance
60. Please provide a copy of the salary survey that was used to support the increase in salary for the
technicians.
Below is the survey data that we were able to collect based on districts with similar positions:
District Low High
Amherst-Pelham 50,621 70,418
Masconomet 44,491 55,765
Foxborough 51,411 53,750
Chelmsford 47,500 66,000
Dracut 53,154 56,000
Bellingham 53,040
Wrentham 52,010
13
Tri-town 32,500 48,000
Wilmington 41,702 51,074
North Reading 44,253 59,749
Westford 42,000 51,000
Average 46,607 56,862
Reading 38,000 41,664
Reading(FY'15) 48,000 50,000
61. How was$20,000 determined to be the correct amount for equipment repair?
This request came from our Network Administrator who believes that the$10,000 we have budgeted in
FY'14 in place of warranties is not enough to cover more than one failure of a critical component on the
network and in some cases not even sufficient to cover the failure of some of the higher end components.
He requested that the amount be increased to$25,000 stating as this amount is the sum of the cost of
the two most expensive pieces of critical equipment that are necessary for the network to function.
Basically it would cover the complete failure of our core switch and all its modules as well as a failure of
the key Network Storage components.
School Building Maintenance
62. I would propose that we leave line 430 Extraordinary Maintenance at the FY'14 Adopted amount.
Actually, I would propose considering the redeployment of these funds all together as we should
be going to the Finance Committee for reserve fund transfers in these instances.
I think that there is some confusion regarding what is budgeted in this category. Under regular building
repairs and maintenance, we include planned projects and maintenance activities. However, there are
always items that we do not plan for—most small to moderate and some larger. Typically, we do go to
the Finance Committee or Town Meeting for the larger projects(e.g. boiler replacement at Joshua
Eaton). But other projects(e.g. an unplanned unit ventilator breakdown)would come from these funds.
Having to go to Finance Committee for each of these occurrences would prohibit us from being able to
respond quickly to these needs as they arise. These are not unusual repairs;merely unscheduled repairs.
63. What is the Licensed Maintenance increase of 94.2%?
This is the replacement of the general maintenance position with the electrician position that occurred in
the spring of 2013. You will see a corresponding decrease in the general maintenance line.
64. Explain the manager salary up 19.2%.
The FY'14 adopted budget is lower than what was negotiated with the new Facility Services Manager.
The FY'15 amount reflects a 2.5%increase from the FY'14 actual salary amount.
65. The 8.7%increase in professional salaries seems to be driven predominately by a 19.2%increase
in the Manager salary line(figure 99). Why such a large increase?
Please see response to similar question above.
66. Why are substitutes up 4.4%?
14
Substitute expense is a highly variable expense item. It is based on the number of vacation,sick, and
personal days that custodial and maintenance staff take from year to year. With the increasing seniority
of our staff,comes an increase in the number of vacation days that staff is entitled to. This requires
more substitute coverage. Sick time, on the other hand, is very unpredictable. When we budget this
expense, we typically rely on the FY'13 actuals as opposed to FY'14 budgeted. When compared to
actuals,you will see that this expense is actually down from FY'13 actuals.
67. What is the"Other"line under Contract Services?
This includes pest management services,pump and drain services, water treatment services,as well as
occasional miscellaneous services(waterproofing, roof inspections, etc.).
68. Why is Software Licensing and Support up 9.8%? I didn't see anything in the narrative.
I believe you are looking at the line above, which is "other";software licensing and support is down 2.3%.
69. Why are General Repairs up 7.5%?
This line has been budgeted based on FY'13 actual rather than FY'14 budgeted. The increase from FY'13
actual is less than 1%.
Special Revenue Funds
70. We had a healthy balance of$648,400 as of 30-Jun-13. Refresh my memory as to what level we
can dip into this and does an amount used have to be for the particular program it was collected
for?
We can offset as much as the balance in an individual account will allow. However, the fund can only be
used to offset the particular program for which it was collected. For example,athletics receipts can only
be used to offset athletics. We have, with the exception of FDK, tried to always match the budget offset
to the anticipated annual revenues. If we were to draw down more funds each year than what we take
in, then eventually, the fund balance would be depleted and we would be relying on the revenues coming
in during the year. If a revenue assumption turned out to be too high and the budget offset could not be
met, the general fund budget could go into deficit. Further, once the higher level of offset can no longer
be supported, the budget offset would have to be reduced and either the budget would have to be cut or
additional revenue provided to support that former higher level of offset.
71. What are the educational and reporting impacts of moving a.6 federal grant funded special ed
position into the general fund? Does the position change to serve regular day students? If so,
what is the educational driver for this change? If not,are we under-reporting our Special Ed costs
by this.6 FTE cost?
While there is a budgetary impact, there are no educational or reporting impacts. The position will
remain as a special education position and does not change to serve regular education students. We are
not under-reporting as our reports to the state include all staffing and expenses whether they are grant
funded or general fund expenses.
15
•
72. I'd like more details about the cuts to instructional and tutoring supports at Killam,Wood End,
and Joshua Eaton.
We are currently using Title I funds to provide tutoring support at our three current Title I schools(Killam,
Wood End, and Joshua Eaton). Some of the tutoring is provided during the school day and some is
provided before or after school. With the anticipated reduction in Title I funds, we would need to reduce
the number of hours that tutoring services can be provided to students accordingly.
General Questions
73. Why the significant increase in dues and memberships in both general education and special
education?What specifically does this go towards?
Some of the increase in general education is due to the dues we are obligated to pay to participate in
Project Lead the Way. These dues, which cost$4,000, were formally charged to the PLTW grant we
received. That grant ends at the conclusion of this school year. The remaining difference was actually an
erroneous entry for language translation and other miscellaneous services that should have been
charged to instructional services in the other expense category. This will be corrected in the revised
version. As for special education, the dues and membership line in that cost center is actually down 8.4%
in the FY'15 proposed budget.
74. What amounts have we spent and are you proposing in the new budget,which are required as a
result of aligning with Common Core?What budget costs are directly attributed to the change in
state standards-both for materials and PD?
It is difficult to give a clear cut answer to this question. There are not necessarily expenditures included
solely for the implementation of the new Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The materials that
relate to the new curriculum frameworks are the consumables that we are purchasing to support the
new math program that was implemented this year as it is aligned to the new frameworks. That
increase is around$10,000. With respect to professional development, there are no activities that are
designated exclusively for implementation of the new frameworks although some funding is allocated for
math and literacy curriculum work and professional development. These activities are not just focused
on alignment of curriculum but are also focused on improving lessons and instructional practices in
general. No more than$40,000 of the professional development is specifically targeted at helping
teachers to implement and adapt to the new curriculum frameworks.
75. What would be the increase to our per-pupil if we were to fund all of the unfunded requests?
This calculation is not as straightforward as it might seem as the per-pupil numbers reported by DESE are
the result of complex analytics based on the End of Year Pupil and Financial Report submitted by each
district. That being said, as a "back-of-the-envelope"calculation, if the additional$1,180,000 of
unfunded requests were included in the FY'15 budget, our per-pupil would increase by approximately
$260.
16
Substitute Pay Rate Comparison
District Description Daily Short Term Long Term
Danvers Daily or a couple of weeks $75.00 $75.00
Lonog Term,up to 45 school days $150.00
Over 45 school days,step and scale Step/Scale
Dedham Non certified subs $65.00
Certified subs $75.00
Easton Daily Rate $75.00 $75.00
After 20 consecutive days in same assignment $100.00
Rate can be raised if not successful finding LT due to subject matter $150.00
Hingham Short Term,per diem rate $83.00 $83.00
Short Term after 10 days $94.00 $94.00
Long term assignments(40-90 day)B-1 $235.60
Lawrence Short Term,up to 10-15 days $80.00 $80.00
Long Term rate $218.84
Lynnfield Daily Rate $70.00 NA
Long Term Subs are B-1($46,429)after the first 10 days $257.94
Manchester-Essex Daily Rate,first 15 days $70.00 $70.00
Daily Rate,after 15 days $75.00 $75.00
Long Term for 1st 15 days $125.00
Long Term after 15 days $185.00
Mansfield Daily Rate $85.00 $85.00
Long Term subs are teachers who are available everyday $100.00
Long Term(certified)sub filing in for an extended period(maternity) $125.00
Marshfield Short Term,up to 21 days $75.00
Long Term rate is B1($42,000)on 21st day $233.33
Methuen Daily Rate with HS Diploma or Associates Degree $60.00
Daily Rate with Bachelors $80.00
Daily Rate with MA DESE Cert $85.00
Retired Methuen Public School teachers $90.00
Long Term,after 11th consecutive day in same position, must be DESE Licensed $211.80
North Andover Daily Rate $75.00
Long Term rate after 10 consecutive days in same assignment $213.49
North Reading Daily Rate,up to 20 school days $60.00
After 20 days rate is$75 for balance of the year $75.00
Long Term,30 days or more in assignment B-1 per diem rate $221.58
Reading Daily Rate, Non-Certified subs $65.00
Daily Rate,Certified subs $75.00
Long Term(maternity/long term illness) $100.00
Stoneham Daily rate $60.00
Short term is defined as less than 30 days $60.00
30 or more days $100.00
Wakefield Building Sub $72.00
Daily rate $60.00
Substitute Pay Rate Comparison
District Description Daily Short Term Long Term
Short Term,after 5 days for same teacher $72.00
Long Term,B-1,after 30 days for same teacher,retro back to day 1 after 30th day $240.57
Westford Daily Rate $70.00
Short Term,first 15 days in same assignment $70.00
Short Term,after 15 days but less than 8 weeks,B-1 or M-1 $230.68 $265.96
Long Term,LOA of 8 weeks or more,start at B-1 or M-1 $230.68 $265.96
Wilmington First ten days** $65.00
Days eleven plus** $75.00 $75.00
Days eleven plus w/license/cert** $80.00 $80.00
**These days need not be consecutive
Extended Assignments
Days 11-29 in same assignment $85.00
Days 11-29 in same assignment w/license/cert $90.00
30 Days or more in the same assignment $100.00
30 Days or more in the same assignment w license/cert $105.00
60 days or more in the same assignment $125.00
91 days or more in the same assignment(Bachelors,Step 1) $224.43
Winchester Daily rate-subs assigned to each building $75.00
Less than 40 days $75.00
Over 40 days pd per diem, B-1 or M-1 depending on their education B-1 or M-1
Woburn Daily Rate,no degree $75.00
Daily Rate with degree $95.00
Long Term Rate,after 20 days rate changes to Step 1 of teachers scale
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