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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-21 School Committee Minutes / 4P17�,st Town of Reading ' , Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2016-01-21 Time: 6:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: General Meeting Session: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Jeanne Borawski, Linda Snow Dockser, Elaine Webb (arrived during executive session), Chuck Robinson &Julie Joyce Members - Not Present: Members Gary Nihan Others Present: John Doherty, Superintendent, Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Director of Finance Martha Sybert, Al Sylvia, Daily Chronicle, Student Representatives Alex Nazzaro & Carl Gillies, Killam Principal Cathy Giles, Wood End Principal Joanne King, Parker Assistant Principal Brendan Norton,Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant, Director of Facilities Joe Huggins, Fincom Member Anne Johnson Landry Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 6:04 p.m. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser,to enter into executive session to discuss strategies in regard to litigation and return to open session at 7:00 p.m. The roll call vote carried 4-0. Mrs. Joyce,Mrs. Borawski,Mr. Robinson and Dr. Snow Dockser The Chair called open session back to order at 7:02 p.m. FY17 Budget Public Hearing Mr. Robinson called the public hearing on the FY17 budget to order. RMHS student Christopher Millett spoke in support of the Latin program and the impact taking Latin has had on him as well as many of his peers. Mr. Robinson thanked Mr. Millett for sharing his thoughts and asked Dr. Doherty to provide a bit more information. Page i 1 Dr. Doherty has been working with Principal Bakr to develop options regarding the 3.4 FTE reductions in teachers at the high school next year. They will monitor the course selection process and reduce the FTE across departments rather than focusing on a particular subject. RMHS student Travis Giragosian submitted a petition signed by 105 Latin students supporting the program and opposing the cuts. RMHS senior Melanie Dwyer said she has taken Latin all four years at RMHS. She said Mrs. Irons and Mrs. Mahoney are two of the most caring and dedicated teachers. Considering the reduction will strip students of the opportunity to take higher level Latin courses. RMHS student Jackie Lermond echoed the sentiments of her peers and feels these cuts affect everyone. Junior Class Vice President Tim O'Sullivan shared that by taking Latin his English grammar skills have improved. He said that Latin is the basis for the word origins in the English language. RMHS Latin teacher Nancy Irons spoke of her experiences teaching Latin. She said students are placed in classes that are the right fit for them. This may lead to smaller class sizes in some sections. She also shared that the current Latin Studies 1 offers an opportunity for students with special need to take a foreign language. Parent Carla Nazzaro spoke in support of the Latin program and finds it disheartening to think of offering only two foreign languages. Parent Mary Richards shared that Latin has made a comeback over the years and schools set themselves apart by offering Latin. RMHS student Claire Walsh has taken Latin all four years at RMHS and is currently taking Independent Study Advanced Placement Latin with Mrs. Irons. She pointed out that Mrs. Irons works with her during her free periods to allow her to take the Independent Study Advanced Placement option. She feels it is important to keep Latin studies available to our students. Ms. Walsh plans on studying Latin in college. Student Representative Nazzaro reiterated her statements from last week's meeting. She currently is enrolled in the program and loves taking the class. She also pointed out that both teachers are caring, dedicated and compassionate. RMHS student Andrew Huang also supports the Latin program even though he does not take these classes. He pointed out that his sister took Latin while at RMHS and loved it. She is studying Latin in college. He feels that the Latin program can affect students' lives in a positive way. Resident Nancy Docktor asked questions regarding teacher cuts in the FY17 budget vs. positions added in the FY16 budget, the two Extended Day positions that have been added and the Grant Writer position. Dr. Doherty shared that the two extended day positions are being funded out of the Extended Day revolving account and the Grant Writer was funded out of the Grant Page 12 therefore none of these positions are funded out of the operating budget. The Facility rental position was added and has paid dividends in a more efficient rental process and collections. Ms. Docktor asked if anyone had contacted the Melrose Mental Health center about working together. Dr. Doherty and Mrs. Wilson said we have reached out to them. We also use outside services for counseling services in the district. Parent Leah Barton asked if there were plans to correct the deficit. Mr. Robinson said that there was a broad discussion on the Town's finances at the Financial Forum that took place last night. Once the FY2017 budget has been finalized the discussion regarding a potential ballot question will continue. Mrs. Webb encouraged the community to become involved. There was an energized group at the Financial Forum. Dr. Doherty added that the presentations were available on the Town website. Budget parent Nick Boivin does not want to see teachers cut from the budget and asked the committee to think carefully during their deliberations. It is important that all our children have an enriching educational experience. Chair Robinson closed the public hearing on the FY2017 budget at 7:43 p.m. and called a brief recess. The meeting was called back to order at 7:49 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input Chair Robinson asked for public input on items not on the agenda. There was none. B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson reviewed the consent agenda and asked if any members would like any items removed from the consent agenda. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser,to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried 4-0. C. Reports Student Ms.Nazzaro reported that the juniors are currently participating in the Real World Problem Solving activity and will be presenting their projects tomorrow. The RMHS Drama program's production of Around the World in 80 Days will be on Page 13 Feb, 5 —7th and the cast and crew have been working hard preparing for the shows. Mr. Gillies reported that it is midterm week for grades 9, 10 and 12. He also shared that RMHS now has a gender neutral bathroom and Mr. RMHS will now be Mr./Ms. RMHS, a more inclusive activity. He updated the community on the winter sports and shared that participating in the football superbowl was a great experience. Liaisons Mrs. Joyce shared that the girl's ice hockey team will once again hold their Pink the Rink fundraiser. She, along with the rest of the committee, have attended several meetings over the past week and encouraged the community to become involved. Dr. Snow Dockser thanked everyone who made the Martin Luther King Celebration a wonderful event. Links to the program can be found on the HRAC Facebook page and website as well as on RCTV. She attended the Coolidge production of Alice in Wonderland and commended everyone involved for a wonderful job. She is proud to be a member of a town/schools that value the arts and is looking forward to the Real World Problem Solving presentations tomorrow. Mrs. Webb shared that the boys swim team will host its last dual meet this weekend. D. New Business School Building Maintenance Cost Center Ms. Sybert reviewed the makeup, functions and drivers of this cost center. As with all cost centers, contractual collective bargaining salary increases make up a major portion of the budget. This year's budget reflects the restructuring of this cost center. The major functions in the school buildings cost center are salaries for the custodial staff, custodial manager and facilities rental coordinator, custodial supplies, contracted cleaning and building security. The Town CORE budget includes the Director, Assistant Director, Maintenance Staff and secretary salaries, all utilities, the maintenance of buildings and extraordinary maintenance. A question was asked about the increase in funding of HVAC preventative maintenance contracts. Mr. Huggins explained that this increase is needed to maintain systems as part of the preventative maintenance program. Mr. Robinson asked about the contracted cleaning contract. Mr. Huggins explained that we will go out to bid for these services with a well thought out bid document. This contract covers nighttime cleaning of the high school and Coolidge Middle School. Mr. Huggins has found that these cleaning companies will, at times, subcontract their job which is not in the best interest of the district. He added that it is not cost effective to bring these services in house. Page 4 Special Revenue Funds/Grants Ms. Sybert reviewed this cost center and reviewed the grant funded positions and grants, federal and state, that we receive. She went onto review the current Revolving Funds and the proposed offsets to be taken for the FY2017 budget. The School Committee asked clarifying questions. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) There were none. b. Calendar IV.Information Superintendent Doherty asked if there was any other information the Committee would like for Monday evening. Mr. Robinson said the goal will be to vote on the budget Monday evening. V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. A jr Jo '. Doherty, Et'.D. Page 15