HomeMy WebLinkAbout1932-02-10 Finance Committee Minutes {
Meeting N'ebruary 10, 1932.
® The Finance Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday evening,
Y February 10th, having invited Mr. Theodore P. Berle to appear and discuss
1 school matters. Mr. Berle presented his views of the educational system
of the Lown, both from the standpoint of the educator and on matters financial
He had tabulated his suggestions and recommendations as follows :
1. Eliminate the North Reading pupils now being taught in the Junior
High and High Schools.
2. Raise the age limit for children entering school.
3. Larger classes in the Opportunity School.
4. Eliminate duplication .
5. Lay down course and follow it.
6. Kegp out interference of parents.
A, general discussion was held and no votes were taken.
Members present: Chm. Mount, Briggs, nnelly, Devaney, Ellison,
Canty, HaleyoFairchild, 0
Clerk.
Meeting r'ebruary 16, 1932.
3
® The meeting was called to order at eight o'clock by the Chairman.
Chairman Mount gave a review of the meeting February 10th at which
Mr. Theodore P. Berle appeared and spoke regarding school matters.
Chairman Mount stated that in his opinion the School Department budget
could be reduced and recommended that when the School Committee appeared the
need of a considerable cut in the estimates be stressed.
The School Committee came in at 8.30 P.M. The members present were
Chairman Coolidge, Tanner, Dickie, Hartshorn, Gordon and Supt. Safford.
Nr. Coolidge first took up the Larrabee report and gave figures which had
been compiled, which in his opinion gave a more accurate statement of the
actual school expense in Reading. He also took up several items which
had to do with the curriculum as well as with the finances. Mr. Coolidge
then took up the sdhool budget for 1932, item by item and stated where,
in his opinion the estimates might be reduced and what effect it would have
on the schools if such reductions were made.
The revised budget contemplates a reduction of $5,350 in the salary
estimate and 9`3,500 in the estimate for general expenses.
Mr. Coolidge answered questions put to him regarding the plans of the
Ochool Department and other members of the Committee also offered suggestions.
It was mutually agreed that the appropriation must be reduced in view ofto
condition anti the School Committee showed a willingness to do
everything possible to aid in bringing this about. They were dismissed at
about 10.30 P.M. and a general discussion was held, no votes being taken.
'
1.7eeting adjourned 11 P.M.
Members present: Chm. Mount, Briggs, Higgins, Connelly, Devaney, Dllison,
Fairchild, Canty, Haley, Killam, Porch, Scot \
Clerk.