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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-30 School Committee Minutes READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session January 30 2002 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the RMHS Lecture Hall. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Griset, Keigley, Russo and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Hamtunian and Associate Superintendent Richards, Finance Committee Member Robinson. Chair Twomey advised that this meeting is the annual public hearing on the School Committee budget. He described the process used to get to this point. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian stated that Mr. Brown is working to change the charter so the charter shows that Town can maintain the schools from the curbs out. Dr. Harutunian distributed a document asking members of the audience to write down any question they would like to have answered regarding the high school renovation. He stated that the questions and answers would appear in an informational brochure. Chair Twomey advised that Mr. Dahl was out of town this evening and is unable to attend the meeting. He stated that student representative Tim Kaldas is at another meeting and will be arriving later. Dr.Harutunian distributed a copy of Mr. Graham's response to Mr. Russo's letter to the editor regarding building consensus. Dr. Harutunian distributed information from Andy Isaacs founder of Chicago Math in response to an article by Bob Mandell. Dr. Harutunian reviewed the changes in the School Committee calendar. N Dr. Harutunian congratulated Nelson Burbank and Tom Kazparzak on their recent ➢o awards. Dr. Harutunian advised that Mr. Moscariello was being inducted into the Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. t c�C-3m 3r—< 13 rnnrnrn �� _ N N Regular Session 2 January 30 2002 Ms. Cavicchi stated that she attended the Board of Selectmen meeting last evening. She reviewed the discussions on the sale of Spence Farms and the parking situation at the Parker Middle School. Chair Twomey stated that he and Mrs. Cavicchi attended the CPDC workshop regarding the sale of Longwood Farm. He discussed the options that were discussed that evening and urged the citizens of Reading to pay close attention to this ongoing matter. CITIZENS' INPUT Mr. Carpenter asked that, next year, all coaches and extra curricular directors submit a plan outlining how they would support a 0% budget increase and ways to make their programs self-supporting. Chair Twomey stated that this item should be put on a future agenda for discussion. PUBLIC INPUT FY03 BUDGET Dr. Hamtunian distributed information regarding projected revenues. He discussed the Governor's budget. He stated that the legislature will not be submitting a budget until May. Chair Twomey opened the meeting to the public. Larry Mabius questioned why there was a reduction in the music department's non- personal expenses. Dr. Hamtunian stated that each principal is given an allotment of money based on enrollment. The departments then divide the money. He stated that music received only a small increment because there was not a need to buy as much music. Gary Phillips stated that he would like to recommend that any proposed budgets be given to the public well in advance so that adequate time is available to the public for review of the budget. He also stated that the budget should be discussed line by line. Chair Twomey stated that over 100 budgets are distributed to the community and are available at the library. He stated that this year the budget process was different because a lack of information from the state regarding aid. He stated that the Committee knew the budget would be reduced and the School Committee directed the Superintendent to put together a list of reductions for review. 4 Regular Session 3 January 30 2002 Mr. Griset stated that the School Committee holds numerous meetings on the budget and all meetings were open to the public. He stated that because of the budget situation this year the process changed somewhat from past practice. He stated that at the School Committee meetings the public was invited to question any line item. He stated that many members of the public did in fact question line items and where given responses to their questions. Mr. Russo stated that Town Meeting advocated last year that a line by line budget analysis be done. Gary Phillips stated that at an earlier meeting Mr. Keigley stated that he had spoken to the Superintendent and received answers to questions regarding reductions. He stated that those questions should be answered at a School Committee meeting. Mr. Keigley stated that when he receives his School Committee packet he reviews the information and calls the Superintendent if there are questions or concerns. He stated that this budget was put together not just by the Superintendent, but by the entire administrative team. He stated that the cuts were difficult but necessary. He stated that the budget is scaled back from last year due to the financial situation of the Town. David Barry asked about the reduction in musical productions for all schools on page 27. Dr. Hamtunian stated that the money is allocated to Bill Endslow, and he divides the money between the schools for the productions. Linda Phillips asked about the $31,000 in administrative professional development. She asked who benefited from this professional development. Dr. Hamtunian advised that the professional development was used district wide. Linda Phillips asked why on page 15 the number of educational assistants stayed the same but the cost rose significantly. Dr. Hamtunian advised that in 1999 the eight aides for Chapter One who were counted in the full time equivalents at that time but paid through a grant and the grant has not been funded this year. Linda Phillips asked on page 24 why special needs increase in tuition when programs are in place at school to lower out of district placements. Dr. Hamtunian advised that the Commissioner of Education sent a letter stating that towns should not build money into their budget for the circuit breaker as it would not be funded this year. He stated that one public and one private unanticipated tuition were built into the budget. 4 Reeular Session 4 January 30 2002 Linda Phillips asked why on page 26 other school services numbers stayed stable with the exception of the Athletic Director who received a significant increase. Dr. Hamtunian stated that the Director of Special Education and the Director of Athletics received higher raises because they were among the lowest paid for comparable positions in comparable towns. He stated that the School Committee tries to maintain salaries in the middle of the salaries of comparable towns. Mr. Foley stated that also, the FY02 budget figure is prior to a salary increase so the FY02 salary is higher than the budgeted amount. Linda Phillips stated that on page 43 the PL94-142 grant came in higher than anticipated by $96,400. She asked what would be done with that money. Dr. Hamtunian stated that it would be put towards the $200,000 shortfall in special education. There was no further public input and Chair Twomey closed public hearing portion of the meeting at 8:55 p.m. At 8:58 p.m. Chair Twomey called the meeting back to order 4 Dr. Hamtunian advised that he would be changing page four of the budget to reflect the new number of$266,683 received from the state. Mr. Russo discussed the percentage of staffing increase and showed overhead charts of these figures. The Committee discussed Mr. Russo's calculations,presentation and reasons for the presentation. Chair Twomey stated that he wanted to talk on substance and not personal issues. Chair Twomey asked if Mr. Russo had any further questions on the chart he was showing. Mr. Russo made a statement regarding his being an elected official here to execute his responsibility to the community. He stated that he will bring up questions and other issues to make sure that he does his due diligence. Mr.Keieley moved to accept the Superintendent's recommended FY03 budget Ms Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5.0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Grisec Mr. Kekdev. Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. ADJOURN At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Griset moved to adjourn. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion The vote was 5-0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keigley.Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Hamtunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools