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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-09 Schooll Committee Minutes t Reading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts ; CLERK MASS. Regular Session d 1: 03 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twaney called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Griset. Keiglev. Russo and Twangy. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Richards, Finance Committee Members Robinson, Lef.acheur and Student Representative Tim Kaldas. Selectman Rick Shubert arrived late. RILLS & PAYROLL There were no bills and payroll. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian thanked the representatives from the school, the community and the Finance Committee representatives for their attendance at this evening's meeting. Aw Larry Mabius stated that it appears that the first 20 reductions on the prioritized list will be cut and the bottom five are the ones that may be saved. He asked Mr. Twomey to explain his reasoning for placing instructional specialists at a higher priority than the Superintendents recommendation. Chair Twomcy stated that we still don't know the final budget figures from the state and all items need to be prioritized. He stated that he does not have huge differences with the Superintendent's recommendations but feels strongly that the Instructional Specialists are extremely important to the district. He stated that they provide tools for teachers to deliver curriculum. Mr. Dustin asked if at a future meeting it would be possible to know the total number of positions in the categories of a position be eliminated. - Elaine Webb stated her concern about continuing data analysis if the Instructional Specialists are eliminated. Paula Perry asked that the process for state aid be explained. Ur. Harutunian outlined the state budget process. 4 Regular Session 2 January 9 2002 Ms_ CLIN icchi stated that although the reductions are difficult, she favored the SuperintendenC s list because the cuts are equitable and across the board. Mrs. Phillips stated that under regular day in curriculum initiatives there was about $16,000 listed under high school social studies. She asked if the high school social studies teacher is cut how that money would be spent. She also asked about the ratio of special education assistants to the number of special education students. She asked for an explanation of the budget offset of$50,000 on form B of the special education budget. Di. I larutwuian advised that money is being spent this year on social studies curriculum. He stated that the number of special education assistants is in Line with the recommendation of the special education team and keeping a student in district is less expensive than an out-of-district placement. Dr. Harutunian advised that the majority of the offset money is through the RISE program. Mr. Keigley stated that he has met with the Superintendent to reviewtilerecommended reductions and has received explanations on the Superintendent's reasoning for all reductions. He stated that the reductions will be difficult for the district. Mr. Griset stated this support of athletics as a character builder for students. He stated that he agreed that undermining athletics could undermine academic opportunities for some students. Mr. Richard Crosby of the Reading Boosters stated that the Boosters raise funds to help defray the cost of the athletic programs. He stated that as a police officer he is concerned that a reduction in the athletic program would have more students on the streets after school and that will lead to a multitude of problems. He urged the Committee to look at other ways of balancing the budget rather than reducing athletics. Chair Twomey stated that he agreed with Mr. Crosby but that during these difficult times - all items need to be looked at. Chair Twomey stated that eliminating a science teacher at the high school may prevent some students from competing in the science fair and that these reductions are affecting all our students. He stated that athletics is the one area of public schooling where the state will allow a user fee to be charged and revenue enhancement needs to be looked at. Mr. John O'Keefe Co-President of girls volley ball stated that everyone agrees that athletics is an important program. He asked that if athletics must be cut that the Committee look at raising the fee rather than cutting a program. He stated that there are many organizations in town that would assist any student who could not afford the fee 4 Regular Session 3 Janu uv 9 2002 Mr. Russo stated that the athletic issue is a difficult one. He stated that he is interested in ensu ing equitable distribution of the discomfort of the reductions. He stated that he would be willing to increase fees but not out a program. He offered to assist any student who could not afford the fee. _ Mr. Wilkerson stated that it is important that students at the high school become involved whether it be band, drama, athletics or any one of the clubs offered. He stated that all students need to he active and involved. He stated his support for the athletic programs especially the tmek progam where many students who are not top athletes can compete. Student Representative Tim Kaldas agreed with Mr. Wilkerson that when students Participate in activities at the high school they have a better high school experience- Mrs. Phillips asked why there was such a high increase in coaches' salaries. Dr. Harutunian advised that the number of coaches and club advisors has increased. He stated that last year the girls' hockey program paid for the salary of the coach from private funds. Ile stated that each year the number of clubs and activities change as determined by the number of participants. Mr. Doug McClathery stated his concern that the elimination of the computer teacher represents an elimination of a piece of curriculum, technology. ChuirTwomey stated that at both the middle schools and the high school there are a number of course offerings that use the computer as a tool such as graphic courses. Mr. McClathery asked whether the capacity for analyzing MCAS results and developing strategies to improve scores would be eliminated. Dr- Harutunian stated that low cost software that is teacher friendly was purchased to analyze the MCAS data. He stated that MCAS analysis will be done by utilizing the software and principals. Ms. Anne Eisner stated her concern that the reduction of a high school science teacher world prevent some students from being able to participate in the science fair. She asked about [he possibility, of hiring a grant writer to help with obtaining grants from the federal and/or state government. Dr. Harutunian stated that Reading does not qualify for many of the federal and state ,rants because of the quality of the community, the high graduation rate and the high percenta"e of students who so on to hi her education. .[ Rc,ular Session 4 January 9 2002 ADJOURN At 9:50 p.m. Mr. Griset made a motion to adjourn Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keielev, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomev. espectfidllyvsub ' ed, _ G_ Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools 4