HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-16 Finance Committee MinutesFinance Committee Meeting C E I V b-
March 16, 2005 I 0 `rd h1 CLERK . ,
I% ADING, MASS.;
The meeting convened at 7:39 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room,Z49 VcRvA SIbe - 0
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Chuck Robinson, Finance Committee
Members Dick McDonald, Hal Torman, Marsie West, Michele Williams and Bob LeLacheur,
Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini, School Business Administrator Mary DeLai, Assistant
Superintendent of Schools Dennis Richards, School Committee Members Pete Dahl and Rob
Spadafora. Also present were Linda Phillips and Paula Schena.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by LeLacheur seconded by Williams to approve the Minutes of March 9, 2005, as
amended, was approved by a vote of 6-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Budget Review: School - Pat Schettini noted that additional schools mean additional costs. He
also noted that administratively he is working to get Medicare reimbursement but there is a cost
to going after Medicare costs for clerical help and student data collection. He noted that they
have a contract with SEAM Collaborative to collect information to send to the State and they get
a percentage of the money. Pete Dahl noted that the Medicare reimbursement money goes back
to the Town.
Pat Schettini noted that advertising is very expensive so Mary DeLai is trying to set up job fairs
to reduce the cost of advertisement.
Regular Day - Pat Schettini noted that they need an additional Principal and are adding teachers
to reduce class size.
Chuck Robinson noted that the Assistant Superintendent is leaving, and asked if enough was
budgeted to replace him.
Hal Torman asked why the tuition for kindergarten is staying the same. Pat Schettini noted that
the School Committee actually gave a reduction last year. Bob LeLacheur suggested adding a
fifth program and not making a profit.
Hal Torman asked about Understanding Disabilities. Pat Schettini indicated that he was told by
the current Director that the program would not be rum-ling next year. Leslie Haley now states
that the program will exist but that was after the budget was set. He indicated that if he could
find $15,000, he would bring it back.
Special Needs - Pat Schettini noted that he uses Educational Assistants wisely and has traded
some for Teachers. The medical challenges of the students dictate the need for nurses. He also
noted that the Medicaid program will bring in $450,000.
Finance Committee Meeting - March 16, 2005 - Page 2
Pat Schettini noted that there are four special tuitions. Unilateral placement is when a parent
places their child in a special private school. The parent pays and then comes back to the School
Department looking for reimbursement. This is all litigation and is an issue across the State.
There will be three placements next year.
Michele Williams asked why the parents are against the schools, and Pete Dahl noted that a
child's education plan dictates what happens. It is hard to judge how much progress the child
would have made. Pat Schettini noted that State Legislators need to be alerted to this.
Bob LeLacheur asked about private school tuition and SPED. Pat Schettini noted that some,
private schools are recruiting and assisting families in the process. The tuitions are set by the
State, and they are allowed increases of usually 5% - 6% on tuition.
Other School Services - Pat Schettini noted that they probably won't get the revenue offset for
the Drama ticket sales but will get user fees. Hal Tolman asked where the ticket sales go. Pat
Schettini indicated that the money goes into the revolving account, and that some of the plays are
very expensive to produce which is why he doesn't expect a revenue offset from the ticket sales.
Custodians - Mary DeLai noted that there is a need for an additional custodian. All buildings
have been converted to gas. A portion of the Director's salary has a budget offset.
Pat Schettini noted that a plumber and HVAC person are on board. Mary DeLai noted that the
Town side has no increase in personnel but there is an increase in maintenance. The heating and
( utilities of Town buildings are coming in under what was anticipated which she believes is
largely due to the energy efficient window replacements and low flow plumbing fixtures that
were installed in all of the Town buildings.
Food Service - Mary DeLai noted that food service is self sufficient. There is a small increase in
salaries for two additional positions. The dishwasher at Barrows will come under the project.
The amount, for groceries is lower than historical levels because the new person purchasing
groceries buys in bulls and off the State contract.
Capital - Pat Schettini noted that last year he worked with John Thiffault to develop a system to
review the status of Building Maintenance. Mary DeLai noted that each building is listed
separately. For ADA compliance, certain modifications need to be made.
Technology - Pat Schettini noted that no money was budgeted for technology at Barrows. The
School Committee voted to transfer $500,000 to the High School project, and $350,000 to the
Barrows' project for furniture. If this happens, then it will be taken out of the capital plan.
Pat Schettini noted that the schools have very little technology, and he suggests looking at
tecluzology as a way to improve instruction. Bob LeLacheur asked if technology makes a
difference to new younger teachers. Mary Delai noted that there are two questions that
candidates ask one is mentoring and the other is what kind of technology we have. Marsie
West suggested incorporating the students in the Certified Program to assist in the use of
computers.
Finance Committee Meeting - March 16, 2005 - Page 3
Pat Schettini noted that purchasing of technology should be staggered.
Mary Delai noted that $40,000 has been budgeted for new vehicles. She also noted that the
current vehicle has not been able to pass inspection and repairs are getting expensive. Dick
McDonald suggested that they talk with the Light Department regarding surplus vehicles.
Chuck Robinson noted that ceiling tiles are a maintenance item and should not be in the capital
plan. Chuck Robinson noted that the Town Manager will present the capital plan on March 30th
and incorporate this into the plan.
The Committee reviewed correspondence in their handout. The Board of Assessors is requesting
to meet with the Committee so they will be scheduled for the next meeting.
Bob LeLacheur noted that there will be a Health Care Forum at Parker Middle School on
Monday night and all members should try to be there.
A motion by Torman seconded by McDonald to adjourn the meeting of March 16, 2005 at
