HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-04 Historical Commission MinutesJ 4r CL'-7 n
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lOU06 SE"" ~ EMMAMQ LATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES (NOTES)
March 4, 2004 at Police Station First Floor Community Room
Present: Margaret Soli, Chair, C. McDonald, E. Toland and P. Kelley, members; also present
were Wilma Fraser, Reading METCO coordinator who was to give a report on the status of
METCO and Linda Snow Dockser; there not being a quorum, the members remained to hear the
report and the following are notes of the discussion.
Wilma reported that the program is strong and that new students in grades 6, 8 and 9 are
adjusting well and doing well. The ninth grade student, however, is not able to participate in
sports because there is no late bus and they are reluctant to put her on the train to return home.
Some would like to take part in track during the spring (2 girls and a boy). There was a discussion
about host families. There are no formal ones but there is a family which will act as one in the
event of an after school project.
At Eaton there are siblings, one in grade one with a sister in grade 4.
The budget has been reduced by 10% so that they have lost the elementary bus (there are
only 2 students) and these two girls have to take the regular bus and ride an extra hour, leaving at
6:00 AM rather than 7:00.
Last year they really began to feel the loss in funding. Previously the tutors were reduced
from 3 to 2 to 1 and now they have lost a bus monitor and a bus. Other METCO communities are
in the same situation struggling to keep afloat. The only way children can come to Reading is in
the bus. She noted that in the early years the parents brought the children in and Reading brought
them back home.
She called the attention of those present to a letter of Jean Maguire to the Governor about
the reduction of funding in the proposed budget from 15.1 million to 13.1. The Department of
education had proposed the higher figure but the governor had cut it in his budget. She noted that
METCO lobby day at the State House will be on March 18 and suggested that members support
the effort. Literature and material were made available.
The new superintendent, Pat Schettini, has been supportive; the 5 METCO seniors will be
attending college. Six did last year.
Wilma answered questions from those present and there was a discussion about host
families, redistricting and methods of supporting the program.
Respectfully submitted,
Paul A. Kelley, Secretary