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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-01 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusettt Regular Meeting of the Sch olp ` . r tJ Open Session AR i~3 09 1°1 Date: February 1, 2010 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Visitors: RPS Budget Parents Tricia Puglisi, RMHS Assistant Principal Ellie Freedman, RMHS Principal Mike Scarpitto, RMIIS Assistant Principal Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Patty deGaravilla, Eaton Principal 1. Call to Order Elizabeth Conway, HR Administrator Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Alex Ballantyne, RMIIS Science Teacher Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported on the National History Day Competition; we are sending 18 projects onto the regional competition. He also reminded the public of the upcoming Drama Club production of "The Boys Next Door". Several students participated in the recent Model United Nations event at the Boston Sheraton. It is _a great opportunity to discuss world politics and a valuable experience. February 1, 2010 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve a new High School Band user fee in the amount of $175 per year per student to be implemented beginning in the 2010-11 school year. The motion carried 6-0. The School Committee requested that a report on participation numbers be presented in the fall. The discussion then turned to the position of Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Doherty then went on to review the roles of the Central Office Administrators. He pointed out eliminating or decreasing the role of the Assistant Superintendent would hinder the districts ability to move the mission and vision forward. He introduced Mrs. Callan, Barrows principal and Richard Davidson, Wood End principal, who read a position paper supporting the need for a full time Assistant Superintendent. (See attached) Mrs. Freedman, RMHS principal, echoed the sentiments of the position paper and spoke of experience in districts she had worked in that had eliminated the position and work in curriculum, instruction, assessment and technology ceased. Chair Robinson thanked the principals for their input. Ms. DeLai then provided an update on revised revenue projections as a result of the Governor's recommended budget. She outlined the assumptions used when developing the FYI 1 and FY12 budgets. The total additional state aid to Reading totaled $1,733,554. the Assistant Town Manager then made adjustments based on last year's difference, potential health insurance increases, community priority in special education it was determined that there would be approximately $512,554 of additional state aid available to the town. $354,000 would be available to the schools. Dr. Doherty then reviewed the recommended restorations determined through a meeting with the Administrative Council. The recommendation is to restore in the Regular Day cost center: 2.0 FTE middle school teachers, 2.5 FTE Elementary Library Media Specialists, 1.0 FTE Instructional Specialist, .4 FTE RMHS teacher and to the Undistributed cost center to restore the full N and freshman athletic schedules. He also reviewed the areas not to be restored. Chair Robinson asked how much more money it would require to up the high school position to 1.0 FTE. Ms. DeLai said it would be approximately $33,000. Mr. Robinson stated that he feels the town used very conservative numbers and would be open to adding an additional $40,000 to the budget. The School Committee asked clarifying questions Mr. Robinson directed the Superintendent to add an additional $40,000 with $33,000 to be used to add .6 FTE to the high school put back and the remaining to be used in the Undistributed cost center. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the FV2011 School Department Budget in the total amount of $36,390,308 consisting of the following cost center amounts: February 1, 2010 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the grant award from the Parker Middle School PTO to be used to support educational technology as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 28, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Dr. Doherty reviewed a donation received from Lueders Environmental. The Reading Public Schools receives this donation annually and it will be used for professional development. _Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation from Lueders Environmental as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 28, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. a~ J F. Doherty, pd.D. S erintendent o schools