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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-25 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session RECEIVED TOWN CLERK RE AIDING, MASS. 2010 I EB -9 AID. 14 Date: January 25, 2010 Time: 7:00 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 Arrived at 7:30 p.m. Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Visitors: RPS Budget Parents Tricia Puglisi, RMHS Assistant Principal Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Phil Vaccaro, Athletic Director - Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Patty deGaravilla, Eaton Principal 1. Call to Order Elizabeth Conway, HR Administrator Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Barry Berman, Fincom Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate Girls Gymnastic Team Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. He also reviewed the calendar and said that the School Committee vote on the budget will be either February I" or 8 b. He also indicated that the Public Hearing on the FY 11 budget would begin at 7:30 p.m. Il. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported that RMHS started the second semester today. He also reminded the public of the upcoming Drama Club production of "The Boys Next Door" and the sophomore class fundraiser - Battle of the Bands. He encouraged all to attend. He also reported that RMHS is hosting two exchange students from Ireland. They will be here for 6 weeks. January 25, 2010 2. 3 4. Liaison Mrs. Janowski thanked Mr. O'Sullivan for providing the School Committee with the high school updates. Mrs. Webb reminded the School Committee of the North Suburban Coalition meeting on February 4t' at the Newton Marriot. Chair Robinson thanked Ms. DeLai and Dr. Doherty for putting together the wonderful tribute to Pat Schettini. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty thanked Bill Endslow and Kristin Killian for their efforts in organizing the student participation in the tribute. Dr. Doherty reported on a Connect-Ed message sent out regarding a low level vague threat found in a boy's bathroom at RMHS. It is unclear how long the message has been there. The Reading Police Department, STARS/NEMLEC are investigating. He also indicated that there will be a greater police presence this Thursday at the high school. Director of Finance and Operations C. Continued Business ` FY11 Athletic Cost Center Review Chairperson Robinson turned the meeting over to Dr. Doherty to present the alternative reductions in the Athletic Department budget. Ms. DeLai provided a quick overview of the process and pointed out that the Undistributed Cost Center comprises 3% of the total budget and 98% of that is salary. Ms. DeLai went on to outline the alternative reductions. The proposal includes the elimination of winter cheering, an assistant cross country coach, cheering at away football games, and the reduction of freshman and junior varsity games by two. Other cuts would include entry fees for cross country and track (invitational events), reduction in rental times for swimming, varsity hockey and junior varsity hockey, the elimination of the game administrator for 9 boys soccer games and crowd monitor at 3 basketball games, a reduction in reconditioning of equipment and the elimination of uniform funding. In response to previously asked questions from the School Committee tl~e savings for eliminating freshman sports ($67,200); reducing non-league games ($5,720) and an increase in user fees ($25,000) were answered. Chair Robinson asked what does the elimination of uniform funding cover. Mr. Vaccaro responded that although many teams provide their own uniforms, we do provide uniforms for football, baseball and softball and often time subsidize other teams. These uniforms need to be refurbished or replaced. Chair Robinson then asked how many games would January 25, 20 10 be cut from each schedule. Mr. Vaccaro said that the junior varsity schedule would be reduced from 18 to 16 games and the freshmen from 14 to 12. Mr. Caruso stated that he is not a fan of reducing the number of games or practices. He asked if by increasing the user fees would cover the amount that needed to be cut. The answer was yes. He would be open to exploring another increase in user fees. Dr. Doherty cautioned about raising the user fees again. We have recently doubled the fee and are adding a middle/high school activity fee. He indicated that many families in Reading are struggling due to this economy. Mrs. Gibbs agreed with Dr. Doherty indicating that she is seeing this issue from two sides. Constituents that would pay the increase and the knowledge that families requesting assistance from the Reading Food Pantry is increasing. Residents are struggling. Mrs. Gibbs asked how it would be determined which 3 basketball games would lose the monitors. Mr. Vaccaro stated he traditionally knows which games he would need the monitors. Mrs. Webb wanted clarification regarding the proposed new activity fees. Ms. DeLai indicated they had been incorporated into the budget. Mr. Robinson asked how many students participate in winter cheering. Mr. Vaccaro indicated that there are 15. They attend home boy's hockey games. RMHS has a dance team that now performs at half time of the basketball games and that the winter season is generally not a competition season for the cheerleaders. Superintendent Doherty reminded the committee that the administration was very consistent in the approach to the development of the budget - cutting across all lines. He also reminded the committee that the items listed on the other possible areas were only answered to previously asked questions. Mrs. Janowski arrived. FYI I Budget Public Hearing Superintendent Robinson opened the Public Hearing for the FYI I budget at 7.30 p.m. Jack Downing asked questions regarding natural gas costs and if there was a way to save money. Ms. DeLai indicated that we are under contract until 2012 and that we are paying competitive rates. Renegotiating the contract would end up costing the district more. She said this cost is consumption driven. 13izzy Lucey, RMHS gymnast wanted to thank the School Committee for seeking alternative reductions and saving the gymnastic program. She went on to say that she and her teammates have gained a greater appreciation of the work that goes into this process and they respect what the administration and School Committee does. January 25, 2010 Mr. Robinson thanked her and said that they were the most important people in the room. Laura Busick, Birch Meadow budget parent, felt that the loss of the ELA Instructional Specialist position will have a negative impact on teaching and learning. She feels that this is a critical time in the development in the K-2 literacy curriculum and with the reductions in professional development budget and ARRA funding for the tutors exhausted there will be lapses in the curriculum. Dr. Doherty stated that it was a difficult recommendation to make. The administration's goals of maintaining low class sizes K-2 played a part in the decision. There may be a need for tutor support in the classrooms and the principals will have to play a key role in the professional development opportunities. The district reading specialists will also have to play a greater role. Vie will loss the modeling and coaching during the day. Rhonda Holt said she would not oppose higher user fees. She feels that it is important to provide activities for students to combat obesity and risky behavior. She also hopes that the sixth grade class sizes at the middle schools. Mr. Robinson closed the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. He thanked all for their input and reminded the public we are early in the process. The School Committee is scheduled to defend their budget before the Finance Committee in mid-March and then it must be approved by Town Meeting. Chair Robinson called a brief recess at 7:46 p.m. - The meeting was called back to order at 7:58 p.m. Mr. Robinson opened the floor to clarifying questions. Mrs. Webb asked if the $120,000 in the Nurse's budget was included in tuition. The answer was yes. There was discussion regarding snow and ice removal. Who was responsible for shoveling sidewalks and was it included in the budget. Ms. DeLai stated that the schools were responsible for shoveling the sidewalks around the schools and it would come out of our overtime budget. She also indicated that the major components of the snow and ice budget are overtime and ice melt. Mrs. Janowski inquired about the local aid information recently forwarded to the committee. Ms. DeLai indicated that is still very early in the state budget process but the news was encouraging. The Governor has pledged to level fund Chapter 70. Mr. Robinson then asked the School Committee for any recommendations of changes to the Superintendent's Recommended Budget. Mr. Caruso suggested the committee not renew membership in MASC. Mrs. Webb voiced concerns of losing a say in the advocacy work done by the organization. She also January 25, 2010 felt that membership in this organization is a way to improve ourselves as School Committee members. Mr. Robinson stated that the advocacy work would continue. The committee must look across the board for redundancies. Mrs. Janowski feels that everything is on the table and difficult decisions must be made. There was continued discussion regarding increasing user fees. The consensus of the committee was that they feel the alternative athletic cuts are fair. Mr. Michaud felt that it may not be necessary to take all of the recommendations and Mr. Caruso is open to a bullet by bullet review. Evelyn D'Iorio feels that if you take sports away, kids will get in trouble. Mrs. Gibbs asked about the number of financial assistance applications. Ms. DeLai said she is receiving 10-15 applications per season. There was continued discussion on raising user fees. Mr. Caruso asked the School Committee to consider the possibility of either not filling, delay filling or reducing the role of the Assistant Superintendent position. He asked what was budgeted for salary. The amount is $128,000. Mr. Robinson asked the Superintendent to come back to the committee with an idea of what he would like this positions role to be. He also asked for the possibility of a different salary number. Dr. Doherty indicated that it would not be wise to delay the search/hiring process. The pool of candidates is best starting in the next month. This position is vital in moving the district forward. This year the administration was unable to complete required tasks. These tasks will need to be done moving forward. Mrs. Janowski asked if there were ways to combine administrator positions. Dr. Doherty indicated that the Reading Public Schools administrative team is very lean and would not recommend any administrative cuts. Paul Perry stated that she feels that the Assistant Superintendent is very important to come up with creative solutions to provide professional development opportunities, curriculum development and instruction strategies. She feels that the extra burden on the administrative team, if this position is not filled, will lead to staff burn out. January 25, 2010 D. New Business III. Routine Matters ® Bills and Payroll (A) ® Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the oven session minutes dated January 14, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Bids and Donations Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn The motion carried 6-0 VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. 4 To F. ohe , Ed.D. u erintendent of Schools NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.