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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-11 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Cc Open Session Date: February 11, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb Visitors: )mmittea ~ 01 ~ pAl S. . = t1 ~ . Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances Melissa Russell, Reading Advocate Reading Chronicle Reporter Patty deGaravilla, Eaton Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal Doug Lyons, Parker Principal RPS Budget Parents I. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests that attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public input (D 1. Mr. David Ventola thanked the administration and schools for their support of the Elementary Science teams (First LEGO League) which held a district wide competition recently at Coolidge. There were 17 teams (100 students) and 40 coaches and volunteers. The program was for grades 3 -5 and hopes to expand to the middle school next year. 2. Ruth Clogston, Program Director for Understanding Disabilities addressed the School Committee regarding restoring the funding for the program in the FY10 budget. She asked for $10,000, half of the previously funded amount. Linda Hank and Jeanne Cappuccio discussed the value of the Understanding Disabilities and support for continued funding. Sudie Fay, UD Board member stated that as the UD grant writer, she has submitted applications to two foundations. Superintendent Schettini stated that the school district supports the program and has met with Ms. Clogston and Mrs. Tucci to discuss ways to seek funding as well as methods to blend the UD program into the curriculum. February 11, 2009 The School Committee also reiterated its support for the UD program. Mr. Doherty and Superintendent Schettini stated that we have included $20,000 of funding to L as part of the Safe Schools, Healthy Children grant application. B. Reports I 1. - Student 2. Liaison Ms. Webb reported on METCO Lobby Day she attended. She also shared that she hopes to attend to attend the Suburban Coalition Legislative Breakfast in March and encouraged the board members to also attend. Mr. Robinson also attended METCO Lobby Day with Joe Finigan, Jesenia Castro and 2 of our METCO students. They met with Representative Dwyer and Jones as well as Senator Tisei. Mr. Caruso reported that he attended the RCTV Board meeting. Mr. Michaud attended the performance of the Scarlet Letter. The students did an outstanding job once again. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini reported on the following achievements and events: Several students from RMHS, Coolidge and Parker won awards in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards. 19 of our students from RMHS, Coolidge and Parker have been chosen to participate in the Northeast Jr. District Music Festival later this month. Dr. Thomas' honors chemistry class did a U-Streaming presentation on Alternative Fuel Vehicles that their parents could log on to view. This is the first time we have used this technology. Four of Ms. Quackenbush's students at Parker were honored in an international competition associated with the recent presidential inauguration to create a message for President Obama. Their message was about "Going Green" Mr. Schettini also updated the committee on to panels he served on that are looking at the MCAS test. He also shared information regarding the recent meeting of the Merrimack Valley Superintendents' Association held jointly with the North Shore Superintendents' Roundtable where Congressman John Tierney was the invited speaker. He also shared information on the recently approved Stimulus Package. The Town's Performance Contracting activities fit nicely into the criteria for funding. February 11, 2009 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business 1. FY09 Budget Superintendent Schettini updated the committee on the latest round of 9C cuts. There was also discussion of the $525,000 hold. He informed the committee of the uses for that money. Approximately $200,000 is needed for the purchase of materials and supplies that will be needed by the schools to start school. He also feels approximately $125,000 is needed to address needs in the areas of Technology Maintenance & Replacement, Curriculum Purchases and Professional Development and Curriculum Development. If there are remaining funds they will be returned to free cash. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to support the Superintendent's recommendation to target a sum of $200,000 to be returned to free cash at the end of FY09. The vote was 6-0. 2. FY10 Budget There was an overview of the FYI0 budget as well as discussion regarding the House 1 budget numbers. We will need to use free cash to have a zero increase budget. Superintendent Schettini recommended to the committee that they vote the bottom line number. He reminded them that they can move funds between cost centers at any time. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the FY2010 School Department Budget in the total amount of $35,871,170 as defined by the cost center amounts stated in the cost center summary chart on page 8 of the Superintendent's Recommended Budget. There was discussion regarding adding a line in the budget for Understanding Disabilities. Board members were concerned that to add funds for one line, a reduction in another area would have to occur. There was discussion of the possibility of using a Community Priority Line during Town Meeting to fund the Understanding Disabilities program. There was also discussion regarding high school user fees. An idea was offered to reduce the amount per athlete/sport. The committee questioned where the additional offset of $69,000 would be made up. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the FY2010 Town Building Maintenance Budget in the total amount of $708,976. The vote was 6-0 February 11, 2009 D. New Business E. Routine Matters 1. Bills and Payroll (A) 2. Approval of Minutes The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of January 20, 2009. Motion carries 6-0. The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of January 26, 2009. Motion carries 6-0 The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen, minutes of January 20, 2009. Motion carries 6-0. 3. Bids and Donations Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation the Coolidge PTO to support the purchase instructional technology as outlined in the Superintendent's_ memorandum dated February 10, 2009. The vote was 6-0 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to accept donation of photography equipment as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 10, 2009. The vote was 6-0 4. Calendar IV F. Information III. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, the School Committee voted to adiourn. The vote was 6-0. Future Business .Vatnelc A. Schettim, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.