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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-15 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachus M V. IV ED CLERK SS. Regular Meeting of the Scgo~c' Open Session Date: January 15, 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 jt1 j FE -2 t2- Qu Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Jesse Downing, Student Representative Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Steve Vittorosio, Reading Advocate RPS Budget Parents Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Patty deGaravilla, Eaton Principal - - Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal I. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. He welcomed the guests that attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda. Mr. Robinson reiterated that the committee stay focused on the district mission and vision when confronted with tough fiscal decisions. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports (1) 1. Student Jesse Downing reported on the upcoming mid-terms at RMHS next week and the recent Guidance Department event that brought recent graduates back to discuss their college experiences with high school seniors. 2. Liaison Mr. Michaud spoke of the upcoming Coolidge Middle School production of the Secret Garden. Mr. Robinson attended Colonial Day at Joshua Eaton. It was an outstanding event. Ms. Janowski attended the Killam PTO meeting which featured a Blue Ribbon School presentation. She said the excitement and enthusiasm of the presenters was palpable. January 15, 2009 Mrs. Gibbs reported on the upcoming Martin Luther King breakfast taking place in the RMHS Performing Arts Center on Monday January 19th 3. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini stated that the district is abuzz with activities. He also reported that he is very pleased that the use of technology in our classrooms is on the rise. He also encouraged the public to attend the Martin Luther King event on Monday. 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business 1. FYI 0 Budget Superintendent Schettini presented the FYI 0 Administration and Regular Day budgets. He stated that we must stay focused on the district mission and vision and we may be slowed but not stopped on our path towards excellence. He reviewed how the budget was developed using the directive received at the November Financial Forum to develop a level funded budget and pointed out that the budget is also policy driven. He reminded the committee that in their deliberations they need to remember that if money is to be added to a cost center, it will be taken from another area of the budget. The Superintendent also cautioned the committee that future 9C cuts may impact our current budget. Any reductions will reduce services. He has no specific information regarding FY09 9C cuts as of yet, but will pass it along when the decisions are made at the state level. He reviewed the impact of the reductions on the Administration section of the budget. There are no significant increases in any item. One concern is the impact of implementing MUNIS of the Administrative staff. Ms. DeLai and Superintendent Schettini pointed out that many roles the town hall staff played in the school payroll activities are now the responsibility of the school department. Ms. DeLai indicated that this data entry should be done by our department but is very time and personnel consuming. Superintendent Schettini continued with the Regular Day budget presentation. Regular Day makes up the largest portion of the budget. He reviewed the cuts in personnel but stated he has not determined yet where the positions would be cut. A major concern in the years ahead the impact of further reductions will have on class size, program reduction/elimination and support services. His hope was to have many of the personnel reductions in the FYI 0 budget will come from attrition. Another major concern the Superintendent has is in the reductions of materials and supplies which includes curriculum purchases, professional development and instructional technology. These cuts will have a definite negative impact on teaching and learning not just next year but for several years to come. Superintendent Schettini informed the committee that he recently had a meeting with the PTO Presidents and the Technology Fund to ask them for assistance with the maintenance of technology where appropriate. He also asked the Technology Fund representatives to help provide a fair equity across the district. The PTOs and the Technology Fund were very receptive to his request. Mr. Schettini stressed that this is not a forever solution and was hesitant about approaching the group for this request. January 15, 2009 Mr. Doherty continued with the presentation focusing on curriculum, professional development and educational technology. He reviewed what we have done, what we hope to do and where would like to be. He stated that we will still be able to move forward with some of our initiatives but at a much slower pace. Some of our curriculum initiatives are grant funded, such as Engineering is Elementary and will be able to continue moving forward. Other programs such as the Grade 6 Science Floating & Sinking unit is be moved from grade 5, to be more aligned with the state frameworks, using equipment and materials the district already owns. He also indicated we have approximately 50 students taking courses through Virtual High School at both the middle and high school levels. He discussed how VHS was funded and that we have several in- house instructors which allows for additional slots in the program. He also stated that with the reductions in funding the ability to a wider variety of courses is difficult but through VHS the students have the opportunity to enroll in subjects/courses not currently offered at RMHS. As indicated by Superintendent Schettini, Mr. Doherty is also concerned with the decrease in funding for professional development for staff. We have been fortunate in Reading to offer many opportunities for our teachers to attend workshops and conferences in our district. Several teachers have attended workshops to become cert if led instructors in specific areas. He stressed that the in-service days are critical to allow teachers to continue to share and learn new teaching strategies. Mr. Doherty provided an update on technology in our district. He stated that the use of technology has increased dramatically in the district. It is vital to find alternative ways to fund the maintenance and replacement of equipment. Mr. Schettini told the committee he recently meet with 4 surrounding district to discuss a collaboration. The group was looking at ways to work together in the areas of special education, curriculum, technology, human resources, facilities and finance. He was very optimistic that this collaboration will be successful. Mr. Schettini stated that the current financial crisis has forced districts to think outside the box. D. New Business E. Routine Matters 1. Bills and Payroll (A) 2. Approval of Minutes The committee voted on a motion b Mr. Caruso seconded b Mr. Michaud to approve the open session minutes of Januarv 5, 2009 Motion carries 6-0. 3. Bids and Donations 4. Calendar F. Information January 15, 2009 III. Adjournment On a motion b_y Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, the School Committee voted to adjourn. The vote was 6-0 IV. Future Business Meeting adjornegf 10:15 p.m. Patrick A. Sclettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools