HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12-19 School Committee Minutesi
Reading School Committee _ . ; MASS,
Reading, Massachusetts
C7 P
Regular Session December 19, 2005
Call to Order
Chair Spadafora called the regular session to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose
Room at Coolidge Middle School. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter
and Mr. Spadafora. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent
Doherty, and Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai.
Bills and Payrolls
Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature.
Citizen's Input
There was none.
Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of September 17, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 4-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter and
Mr. Spadafora.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of September 19, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 4-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter and
Mr. Spadafora.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of September 26, 2005 Ms Webb
seconded the motion. The vote was 4-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter and
Mr. Spadafora.
Mr. Dahl arrived.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of October 17, 2005 Ms Webb seconded
the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl and
Mr. Spadafora.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of October 24, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter, Mr.
Dahl and Mr. Spadafora
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of November 4, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. Carpenter, Mr.
Dahl and Mr. Spadafora
Regular Session -2- December 19, 2005
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of November 8, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr.
Dahl and Mr. Spadafora.
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the minutes of November 17, 2005 Mr. Carpenter
seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs Gibbs, Ms Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr
Dahl and Mr. Spadafora.
Liaison Reports
Ms. Webb stated she met with Mr. Doherty as a member of the Expanded Learning Sub
Committee. Superintendent Schettini and Assistant Superintendent Doherty gave a
presentation on Middle School education.
Mr. Carpenter stated that RCTV is looking for a new facility/location.
Superintendent Schettini stated there was a small fire in the Field House. It was
contained to the connector on a propane tank. He stated he wanted to make sure it was a
safe environment. He decided to cancel school, for the high school, at 6:50 a.m. He
stated the decision was made in the best interest of safety. At no point was any student in
danger. He stated hats off to Mr. Finigan, Mr. Hart and Mr. Scarpitto for a job well done.
It was an early release day. He thanked the Fire Department and the Police Department
for their good work.
Superintendent Schettini announced that Matt Edson would be the School Resource
Officer. He stated that he was excited about the School Resource Officer position. It
would have a positive impact on schools.
Ms. Webb asked when the training for the School Resource Officer would begin. The
Superintendent stated this spring. He stated that the Lowell School Resource Officer
extended his services to us to act as a mentor for our SRO.
Mary DeLai stated that RMLD has stated that there could be rolling black outs through
the winter. RMLD would alert us that within twenty minutes the electricity in a certain
sections of the town would have a 30 minute blackout. The peak demand in Reading, in
winter, is 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and blackouts would probably occur during that time.
Superintendent Schettini stated that they are watching energy costs and special education
costs closely.
Chair Spadafora stated that Mr. Tolman and Mr. Robinson were present to listen to the
FY07 Budget presentation.
Superintendent Schettini gave a presentation of the FY07 Budget.
ReLyular Session -3- December 19, 2005
He stated that the District Improvement Plan Goals drive the budget. He went over the
District Improvement Plan Mission. It is a three-year plan to improve the district in three
Focus Areas. He stated that there are certain budget drivers. Salary Increases, Special
Education, Energy Costs and District Improvement. He stated there was a contractual
increase of 2-%z% in all union contracts. The Nurses contract is not yet settled. There is a
6.2% increase in the budget from FY06 to FY07.
He went on to say that teachers have step increases as well as, degree changes. Degree
changes are more prevalent with a younger staff. Five to six years ago most of the
teachers were at the top step. We now have a much younger staff.
Superintendent Schettini stated that the increase in Out of District Placements account for
one half of the increase in the Special Education Budget.
He stated there would be a 32%increase in Natural Gas and a 9.36% increase in
Electricity.
Superintendent Schettini stated that due to custodial outsourcing there are five less health
insurance packages yielding a $50,000 savings to the town.
Superintendent Schettini stated that on January 3, 2006 they would discuss Regular Day,
on January 9,2006 they would discuss Special Education and Facilities. January 12, 2006
would be the Public Hearing.
Chair Spadafora asked Mr. Tolman and Mr. Robinson if they had any questions. There
were none.
Mr. Dahl stated that it was a well represented budget based upon the District
Improvement Plan. He told the Superintendent it was an excellent job.
Adjourn
Mr. Dahl moved to adjourn Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 5-0.
Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl and Mr. Spadafora.
Respe rh~y subri ed,
Patrick A. ttlr6itini, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools