HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-20 School Committee MinutesZJ
Reading School Committee `
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Session January 20, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Mr. McFadden called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the
Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members
Carpenter, Vice Chair McFadden, Russo, Spadafora and Webb. Also present were
Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. Also present were
Finance Committee members Richard MacDonald, Robert LeLacheur and Cathy Martin
and Town Accountant Richard Foley. Chair Dahl was out of town.
BILLS & PAYROLL
Bills and payroll were circulated for signature.
CITIZENS INPUT
Lisa Gibbs stated she is a candidate for a school committee seat.
LIASON REPORT
Mr. Carpenter stated the RCTV contract was referred to town counsel.
OID BUSINESS
Superintendent Schettini updated the Committee on the status of the Killam heating
system and was grateful for all the hard work done to fix the boiler. Superintendent
Schettini informed everyone that there is a Parent only Open House at R.I.S.E on January
28, 2004.
Superintendent Schettini gave an overhead presentation on the proposed Reading Public
Schools FY 05 Budget. The main topics he discussed were School Committee Budget
Priorities, Regular Day Budget, Elementary Class Size Issues and Full Day Kindergarten.
Mr. Richards discussed Professional Development.
ADJOURN
Mr. Carpenter moved to adjourn at 7:12 p.m. Ms. Webb second the motion. The
vote was 5-0 Ms. Webb, Mr Carpenter, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora and Mr.
Russo .
Regular Session 2 January 20, 2004
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Mr. McFadden called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the
Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members
Carpenter, Vice Chair McFadden, Russo, Spadafora and Webb. Also present were
Superintendent Schettini and Associate Superintendent Richards. Also present were
Finance Committee members Richard MacDonald, Robert LeLacheur and Cathy Martin
and Town Accountant Richard Foley. Chair Dahl was out of town.
PUBLIC HEARING ON FY 05 BUDGET
Mr. Russo discussed why he not running for School Committee.
Linda Zarrow stated that the Understanding Disabilities newsletter is available.
Ms. Burke read a statement requesting the school committee support the Drama program
at the RMHS and increase the funding for extra-curricular activities in general and for the
Drama in particular in the FY 05 budget.
Ms. Golini, Co-President of Parents Supporting Student Theatre, read a prepared
statement. They are concerned about adding another sport to the extra-curricular budget
without adding funding for band and drama.
Mr. LaCroix, president of the band, echoed Ms. Golini's concerns.
Mr. Rogers, drama parent informed the committee that Lexington has two full time
drama positions at their High School.
Ms. Liston, drama parent, High School PTO president, and in charge of Coolidge's
enrichment program stated that all enrichment is funded by the PTO.
Mr. Vaccaro stated the Lacrosse is committed to the FY 05 budget.
Ms. Phillips commented on her concerns that 12.5 special education assistants were
added without being mentioned at school committee meetings.
Ms. Perry stated that school committee should spend the same dollar amount for each
student on extra curricula activities.
Mr. Vaccaro stated his concerns that different sports take more time and more money.
He agreed to compare Band, Drama and Athletics to see what % is being paid by the
budget for each.
Regular Session 3 January 20, 2004
Vice Chair Mr. McFadden commented that 10 months ago they weren't even discussing
extra curricular in the budget and at least now, possible funding could be discussed.
Ms. Mulroy commented that gate receipts go to MIAA, Thanksgiving day home football
team receives 60% and the away team receives 40% of gate receipts.
Ms. Millet wanted to now when the full day kindergarten applications were going out
Ms. Phillips stated she would like to see a public expenditure of all PTOs.
ADJOURN
Ms. Webb moved to adjourn at 8:35 p.m. Mr. Carpenter second the motion The
vote was 5-0 Ms. Webb, Mr Carpenter, Vice Chair Mr. Mcfadden, Mr. Spadafor_a
and Mr. Russo.
A,
Patrick chettini, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools