HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12-18 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Session December 18, 2006
Call to Order
Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Selectman's Meeting P-3
Room at Reading Town Hall. Present were Ms. Webb, Ms. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Dahl
Mr. McFadden, Superintendent Patrick Schettini, Jr., Director of Human Resource and
Finances Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent John Doherty, Coolidge Principal Craig
Martin, Parker Principal Linda Darisse, Birch Meadow Principal Tom Daniels, Killam
Principal Paul Guerrette, Wood End Principal Richard Davidson, Barrows Principal
Karen Callan, Joshua Eaton Principal Patty de Garavilla, Fin Corn Representative Chuck
Robinson, Fin Corn Representative Hal Torman, RTA President Stan Quinlan, RMHS "o
Assistant Principal Mike Scarpitto. Several budget parents were also present.
Chair Webb acknowledged the passing of former Reading Selectman Joe Duffy, and
offered a moment of silence for the Duffy family and the Schubert family, who also lost a
close family member.
Chair Webb read the mission of the Reading Public Schools.
Bills and Payrolls
Bills and payrolls were circulated to all members of the committee.
Citizens' Input
There was no citizens' input.
Gifts
Superintendent Schettini indicated that there were two gifts to be approved for the
installation of lights at Reading Memorial High School Stadium Field.
Ms. Gibbs moved to accept the generous gift of $10,000 from Mr. Nelson Burbank
for the installation of the lights at the Reading Memorial High School Stadium
Field. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carried 4-0-1. Ms. Webb,
Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Dahl. Mr. McFadden abstained.
Ms. Gibbs moved to accept the generous gift of $15,000 from the Readin
Cooperative Bank for the installation of the lights at the Reading Memorial High
School Stadium Field. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carried
4-0-1. Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso. Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Dahl. Mr. McFadden
abstained.
Regular Session 2 December 18, 2006
Reports of Chairman, Liaisons, and Superintendent
Superintendent Schettini reported that today was a great day at Reading Memorial High
School where students went on tours of the new building for the first time.
Lisa Gibbs added to Superintendent Schettini's comments about the excitement she saw
today at the newly renovated RMHS Library Media Center.
Mr. McFadden recognized the Pop Warner Cheerleader's recent National Championship
and inquired about the status of the Watertown High School sports situation.
School Committee Calendar
Superintendent Schettini gave the following dates for the budget meetings:
January 4 Administration, Regular Day, Other (Health Services, Athletics, and Co-
Curricula)
January 8 Special Education, Facilities
January 22 Public Hearing
January 29 School Committee Votes on FY08 Budget
The location for these meetings are to be announced based upon the availability of the
newly renovated Superintendent's Office.
Old Business
Ms. DeLai gave an update of the FY07 budget.
Ms. DeLai also gave an update of the search for new town accounting software.
New Business
Superintendent Schettini presented the Superintendent's Recommended FY08 Budget to
the Reading School Committee and the community. His presentation included the
following:
o The per pupil expenditure for Reading compared to other Middlesex league
communities and the state average.
o The budget development process
o The district improvement plan and how it informs the budget building process
o The budget building procedure which includes accommodated costs and the three
levels of the budget (baseline budget, level service budget, recommended budget)
o A baseline budget with an increase of 5.5%
o A level service budget with an increase of 6.6%
o A recommended budget with an increase of 7.6%
o The budget drivers (salary, additional staffing, special education, energy/utilities,
and district improvement)
Regular Session 3 December 18, 2006
In his presentation, Superintendent Schettini thanked Mary DeLai, John Doherty, the
building principals, the special education department, and the budget parents for their
input in this budget process. He recognized each of the budget parents.
Approval of Minutes
Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve minutes dated December 4, 2006. Seconded by Mr.
McFadden. Motion passed 4-0-1. Ms. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Caruso and Mr.
McFadden. Mr. Dahl abstained.
Adjourn
Mrs. Webb moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion
passed 5-0. Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Dahl.
Meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools