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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-09 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts M t11% 13. ii ? P i Regular Session January 9, 2006 Call to Order Vice Chair Webb called the regular session to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at Parker Middle School. Present were Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. McFadden. Also present were Superintendent Schettini, Assistant Superintendent Doherty, Director of Human Resources and Finance Mary DeLai and Student Representative Erica Lessard. Bills and Payrolls Bills and Payrolls were circulated for signature. Citizen's Input There was none. Gifts There were no gifts. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons & Superintendent Vice Chair Webb recognized Mr. Scott Dunlap, Mr. David Capaldo, Mr. Phillip Callahan, Mr. Alec Porter Mr. Chuck Robinson and the School Principals. Superintendent Schettini stated at the Town Hall on January 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. there would be an Open Meeting Law meeting. He stated he would be attending. He went on to say the Substance Abuse Seminar/Meeting was very positive. The Superintendent stated there would be a Spotlight on Education on Wednesday evening, January 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. There will be an informal discussion at 6:00 p.m. The agenda will include "Preparing our Children for the Future", Expanded Learning, "Teaching of American History" Grant and updates on current initiatives. Assistant Superintendent Doherty stated that at the Thursday night School Committee Meeting he would be reviewing two documents, the three-year Technology Plan and the updated Expanded Learning Grant. Mr. Doherty stated they were in the process of submitting an update to the Department of education by April 13, 2006. Mr. Carpenter stated that on Tuesday night the RCTV Board would be voting on several documents as well as the RCTV budget. Regular Session -2- January 9, 2006 Old Business Mr. Dunlap from AD stated they were meeting with TLT this Wednesday to review all construction schedules. Mr. Dunlap stated at the Barrows School there was a relatively small punch list of items. The Contractor has been working to resolve them. They have been experiencing burner blow out resulting from a chimney draft. They plan to install a damper to rectify the issue. Mr. Dunlap stated that Mr. Callahan has transitioned at the high school project and has been there most of December. At the High School there is a major focus to establish a punch list to complete Phase I. Mr. Dunlap stated they invited Cape and Islands to a meeting on December 21, 2005. Cape and Islands stated that to put a single layer on the track might not be a good idea. They would make the high school project number one in the spring. They want to do the entire track. They would be able to mobilize in early March. Mr. McFadden stated he was at a high school game last night and the lights went out. They were in the dark for twenty minutes. Mr. Callahan took care of the problem. Mr. McFadden asked if the HVAC tubes through the Field House ceiling were permanent. He felt it makes some areas over the stands dark. Mr. Capaldo thought they were permanent. He stated they would look into it. Mr. McFadden asked if the demolition areas are worse than they expected. Mr. Dunlap stated that the utility duct bank was more significant than they originally thought. FY07 Budget Superintendent Schettini stated that the focus tonight is Special Education and Facilities. He stated the Public Hearing would be January 12, 2006. Superintendent Schettini stated that they may not have the budget revenues by January23, 2006. Superintendent Schettini gave an overview of the Special Education budget drivers. The increase in Out-of-District Placements accounts for one-half of the increase in the Special Education Budget. The other half is accounted for among the following: Salary increases, summer programs, clerical, legal services, Adaptive equipment and Physical and Occupational Therapy Services. Regular Session -3- January 9, 2006 Superintendent Schettini stated the total number of SPED students for FY06 is 734 students. Our number of Out-of-District Placements had increased since October. Superintendent Schettini gave an overview of the types of In-District Program there are in the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Gibbs stated she supports the Program Coordinator Position. She believes that inclusion is good for all students. Superintendent Schettini stated they were looking at all current programs trying to make all of them better. The discussion shifted to Electricity and Natural Gas. They estimated a 36.2% increase in Natural Gas and a 9.6% increase in Electricity. Ms. Webb asked if there was less of a need for custodial substitutes. She was told that was not the case. Superintendent Schettini stated there would be a decrease in the water budget because we will not be watering two fields. Mr. Carpenter asked where the School Resources Officer would get his teaching materials. He was told at the high school. Ms Webb stated the questions from the FinCom were excellent. Superintendent Schettini stated the Public Hearing would be January 12, 2006. Adjourn Mrs. Gibbs moved to adiourn. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, and Mr. McFadden. Respe~tfu /su fitted, Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Superintendent of Schools