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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-31 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: January 31, 2011 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Hal Croft Visitors: Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty deGaravilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Kim Oliveira, Director of Pupil Services Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Tricia Puglisi, RMHS Assistant Principal Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Barry Berman, Fincom RPS Budget Parents 1. Call to Order Matt Casey, Reading Patch Art Katz, Reading Advocate Russ Graham, Naming Sub-Committee Chair Karen Callan, Barrows Principal, Naming Sub- Committee member Chairperson Caruso called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. The Chair reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. Conway stated that the second semester is underway at the high school and the RMHS Drama Club will be presenting "The Grapes of Wrath" in February. Mr. Beaulieu shared that the winter sports are well into the season and boys' hockey and girls' basketball are having very good seasons. He also mentioned the recent junior class "Battle of the Bands" fundraiser and the Drama Club Hypnotist fundraiser that took place last weekend. 2. Liaison No Reports January 31, 2011 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported on the showing of Race to Nowhere. He thanked Joanne King for coordinating the showing. He also felt that the discussion after the film was very good and that he and the administrators would continue the discussion on the points brought up in the discussion. The district is working on another showing of the film. Dr. Doherty said that Edgar Krasa will be speaking at RMHS on Thursday morning as part of the Freshman Advisory class and the event was open to the public. Dr. Doherty also updated the committee on the snow days we have used. 4. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai updated the committee on the snow removal from the flat roofs. Servicemaster will be used to clear the buildings with flat roofs. Ms. DeLai updated the committee on the progress of the Green Repair Program. She said that the selection committee met to develop the selection criteria for the OPM and designer and has sent that to the MSBA. Once she receives the information from the MSBA she will select an OPM and designer and submit the appropriate paperwork to the MSBA for approval by the board. Ms. DeLai was pleased to announce that she has signed off on the final acceptance contract with Noresco. The work is essentially complete. B. Continued Business Naming of Facilities Sub-Committee Report Chair Caruso introduced Russ Graham, Chair of the Naming Sub-Committee. Mr. Graham thanked the School Committee for the opportunity to serve on this committee and acknowledged the other members of the sub-committee. He reviewed the sub-committee decision process, first establishing criteria. They determined that the nominations needed to meet the established policy criteria and added that any current employee or elected official nominations be deferred. It was the recommendation of the sub-committee to move forward the following names: John Hollingsworth Field Thomas Darrin Wrestling Room Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Library Media Center He suggested publicizing the nomination period to a much broader audience. He was surprised at the low number of nominations. Mr. Caruso thanked him for his input. Mr. Croft felt that the School Committee should consider the naming of the stadium as Veterans Stadium. He does not feel that this naming is redundant because the high school is named in honor of veterans. January 31, 2011 Continued Discussion FYI 2 Budget Mr. Caruso asked Ms. DeLai to update the committee on the latest news regarding circuit breaker. She said the Governor's budget calls for a 60-65% reimbursement rate. She has used a 60% reimbursement rate of 60% which would equal approximately $200-230K. Ms. DeLai indicated that the administration felt that $218,000 would be a conservative number to use as the amount of money to put back into the budget. The School Committee reviewed the proposed paraeducator reductions (see attached handout). Discussion continued regarding the amount of money needed to restore benefits to those that would be losing them. Mr. Caruso asked if there was nay other discussion on the FYI 2 budget. Mr. Caruso asked about the MASC membership. He feels the membership should not be renewed rationalizing that the Superintendent receives the same information from the MASS. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to increase the athletic user fee by $40 from $175 to $215 for the school year 2011-12. Mrs. Janowski asked for clarification regarding fundraising by teams. Ms. DeLai indicated that this is a voluntary activity usually organized by the parent support groups. Mrs. Janowski wanted to be sure that the parents were aware that financial assistance is available. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mr. Croft abstaining. Mr. Robinson moved to approve the FY2012 budget. Mrs. Gibbs asked for a point of order that each cost center be voted on separately. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the Administration cost center in the amount of $852,039. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the Regular Day cost center in the amount of $21,587,525. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the Special education cost center in the amount of $9,186,325. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the Other cost center in the amount of $1,180,308. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mr. Croft abstained. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the School Facilities cost center in the amount of $3,199,110. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the FY2012 School Committee approved budget in the total amount of $36,005,307 as outlined in the outlined cost centers. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mr. Croft abstained. January 31, 2011 Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to approve the FV2012 Town Building Maintenance budget in the amount of $699,877. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson stated that he is not happy with this budget and will watch for new information from the Governor and state. FY2011 Budget Status Update Ms. DeLai indicated that we are half way through the fiscal year and are in pretty good shape. She indicated that the cost for snow removal is running over budget. C. New Business III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated January 20, 2011. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mr. Croft abstained. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated January 24, 2011. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mr. Croft abstained. • Bids and Donations Calendar Mrs. Janowski mentioned the change in date of the next meeting. It will be February 7th at the Coolidge Middle School. IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Michaud moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. / Jo . Doherty, d.D Su rintendent of Schools