School Committee Minutes
School Committee Minutes 2009-04-01
WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MINUTES
The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MINUTES
Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Towle announced Abhinav Gupta has been selected as a Boston University Trustee Scholar. The award covers full tuition and fees and is renewable for up to three years. Selection is based upon academic, school and community contributions. The Superintendent also highlighted winners in the Short Story and Poetry contests sponsored by the Federation of Women’s Clubs of Massachusetts. Winners included McCauley Reardon, Scott McCullough, Kathryn O’Hara, and Frank Chang. WHS Sophomore, Evan Cadavieco, will conduct “The Barber of Seville” with the Metrowest Youth Symphony Orchestra on May 3. Dr. Towle congratulated Anthony Healy and Brian Higgins, directors of HONK, performed by the
The Superintendent congratulated the fifteen students who participated in the MMEA All-State conference held in
Mr. Jost recently presented two clinics on job interviews and the process for graduating college students and helped organize several sessions pertaining to music education advocacy and curriculum development at the MMEA conference. Mr. Jost is also co-chair of Administrators’ in Music Education and on the executive board of the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education.
Mrs. O’Connor informed the Committee the Mill Pond Math Olympiad team in competition, placed third out of 153 teams and fifteenth out of 3000 nationwide. Student, Josh Hyde tied for first place. Mill Pond came in first in
The Assistant Superintendent reported five K-6 teachers will be attending a week long math/science workshop at the Boston Museum of Science under the auspices of Genzyme. All costs are covered and their students receive a field trip to the Museum in the fall.
COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS
Mr. Tretter announced the Facilities Committee met and reviewed the Health and Safety reports. The Committee will meet again in June. Westborough will be celebrating Earth Day, April 25. Participants will meet at either Friendly’s or
Mrs. Levine-Kanji congratulated the Gibbons student performers on their wonderful production of HONK. She reviewed some of the offerings of the Community Education summer program and encouraged parents to review the program offerings.
Mrs. Henderson reminded parents that April 10 is a half day of school. The Literacy program presented at the
Mr. Doret thanked Mr. Jost and Ms. DiCarlo for the information they provided to the Committee regarding their departments. It was precisely what he was looking for and very useful.
Mr. Harris welcomed Mr. Watts, Finance Committee liaison to the meeting.
REPORTS
REVIEW OF BUDGET TO DATE
Mr. Hendricks reported on the changes that have occurred since the first budget review on March 11th. At this time the district is aware it will receive $200,000 in Circuit Breaker funding and $400,000 IDEA funds. The district was asked by the Town to develop a level funded budget and the Town released an additional $500,000 to the school district to help defray energy costs. The total budget figure at this time is $38,259,898, not yet adjusted with the Federal stimulus of $560,000.
The Committee discussed the impact of the federal funds and the duration of those funds. Concern was expressed that there will be future problems when the funding expires, especially in FY10-11 and FY11-12, when the Federal money goes away. It has been reported the IDEA funds and the Stimulus funding will come directly to the school district. However, the legislature has not locked in on the final distribution of funds, and it has been reported it will not be resolved by town meeting time. The House budget is scheduled for release within the next few weeks.
Mr. Doret noted when the Federal stimulus dries up, the district will be short about $3 million dollars and Proposition 2-1/2 will limit the amount the town can raise. He added that the 1.34% increase indicates the school department has done exactly what it was asked to by the town. Mr. Doret stated the town does not deal with what is in the budget, only the bottom line.
Mr. Hendricks reviewed the status of the Revolving Accounts and noted the School Lunch program is always a concern.
Following a discussion of fees last week, Mr. Harris requested a further breakdown of costs. At no time did Mr. Harris intend to pit one activity against another, but only wished to see what was spent on each activity. Mr. Harris feels he still did not get what he requested – a detail of the type of supplies and equipment offered to each participant. His intent is to point out what the district offers and does not offer and what parents are spending.
Mr. Doret felt overall when you add up costs of athletics and music, and you see that there are 2857 participants, and the sum total is 1.3% of the entire budget, you cannot calculate the benefits the students receive in terms of value and maturity. It is part of the curriculum. There is so much benefit from so little money.
Mr. Doret suggested taking the $8400 increase for stipends and dividing that amount into the fee structure. He offered one suggestion that would increase fees from $175 to $186 at the High School and $125 to $134 at the Middle School with a cap. He offered a second suggestion of changing the activity fee to $133 to apply to each participant in the system with no cap. Scholarships would be offered. It takes off the table any subsidy of athletic and music staff. That argument goes away. Mr. Doret added he believes there are other areas that should be looked at for restructuring at a future meeting.
Mr. Tretter requested a spread sheet for the Committee and asked for the administration’s recommendations.
Mr. Jost pointed out when he compiled the information, he was made more aware of the per pupil cost, and felt he should address the matter of bringing more students into the program to make it more cost effective. Ms. DiCarlo also does not wish to see the fees raised.
Mr. Harris’s concern is with parity in equipment families must purchase. He would also like to see what changes can be made in some of the programs. Programs should not lean on the Booster clubs and PTO’s as times get tougher.
At
PUBLIC HEARING
Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 to hold a Public Hearing on the Budget.
Mr. Hendricks spoke to the matter of the stimulus package and the state response to it. He reviewed some of the options for the use of the funds, including transportation, avoiding the funding cliff, strategic investments, and broadband. The Committee discussed the inequities of the Chapter 70 funding distributions and voiced concern about the distribution of the stimulus package.
Mr. Harris inquired whether any member of the audience wished to make a public statement. No one responded.
At
MOTION
A motion was made by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Henderson, to reopen the Regular meeting. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
TRANSPORTATION
Mr. Hendricks reported the bus routes have been reviewed for any possible changes. The district has 18 buses at a cost of $45,000 per bus with each bus making three trips on each route. Three
Mr. Doret noted the district is free to do whatever it wants with the bus program, since it is not following the state mandates of two miles. Dr. Towle suggested holding public hearings on the matter before the next contract to discuss possible changes. The district now spends $1.2 million dollars on transportation.
The Superintendent reviewed the positions that the administration recommends restoring to the budget due to the additional funding the district is scheduled to receive.
Mrs. Levine-Kanji expressed concern with the staffing for the number of PDD students at the
Mr. Harris asked the Committee for items it wished to have for next week’s budget meeting. Votes will be cast at the April 8 meeting. The Committee requested a copy of class sizes after the proposed staff reductions. It also requested information on the numbers at the High School in the math, science and social studies classes that had a reduction.
School Committee Meeting 4.
Mr. Tretter requested the staff reductions be placed in priority order with a rationale as to why a position has been put in or why it has been reduced. Mrs. Henderson asked for the number of staff that will be laid off. Mr. Harris suggested a further reduction in a nurse position be considered which will save the district $48,000, and restore a para position.
MOTION
Mr. Tretter made a motion at
At
The Committee signed bills. Upon a motion by Mr. Doret, seconded by Mrs. Henderson, at
Respectfully submitted
Karen Henderson
Secretary
These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.
School Committee Minutes 2009-03-25
[Accessed 22-Apr-2009 from the District Web Site link, with minor formatting changes.]
WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
MINUTES
Wednesday March 25, 2009
The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Craig Harris. Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mrs. Karen Henderson. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Marianne O’Connor, Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Student Representative, Katherine McManus; Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. Maureen Ferguson; Principals Dr. David Fredette, Mr. John Smith; Assistant Principals, Mr. Jack Foley, Mr. Chris Fournier Mr. Brian Callaghan, Director of Fine Arts, David Jost; Athletic Director, Johanna DiCarlo; Finance Committee liaison, Cliff Watts.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MINUTES
Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of March 18, 2009.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS
The Gold Award, the Girls Scouts of America’s equivalent of the Eagle Award, has been awarded to student representative, Katherine McManus. Katherine’s project was student voter registration. Over 100 students at the high school were registered. Dr. Towle presented Katherine with a Certificate of Achievement.
Mrs. O’Connor attended the Corridor 9 Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with students Mathew Spring and Nicole Arsenis. She also reported the Doubletree Hotel has partnered with the Fales School and will also be partnering with the Hastings and Mill Pond Schools. The hotel will conduct a bottle and can drive to provide funds for the summer camp program.
The Armstrong School Family Fun Day will be held March 28 from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Mr. Hendricks stated he is meeting with representatives from National Grid and NStar to discuss the consumption and energy savings at the Mill Pond, Gibbons and High Schools.
COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS
Katherine reported the All State Music Festival will be held this weekend in Boston. The Wind Ensemble will be playing March 27.
Mr. Tretter noted Earth Day will be celebrated in Westborough April 25 with a town wide cleanup sponsored for the eleventh year by the Westborough Land Trust. Sites are being solicited for cleanup projects.
Mrs. Levine-Kanji highlighted the following events: Mr. Tretter was the subject of a featured article in the Boston Globe which detailed his “Eat, Can’t Cook” project. Further information is on his website. A Parent Literacy Workshop will be held March 31 at the Mill Pond School at 6:30 p.m. Sue Bardsley is the facilitator of “All About Comprehension” for K-3 parents. An Ice Cream Social is being held March 27 at the High School to raise funds for Darfur. The Newcomer’s Art Auction will be held April 4 at Indian Meadows, and the Community Education Summer Brochure is now available.
Mrs. Henderson reported “Honk” will be presented this weekend by the students at the Gibbons School. Recreation Department summer sign ups are now being held.
Mr. Harris added Senior Citizen passes for all athletic and musical events are available free of charge in the Superintendent’s office.
REPORTS
Superintendent Towle announced details are unfolding regarding the Federal Stimulus Package, and the Administration will recommend some of the proposed reductions be restored.
SPECIAL EDUCATION BUDGET
Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Maureen Ferguson, reviewed the results of the February Coordinated Review of the Elementary and Secondary Special Education program by two auditors. The auditors verbally stated the district has the best SEPAC it has ever seen, the survey return was outstanding, great curriculum integration, excellent professional development, and the program is one of the best in the state. The ELL program far surpasses most in the state. It was recommended more translation for parents be made available, and the movement of some classrooms was suggested. A written report will be sent to the Superintendent in the summer.
Mr. Doret and Mr. Tretter felt the recommendations should be addressed in writing and strongly state why the district does not agree with the classroom movement. If the district is a role model for the state, and a pilot program, it should provide the reasons for disagreement.
Ms. Ferguson reviewed the Extended School Year programs to be held at the Mill Pond School from July 13 through August 13 for those Special Education students who need to receive reinforced study. Vocational skills will be addressed at the High School and the district will continue with the Assabet Collaborative in conjunction with other towns for expanded programs. The Out of District program has scheduled 33 students for FY09-10, versus 40 that were in placements this year. The “move in” law provides that anyone moving into a district prior to April 1 will be funded by that district; otherwise, the sending district is responsible for the cost. The Special Education program serves 13% of the total school population.
Mr. Hendricks reported the district will receive $94,142 in Circuit Breaker funding; $400,000 in IDEA funds; $600,000 in new funds. Further details will be made available next week at a meeting at Assabet.
FINE ARTS BUDGET
Director of Fine Arts, David Jost, reported fifteen students will be participating in the All State Festival, the greatest number of students from a school the size of Westborough. The “Swing Into Spring” dinner dance, held Friday at the Senior Center was a tremendous success. Mr. Jost informed the Committee the District Arts Display will take place next week in the Forbes Building. Each school will host one night. The All State Conference takes place this weekend in Boston. The Wind Ensemble will perform a new piece on Friday. Gibbons School will be represented, having been chosen to perform after submitting a blind audition tape. The musical, “Honk” will be performed this weekend at the Gibbons School.
Mr. Jost noted since 1999 Fine Arts have been part of the core curriculum in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Recommendations for graduation include 1 credit of the arts. The Visual Arts line items have been level funded, as have K-6 Fine Arts. and all music accounts have been reduced by 10%. The Gibbons and High Schools activity accounts associated with curricular ensembles will not meet the fees and will need to be shared by families, parent groups and fundraising. Mr. Jost recommended level funding of the maintenance and textbook accounts.
Mr. Jost included the following recommendations for staff reductions: .7 High School, Gibbons and Mill Pond music teacher (5 sections of classroom music electives will be lost); elementary music and art staff in proportion to classroom reductions K-6. The reductions result in $105,554, or 6% reduction in the department. All curricular and co-curricular programs remain in place.
Mr. Doret complimented the administrators for the very professional effort it has made to get the district to where it is going.
Committee members discussed the account distribution of collected gate receipts and the costs associated with participating in the state and district festivals and concerts. Mr. Jost also reviewed the distribution of WABA contributions.
Mr. Harris inquired about the advantages and disadvantages of the third grade string program moving to an after school program. Also, what does the program do to scheduling in the schools. Mr. Hendricks responded the cost is approximately $30,000 for supplies and staff, not including student transportation.
GIBBONS SCHOOL BUDGET
Dr. Fredette stated he is projecting 593 students for FY09-10, an increase of 22 students. Mr. Fournier noted the figure includes the anticipated move-ins over the summer. The Special Education population will account for 16% of the total enrollment. Dr. Fredette included the reduction of a .5 School Psychologist, the .5 reduction of a School Adjustment Counselor and one evening custodian. The remaining three custodians will increase their work load by 10,000 sq. ft.
Mr. Harris noted the adjustment counselor deals with students at risk. A similar discussion took place last year about this same position.
Mr. Tretter again felt the Committee should look at a graphic of priorities based on philosophy. Identify where the money is spent. Classroom instruction would be the most important, and then support services. The Committee could then preserve what is most important. Committee members discussed the information they feel is necessary to make a final determination on reductions. Mrs. Henderson pointed out the DOE has resources and the per pupil expenditure which could be important. The Westborough administrative costs and numbers are low, indicating the finances are going to instruction.
HIGH SCHOOL BUDGET
Principal Smith introduced Assistant Principals, Jack Foley who oversees the 9 and 10th grades and Brian Callaghan, in charge of 11th and 12th grade students; Johanna DiCarlo is the Athletic Director. Westborough High School has 1100 students, 140 employees and over 800 course offerings. The proposed high school budget is level funded and includes a reduction of eight positions. Westborough is a comprehensive high school, and its students have an opportunity to explore and consider different options of instruction. Each guidance counselor now has a case load of 183 students; with the proposed reduction that will change to 220 students per counselor.
The proposed reductions include a .6 science teacher, .8 math, .4 social studies, 1.5 Special Education (justified based on number of students), .3 physical education, .4 tech ed, .4 music, 1 guidance counselor, .8 of a nurse’s position and one custodian. The budget shows an increase in the Social Studies textbook due to the need to purchase text for a second year U.S. History course to align with MCAS Frameworks. Supplies and textbooks show a 10% reduction. There is some program reduction without eliminating the entire program, and it includes both teaching and support positions.
Mr. Smith noted if there are substantial changes, he is required to report them to NEASC, the accreditation agency.
ATHLETIC BUDGET
Ms. DiCarlo reported there are 1200 participants in the athletic programs, with 475 of them in spring sports. The proposed budget request is $458,939. $7500 ($15 per hour) is requested to fund three people to keep the Fitness Center open from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. The Health Grant that was originally used for this purpose has expired. Ms. DiCarlo noted the number of some sub varsity team competitions have been reduced by two. If additional adjustments need to be made in the budget, away scrimmages and reduction of contests would be considered at the varsity level. There are MIAA requirements on the number of contests.
The Committee was presented with a copy of User Fees for the Midland/Wachusett League. It included per sport figures and maximum family costs. Gate receipts were also reviewed. WHS students are not charged admission to games. The MIAA does charge more for its contests.
Mr. Doret asked for the dollar value of a program divided by the number of participants per sport. He wished to determine the cost of a program and then look at the impact of the $175 activity fee. He questioned whether the family cap should be more than $175.
Mr. Harris was informed the cost of attending a musical performance is $10. He also pointed out there is no parity between sports. Hockey parents pay up to $1000 for equipment. Football players are outfitted. Should there be a level playing field. It was noted some are spectator sports and contribute gate receipts. Mr. Harris feels the fees are another tax on parents.
Mr. Doret asked to see the disparities, the cost per activity, and the cost to bring everything onto a level playing field, with the exception of hockey, per roster, per team. The request was also made of the Fine Arts department, co-curricular. Mr. Jost noted the instruments are purchased by the parents in the fifth grade and usually are used through high school. The greatest cost is lessons.
The Superintendent stated she did not think the Committee was interested in bus fees. The administration has been looking at changing routes. She will bring forward bus information for the next meeting.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Towle stated the administration has given the Committee $200,000 more in reductions than anticipated to allow for choices. The Budget is now $777,000 above the level funded goal. The district will receive $557,000 from the Stimulus package, $500,000 from the town, $200,000 Circuit Breaker, $406,000 IDEA, and $15,000 Early Childhood.
The administration recommends restoring at Armstrong: Grade 3 teacher, guidance counselor, and tech para.
Fales: grade 3 teacher, .5 resource room, guidance counselor, and tech para.
Hastings: grade 1 and grade 3 teachers, guidance counselor, and tech para.
Mill Pond: reading para, grade 4 teacher, tech para.
Gibbons: 2 paras, 1 custodian, Special Education.
High School: guidance counselor, math teacher, .5 nurse, .6 science teacher, .4 social studies teacher, .5 music, .5 physical education.
A public hearing is scheduled for April 1. The Committee will determine what will remain in the budget and what will be reduced.
At this time the Kindergarten numbers are: Armstrong: 93 – 68 full day; 25 half-day; Fales: 73 – 63 full day; 9 half-day; Hastings 93 – 64 full day; 29 half-day. It is possible the nine half-day registrants at the Fales School may attend the Armstrong half-day program. Armstrong and Hastings children have made similar moves in the past. A final decision on the Fales students will be made in two weeks.
Further discussion ensued regarding the individual cost of an athlete in each sport. Ms. DiCarlo responded there is no negative feeling about fees among the parents and public. Parents are not upset about activity fees to keep teachers in the classrooms. Things are working. It would not be prudent to pit one sport against another. WABA supports the entire athletic program, and not individual sports.
MOTION
Mr. Harris made a motion to request the type of equipment offered in each particular sport. He received no second.
Mr. Doret made a motion to request the cost of each sport and music program in town. Mrs. Henderson seconded the motion and the Committee voted 3-2 in favor with Mr. Tretter and Mrs. Levine-Kanji voting in the negative.
The Committee signed bills. Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Henderson, at 9:45 p.m. the Committee voted unanimously to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted
Karen Henderson
Secretary
These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.
School Committee Minutes 2009-03-11
[Accessed 22-Apr-2009 from the District Web Site Minutes link (see above), with minor formatting changes.]
WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS
MINUTES
Wednesday March 11, 2009
The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Craig Harris. Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mrs. Karen Henderson. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Marianne O’Connor, Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Student Representative, Katherine McManus; Principals John Smith, Elaine Halford; Director of Technology, Kathy Martin; Director of Facilities, Brian Schlegel.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
MINUTES
Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 to approve the minutes of February 25, 2009, as amended.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS
Superintendent Towle introduced WHS senior, Joseph Covino, who has been awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boys Scout of America, and presented him with a Certificate of Achievement. He was congratulated for his project at the Westborough Housing Authority that involved 400 volunteer hours.
Dr. Towle recognized Matt Schoen and Jessica Bready who are Mid Wach B Basketball All-Scholastic Award winners. They received their awards at the All Star game March 5th. Also recognized was the joint Westborough-Northborough Robotics team for its success at the Boston University Robotics Competition. The team competed against 52 teams from theUnited States and Canada, and took second place. Superintendent Towle announced the Westborough Computer Team of Bianca Homberg, David Lamont and Paul Min, placed third out of twenty-five teams at the WPI Computer Science contest.
Superintendent Towle thanked all the teachers and parents who participated in the principal search. There will be one more meeting of the candidates with the Armstrong staff on March 12. The final decision will be announced March 13.
Mrs. O’Connor reported the kindergarten registration process is on schedule and only two candidates according to the town census report are not accounted for. It will be announced after March 20 whether a lottery will be needed for the full day program.
Dr. Seuss Day was a success and all participants were thanked for their involvement. The Professional Development planning team has met and is making plans for the summer program and next year.
Mrs. O’Connor attended the World Religions Symposium at the Mill Pond School and extended thanks to the Westborough Educational Foundation for its continued support. Its committee is reviewing the grant applications for next year.
Members of the high school Student Council left for a conference in Hyannis today.
COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS
Katherine extended congratulations to the cast and crew of “Bye Bye Birdie” as well as Mr. and Mrs. Morelli and Mr. Stillano for the outstanding production. School Committee members, and Mr. Cliff Watts, also added their praise and congratulations on the production. Spring sports begin next week. There are over 200 athletes that have reported for spring track. A volleyball tournament was held at the high school last weekend, sponsored by WABA. On March 20 a fundraiser, sponsored by TRI M, will be held with the proceeds going to the senior citizen fuel fund.
Mr. Harris extended a welcome to Finance Committee member liaisons, Judy Lucas and Cliff Watts. Mrs. Henderson extended thanks to them for their volunteer time to the community.
Mr. Tretter reported he has met with Mr. Hendricks regarding an upcoming meeting to inspect facilities. Mrs. Levine-Kanji stated the Community Education brochure is available for the April vacation schedule. A family bowling fundraiser has been scheduled April 4 with the proceeds going to Kathy Swanson, fifth grade teacher at Mill Pond, whose husband is ill. Mrs. Henderson reported the Policy Sub Committee has met and will be releasing the Student Relations section soon.
Mr. Doret informed the Committee the recent Energy Bill out of Washington contains a 30% tax credit or grant for solar and hydro power that the district should investigate and take advantage of.
ACTION ITEMS
MOTION
Mrs. Henderson made a motion to schedule an additional School Committee meeting, April 1, for budget discussion and review and a public hearing. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
REPORTS
A joint meeting with the Finance Committee will be held April 9 at 7:00 p.m. Town Meeting is May 16, 2009.
BUDGET REVIEW SCHEDULE
March 11 Budget Overview
Enrollments
Technology
Facilities
Utilities
Transportation
March 18 Review of Budget to Date
Curriculum and Professional Development
Armstrong School
Fales School
Hastings School
Mill Pond School
March 25 Review of Budget to Date
Special Education
Fine Arts
Middle School
High School
Athletics
April 1 Review of Budget to Date
Revolving Funds
Administration Recommendations
Public Hearing
April 8 Review of Budget to Date
Budget Adoption by School Committee
BUDGET OVERVIEW
Mr. Hendricks stated the enrollment projection for 2009-10 is 3505, 83 less than this year. The Circuit Breaker aid shows an increase to 70%, which is less than this year, but more than was anticipated in December. This aid goes directly to the school district and is based on out of district student placement costs. At this time it is anticipated the Federal Stimulus program will increase IDEA Aid by $400,000. The town manager has announced he will allocate an additional $500,000 to the school department’s budget.
Mr. Hendricks pointed out there are several items that the district does not know. It does not know the details of the Federal Stimulus program and how it will be delivered through the state. There is also the unknown of the impact of working with town officials on cost savings measures, the impact of energy conservation initiative (National Grid and Northern Energy) and the impact of other revenue sources. The proposed budget expenditure is $38,259,898, which is an increase of $504,370, or 1.34%. Energy costs are the largest contribution to the increase. Mr. Hendricks reported at this time the proposed budget contains a staffing reduction of 33.10 FTE positions (41 people). That will include 21 teacher positions, 4.25 para professionals, 4 job coaches, 3 from the facilities area and .8 nurses. If the anticipated $400,000 from the Stimulus package does not come through, the result would be an additional reduction of 8 or 9 positions.
Mr. Doret stated his position is the School Committee determines what is needed for the educational program and it then finds out where the finances will come from. Through further deliberation the Committee will find out where the money is and fit it to the programs the district wants to offer. If needed, an additional Committee meeting can always be scheduled. He is also awaiting further information on the impact of other revenue sources.
The Committee reiterated several times during the meeting that all budget information and discussion is in a preliminary stage. Final budget decisions will be made in April after receiving all available information from all sources.
TECHNOLOGY BUDGET
Mrs. Martin extended thanks to her staff and presented detailed information to the Committee for its review. There are more than 4000 users of technology equipment preparing students for 21st century skills. The proposed Technology budget is $726,775; $117,505 less than this year, or -13.9%. Of this total amount, it was noted $245,000 could be considered a capital expense for the continuation of hardware purchase. Mrs. Martin reviewed the goals of the budget and detailed the line items. She also reviewed the distribution of funds this year. Mrs. Martin reported the Gibbons School will be converted to the first wireless building during the April vacation.
The administration announced it recommends the department be reduced by one teacher and the technicians be reduced by 14% through a reduction in hours in the elementary schools.
FACILITIES BUDGET
Mr. Schlegel reported a budget increase of 13.5% due entirely to energy costs, which are up 100%. He is continuing to work with National Grid and Northern Energy on cost reductions. General materials shows an increase of 3%, and repairs are decreased. The department will reduce three positions, one maintenance and two custodial. There will be a change in the maintenance schedule of the buildings due to the personnel reductions and new cleaning schedules will be developed.
Mr. Doret cautioned about reducing candle power at Mill Pond and the High School. The Building Committee worked extremely hard to make sure it was at the proper levels in those schools. He would like the Committee to be made aware of any forthcoming recommendations.
The Committee directed the Superintendent to place a hold on the Warrant for capital projects.
Mr. Tretter wished to emphasize the need to establish a list of Committee priorities before making budget decisions. He felt the Committee should look at the core teachers in the classrooms and support services and then make decisions. The Superintendent will prepare a memo on personnel issues and priorities for the next meeting. Each principal will then speak to individual staffing issues during their prepared statements.
Mr. Doret requested a list department by department on the basic staffing budget for this year and next. He felt the Committee, administration and unions should be trying to save jobs. He would like to see a copy of the staffing changes and the impact of the changes.
TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
Mr. Hendricks reported the Collaborative transportation cost shows an increase of 3% next year.; the Out of District SPED transportation will increase $25,000 or 5%, for a total of $525,000. First Student’s regular education transportation contract expires in 2010. Currently there are 18 buses in the district at a cost of $230 each per day. The noon kindergarten bus will be reduced from 6 to 3 next year.
The Committee requested further investigation of transportation savings. It suggested looking at reducing the number of buses and at the student data base to develop further transportation changes. Mr. Doret suggested researching the staggering of school start times to reduce the number of buses.
The Committee signed bills.
At 8:25 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Henderson. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.
Respectfully submitted
Karen Henderson
Secretary
These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.
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