Schools Committee Minutes School Committee Minutes 2009-05-06
School Committee Minutes 2009-05-06
These minutes fetched from the district site on 2009-08-31
WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MINUTES
The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at
Superintendent Towle asked for nominations for a chairperson. Mrs. Levine-Kanji nominated Mrs. Henderson. Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor. Mrs. Henderson assumed the chair and asked for nominations for vice chair/secretary. Mr. Harris nominated Mrs. Levine-Kanji. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tretter. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor. Mrs. Henderson announced standing committees will be appointed at the next meeting.
Mrs. Henderson requested everyone Pledge 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
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND HIGHLIGHTS
Dr. Towle reported on a bomb scare at the High School today. The police are involved and extra patrols will be scheduled in the area. When the perpetrator is found, prosecution will follow.
The Superintendent announced this is Teacher Appreciation Week and it is also Nurses Appreciation Day. Congratulations were extended to both groups for the wonderful work they perform. Secretary’s Day was celebrated today to thank them for all the work they do.
Dr. Towle extended best wishes to Principal Elaine Halford, who is hospitalized.
Mrs. O’Connor reported Mandarin teacher, Carol Cheung, through a grant offered by the Office of Chinese Language International, will be studying abroad for two weeks this summer in
COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS
Mrs. Levine-Kanji reminded the audience of Town Meeting, May 16, at
At
Katherine reported the Student Directed One Act Plays will take place May 8. On May 9 the a cappella group will perform, “Voices for
REPORTS
The Superintendent reviewed the class size numbers of all grade levels. Middle School numbers are averaging 24 per class; the Fales first grade is averaging 23. The numbers will be watched over the summer. The in-school total is 3563, Out of District, 37, for a total of 3600 students for FY09-10.
The Committee will review all budgetary information before it and make final decisions about reductions at the May 20th meeting. The Committee welcomes community input.
School Committee Meeting 2.
GOOGLE EARTH ANCIENT
Carol Alcusky and Ingrid Gustafson presented their 7th grade Google Earth Ancient Rome 3d Project which won an on-line Google competition. The project included creating a newspaper, becoming a journalist on line, and individual research of Ancient Rome. They won equipment including a digital camera and $500 at Office Depot. Ninety-two students participated.
RECOGNITION OF SCOUTS
Superintendent Towle recognized the Girl Scout Gold Award winners for outstanding achievement. Each senior award winner informed the community of her project and her college plans for next year. Winners of the award are Lindsay Nolan, BJ Grim, Rebecca Webb, Anne Blackney, Taylor Cronin, Kate Liedell, and Nicole Arsenis. Katherine McManus, recognized at an early meeting, is also a member of this Girl Scout troop.
ENERGY SUB COMMITTEE
Mr. Hendricks stated Mr. Doret and Mr. Brian Schlegel will be members of the energy subcommittee as well as a town side member and a member at large. Mr. Doret asked that the committee be no more than five. He noted the energy area is the fastest growing piece of the federal stimulus money and the benefits should be researched.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY BUDGETING
Mr. Hendricks presented the Committee with an outline of the Special Education and Technology Budgeting Summary. The district has budgeted the additional $406,252 IDEA aid (not through the state) and $350,420 Chapter 70 federal funds (flows through the state) under Contracted Services. The district is slated to receive $206,800 ARRA funds in the Technology area. What is now being debated in the state house will impact the district.
The state House of Representatives has finalized its budget which now moves on to the Senate. The House budget reduces the districts’ receipts by $260,000.
The administration will present Out-of-District placement costs at the next meeting.
REDUCTION PRIORITY
Dr. Towle reported the FY09-10 budget has already been reduced by $770,000 and the additional reductions of $250,000 will bring the figure to close to $1 million dollars in reductions. Technology, building maintenance, custodial staff, supplies and materials, and staff have been reduced.
Mr. Doret noted the district developed a level funded budget equal to last year, which includes an increase in salaries per contracts, thus reductions have had to be made to achieve the number. The district has nowhere near the money needed to reach the salary payments it has to reach. Dr. Towle noted the budget figure is a 1.3% increase.
Mr. Tretter added the budget reflects the $1 million dollars in reductions as well as the $500,000 from the town side, and there is still a shortfall in the budget.
Mr. Harris noted the Committee went through tough negotiations for one and a half years and agreed upon a contract that was rejected by the WTA. “In going back to the negotiating table for a second round, the town ended up with a settlement that saved Westborough an additional $1 million dollars. The School Committee has done what it can to preserve the product we have. It is a difficult time for the town.”
Mrs. Henderson stated the contract was fair at the time; now the climate is worse.
Dr. Towle noted all unions settled contracts last year. The teachers’ contract was less than every other union in town. The teachers recognized that things were changing and settled for less than everyone else. The additional cuts of $260,000 are difficult for the administration to recommend. The focus has to be the students and the services they need. The recommendations are not in any priority order.
School Committee Meeting 3.
RECOMMENDED REDUCTIONS TO ACHIEVE $260,000 NOT PRIORITIZED
Elementary Guidance Position (2 positions for 3 schools)
3rd grade teacher, Hastings (a 3rd grade teacher at Armstrong will go to 1st grade)
5th grade teacher, Mill Pond
High School teacher
Technology
3rd grade Strings (move to Community Ed on fee basis)
2 Para positions at Fales
Psychologist (moving toward district model)
Nurse Leader
Mr. Tretter noted the first four reductions result in a savings of $165,000. An additional $95,000 is needed.
Mr. Jost discussed the impact of the 3rd grade Strings program moving to an after school program. He noted 70% of the students at that grade level participate in the program, and research shows the program would have a 40-50% reduction in participation if moved to after school. Mr. Jost’s preference would be to condense the program and retain a fraction of it. He will also look at restructuring other areas of his programs. Mr. Doret supported Mr. Jost’s premise. Parent, Diane Wagner, also spoke in favor of retaining the 3rd grade program.
SENATOR ELDRIDGE
State Senator, James Eldridge, stated he knows how difficult it is for the school districts of the cities and towns going through the budget process and how hard the district has worked to receive equitable foundation funding the past few years. He is fighting for fair education funding at the state house. For many years Westborough has not received fair and equitable funding. Because of the economic crisis that is in jeopardy.
Mr. Tretter stated the district knows what it is getting from the town; it does not know what is happening with the state. The House and Senate decide where the budget stands. The district just wants to know the figures. The Governor’s budget returned $557,000 to the district; the House budget is recommending $317,507, or a $239,000 deficit. Senator Eldridge stated all stimulus funds are up to the Governor and how he wishes to appropriate them. The Senator is advocating that the foundation funding be restored because it is part of the five year plan that Westborough agreed to. He reported the Senate is due to take up its budget next week. In the last three months, there has been a loss of $1.6 billion dollars in state revenue. The Senate could end up reducing the budget more than the House. When the Senate budget comes out, it will have no revenues in it just like the House.
Mr. Tretter stated no one understands the Chapter 70 formula. The House and Senate decide where the budget stands. The district just wants to know the figures and move on.
In Mr. Harris’s opinion, it appears the budget figure for Westborough could be cut further before the next school committee meeting, May 20. He inquired what reforms are being planned by the state. The Senator replied the superintendent and MASS have provided recommended changes for consideration, including the freezing of out-of- district tuition rates which traditionally go up between 5-20%. He does not expect the suggested changes to be in this year’s budget.
Senator Eldridge stated he is in favor of supporting an increase in sales or income taxes, a controversial suggestion. The state has to receive more revenue. If it is the Governor’s prerogative, why would the House change it? The Senator thought the House perhaps is sending a message that this is how they would like the funds to be spent. The Senate may leave it alone. There are federal regulations on how the money can be spent for educational grants. The Executive Branch distributes grants.
Mrs. Henderson requested the increase of foundation funds as agreed to be kept to bring the district up to a minimum level. Mr. Harris noted peer town, Hopkinton, receives $3 million dollars more than Westborough.
School Committee Meeting 4.
Mr. Doret added that the legislature wants to change the Governor’s distribution of funds for those communities who did not get any funding. Westborough ends up with $250,000 less, a 40% hit, which has nothing to do with fairness. It is a political call. Mr. Doret felt the district representatives should be arguing for citizens of Westborough, who have been suffering all these years by being under funded. Raising taxes in this environment is worst thing that could be done.
Mr. Doret continued, “All the people of the Commonwealth are asking is to balance the budget and create an affordable economy, that is what is important. Raising taxes to continue the waste that is out there is unfortunate. All the people of the Commonwealth ever ask for is fair treatment and a clear and understandable formula instead of the formula we deal with every year that is in effect. People laugh at it on the basis that no one understands how you come out with the answers you come up with even if you understand the metrics of the formula. There is no formula at all.”
Mr. Doret asked that the Senator and his colleagues sit down and look at what is going on and answer the question, “What can the taxpayer do; how much can they afford?” Just raising taxes to continue programs that are unfair and don’t deliver the service is unfortunate. I would ask that the Senator sit down and ask what the people get for the money spent. And if 50% of the money doesn’t get to the purpose of the program, it should be eliminated. The legislature would find a lot of money to use differently. The district has been lauded for its performance. Give the district the money to continue doing what we do. We cannot do it if we do not have the teachers, and we are not going to have the teachers if this continues the way it is.”
Senator Eldridge stated he will continue to advocate for the original figure. “We are in the greatest economic crisis since the depression. The state is losing revenue. We need to do reforms in addition to cutting pensions and transportation. It is not going to make up the difference.” That is why the senator advocates raising taxes. Program cuts are occurring in autism, mental health, police and fire, and there is extreme concern about the teachers. The state cannot provide for them all unless revenue is raised.
Mr. Doret suggested creating jobs; only jobs will increase revenue; and to make changes in state laws to attract jobs to create taxes. Only the legislature can get the Commonwealth out of the box we are in.
Mrs. Henderson pointed to the letter from Dr. Towle and other superintendents to relieve some of the monetary mandates. She urged the Senator to push forward on some of those. Any relief on the reports and mandates will be helpful. As stewards of education, the superintendents have suggested areas for relief not financially based. Westborough’s Town Meeting is May 16. Some people have to be notified of reduction according to contracts. The sooner the district receives firm numbers, the better.
The timetable going forward is the Senate will debate the budget starting May 19 and end on May 22. It then goes to conference committee. There should be an agreement in June. Senator Eldridge stated the results will depend upon the budget debates and how much revenue is added to the budget.
Mrs. Levine-Kanji pointed out Westborough is 30th from the bottom in Chapter 70 funding. The state average is $4170 and Westborough receives $1272 per student in terms of state aid. Mr. Harris noted the student average expenditure is $12,000, of which the state pays 10%. Mr. Doret added the citizens are out of money and cannot afford to carry the cost any more. The citizens want equality. Every student in
Senator Eldridge agreed the parents are suffering. The Municipal Relief Commission report will be announced on May 7. Included in it will be local options, taxes, and closing the telecom loophole. It should result in added revenue for Westborough. There should also be GIC reform to help reduce insurance costs for town employees and towns sharing costs. The legislators are looking to pass that legislation quickly.
School Committee Meeting 5.
Dr. Towle stated relief on the mandated issues would be greatly appreciated. Senator Eldridge will follow up with the Joint Committee on Education to see if the notes have been heard yet.
Discussion on budget reductions
Dana Catarius, Fales School Counselor, and Hastings Guidance Counselor, Mary Ann Burritt, spoke to the changes that will occur if two counselors cover three schools. Of particular concern is involvement in the emotional and mental well being of the students and crisis management which cannot be dictated to occur at a specific time. Direct services would be reduced 40-50%. Ms. Catarius suggested Committee members visit the schools and talk to the staff. Kate Finn, reading teacher, related concerns with eliminating the support positions.
The Committee welcomes emails from the staff if they have any ideas to share.
Mr. Doret stated the budget goes to Town Meeting and there are notification requirements to be met. The School Committee will not be giving up any source or any method including discussion with unions. There has to be common sense. Hopefully, there will be discussion with the unions to see how they can help to keep the teachers where they are.
MOTION
Mr. Tretter made a motion at
The Committee returned to Open Session at
Respectfully submitted
Ilyse Levine-Kanji
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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