Written by Webmaster [The following minutes fetched from the district site on 2009-09-05 --webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Thursday August 20, 2009

CALL TO ORDER

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 5:13 p.m. by Chairman Mrs. Karen Henderson, members present included Mr. Stephen Doret, Mr. Craig Harris, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mr. Bruce Tretter. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor, and Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel P. Hendricks.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

COMMITTEE REQUESTS AND REPORTS

Fiscal Year 2011 Financial Forecast was reviewed by Dr. Anne Towle; she reviewed preliminary expenses projections and possible revenue changes for next year’s budget. These projections included the following:

• FY10 Budget $38,255,528
• Steps and Lanes $ 602,733
• Transportation $ 86,218 (5% est. increase)
• Out-of-District Placements $ 100,000 (5%est. increase)
• Revenues: IDEA Funds $ 406,252
• Stimulus $ 99,127
• Chapter 70 $ 466,166
• FY11 Budget Increase $ 1,760,496
• 2½ % Budget Increase = $ 956,388
• Every 1% Salary Increase = $ 300,000

Dr. Anne Towle and Mr. Daniel Hendricks responded to questions from the school committee. Questions included the potential impact of the loss of the Federal Stimulus funds including IDEA funding, and state Chapter 70 funding.

Dr. Anne Towle reviewed Actions to Meet Goals which included:

• Transportation Sub-Committee
• Grants Sub-Committee
• Fees Sub-Committee
• Energy Sub-Committee
• Negotiations Sub-Committee
• Legislative Sub-Committee
• Status of Schools Report
• Other?

Mrs. Karen Henderson discussed the need for an Annual Assessment of our schools and additionally having a complete listing of budget reductions made for 2009-10. The School Committee discussed the need to prepare for potential budget reductions ranging from $800,000 to $1,760,000.

School Committee Meeting 2.

August 20, 2009

Mrs. Ilyse Kanji inquired if the school district is considering requesting additional funding for 2010 at the October Town Meeting. Dr. Anne Towle advised that this will be a discussion item for the School Committee Meeting scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2009.

Dr. Anne Towle discussed Communication Strategies regarding the 2010-11 Budget. This included:

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Parents
• Staff
• Town
• Press

The meeting recessed at 6:05 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 6:55 p.m.

Mrs. Karen Henderson discussed the next steps regarding the 2010-11 Budget. The School Committee also discussed budget goals, impact and change, and the goals of the various committees.

Also discussed by the School Committee was the potential financial impact if the town approves the increase to the Hotel and Meals Tax recently approved by the State Legislature.

The School Committee discussed having a joint meeting with the Selectmen to discuss development of the budget for next year.

Dr. Anne Towle will develop a draft of goals including charges to the various committees.

MOTION

At 8:05 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Bruce Tretter, seconded by Mr. Steve Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session, under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Sub-paragraph (3).

At 9:45 p.m. the Committee returned to open session.

At 9:45 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Bruce Tretter, seconded by Mr. Steve Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted

Ilyse Levine-Kanji

Secretary

These minutes are 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.