Schools

A message from WESTBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL

Good morning Westborough parents, I am sending this request on behalf of parents coordinating Project graduation..

1. Dough Raiser at Uno May 21, The proceeds from this event will go to Project Graduation. Uno's will accept coupons( available in the main office of the high school) for lunch and dinner as well as for dining inside or take out orders.

2. Reminder to all senior parents to hand in the 5x7 copies of a baby and current picture of their senior, complete and hand in the Project Graduation Poster (poster board size), laminated (optional) to the WHS office by May 21. Any questions can be directed to Carolyn Vancini (cvancini@aol.com) or Susan Stoddard (relicsamongruins@yahoo.com)

3. Project Graduation Chaperone Request

ATTENTION JUNIOR PARENTS!! ATTENTION PARENTS OF ALL GRADES!!

Project Graduation is less than a month away [the night of June 5, 10pm - 5am] and is in need of chaperones!!
Please consider volunteering for one of the several shifts available for this wonderful event.
Anyone needing information, and how to sign-up, please contact one of the chairpersons:

Amanda Morin: missamanda5@verizon.net
Wendy Kelley: wendyskelley@aol.com

[A message from Westborough Public Schools, received at 8:33 am Tue May 18, 2010, with the subject "Project graduation".  Additional highlighting added. -- webmaster]

[The following minutes, posted 5/14/10 on the district site, were copied on 15-May-2010.  Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy -- webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                                          April 28, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Mr. Bruce Tretter arrived shortly after the opening of the meeting. Administrators present were Superintendent, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, a second by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of approving the minutes of April 12, 2010.

Upon a motion by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, seconded by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted 4-0 in favor of approving the minutes of April 14, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle wished to thank everyone for the many expressions of sympathy on the recent death of her father in law.

High School chemistry teacher, Tari Shea extended an invitation to school committee members to view the chemistry club mural being painted during club meetings.  Local artist, Kevin Coffey, is mentoring the students.  Funds were received from making silly putty and a grant from the American Chemical Society.

From a group of 120 competing schools, the eighth grade math team ranked first regionally and sixth overall in the New England Mathematics Leagues national math contest.  The seventh grade team ranked first in the region and sixth in New England.  The students will be recognized at the next meeting as well as students from the Mill Pond School math team.

Mr. Tretter arrived at the meeting.

High School students, Anthony Liu and Sukmin Moon, are National Merit Scholarhip Finalists.  Erin Silva is a finalist in the National Achievement Scholarship Program for Academically Talented Black Students.

Mrs. O’Connor summarized her recent trip to China with 29 other administrators under a Freedom Foundation grant.  The Assistant Superintendent announced Rick Hebert has been named Central Massachusetts Cross Country Coach.  The High School Quest program is underway and five students are interning at the Mill Pond School.  Colleen Debish is the program advisor.  Several members of the Westborough faculty attended a Mid-Wach workshop that focused on research papers, curriculum and direction.

Mrs. O’Connor met with the staffs of grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.  Curriculum mapping has been completed.  The Fine Arts department announced the First Annual Pops Concert will be held April 29. There will be two performances, at 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Hendricks reported representatives from the Massachusetts Building Authority will be visiting all the district schools April 29 and May 3, to assess building needs of the future.  The survey of the property along O’Neil Drive has been completed and markers are being put in place.  There is some erosion under the stairway.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa reported the junior class attended a College Fair in Boston April 27and today a Multi Cultural Buffet was held at the High School.  The Pop Concert will be held April 29, Student Council elections will take place April 30, On May 1 SAT exams are scheduled, College acceptances are due, and Student Council Film Festival will be held.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                        2.

April 14, 2010

The Spring Carnival will be held May 2 and the Junior Prom is May 8.  Afeefa will be attending Mass College of Pharmacy next year.

Mr. Tretter announced Earth Day was a success.  Twenty seven sites were cleaned up by over 110 people.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji noted the Legislature has started debate on the Budget and has finalized the Anti Bullying Bill. The House, Senate, and Governor have to sign it.

Mr. Doret extended thanks to the high school staff for cleaning up the hillside property and upper driveway.

Mrs. Henderson noted the Spring Festival takes place this weekend.  There is a fishing derby Saturday and activities at the high school, including a dog show and 5k race.

REPORTS

Gail McBride and Pam Tabb, co presidents of the Friends of Facing History Foundation gave an overview of the foundation’s goals and objectives.  The “Facing History and Ourselves” course is a senior course taught by Gregory Gallagher, and is in its second year at the high school.  It was started thirty years ago in Brookline, MA. and is now taught internationally.   The Foundation provides teacher funding, course resources, and scholarships.

Several former and current students related the impact the course has had on their lives.  They strongly supported offering the course earlier in the high school years, stating it would make the high school experience much more pleasant for many students.  They all felt it has made an impact on their lives in terms of tolerance and respect.

TOWN MEETING WARRANT ARTICLES

Dr. Towle reviewed the agenda of the Finance Committee meeting April 29.  Town Budgets and Warrant Articles will be discussed.  The school department budget is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and it’s Warrant Article at 7:35 p.m.   She reported that through the Superintendents Association, Dr. Towle has been informed the Chapter 70 funding will be reduced by a number not to exceed 4% and the Circuit Breaker funding may be increased 1.4%. This does not take into consideration the reductions made last year to the Circuit Breaker that were propped up by the Federal Stimulus funds. The Ways and Means Committee has recommended no new taxes and no elimination of tax exemptions.  The structural budget gap of the state is $3.2 billion dollars.  The Committee did not freeze salaries of private special education schools.  It appears Westborough’s Chapter 70 funding will be $4,183,588.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR TOWN MEETING

Mr. Hendricks presented the brochure for distribution at the upcoming Town Meeting.  One section details comparisons with neighboring districts.  It was pointed out, however, that transportation costs were not included, and some business managers record line items differently, resulting in some sizeable differences.  The bottom line of expenditures is a better indication of the comparison.

Mrs. Henderson was pleased the district put its emphasis on instructional leadership and classroom and specialist teachers.  The Committee discussed its presentation for Town Meeting and what information should be available in anticipation of questions.

MOTION

The Committee signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Levine-Kanji the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:20 p.m.

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.

[The following Westborough School Committee meeting minutes, posted 5/14/10 on the district site, were copied on 16-May-2010.  Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy -- webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                            April 14, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Administrators present included Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks and Principal, Pattie Berkey.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of approving the minutes of April 7, 2010.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Afeefa reported those seniors scheduled to start the High School Quest program are finishing their final exams.  Report cards for the third quarter are due out April 16, and spring break is next week.  The Darfur Club is hosting an ice cream social April 15 in the lobby.  Simran Bimrah, a member of the Speech and Debate Club, placed third at States in the group debate and received the top novice award for her first year.

Mr. Tretter announced the Land Trust will be sponsoring its 12^th Annual Clean Up Day April 24.  Meeting places include Bellows Road and Westmeadow Plaza at 6:30 a.m. and Lake Chauncy at 9:00 a.m.  New Hope Chapel and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be providing refreshments and trash bags.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji reminded the community Town Meeting occurs May 15 at 1:00 p.m.  The Mill Pond School is among the finalists under consideration for the National School of Character Award.  Site visits have occurred.  Congratulations to the Principal and entire staff and students for the pride in their school.

Mrs. Henderson reported the Committee met with the Finance Committee on April 12 and presented its proposed budget and Warrant Article.

REPORTS

BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

Mr. Hendricks reported the proposed FY11 budget presented to the Finance Committee has a 2.62% increase over last year.  It contains three positions deemed necessary for next year and a level service program.  Credit should be given to the Unions for helping the district get through difficult times with the state funding.  The House Ways and Means Committee today released its budget which indicates a 4% reduction to the state funding. That budget is $400 million dollars less than the Governor’s recommended budget.

Mr. Hendricks will prepare a draft of an informational book for Town Meeting with a detailed explanation of the Expense budget.  Expenses are up $710,717 (9.63%) due to the reductions in state and federal aid. IDEA-ARRA has been reduced by $406,252, the Federal Stimulus funding reduced by $99,127 and the Circuit Breaker by $31,256.   The entire budget is up $866,807 (2.62%).  Salaries/Wages are up 0.50%.

Mrs. Henderson stated credit should be given to the administration, principals, staff and students for making the necessary reductions in all areas of the budget.   At some point, these reductions year after year will start taking its toll on the school programs.  Union negotiations have kept the district from the deficit it had last year.  This has had a very positive effect on the bottom line.  Health insurance costs have been controlled and decreased.

Mrs. Henderson requested the Out of District student numbers.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                           2.

April 14, 2010

Mr. Hendricks pointed out another unknown is the Title I funding.  It may become more competitive according to the President.  Mr. Hendricks detailed the payment receipts of the state and federal monies.

Mr. Doret added the Committee has tried to reduce the impact reductions have on the students.  Dealing with the shortfall of the state and the required state mandates, the Committee is limited as to how far it can go and still support a quality education for the children.

Mr. Hendricks reported the Revolving Accounts are on target.  These include the athletic gate receipts, school lunch, activity fees, summer school tuition and student activity accounts.  He noted some outside groups are not using the school facilities due to the increase in user fees.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to ratify the Secretaries contract.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

Brigitte Casemyr, member of the Finance Committee, stated that based on a 5% decrease in state funding, the town is a little over $200,000 with a level service budget, from reaching the 2-1/2% levy level.  That includes the use of $1 million dollars of free cash.

The School Committee will meet April 28 and May 5.

RECOGNITION OF STUDENT

Mr. Tretter recognized and congratulated David McCauley for being selected by the Quinn Conference to receive the 2010 Boston Bruins/MIAA Sportsmanship Award.  David was captain of the Varsity Hockey team this year.  The award is given annually by the Boston Bruins to one individual who best shows sportsmanship in ice hockey.  The award was presented at the Bruins game April 1.

At 7:00 p.m. the Committee took a short recess.  At 7:10 p.m. the meeting resumed.

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

MOTION

At 7:10 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion to open the Public Budget Hearing.  Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

Mr. Hendricks reported an FY11 Budget of $39,282,335.  This figure includes restoring three positions, for an increase of 2.62%.  Mr. Doret added the Salaries/Wages are $31,190,761 and Expenses $8,091.574.  No member of the public came forward to speak on the matter of the budget.

At 7:12 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to close the public budget hearing.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to approve the FY11 Budget figure of $39,282,335.  Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

At 7:15 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21 for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor by roll call vote.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                           3.

April 14, 2010

The Committee returned to Open Session at 7:20 p.m., and signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mrs. Levine-Kanji the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:21 p.m.

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.

[The following minutes, posted 5/14/10 on the district site, were copied on 15-May-2010.  Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy -- webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Monday                                                                                                                                                              April 12, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks.

The School Committee is meeting for the purpose of discussing its budget presentation to the Finance Committee at 7:10 p.m., April 12.

Mrs. Henderson reviewed the budget figures from 2009-10 and particularly emphasized the reductions taken after Town Meeting due to the reduced state and federal aid.  The enrollment figures show a decrease of sixty for next year, and staff transfers are being made to meet the needs of the system.  Student enrollment always increases over the summer.

The Salaries/Wages shows an increase of 0.50%; Expenses increase $710,717, or 9.63%; however, the total 2011 proposed budget of $39,282,335 is a 2.26% increase over 2010.  Salaries increase $156,090; SPED Tuition, $730,512; Transportation, $38,056; Utilities reduced ($69,130); Supplies, ($39,556).  The budget includes a SPED Growth Factor amount of $100,000.  It is predicted the IDEA – AARA funds will be reduced ($406,252), and the Federal Stimulus reduced ($99,127).  It is estimated the Circuit Breaker funds will reduce by ($31,256).  The budget has increased 2% each year since 2008-09.

It is due to the Union contract settlements that this year’s proposed budget is level funded.  This allows the district to provide the same quality of education to the students without deprivation.  There is some concern about the numbers in the fourth grade ELL program.  The ELL program now has 300 participants from 18 countries, speaking over 30 languages.  The Salary budget includes funding for three positions that are anticipated.

An Article has been placed on the Warrant requesting $175,000 for an owner’s project manager for the Gibbons School project.  The Massachusetts School Building Authority award is contingent upon having this position funded.  The MSBA will be visiting the Gibbons School to review and accept or reject the project.  It is estimated the repairs will be in the neighborhood of $5-6 million dollars with the state contributing in the neighborhood of 50% of the costs.

The School Committee has not formally adopted the 2011 budget at this time.  It is awaiting figures from the state.  Mr. Doret suggested if reductions have to be made, the Committee should then look toward the fee structure and transportation costs.

MOTION

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.

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.

[The following minutes, posted 4/21/10 on the district site, were copied on 04-May-2010. Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy  --webmaster]

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                              April 7, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Administrators present were Superintendent, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks;  Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Maureen Ferguson; Director of Technology, Kathy Martin;  Principals, Maryanne Stannard, Reene Hatherley, Assistant Principals, Jeff Slomski; Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti.

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

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of approving the minutes of March 24, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Superintendent Towle recognized and congratulated Leah Murphy for being named to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette Super Basketball Team.

Dr. Towle wished to assure the community that the school district is taking a pro active role in the matter of bullying.  The Guidance department will be speaking with all third grade students; Mill Pond works on building character; the Middle School has policies and procedures; the High School, Wellness class and peer mediation.  Adjustment counselors will work with the students in all buildings.  John Halligan, a national presenter on the subject, will be in Westborough June 2 to speak with students and parents in grades 6-9.

Mrs. O’Connor reported seven candidates were interviewed for the position of assistant superintendent.  Site visits to Maynard and Natick were held today for the two finalists, Daniel Mayer and Karen LeDuc.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Doret stated the School Committee is strongly in favor of the actions the administration is taking regarding bullying.  Currently there are two bills before the state legislature.  Mrs. Henderson added the Policy Sub Committee will address the issue when the bills are voted upon. Mr. Harris added it is another reason why the Resource Officer and guidance department are so important in the schools.

Afeefa reported “Voice It” was held April 6 to foster building understanding with one another. It is a forum to talk about current matters.  The seniors are winding down.  Quest begins in two weeks.  The Debate team is in competition this week.

ACTION ITEMS

MOTION

Upon the Superintendent’s recommendation, Mr. Harris made a motion to ratify the School Lunch Union contract.  Mr. Tretter seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

Upon Dr. Towle’s recommendation, Mr. Harris made a motion to ratify the Custodial contract. Mr. Tretter seconded the motion, and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to adopt Student Travel Policies JJH, JJH-R, and JJH-E-1, and Field Trips IJOA.   Mr. Doret seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                          2.

April 7, 2010

REPORTS

TECHNOLOGY

Director of Technology, Kathy Martin, reviewed the department Goals and Budget line items, which do not include the copy machines or custodial area. The Audio Visual budget has been merged with Technology.   She reported student skills in grades 6 and 7 are lacking a data base, which is being purchased for Gibbons next year including a vocabulary data base. In September the Windows 2000 will be replaced since after June, Microsoft will no longer support the program.

Mrs. Martin was very fortunate to have been able to purchase several refurbished Dell computers for $229 each with a 3 year warranty.  Document cameras have been used very successfully this year in the classrooms and there are many requests for these 3-D models.  With the building upgrades, purchase orders are a thing of the past.  All purchases can now be tracked.  Student attendance is online, as well as report cards for grades 4-12.

Funding requests for 2010-2011 include replacement of storage network, put K-3 report cards online, implement IParent for parent access with security, curriculum mapper expansion, and increase the district bandwidth to 15 MB.

The total budget request for the department is 7.11% less than last year, or a reduction of $47,988.  A small segment of the Gibbons School will have a trial run of the IParent program this spring, with expansion planned for the fall.

Mrs. Martin detailed some of the equipment needed for some students on IEP’s to be able to access the curriculum. Some students need touch computer screens, typing software, complex communication devices. Mrs. Ferguson added this area needs a very skilled expert technician to advise the district on the correct device.  The district currently works with the Collaborative on this.  Easter Seals representatives will be making a presentation on what is out there.

The Committee also discussed the state’s Software Data Warehouse, what the state will do with the information collected, and expressed concerns about the security of that information.

Selectman, Lydia Goldblatt asked permission of the Committee to place flyers in the schools for the Fishing Derby, May 1, at Sandra Pond, sponsored by the Civic Club.  Fishing poles will be provided, games and fun activities will take place, and the Pond has been stocked with fish by WASA.  The flyers will be in the schools.

MILL POND SCHOOL 

Mrs. Hatherley informed the Committee the National School of Character representatives will be on-site for a visit April 12.

Mrs. Hatherley presented a level funded budget request.  The projected enrollment for next year is approximately 800 students.  Class size will be slightly higher, with the fifth grade area at 24.8.  ELL is projected to increase from 46 students to 68.  The PDD classroom has 7 students now and will increase to 9 next year.  A PDD teacher will be needed due to the classification of the students.  An additional ELL teacher will be needed for the increase in population in that area, and will be handled through transfer of personnel, not additional staff.

Mr. Doret stated he appreciates the fact the administration has worked hard to bring in the budget numbers.  It is important to control costs.  He appreciates the sacrifice everyone has made, the professionalism exhibited, and noted that next year may be worse.  Also, when the administration runs into a wall, he asked that it bring forward what is needed and why.

Mrs. Henderson expanded on the role the Parents Organizations have played in supplementing the school budgets.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                            3

April 7, 2010

The Westborough Education Foundation has also contributed over $18,000 to the staff for projects.

The Superintendent left the meeting at this time for personal reasons.

FACILITIES BUDGET

Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Brian Schlegel, Head of the Facilities Department, presented the projected budget which indicates a 2.2% increase.  Electricity has been reduced by $69,000 for a -4.45% reduction in utility costs.  Talks are continuing with National Grid and NStar regarding areas where consumption can be reduced.  The grounds contract for the fields and lawns remains the same.  A picture presentation was made showing the major building repairs at each school scheduled for next year and the costs associated with them.  The department is submitting a warrant article requesting funding for the project manager of the Gibbons School repair.

Mr. Doret requested an assessment be made of the portable classrooms.  He also suggested the Armstrong roofing project be again brought forward to the Capital Expenses Committee.

Mr. Hendricks stated most of the union contracts have been settled, the administration is recommending the same staff with no layoffs related to the budget.  It hopes to have a final figure in the 2% increase range incorporating some of the staffing requests.  Budget talks will continue and the district will wait for financial information from the state.

Mr. Tretter noted the health insurance design in the contracts has saved the town $1 million dollars. The negotiations have gone very well and the perception is the district is very united in the reason that everyone is here to educate the kids.

Mr. Harris added there is still the unknown regarding state funding.  If a budget is adopted and the state reduces the Circuit Breaker funding, the district will once again be faced with finding the funds.  Where will that money come from? Mr. Doret stated the School Committee does not have sufficient information to inform the Finance Committee what the bottom line is going to be. He felt information should be presented to the public on the state impact on the supply budget and what we lost because of the state.  It is the town meeting that will eventually decide what we do with our money.  They will decide what we need and what we can do without for the whole town.  Mrs. Henderson asked Mr. Hendricks to highlight what the district is going to lose in funding.

The Committee will be meeting with the Finance Committee, April 12, at 7:10 p.m. The Committee will post a meeting before the FinCom meeting  at 5:45 p.m.

At 8:30 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 to close the regular meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING

At 8:30 p.m. Mrs. Henderson opened the Public Hearing on the Budget under Chapter 71, Section 38N.  No one in the audience came forward to ask a question.   Mr. Hendricks reported it has been a long process developing the budget and waiting to hear what the impact is of the state and federal funds.  Sub Committees have submitted information on fees and transportation.  Negotiations have been ongoing and will have a significant impact on town and school budgets.  80% of the district budget is for salaries.  There is a 1% increase in the transportation budget.  The Circuit Breaker figure will have a significant impact when received.  Last year 28 positions were reduced because of reductions in state funding after town meeting, as well as supplies and facility repairs.  The expected Circuit Breaker funding was 60%; actual received, 42%.  The school department did not ask the town to fund any part of the reduction.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                           4.

April 7, 2010

MOTION

At 8:44 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion to close the Public Hearing on the Budget.  Mrs. Levine-Kanji seconded the motion.

Mr. Doret requested another Public Hearing be held and that it be placed on the next Agenda.

The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

MOTION

At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion to reopen the Regular School Committee meeting.  Mrs. Levine-Kanji seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

At 8:46 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21, for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion by roll call vote.

The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:17 p.m., signed bills. Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 9:18 p.m.

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.