Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
October 27, 2003
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, October 27, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Haugland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Peg Broekel, Michael Cashman, Jonathan Freedman, Henry Haugland, Diane Packer, Kristine Van Amsterdam,Ted Wynne
Others present: James J. Connolly Superintendent of Schools
Audrey Seyffert Assistant Superintendent
Mary Ellen Dunn Director of Fiscal & Management Services
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
Staff, Parents & Press
PUBLIC SPEAK
Chairman Haugland asked if anyone wished to come forward for public speak. No one came forward.
DISCUSSION ON TRANSPORTATION REBATES
The School Committee discussed the amendment that Chris Weithman made at Town Meeting to Article 1 (Motion 1E) which requested that the Town return 200K of free cash to the School Committee and 300K to the Department of Public Works for the purposes of rebating portions of the fees paid for school bus transportation and trash fees.
Mr. Freedman moved for approval that the School Committee respond to the question if Town Meeting votes article 1E in the affirmative in substantially the same form it was presented, the school committee would provide refunds as requested. Mr. Wynne seconded.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval that if Town Meeting voted in the affirmative to return $200K of free cash to the School Committee for rebating portions of the transportation fees, that the School Committee return the funds to the Treasurer/Collector’s office. Ms. Broekel seconded.
A vote was taken on the first motion. The motion carried 5 to 2.
A vote was taken on the second motion. The motion lost 2 to 5.
Mrs. Van Amsterdam moved for approval that the School Committee take a position on the amendment to Town Meeting Article 1 Motion E and oppose the appropriation of $200,000 from free cash to the School Committee for the rebating of transportation fees and the appropriation of $300,000 from free cash to the Treasurers Collector’s office for rebating a previous fiscal year’s trash fees. Mrs. Van Amsterdam provided the School Committee with a handout she prepared which supported her motion. Ms. Broekel seconded.
A discussion continued.
A vote was taken on Mrs. Van Amsterdam’s motion that the School Committee take a position on the amendment to Town Meeting Article 1 Motion E and oppose the appropriation of $200,000 from free cash to the School Committee for the rebating of transportation fees and the appropriation of $300,000 from free cash to the Treasurers Collector’s office for rebating a previous fiscal year’s trash fees. The motion lost 3 to 4.
At 9:10 p.m. the Administration requested an Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws. A roll call vote was taken to enter into Executive Session. All members who were present were in favor of entering into Executive Session. Mr. Haugland stated that he was unable to attend the Executive Session.
At 9:50 p.m. the School Committee returned to open session. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ By: Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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