Approval of Record
March 5, 2007
Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
February 5, 2007
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room, Third Floor, Town Hall. Chairman Haugland called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, Henry Haugland, Stephen Meyler, David Murphy, Rick Wynn, Ted Wynne
Others Present:
James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Sharon Reilly Recording Secretary
PUBLIC SPEAK
Ms. Erin Miller, Class of 1997 came forward and thanked the School Committee for the open dialogue that has taken place regarding the request to retire the Natick mascot. She supports the motion to take action sooner rather than later to make the change.
Ms. Linda Wells, Class of 1997 came forward in support of changing the mascot name and suggested involving the youth in the town to come up with a suitable name.
REPORT FROM STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD
Members of the Student Advisory Board: Kacey Fields, Rachel Levine, Randall Rosenberg, Katherine Worthington and Loren Belforti provided updates on Natick High School events.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON THE FY08 BUDGET
Mr. Connolly presented the proposed reductions in priority order he would recommend in order to fill the $1,748,119 budget gap between his recommended budget and that of the Town Administrator. Disclaimer: “The superintendent does not recommend that these reductions happen. If these reductions happen, educational services to our students will be reduced.”
-Proposed Reductions
Priority Order Level 1 Cuts
§ Middle School library assistants $44,440
§ Elementary literacy specialists $82,905
§ Memorial 4th grade teacher $50,000
§ Maintenance position $46,242
§ HS/ MS Metrowest Counselors $90,887
§ Wilson .5fte guidance counselor $32,888
Total $347,362
Priority Order Level 2 Cuts
§ Ben-Hem .6fte Asst. Principal $48,124
§ Staff Development Coordinator $ 31,016
§ Special Education Tuitions (projected) $100,000
Total $179,140
Level 1&2 Totals $526,502
Priority Order Level 3 Cuts
§ High School- reduce 5 teachers $250,000
§ K-5 math and ELA coordinators & MS
Math/ELA department heads $271,469
§ Elementary reading $312,316
Total $833,785
Level 1&2&3 Totals $1,360,287
Priority Order Level 4 Cuts
§ Full day kindergarten $450,000
Level 1&2&3&4 Totals $1,810,287
A lengthy discussion took place on the seriousness of this budget gap and how the School department will be compromised if these cuts are implemented. Finance Committee members present invited any interested parties to their meetings. They are looking and will continue to look into all possible revenue streams. A discussion also took place regarding the timing of an override vote if necessary. A request was made for the Superintendent to send home a copy of his budget cut presentation to parents. Mr. Wynn moved for approval for the superintendent to work with the Town Administrator on the process for presenting two separate budget numbers to Town Meeting, Option A, Option B with the amounts to be determined later. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBER CONCERNS
Ms. Karen Adelman Foster requested that the meeting of April 2nd be rescheduled to Wednesday, March 28, 2007 as it is the first night of Passover. Mr. Coburn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
APPROVAL OF TOWN MEETING ARTICLE
Mr. Connolly requested that the School Committee give its approval to submit the following article:
Article
(School Committee)
To see what sum of money the Town will vote to appropriate for the purpose of operation and administration of the school bus transportation system, and to reduce or offset fees charged for students who elect to use the school bus transportation system for transportation to and from school; or otherwise act thereon.
Mr. Coburn moved to approve the submission of this article. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS
Mr. Connolly requested that the School Committee accept the following donations:
Source/Donation Amount/Value Purpose
Mr. & Mrs. Bent - Air Conditioner $329.98 Ben Hem Pre-School Summer Program
Linda Olsen $50.00 Wilson - Mass. Cultural Council Grant*
Larry Gardner $20.00 Wilson Speech Team – Student Activity
NHS Boosters $500.00 Ski Team – Student Activity
NHS Band $1000.00 Band – Student Activity
Mr. & Ms. Bice $20.00 Wilson Library
Mr. Wynn moved to accept the above donations. Mr. Coburn seconded. They were unanimously approved.
At 10:30 p.m., Mr. Wynn moved to adjourn. Mr. Coburn seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_______________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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