Natick Public Schools
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
March 12, 2007
The School Committee held a meeting on Monday, March 12, 2007 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: Karen Adelman Foster, Dirk Coburn, Henry Haugland, Stephen Meyler, David Murphy,
Rick Wynn, Ted Wynne
Others present:
James Connolly Superintendent
Karen LeDuc Assistant Superintendent
Thomas Rose 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.
APPROVAL OF OUT OF STATE TRAVEL
Mr. Hughes requested the School Committee’s approval of out of state travel for the Natick High School Co-Ed Cheerleaders to participate in the New England Co-Ed Cheerleaders Championship on March 17, 2007 at the University of New Hampshire. Natick High School’s Co-Ed team finished third this past weekend in the State Competition which has qualified them to participate in this event. Ms. Adelman Foster moved for approval of this trip. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Mr. Haugland reported that the students on the Business Professionals of America Team under the direction of Doug Scott will also be participating in an upcoming competition requiring out of state travel. They were very successful this past weekend in their competition.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION ON THE FY08 BUDGET
Mr. Connolly reported that the School Committee had met this weekend and had come up with an agreed budget request for FY2008 in the amount of $40,453,029. This budget amount is an increase of $170K over the Superintendent’s original budget. Items added to the original budget request include:
2.0 FTE for additional 1/2 team at Wilson Middle School
.4 FTE for 8th Geometry
50K added to transportation to maintain the current fee of $150.00
Mr. Rick Wynn moved for approval for the School Committee to submit its FY2008 budget request in the amount of $40,453,029. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
Mr. Rick Wynn moved for the School Committee to request that the Board of Selectmen place an override question on the ballot to fund this budget request, if necessary. The election would be no later that the first week of May 2007. Mr. Meyler seconded. It was unanimously approved.
At 7:10 p.m. the School Committee joined the Board of Selectmen at their meeting along with Finance Committee members. Mr. Coburn left the meeting due to illness.
Mr. Connolly reported to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee that the School Committee had voted a budget amount this evening in the amount of $40,453,029 and this budget still does not include many unmet needs. It is a level service budget. The gap between this budget request and the town administrator’s is $1,918,119.
Mr. Connolly also reported that the School Committee voted unanimously to request the Board of Selectmen to place an override question on the ballot to fund this budget request if necessary with the election being no later than the first week of May 2007.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Charlies Hughes, then allowed others to speak on the matter. (See Board of Selectmen minutes). Discussion continued regarding what other options which might be available to fund this gap, such as stabilization fund, overlay reserve, etc. Many spoke on the pros and cons of using these other funds. The Finance Committee will be having additional meetings this week to look at all possible revenue streams.
After much discussion and debate, the Board of Selectmen, by a vote of 4 to 1, tabled the vote until the meeting of March 19, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
At 10:15 p.m. the School Committee returned to its meeting on the 3rd floor Town Hall. Mr. Haugland requested an Executive Session to discuss Non-Represented personnel in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 39, Section 23b of the Massachusetts General Laws. By roll call vote, all members present agreed to enter into Executive Session.
At 11:20 p.m., the School Committee returned to open session.
Mr. Meyler moved to adjourn. Mr. Wynne seconded. It was unanimously approved.
James Connolly
Superintendent
Secretary to the School Committee
Attest:_____________________________ Sharon Reilly
Recording Secretary
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