MANCHESTER ESSEX REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Essex Elementary School
Regular Meeting Open Session
7:00 pm
Date: January 19, 2010
PRESENT: Ms. Coviello, Chair, Ms. Beckmann, Dr. Carroll, Mr. Evans, Mr. Giedt (arr. 7:50p), Ms. Harrison, Ms. Mulligan, Business Manager, Superintendent O’Neil, Mr. Urbas
ABSENT: Ms. Ingaharro
The Chairman called the Meeting to Order at 7:10pm.
- Budget: Discussion of FY 11 Budget Workshop
Ms. Coviello said that while the School Committee and Administrative Council have been living and breathing the budget for a while, they wanted to give the background of the budget process thus far for the benefit of those in attendance.
Ms. Coviello expressed her thanks to the Administrative Team for their work thus far on pulling the budget together. She also expressed her thanks to the Town Boards for their collaborative discussions on the subject. She also expressed thanks to the Teacher’s Association for ongoing discussions seeking to find possible solutions for the budget.
Ms. Coviello introduced Superintendent O’Neil who introduced the Administrative Council and began her power point presentation titled “Budget Workshop” and dated January 19, 2010.
Following the power point presentation Ms. Coviello asked the School Committee members for their input and thoughts on the budget.
Ms. Beckmann said she had some clarification questions to pose first. She asked if the elimination of the 4th first grade classroom is included in the 4% level. The answer was yes. She asked if increasing the athletic fees to $395 and restructuring the athletic fees equals the amount shown in the handout. The answer was yes. She asked if there was a specific plan in place regarding the restructuring of the elementary school specialists. Dr. O’Neil said that yes, there are different models being considered such as a 4.5 day schedule, elimination of specialists, etc. Finally, Ms. Beckmann asked about the Chapter 70 assumption and whether the 10% decrease seemed to be a number to count on. Ms. Mulligan said that based on the information she is hearing that number is the best they can figure
on at this point.
Dr. Carroll thanked the Administrative Team and said that they have obviously worked hard. His priority is to focus on the early elementary education and keep class sizes as small as possible. He has concerns going forward regarding what we can do in anticipation of future budget problems. He suggests that people need to make more noise at the State level for funding.
Mr. Evans stated that these are difficult choices indeed. His recommendation is to not cut to 4%, but ask the Towns to support 4.5%. He offered his thanks to Beth Raucci and the Administrative Team, but still feels the Principal plan should remain a back up. He feels that students and parents shouldn't have to work under these circumstances. With the $80k difference between 4% and 4.5%, he would keep the emphasis on Middle School science and keep the Memorial School Principal. Mr. Evans is also concerned with the $32k proposed as a number for bussing fees. He feels that more people will drive their children resulting in increased danger to kids. He is also concerned that we are taking too much from the Reserves, which could hurt the budget next year. Mr. Evans said he feels there is a triangle
of teachers, parents and taxpayers that he is trying to figure out in his head as a way to share the pain for all.
Mr. Giedt said that one thing that stands out for him is that the Administrative Council is looking out for the best interest of the District and seeking to maintain integrity and save money. He feels that the District needs to go to the Towns with a budget plan that shows fiscal responsibility and a commitment to excellent programs. He doesn’t want to see early education cut, but he also doesn’t want to see the Middle School suffer, especially Middle School science. This may mean the sacrifice of having larger class sizes. He is hopeful that there can be forward movement with the Teacher’s Association.
Ms. Beckmann asked what Ms. Coviello is hearing from the Town’s regarding the budget. Ms. Coviello said that the Towns have said that any increase over 3% will probably result in a small override in both Towns. If an override is necessary, it would allow the District to protect some of the money in Reserves.
Ms. Beckmann commented that class size is important, as is how we conduct the program from early ages up, with the curriculum from K-12. She is concerned about the elimination of the 4th first grade classroom at Memorial and doesn’t want to eliminate full day Kindergarten. She supports the Administrative Plan to have Beth Raucci cover the Memorial and Middle schools. She is confident with the Team and knows that the School Committee can look into other plans if it appears that it is not working. Ms. Beckmann feels that the School Committee must look closely at possible plans for revenue generation with the new building. There needs to be a longer strategic plan. Ms. Beckmann wants to understand more details around the modification of Specialist plans. She wants to reiterate that the
School Committee are advocates for the Students, but have to keep the budget in line as well.
Ms. Harrison supports the Administrative Principal Plan and shares Mr. Evans’ concerns regarding the impact to Reserves in the future with the 4% plan. She has concerns in going for an override and what would be involved in getting that vote. She feels that if the School Committee can show cost savings and efforts at all levels in every area to contain costs then we could get an override at 4%. If we can’t do this then she is fearful of getting the vote. Ms. Harrison stressed that a free public education that gives all students the opportunity to excel is what she wants to see. She wants to come up with a program that can be sold to ALL taxpayers and voters.
Ms. Coviello read Ms. Ingaharro’s comments on the budget from an email. Ms. Ingaharro supports additional choice numbers if they can be installed carefully into the system. She feels the Principal Plan is a good one and thinks it might be a long-term solution. She prefers to keep full day kindergarten with no fee. She is not in favor of cutting the 4th first grade. She doesn’t want to see a charge for bussing, but will consider it. She is excited about the discussions with the teachers through the META. She doesn’t like the idea of cutting elementary music or foreign language. She is comfortable with the idea of sharing elementary school librarians.
Ms. Coviello stated that on February 2nd they must vote the budget number. They cannot go any higher at that point due to the Manchester warrant, but they can go down.
Ms. Coviello asked Dr. O’Neil where the possible additional choice students would be placed. Dr. O’Neil said that there are 13 choice students graduating this spring. The Administrative Council found 10 places where additional choice students could be absorbed and stated that it is done more easily at the High School level. They would add 10 total choice students at the elementary level and 9 at the High School. The additional 6 students, after the 13 graduate this spring, would bring in $30k.
- Public Comment on the Budget
Ms. Coviello explained that questions will not all be answered tonight but that all questions will be answered.
Annie Cameron, Essex, asked some questions of Ms. Mulligan. She wondered where we will be if we take money from the stabilization fund. She is concerned that we are chipping away at our foundation and thinks that it is important that the Finance Committees deliberate and take part in these discussions as well. She wondered about DECA and debate and other extracurricular activities and how their fees work compared to athletics.
Ms. Coviello responded to Ms. Cameron that the Reserves Fund will be less than $600k if they go ahead with the current plan.
Sarah Creighton, Manchester, said that she supports the Principal plan and feels it is a good plan and sends an important signal to the Towns. She expressed her concerns over the addition of Choice students as she pointed out that the District was formed 10 years ago to get away from Choice revenue as a foundation. She said that she echoes what Ms. Harrison said regarding overrides and feels that it is truly grueling to get an override passed. Finally, she feels it is important to remember that due to the monies coming from MSBA for the school building project the taxes will be less that what we had originally forecast for taxpayers.
John Carlson, Manchester, said that he is concerned about Administrative costs and feels there should be a study done as to how many Administrative positions have been added over the past few years. He feels there have to be other potential cuts within the Administration without leaving the Memorial School without a Principal.
Nick Royle, Manchester, said that he is very unhappy with the idea of losing the Memorial School Principal. He is wondering if there has been any consideration to sharing the Superintendent with neighboring towns. He is worried about waste within the buildings as he has witnessed with lights on over the weekends, the boiler going full blast on Sundays, etc. He feels the pain needs to be the same in Essex. He has no problem paying for the bus, but worries that it sends the wrong message and will not encourage people to use the bus. Finally he wondered if it is possible to go to Town Meeting with choices and let them make the decision.
Jeff Bodmer-Turner, Manchester resident and Essex Elementary Technology teacher, feels that the health insurance number is always a guess and that the numbers come in after the budget is demanded of the District. He stated that Manchester Town Meeting should be held later in the spring. He is not sure why “elementary” is in front of Specialists in these discussions. The equivalent classes are called “Electives” at the High School. He feels that we should be looking at “Specialists” K-12 in an integrated fashion. He stated that many specialists are already not full-time positions, i.e. Essex elementary has a 50% Art Teacher and the Art and Music Teachers at Memorial are .8. There are already some Specialists sharing positions. He
doesn’t think there can be $160k more to be saved with any Specialist plan.
Erica Everett, Chairperson of Science Curriculum for grades 6-12, asked the School Committee to not cut .2 of a science position based solely upon looking at average class sizes that are slightly lower for science than for subjects such as English and Social Studies. She wants to keep the safety records they have for science classes and stressed that there are sometimes special needs for programs, not just for students. She said the biggest challenge for her as Science Department Chairperson is finding physics teachers. She is afraid that if that position is cut to .8, then it will be impossible to fill. She asked the School Committee to please find $15k somewhere else.
Anne Wood, Manchester resident and Memorial School Music Teacher, stated that there is much research supporting music and its role in promoting brain development. Music instruction is proven to lead to higher test scores. Manchester Essex has a thriving and growing music program with a tremendous number of students participating in music. She hopes taxpayers would support the music program with more taxes, if necessary. She suggested a possible revenue source by holding adult education classes and renting out the new auditorium.
David Martz, Manchester, expressed concern about future budgets. He wonders if operating costs and health care costs are being looked at thoroughly and if there are cost savings that could be attained to minimize cuts.
Ms. Coviello stated that she did have a discussion about the date of Manchester Town Meeting with Manchester officials as they have an issue with the health insurance and other numbers being unknown when they have to put their budgets together. They are discussing the issue, but it would require a change in the by-laws.
Stacy Friends, Manchester, wondered about the roles of the Administrators and if there are other ways they could be combined without eliminating the Memorial School Principal. She said that she feels the early years provide the foundation and that you can’t cut full day Kindergarten or have 24 children in first grade classrooms.
Curtis Rising, Manchester, said that as a former High School teacher he can’t stress enough the difference between classes with 20 versus 25 kids. He really wants to maintain the 4th first grade classroom.
Caitlin McDonough, MERHS Junior, said that, as a Student, art and music are very important for relieving the stress of the day. She also felt the arts really help the kids realize what they want to do and who they are as a person and that it is important to be exposed to the arts early. She thinks that the Science program at the High School is great and it would be a huge drain to the School if we compromise the Science program.
Bernadette Carr, Manchester, said that as a parent volunteer she sees many physical problems with the Elementary school and feels that volunteers do a huge amount to make the students’ experience what it is. Library volunteers do the nuts and bolts of the daily activity in the library to free the librarian up to teach students excellent research skills to become independent learners. She has seen a very busy Principal handling many day to day issues. She was at a meeting at Essex Elementary last year where she heard all the reasons why Essex Elementary needs a full-time Principal and she feels that Manchester does too. She would be happy to help get an override passed as it is crucial for home values, etc.
Ms. Coviello closed public comment.
- School Committee Discussion
Superintendent O’Neil said that for the Committee’s information, built into the reduction to 3 first grade classrooms is the addition of an aide in each of the 3 classrooms. She also stated that the Administration has not increased over the past few years. here was a facilities manager added to deal with the school buildings, but no other new positions.
Ms. Mulligan stated that every two years they look at all providers and re-examine heath care choices thoroughly.
Ms. Coviello stated that she thinks the Committee needs to vote tonight on the Principal issue due to the timing of starting to look for a new Principal if that was the decision. Mr. Evans stated that if he has to vote tonight he will vote against the plan. He said it is a good plan, but should remain a back-up. He feels the Committee has taken $40k out of the budget by sharing SPED coordinators. He would like to put on the table a discussion of the salary increases. 2% has been the raise each year for the past 2 years. He would like to see what a cut to 1% would look like in the budget. Many taxpayers are getting no raises.
Ms. Beckmann moved to accept the Administration’s recommendation to move Beth Raucci over to the Memorial School as outlined in the plan presented tonight for next year. Ms. Harrison seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Giedt asked if there will be ongoing evaluations and the answer was yes. Mr. Evans again asked to push this vote off and feels the decision doesn’t have to be made tonight.
Vote: Ms. Coviello, Ms. Beckmann, Ms. Harrison, Mr. Giedt, and Dr. Carroll voted to support the motion. Mr. Evans voted No. The motion passed.
Ms. Mulligan, Business Manager, recommended that the School Committee approve the following for payment:
DTI additional services tied to the installation of PV and approved by the School Building Committee, not to exceed $10,000.
Ms. Harrison moved to approve, Ms. Beckmann seconded, members present voted unanimously in favor.
Voucher #1047 in the amount of $94.22
Ms. Harrison moved to approve, Ms. Beckmann seconded, members present voted unanimously in favor.
Voucher #1048 in the amount of $574,543.82.
Ms. Mulligan stated that this is the requisition for TLT and is pending SBC approval.
Ms. Harrison moved to approve pending SBC approval, Ms. Beckmann seconded, members present voted unanimously in favor.
Voucher #1049 in the amount of $238,903.11
Ms. Harrison moved to approve, Ms. Beckmann seconded, members present voted unanimously in favor.
- Budget Discussion, continued
Ms. Coviello said that there are still things in play and asked everyone to keep thinking about the suggestions on the table. All questions posed tonight will be forwarded to Ms. Mulligan and Mr. Urbas over the next 5 days.
Ms. Harrison stated that she heard many comments on possible revenue from renting out the facilities and feels we can’t count on any number for that yet as it is brand new and we are not sure yet what issues might come up with this.
Dr. Carroll feels the bus fee goes against our portrayal as a green school. He said we might initiate a drop-off fee which would promote bus use rather than putting a fee on it. Ms. Beckmann said perhaps there could just be a general transportation fee. Mr. Giedt stated that he doesn’t feel it penalizes people to pay for the bus, but reflects the actual cost.
Mr. Evans requests of Dr. O’Neil to find out what other top-performing and local schools are doing to meet budget challenges with their pros and cons. He wondered specifically about the biggest challenges they have accepted and what are the most creative things they have come up with.
Ms. Beckmann stated that she felt looking at the Specialists K-12 is a point well taken and wonders if there are further combinations that could optimize the budget. She also wonders if the Chapter 70 at 10% is realistic as she as heard some Districts assuming 20%. Ms. Mulligan said she has heard different stories and feels that 10% is a reasonable assumption right now.
Mr. Evans wanted to know if we can get more detail from the Finance Committees on what different numbers will actually mean to individual taxpayers.
Ms. Harrison stated that an override is often more about emotion than actual numbers. She feels it will be much more successful to go into Town Meetings with the Selectmen and Finance Committees behind us and that it is clear that we are serious about looking for ways to save money.
Ms. Beckmann asked when the Committee is meeting with META again. Ms. Coviello said it will be on 1/26. Ms. Beckmann stated that she thought it was important for that meeting to take place before the next School Committee meeting.
Mr. Giedt stated for the record that Ms. Mulligan has done her homework on health care shopping.
Ms. Coviello stated that the next “Charting the Course” program will be run on February 5th and 6th and to let her know if you are interested in going.
Ms. Coviello submitted letters three letters for the record regarding the proposed budget.
Michelle Notte, Gloucester, with choice student at Essex, asked the School Committee to remember that Choice parents have vested interest and do care. She has seen what happens in Gloucester with their elementary librarian and wants to maintain what is done in the library here in Essex. She hopes the committee will not add a bus fee.
Caroline Weld, Manchester, feels the School Committee has already shown due diligence with their work on the budget. She feels people will support the override and urges the School Committee to not be afraid of it.
Shannon Erdman, Manchester, asked if 4.5% is the final number. Ms. Coviello explained that an override would be necessary to maintain 4.5%.
Cutis Rising, Manchester, wondered if 4 or 4.5% includes the 1st grade change to 3 classrooms. He asked if the Committee was open to the 5% option and what is the flexibility in the Committee of looking at the higher numbers.
Mary Palermo, Manchester, asked how attractive the Manchester students are to colleges. She wondered if we make cuts in elementary school what will happen in the future.
Jessica Lamothe, Manchester, stated that people should be careful in thinking that an override will be easy as the School Building Committee was told when looking for the school vote that only 10% of voters in the two towns have a direct connection to the schools.
There being no further business, Ms. Coviello asked for a motion to adjourn. Ms. Harrison moved to adjourn and Ms. Beckmann seconded the motion. The committee voted unanimously to adjourn.
Prepared by: Accepted by:
Jessica Lamothe Superintendent Marcia Adams O’Neil
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