MANCHESTER ESSEX REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
MANCHESTER ESSEX REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
REGULAR MEETING OPEN SESSION
7:30 pm
DATE: February 2, 2010
PRESENT: Ms. Coviello, Chair, Ms. Beckmann, Dr. Carroll, Mr. Evans, Mr. Giedt, Ms. Harrison, Ms. Ingaharro, Ms. Mulligan, Business Manager, Mr. Urbas
A. Call to Order
The Chairman called the Meeting and Public Budget Hearing to Order at 7:35pm.
B. Representatives Brad Hill and Ann-Margaret Ferrante
Representative Hill gave an update on Chapter 70 and the State’s budget discussion. His take-home message was that the Governor’s budget holds Chapter 70 and transportation costs level and proposes an increase in the Circuit Breaker, but he and others on the Hill feel the School Committee should plan on cuts in all areas as they plan their budget. He says that it is his hope that there will be a budget resolution within 45 days.
Representative Ferrante agreed with Representative Hill’s interpretation of the budget process at the State Level and also urges caution by the School Committee.
Ms. Beckmann asked, for planning purposes, what numbers other communities are using. Rep. Hill answered 10-15% decrease in local aid with Chapter 70 level funded. Rep. Ferrante agreed that the same numbers hold in her District.
C. Budget: Power Point Presentation
Ms. Mulligan and Mr. Urbas presented Power Point Presentations – “2010-2011 Budget, Draft 1, Feb 2, 2010” and “Public Hearing: Adoption of a Budget, Feb 2, 2010”.
D. Senator Bruce Tarr
Ms. Coviello recognized Senator Tarr, who had just arrived. He shared the same thoughts and concerns as Reps. Hill and Ferrante on the current budget numbers. He stressed that the Senate will continue to look at health insurance options and realizes the challenges of SPED and hopes to look at other options going forward. He acknowledged the difficulties for Towns with the timing of budget discussions and said he is trying to push the local funding part of the budget by the end of March.
E. School Committee Discussion
Ms. Coviello opened the School Committee discussion on the budget. She said that, based on what the Reps and Senator had said, the 10% planned reduction that has been carried in the budget seems smart. She stated that the School Committee is targeting a 4% budget this evening.
Mr. Evans asked about the lack of professional development money in the budget. Ms. Mulligan says that there is no money for each school, but there is still $25K for District-wide professional development.
Mr. Evans asked if this budget includes the .8 or full physics teacher. Mr. Lee said there is an existing position that will be reduced by .2. Mr. Evans asked how this would affect the number of physics classes. Mr. Lee said it will be a general science teacher and that the reduction will result in the reduction of 1 science class HS-wide.
Mr. Evans asked about the school choice lottery and when the exact number of choice spots is decided. Ms. Mulligan said that it is usually in May.
F. Public Comment
Nick Royle, Manchester, questioned why the budget of the elementary schools included a higher per student cost for Essex and stated that the salaries for the teachers at the different schools seem different. He also questioned why the budget includes $175K for the new Superintendent and why the Curriculum Coordinator is getting a 7+% increase in salary. Mr. Urbas explained that the salaries for individual positions are determined by the step and scale rates determined through contract negotiations with META (Manchester Essex Teacher’s Association). The disparity on the cost per student comes from the fact that a smaller school still requires a base number of positions – Administrator, secretary, school nurse, etc. – and that Essex has teachers who are currently
higher on the pay scale due to length of service.
Dave Edwards, Manchester, asked whether the negotiations of teacher salaries influence the step and scale. The answer is yes – it can make it higher than 2.5%.
Kevel McNamara, Manchester, has students in 3rd and 9th grades and is a teacher who has worked as a substitute at Memorial. She wanted to offer her perspective as a newcomer as to how other School Districts and School Committee’s work. She acknowledged that the School Committee is keeping the arts for now, but wants to speak up for the arts as she feels they provide an essential avenue for many children to achieve their potential. She stated that she doesn’t understand why the term “specialist” is used to distinguish these teachers when they are indeed teachers. She encouraged the School Committee to attend the spring band and chorus concert. She was shocked herself by the difference in the cost per student between Essex and Manchester – figures it is an
approximately $417K difference between the two and wonders if the money can’t be cut from Essex Elementary. Mr. Urbas responded to the last point by saying that doing so would eliminate key programs – many of which are required by State Law. Mr. Urbas also stated that Essex gets Title 1 money that goes toward the budget. This is Federal money for Towns with certain socioeconomic levels. The numbers come from the number of students on free and reduced lunches.
Jeff Bodmer-Turner, teacher at Essex Elementary School, taxpayer in Manchester, stated his concern about the “we” and “them” evolving in the budget discussion. Looking back over the past 5 years he feels the numbers for salaries at the Elementary schools have swung back and forth. Currently Essex has more senior faculty – new hires cost less. Essex Kindergarten also brings in grants. He feels there should be no “us” versus “them” in the discussions.
John Carlson, Manchester, echoed everything Mr. Bodmer-Turner said. He feels it is disrespectful to insinuate that the School Committee would favor one school over the other. He further stated that the increase in student athletic fees on the budget seems to be quite large. Is there level funding for utilities for the next school year? He also asked about transportation costs and wonders if the Committee has decided to charge for bussing. If so, he would like to see the School Committee reconsider having paid crossing guards. Ms. Mulligan responded that the increase in the student athletic fees line on the budget is because of the private bussing now so there was movement on the budget lines – increase is not as large as it seems because of that. She also said that the utilities are
level funded as they have contracts for this that run through June 2012. Finally, she stated that yes; they are including bussing fees under Revenue.
Bernadette Carr, Manchester, wants to manage class sizes and wondered about moving any teacher aides from Essex to Manchester. She also wonders if the placement of school choice kids can be managed to control class size. She urged the School Committee to fix the radiators at Memorial.
Shannon Erdmann, Manchester, asked whether the discussion is on the 4.5% or 4% budget. She is concerned that by presenting the 4% budget it will get chipped down and wouldn’t it be better to start higher? Ms. Coviello stated that they are going with the 4% budget. If revenues come up then the District will be in better shape.
Kim Field, teacher at Essex Elementary and lives in Manchester, echoed all the concerns about Essex vs. Manchester comments. She stressed that everyone is working hard to do the best for the students.
Annie Cameron, Essex, acknowledged everyone’s hard work on the budget to get us to where we are without cutting any programs. She stated that she would like to know where unexpected funds might go should they come in and expressed her concerns about the Reserve Fund. She also wondered how the School Committee will asses the Administrative changes and stated that she thinks it will work well.
Ellen Eisele, Manchester, asked whether the privatization of bussing has been successful and if it has saved money. She also asked about the utility costs for the new High School and expressed concern that lights seem to be on at all hours. Ms. Mulligan answered that they are still looking at the numbers for the bussing and that the utilities for the new school are being worked out.
G. School Committee Discussion
Mr. Evans said that he doesn’t want finger pointing, but does feel that some of the financial questions posed are legitimate. There are some large differences in salaries and he questions whether we have the most experienced people in the right schools. He would like the Administration to look at where to best place teachers. Mr. Evans also asked about the bus fees. Ms. Mulligan stated that they are estimating that 80% of students will still ride the bus with fees. This is an educated guess based on a survey of various districts.
Mr. Evans asked about the public comment about unheated classrooms. Mr. Urbas answered that when there is a certain confluence of high winds and cold temperatures a few classrooms have problems. It is not a simple fix. When it happens it usually takes 1-2 hours to get things warmed back up. Mr. Evans asked whether an energy audit would be helpful. Ms. Mulligan said that they have done some, but things got a bit stuck due to the system at Memorial. Ms. Mulligan has asked National Grid if there is new software for that system. The audit focused on how the District can save money with what we have currently for systems.
Mr. Carroll said he is still bothered by the fee for bussing and is still wondering about creating a drop-off charge. Ms. Beckmann said she also likes this idea but is unsure of how enforcement would happen. Perhaps there could just be a general transportation fee? Ms. Mulligan said she will look into whether any other Districts are doing this.
Mr. Giedt stated that he thinks we should leave it to the Administration as professionals to administer positions. Let them do their job and don’t base decisions just on number of students.
Ms. Beckmann complimented Ms. Mulligan and Mr. Urbas for their excellent work on the budget. She feels that the School Committee needs to follow up with prioritization of possible additional funds. She says the School Committee walks a fine line as their job is not to administer the District. The Administration needs to decide where teachers belong. Everyone needs to keep thinking as a District. The 10th year anniversary of the District is coming up and she feels everyone is finally thinking more like a District. It is all about doing what is best for the kids. She also thanked parents who were at last night’s Manchester Board of Selectmen meeting advocating for the schools.
Ms. Harrison asked if the District is strategic with the taking of school choice kids. Ms. Mulligan said that the Administration goes through class by class – opening up choice spots where there are opportunities. Ms. Harrison stated that she had thought the District was going to lose something important with the budget cuts. She acknowledged that each building has made sacrifices and congratulated Ms. Mulligan and Mr. Urbas for the hard work they have done.
Ms. Coviello encouraged people to make appointments next week at the Superintendent’s office if they have further questions.
Mr. Evans expressed his feelings that there should be a higher budget than what is being proposed. He stated how Erica Everett spoke two weeks ago about how hard it will be to hire a new science teacher at .8. He asked the School Committee to increase the budget by $15K to keep a full science teacher position. Ms. Raucci reiterated that this will not mean cutting a teacher or necessarily cutting any physics classes, it will just mean one less science class throughout the High School. Ms. Coviello added that this is the sort of thing that can be looked at again once the Chapter 70 money and other aid numbers starts coming in. She would like the Administrative Council to bring recommendations on how to handle any unplanned money. Mr. Evans asked that it be on record that he
respectfully disagrees with Ms. Raucci. Ms. Beckmann reiterated that the School Committee needs to trust the Administration to do what they need to do.
Ms. Harrison moved that the School Committee agree to adopt the 2010-2011 budget as described in the budget document dated 2/2/10. Ms. Beckmann seconded the motion. The members present voted unanimously in favor.
H. Public Comment
Gillian Polk, Guidance Counselor at Essex Elementary, spoke for unity in the District. She is against moving faculty around between the schools. She stressed that teachers have relationships with students and families and that to just switch people around because of numbers is dangerous. She added that all of the teachers work very hard to create a common experience in the schools.
Michelle Notte, Gloucester, with choice student at Essex, asked about school choice spots. She said that the budget assumes more choice kids than they will actually have to fill. Ms. Coviello said that they have not yet voted on how the choice spots will be allocated. That happens later.
Stacy Friends, Manchester, said that she hopes no one intended any finger pointing, but feels that people’s questions come from a lack of understanding of the numbers and fears in Manchester, especially due to the change in the Principal position. She also spoke in support of Mr. Carroll’s “green” transportation idea and would love to see some creative thinking around that.
Dave Edwards, Manchester, said that he is confused about the 4% vs. 6% numbers for the budget. Ms. Mulligan said that there is a 4% increase in the assessment to the Towns, but that is not the only money that supports the budget. The total budget is increasing by 6%. Mr. Edwards said it would be helpful to have more explanation of the budget. Ms. Ingaharro said that the budget process actually started back in December, but it is hard to get people interested then.
Ellen Eisele, Manchester, asked if SPED teachers are paid on the same scale as all of the other teachers. Ms. Mulligan answered that yes they are.
Ms. Beckmann moved to close the public hearing. Mr. Giedt seconded the motion. the members present voted unanimously in favor.
I. Finances
Ms. Mulligan, Business Manager, recommended that the School Committee approve the following for payment:
Voucher #1050 in the amount of $16,479.29. Mr. Giedt moved to approve, Ms. Harrison seconded. Ms. Ingaharro asked about the transportation costs in this voucher. Ms. Mulligan said it is a once a month charge for Federal food deliveries. Mr. Evans asked about the $2000 charge for the Mac laptop and asked if it was going to the High School. Ms. Mulligan said it was going to Memorial. The members present voted unanimously in favor.
Voucher #1051 in the amount of $390,722.05 Ms. Harrison moved to approve, Mr. Giedt seconded. Ms. Ingaharro asked about the SmartBoard on the bills. Ms. Mulligan stated that a Spaulding Fund grant had funded some of the SmartBoards. The members present voted unanimously in favor.
J. Minutes
Ms. Coviello said that a vote on minutes will be postponed until the next meeting.
K. Further School Committee discussion
Ms. Coviello said that she appreciates everyone’s comments in support of the District. She hopes that everyone, as they are out and about in the Community can help to correct misunderstandings.
Mr. Carroll expressed his appreciation to how Ms. Mulligan has done the budget. He said that there might be some thought to combining numbers more in the future. Ms. Mulligan said she has never had these kinds of questions before.
Ms. Beckmann brought up the powerful presentation Thursday night at the High School on cyber bullying and would like the climate change committee to put this issue on future agendas. She feels that just as people need to sign off on athletics, we need to team with the Administration and Guidance on this issue.
Mr. Evans had a question about recorded suspensions and why the numbers aren’t reflected. Ms. Coviello urged Mr. Evans to call Principal Lee who has the proper answer to that question.
Mr. Carroll stated that on 2/12/10 Mr. Morrison and Mr. Lee are going to look at some other schools. Mr. Carroll, Ms. Beckmann and Ms. Coviello are going to look at the International Baccalaureate program in Brockton. Ms. Ingaharro wants to keep her eyes open on the project. Mr. Evans stated that the “Theory of Knowledge” is the IB stronghold. He feels that IB is not the only way to introduce natural philosophy/physics and feels this is something the District needs to tackle.
L. Executive Session
Ms. Coviello asked for a motion to go to Executive Session. Ms. Beckmann moved to go to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and not to return to Regular Session. Ms. Ingaharro seconded the motion. here was a roll call vote: The members present voted unanimously in favor.
Prepared by: Accepted by:
Jessica Lamothe Superintendent Marcia Adams O’Neil
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