School Committee Budget Meeting
March 25, 2010
The Superintendent commented on the topics that the public discussed at the public hearing on Monday, with the School Committee reviewing the topics afterwards. In particular:
• BCBA Proposal for Special Education, especially the question of whether the new staff would have enough hours to meet the demand: The Superintendent said that all the IEPs (individual education plans) were reviewed based on students’ needs to determine how many staff people would be required. He also said that the analysis would go on year-round. The School Committee added that all changes have risks, and that it might not be possible to realize all the savings in the first year, if student needs turn out to be greater.
• Communications: The open position in the Business, Planning and Finance department has a certain amount of communication as part of its new job description. Some specific needs would be addressed by the use of a consultant, giving the new incoming Superintendent some flexibility and the ability to determine how to continue in the future.
• High School Librarians: The Superintendent supported this cut, adding that if the librarians were restored another staff position would need to be cut instead. He added that if more money were available, this staff would be added back. Later discussion by the School Committee also suggested that any additional funds be at the disposal of the high school principals and Shelley Chamberlain—either to add back a librarian or use in the “digital” area.
• ELL Program: The Superintendent noted that while there were NO cuts in ELL (English Language Learners) program; however, the concern is that the number of ELL students in rising without a similar increase in staff. If the need arises, it will be possible to take a reserve staff position to support ELL.
• Music Fee: The Superintendent supported the $25 increase per semester in the 4th grade music fee. Later comments by School Committee members asked that the number of students enrolling in the program continue to be monitored to be sure that the “tipping point”—the point where the fee deters students from entering the program—hasn’t been reached.
• Secretarial Reduction: The Superintendent supported the decrease in the secretarial staff, with the School Committee noting that this cut was specifically about increased efficiency.
• Summer Compensation: The Superintendent reiterated that it was important to deal with the salary inequity across the various summer programs, where staff are paid differing amounts for the same job, depending on the program. He did add that they would look at the different level of service and expertise required. Overall, this is not a budget issue, but does concern parents on how the total amount is divided up.
• Food Services: The Superintendent said that it is important to bargain in good faith with the union, and that since this money is not used directly for education, the amount needs to be carefully reviewed. The School Committee added that if the efficiencies aren’t found, there would be cuts in other staff (probably teachers), which would be difficult for the students, and that our fiscal times mean making tough choices.
The final comments were about the items that were added back (including Creative Arts & Sciences), with the “found” money from the early handover of the old Newton North High School. If the remaining $1.8 million in revenue is not available, either from the state or from other City revenue, these restorations would need to be reviewed as well as other cuts that have not yet been fully discussed.