School Committee Affected by Cutbacks

The School Committee struggled on Monday night with ideas for procuring funds to supplement the school budget.

They reviewed with satisfaction the final report on FY11, which showed a slight surplus of $1,376 can be rolled over to FY12.

They also reviewed the finalized budget for FY12 and speculated about what can be expected for FY13. Forecasting areas where the budget is weak concerned the committee.

The cutbacks

As Chair Gerry Venezia explained cutbacks in recent years have left the budget with no room to reflect changes in the way schools have to educate now.

"We have to show the town what we need even if we don't get it. Creating a budget and allocating resources is one of the most important things we do," Venezia stated. 

Mel Webster questioned the number of staff members in technology as one place to raise community awareness.

Carl Nelson, Director of Budget and Finance followed up by using the comment to give an example of the way the schools have been making do with less.

"We had three people in technology related positions in 1999," said Nelson. "We still have three positions even though every employee and every student has access with different passwords, and classrooms are integrating more and more technologies into instruction."

Unfunded program needs

Nelson believes an additional position in technology may be a priority in the 2013 budget. Superintendent Kathleen Willis agreed.

"We have issues related to adequate learning through technology and maintenance of the systems we have in place," Willis said. "We have pilot programs using technology in every classroom this year. But we aren't adequately supporting the staff involved. Tech maintenance and repairs is also lacking."

Nelson and the committee agreed to develop a budget based on level funding as a starting point.

Cliff Bowers also expressed concern.

"We never get beyond level funding. We talk about 'available' funds  allocated by the town. With the allotments we get we aren't getting to the needs we've identified," said Bowers. "We need to explain to the town what the real shortfall is."

Documentation and Innovations  

Michael Kushajki suggested having a simple explanation of the things added to the budget beyond what level funding provides.

"If we show why we ask for something and how it relates to learning at least we let everyone understand the reasons behind the request," Kushajki said.

"The leadership team is looking at Finances and Asset Management," Willis said. "By meeting in small groups throughout the district we are establishing plans and objectives for improving student achievement."

Willis went on to say that she was very pleased to receive information from certain residents about their intention to work aggressively to establish an educational foundation in North Reading.

As with other school districts funds raised from such a foundation would supplement money allocated by the town for school programs.

Karen Errichetti spoke of the importance of keeping families informed.

The committee endorsed the idea of fostering more communication with families and the town. They agreed to bring explanations forward about how administrators, the school committee and the staff identified priorities.