Better Vision of Budget Discussed at L-S School Committee Meeting

The Committee discussed during its Tuesday meeting formulating a vision for the school's budget for the next three years, which is in progress, in order to facilitate better planning for the school community.

One Committee member was concerned about the timeline for the goals.

"These are all very lofty goals," School Committee Member Patty Mosque said. "When will we know?"

An update of an audit process proposed by Superintendent/Principal Scott Carpenter was also brought forth at the meeting. Carpenter said he was looking to audit business office function and the medical claims trust. Upon receiving quotes from three firms, Carpenter recommended for the Committee to retain the services of Delanson, Heath & Company for approximately $12,500.

School Committee member Mark Collins voiced concern over signing off on the audit, citing an inability to track funds collected by students from various athletic teams.

"When I've asked, no one has been able to show me," he said. "It's not that complex — I've asked over and over again." 

Carpenter asserted that the funds are deposited into a student activities account in the business office. School Committee Chair Nancy Marshall added that outgoing Finance Director Judy Belliveau created a policy handbook to clarify how such funds are processed.

Carpenter also advised the committee regarding the school's goals for the 2011-2012 school year and how they have progressed to date.

He acknowledged that a lot has been accomplished despite fiscal challenges.

Among some of the items discussed were the curricular/program review process at the school, as well as between the school and its feeder schools.

"A number of our departments have been doing a lot of outreach to middle schools," Carpenter said.

Other goals include adapting the new educator evaluation system to meet state requirements. Carpenter said that teachers have been meeting to discuss the new system, as well as attending seminars put together by the state.

The Committee also discussed the school's incoming finance director, Michael Connelly, who is slated to begin July 1.

"I'm just really excited to be able to have Michael Connelly work for us," Carpenter said.

Connelly is vacating his current position as business administrator for Wakefield Public Schools.

Updates on the budget are planned for discussion at the next school committee meeting on April 24. 

Tuesday's meeting was held at the Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, and was attended by several parents of students participating in the METCO program.

METCO Director Janine Daley spoke to the School Committee and touted the successes of the program's students, particularly at the LA2 Tenacity Challenge, a scholarship competition for African American and Latino students.

Lincoln-Sudbury won third place overall and each student received a $200 scholarship, according to Daley.