Saugus School Committee
Time Place:
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
An open budget hearing of the Saugus School Committee was held this date at the Roby
School Building. The budget hearing was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Ms. Riley was not present for the meeting due to a family matter.
Ms. Reed noted that the meeting was being recorded by SCTV. There were no other
recordings at this meeting.
Ms. Reed reported that the 6:00 p.m. start was to have the public hearing for the FY15
budget presentation. She noted that there were two nights of presentations last week
by principals and other administrators and now the Superintendent will present the
budget.
Superintendent Tempesta explained the budget process and stated that it has been
ongoing for the last two months. He thanked his team for their collaborative work to
come up with a budget focused on the instructional core and a budget that is good for
the students in order for them to compete with neighboring districts.
Superintendent Tempesta reviewed a level service budget which included:
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Summer programs
Elementary paraprofessionals
Out of district tuition
Elementary adjustment counselor
Consumables
3 BMS paraprofessionals
3 BMS special education teachers
Speech language pathologist
Veterans Special Ed teachers
Increase in bus contract
Restoration of athletics
Restoration of custodian at BMS
$28,293,533
Superintendent also presented Critical Educational Needs for FY15
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Scissor List at BMS
4 wheel drive truck
Summer help
Elementary – chrome books
Elementary BCBA
Elementary evaluation team facilitator
Elementary librarian/media specialist –Veterans
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Saugus School Committee
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Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
BMS – Computer Lab – New Desktops
Adobe Creative Suite
Social Study Texts
Dropout prevention teacher
Guidance Counselor/Adjustment Counselor
New math series textbook series
Security camera system
Social study texts
Tech Integration specialist
$680,200
Total Budget: $28,973.733
Ms. Meredith was concerned that she did not see a request for the BMS wellness
teacher.
Superintendent Tempesta knew it was one of the requests but others were put in ahead
of it.
Ms. Meredith feels very strongly that this position is needed and that not enough
wellness is offered to the kids at this age level. She pointed out that they may only have
health for one trimester of their three years at the middle school. She stated that they
are not doing enough to educate these kids. This would be a way of prevention. She is
surprised it is not on the list.
Mr. Bruno added that everyone has at least one trimester and some will have a second
trimester.
It was noted that guidance counselors have also been working with students.
Ms. Reed stated that the wellness advisory committee would need to make a
recommendation to the Superintendent for another teacher. The Superintendent said
he knows it is on the administration’s radar.
Mr. Serino asked if there is a way to teach the curriculum. Ms. Meredith noted that
they have the curriculum there but they need another teacher to teach it. Mr. Serino
asked if there would be a way to teach it with the three paraprofessionals and the three
special ed teachers on the list for the BMS.
Mr. Grabowski felt they would not be getting the full amount they are asking for in the
budget. He also stated that he is not happy about projecting budget turnover savings
and allocating the money. Ms. Andrews assured him that these are the known retirees
right now.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Mr. Grabowski is also disappointed with the $101,000 allocated for non-union. Ms.
Andrews noted that it is for non-union and wage adjustments. Ms. Reed added
substitute pay adjustments Is included as well. The finance committee met on
substitute pay.
Mr. Grabowski asked about bussing cuts. Ms. Andrews noted that the difference will
have to be made up with the revolving account.
Mr. Grabowski does not feel a $40,000 truck is a critical need. He also asked about the
human resource director. Superintendent Tempesta said they are going to hire one;
they are just trying to reconfigure the position.
Mr. Grabowski does not like coming up with a budget and then having tiered reductions.
He thought they would have a more down to earth budget so we would not have to go
through tiered reductions.
Ms. Reed asked if he was suggesting they advocate for a level service budget.
Mr. Grabowski does not like requesting a budget that they will not get.
Ms. Reed noted that it is the School Committee’s job to advocate for what SPS needs to
educate the students. The public needs to know what we need so that if money
becomes available they will have priorities.
Mr. Grabowski thinks the public wants the school committee and the Superintendent to
be the best advocate for their tax dollars and do the best that we can possibly offer. He
feels tiered reductions are not good for morale.
Mr. Serino and Ms. Meredith said this is how budgets work. You ask for what you need.
Ms. Reed said this budget is for all students.
Superintendent Tempesta said they are in the fifth year of trying to get an adjustment
counselor. They have had to prioritize and this is what we need to thrive.
Public Comment:
Jeannie Bartola, Town Meeting Precinct 6, commended the Superintendent for his work
on the budget. She is impressed with the additional paraprofessionals and special
education teachers. She would like to see another wellness teacher in the budget.
Dawn Gaffney, stated that life skills is very important and it is part of wellness. She
thinks that is missing from this budget.
Ms. Reed noted that the budget must be submitted by February 1st to the Board of
Selectmen.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Discussion was held regarding decreasing other things in the budget to have enough
money to include a wellness teacher at BMS and then vote an amended budget.
Mr. Grabowski asked why they have $28,000 for consumables when they bought the
consumables in December for next year. It was noted that consumables are purchased
a year ahead to get a discount, so this $28,000 is for the following year.
Ms. Meredith moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was unanimously
VOTED: to reduce the annual wage adjustment by $55,000 to put in a wellness teacher
at the BMS.
A discussion was held regarding the building of a “0” based budget, transportation and
programs that will save money and make the schools a hub of activity within the town.
Ms. Reed noted that the high school reviews and revises the program of studies each
year.
Ms. Reed recommended to the committee to accept the budget as presented by the
Superintendent with the amendment.
Mr. Serino moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:
to accept the FY15 budget with Ms. Meredith’s amendment.
The budget will be sent to the Board of Selectmen with a cover letter.
Mr. Grabowski moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:
Time-Place:
to close the budget hearing.
The regular meeting of the Saugus School Committee was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comment:
No public comment
Student Representative: No student representative
Minutes for Approval:
December 12, 2013 Open Session was tabled and will stay on the table.
Mr. Serino moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED: to accept the Minutes of January 9, 2014 as amended
Warrants:
There were no warrants this week.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Finance Report:
Ms. Andrews reported that as of December 13, 2013 they have expended and
encumbered $10,960,235 against the original budget. They are right on target. They
have a handful of line items overspent, which will not happen once MUNIS is
implemented since it will not allow line items to be overspent.
Transfers will be ready for the next month’s meeting.
Food Service: Ms. Andrews reported that all free and reduced applications have been
verified. There are 281 fewer students eligible for free and reduced. The food service
verification officer will verify all new applications as well as all kindergarten applicants
to see who may be eligible for K scholarships.
MUNIS: They are working on the chart of accounts and in February they will be working
on the PO system as well as the accounts payable system.
The end of the year report and the audit is scheduled for February 10 and 11.
Ms. Reed asked about the middle school audit. Superintendent Tempesta said he will
be meeting with the town Manager on Monday.
Mr. Grabowski asked about bills which have no PO’s. Ms. Andrews said those bills are
under $500.
Discussion was held regarding MUNIS, deposits and expenditures.
Superintendent’s Report:
Massachusetts Secretary of Education, Dr. Matt Malone’s visit to BMS: Superintendent
Tempesta reported that Dr. Malone visited the BMS last week to gain an understanding
of the BMS philosophy, class offerings, curriculum and the integration and expansion of
STEM Programs within the SPS. He was impressed by the engagement of staff and
students and praised the efforts of the staff. He proposed that Saugus consider taking
advantage of some upcoming opportunities coming from the state that involve
“Innovative Schools” grants and expanding to full day kindergarten. These are goals
that are already in discussion within the SPS and will be considered for the upcoming
DIP that will be created later this spring.
Saugus High School and Belmonte Middle School work together to align curriculum and
strengthen existing rigor of courses for Saugus Public Schools.
SHS Principal and BMS Principal have been working with staff members around the
subject of academic rigor and increasing academic opportunities and access for all
students within the SPS.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Saugus High School is offered admission into the MA Math and Science Initiative Cohort
Program
Superintendent Tempesta received an email from the Executive Director of the MA
Math and Science Initiative, offering a letter of agreement for us to join the MMSI
Cohort VII for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year. Superintendent Tempesta thanked
Mr. Hashem and his faculty, Mr. Bruno and his team working with the high school and
BMS to gather data and support this initiative. He also thanked Mr. Woods for being the
point person in terms of gathering research, data and other materials as well as working
with Mr. Hashem to orchestrate a successful school visit by the MMSI team leading to
this honor. This program will provide ongoing support for our teachers, expanded
materials and support for students, assistance gathering and communicating baseline
AP potential data for our counselors, parents, and students.
A discussion was held regarding business course offerings at the high school.
A discussion was also held regarding the cost of the program and Mr. Bruno felt it is very
cost effective professional development for staff. The staff is looking for grants to assist
in the cost.
Report of Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment:
January 15th Professional Day: Mr. Bruno reported on the PD day which included
working in grade level teams, collaborating, identifying DDMs, department and vertical
meetings, integration of Discovery Education techbook into the classroom and to make
the most of available classroom technology and digital curriculum.
School Improvement Plans and Budget Presentation Completed: The curriculum team
and program leaders spent time in December and January assisting principals and
building staff in developing School Improvement Plans and outlining budget priorities.
All buildings have presented plans to the Superintendent and contributed to the districtwide budget presentation to the school committee.
More Keys to Literacy Training Underway: On January 16th 35 teachers across the
district started one of four training sessions on Keys to Literacy, the Comprehension
Routine. This professional development training provides teachers with effective
routines to strengthen critical reading and writing skills for students across all grade
levels and content areas. This will be the second cohort of teachers in the district who
have received this training and all rave about its efficacy.
PARCC Field Tests: DESE has been forwarding instructions to all districts involved in field
testing for the upcoming transition to PARCC testing. Students that will be participating
have been identified. They are awaiting further instructions on specific training relating
to test administration.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Mr. Bruno stated that the students have not been notified as of yet. It will not reflect on
their grades or their performances. This is to get ready for next year. The tests will be
administered in April and June. SPS will not receive the scores. This is just for obtaining
data.
Report of Subcommittees:
Athletic Subcommittee: The last meeting was cancelled due to snow. They will be
meeting next Thursday. Ms. Reed asked that Mr. Grabowski let her know if she should
put the Athletic Subcommittee on the next agenda.
Finance Subcommittee: They did not have a report ready but will have it for the next
meeting.
Ms. Reed asked if Mr. Grabowski had received a report that he requested on Food
Service. Ms. Andrews stated that she just received the December report. It will be on
the next agenda.
Mr. Grabowski said that he would like the committee to prepare for the renewal of the
food service contract. He thinks the School Committee should have input on what they
would like to see in the food service contract.
Ms. Reed also noted that the transportation subcommittee should meet regarding the
purchase of vehicles.
Old business:
No old business
New Business:
Recommendation of Field Trip SHS to England and France April 2015:
Ms. Alongi presented information for a SHS field trip to England and France during April
vacation 2015. She outlined the 12-day trip for the school committee including
destinations, costs and what was included.
Ms. Meredith thought it was a wonderful opportunity for the students.
Mr. Grabowski asked about including trips within the US to be more cost effective. Mr.
Lavoie said that he had offered a US trip to students and did not get a big response and
ended up losing $1000 for the deposit.
Mr. Serino moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:
to approve the field trip to England and France as proposed by Ms.
Alongi for April vacation 2015.
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Saugus School Committee
Budget Hearing/Regular Meeting
Open Session
January 23, 2013
Cash Handling Procedures: A discussion was held regarding the school committee
advocating for better cash financial practices. It was noted that Ms. Andrews has put in
very good financial practices.
Ms. Reed wondered if there needs to be a policy in place for guidelines for cash
handling.
Discussion was held regarding cash handling policies and procedures.
Ms. Reed said the bonding of employees policy needs to be updated. She gave the
policy to Mr. Serino to discuss at the policy and /or finance subcommittee. She noted
that there is no policy for cash handlings. This is a school committee initiative.
Gift to Veterans Memorial School:
Ms. Meredith moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:
to accept the gift of $1,000 to the Veterans Memorial School from Bob’s
Discount Furniture and to deposit it into the gift account.
Mr. Serino moved, Ms. Reed seconded and it was
VOTED:
to adjourn the open session at 8:12 p.m. and to enter into executive
session for the purpose of non-union and negotiations not to return to open session.
Roll Call:
Mr. Grabowski
yes
Mrs. Meredith
yes
Mr. Serino
yes
Ms. Reed
yes
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