ASHLAND SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The Ashland School Committee met on Wednesday, March 22, 2006. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM at the Mindess School.
PRESENT: Dr. Richard Hoffmann, Superintendent
Dr. Kay Wood, Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Mary Lou Hunt, Business Manager
Mrs. Claudia Bennett, School Committee Chair
Mrs. Yolanda Greaves, Vice Chair
Mr. John Blake, Member
Mr. Garrett Mahoney, Member
Ms. Robin Scott, Recording Secretary
ABSENT: Mrs. Judith Leavey, Secretary
OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO BE HEARD
RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT
Dr. Hoffmann recognized and thanked Mr. Joseph Connolly, owner of Connolly & Sons, Incorporated for the special bus accommodations during MCAS testing.
DISCUSSION – FY07 FEES
Dr. Hoffmann asked the School Committee to continue discussions and possibly amend a prior vote on fees for the 2006-07 school years. The Superintendent said he has been receiving a lot of emails protesting the jump in the student parking fee at the High School and the bus transportation fee. Discussion ensued.
Student Parking Fee
Mr. Mahoney motioned to rescind the vote to increase the parking lot fee at the High School. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Greaves seconded the motion. Members were polled and all were in favor.
Mr. Mahoney motioned to establish a parking lot fee of $25 at the High School. Mr. Blake seconded the motion. Members were polled and all were in favor.
Bus Transportation
Mrs. Greaves motioned to rescind the vote to increase the bus fee from $180 to $225 increase. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mahoney. Members were polled and all were in favor.
Mrs. Greaves motioned to increase the bus fee from $180 to $220 with a family cap from $360 to $400 for the next school year. Mr. Blake seconded the motion. Members were polled and all were in favor.
FY07 BUDGET DELIBERATIONS – CONTINUED DISCUSSION
Dr. Hoffmann reviewed the final budget documents that were forwarded to the Board of Selectman. He pointed out that $526,159 has already been cut from the budget which was outlined in Tier 1. The School Committee reviewed “Tier 2” that outlines $639,419 worth of cuts that is being presented tonight at Town meeting. He pointed out that if the override passes then the bus fee and the athletic fee are not increased but that if the override does not pass then the bus fee and the athletic fees do increase. Discussion ensued
· Increase Bus Fee from $180 to $225 per student (40,000)
· Increase Sport Fee from $120 to $150 per student (21,000)
· Eliminate one new Classroom teacher at the Mindess School (45,000)
· Eliminate new Neighborhood Teacher at the Mindess School (45,000)
· Eliminate Grade 6 Foreign Language Teacher at the Middle School (76,500)
· Reduce Reading / ELA Coordinator (35,000)
· Eliminate one new Reading Teacher at the Middle School (45,000)
· Eliminate Grade 1 Teaching Assistant at the Warren School (16,500)
· Eliminate Computer Teacher at the Mindess School (70,000)
· Eliminate Computer Teacher at the Middle School (70,000)
· Transfer .5 Guidance Counselor from the Mindess School to the Middle School (22,500)
· Reduce Band Teacher to a .6 position at the Mindess School (20,216)
· Eliminate Math Teacher at the High School (60,347)
· Eliminate Special Education Teacher at the Middle School (45,000)
· Eliminate one Assistant Football Coach (3,804)
· Eliminate remaining Computer Upgrades (23,552)
DISCUSSION – SCHOOL CALENDAR
Dr. Hoffmann presented a draft of the FY07 School Calendar to the School Committee for discussion.
Dr. Wood said there were two Professional Development changes made to the calendar and they are: November 15, 2006 was changed to December 6, 2006 and May 2, 2007 was changed to March 14, 2007.
Mr. Garrett Mahoney motioned to accept the Ashland School Calendar for the 2006-07 school years, as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. Blake. Members were polled and all were in favor.
DISCUSSION – BEVERAGE VENDING CONTRACT
Dr. Hoffmann discussed the possibly of extending the beverage contract for one year with the School Committee. He said that three years ago the Polar Beverage Company was the responsive, best bidder. . The Superintendent said the company has done a great job fulfilling their contract and has also made significant donations to the school. He said the three year contract ended on August 31, 2006 by a vote at Town Meeting and the contract did not include a clause to extend it for one more additional year. Dr. Hoffmann requested the School Committee vote to extend the contract with the Polar Beverage Company for one more year.
Mr. Mahoney motioned to request Town Meeting to extend a contract for one year. Mr. Blake seconded the motion. Members were polled and all were in favor.
A motion was made by Mr. Blake and seconded Mr. Mahoney to adjourn the meeting. Members were polled and all were in favor. The School Committee will not be returning to open session.
The next School Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, 2006, at the Mindess School.
ADJOURN 6:00 PM
Respectfully submitted
Judith F. Leavey
Secretary