Regular Meeting of the RegionalSchool Committee

Monday, March 27, 2007 7:00 p.m.

High School Library

Present:            Elaine Brighty, Chair                                         Jere Hochman, Superintendent

                        Andy Churchill                                                  Rob Detweiler, Dir. of Finance & Operation    

                        Alisa Brewer                                                    Public

                        Sonia Correa Pope                                           Press               

                        Maureen Ecclestone                                         Debbie Westmoreland, Recorder

                        Marianne Jorgensen

                        Michael Hussin (arrived at 7:12 p.m.)

Absent:             Tom Flittie, Michael Katz, Sok Kimeng Chamm (student representative)

1.  Welcome                                                                                        7:10 p.m.

A. & B.  Call to Order/Agenda Review—Ms. Brighty called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. She then welcomed everyone to the meeting and reviewed the agenda.

C.   Minutes—Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to approve the minutes of March 13, 2007.  Ms. Correa Pope seconded and the motion passed with one abstaining.

2.  Announcements and Public Comments                                        7:58 p.m.

There were no announcements or public comments.

3.  Superintendent’s Update                                                              7:11 p.m.

Dr. Hochman stated that he will report on several “good news” items regarding the district’s students at the meeting on April 3^rd. 

4.  Unfinished/Continuing Business                                                  7:12 p.m.

A.  Vote to Approve Budget—Dr. Hochman distributed a packet of information outlining a 1% assessment budget; a 3% assessment budget, which takes into account potential funds from the Amherst override vote; and a 3.3% increase budget totaling $27,567,000.00, with a 3% total assessment cap, which takes into account potential additional funds from the override and from increased state revenue.  Mr. Detweiler reviewed the three budget scenarios, noting that the School Committee requested to be presented with a $27,567,000.00, 3% assessment cap budget for their vote.  Dr. Hochman reported that he has met with the Select Board and Finance Committee in Amherst, Leverett and Pelham about the Regional budget.  He noted that the Pelham Selectmen asked if the Regional School Committee would consider reducing the assessment by putting any additional state funds into E&D rather than keeping the assessment cap at 3%.  Dr. Hochman then distributed an updated list of adds/cuts and the Regional School Committee Proposed FY08 Budget, noting that the total of this budget is $27,567,000.00.  He then reviewed the add/cut list and the “bring back” list, which were updated on March 27^th.   Ms. Ecclestone stated that the budget preparation has been an enormous amount of work and she thanked Mr. Detweiler and Dr. Hochman for the clarity in the presentation.  After brief discussion, Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to approve the 3.3% increase budget, which equals $27,567,000.00.  Ms. Ecclestone seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 

B.  Vote to Approve Warrant Language—Mr. Detweiler distributed wording for the Article for approving the assessment method and the Articles for approving the Regional Budget and Town Assessments.  Dr. Hochman reviewed the articles, noting that the dollar amounts included in each town’s article is capped at an overall 3% increase.  Ms. Ecclestone requested that a note accompany the articles explaining the 3% cap.  She also requested discussion regarding Pelham’s request to consider reducing the assessment and putting additional funds into E&D.  Ms. Brighty stated that the Committee will not know if additional funds are available until later in the year.  If additional funds do become available, the towns should be included in discussions of how to utilize them.  Ms. Carlozzi asked if the article language includes the additional $124,000 for Amherst.  After discussion, it was determined that these funds were included in the assessments.  Ms. Jorgensen made a motion to assess the four Regional member towns $16,008,567.00 apportioned according to the Regional agreement.  Ms. Brewer seconded and the motion passed unanimously. 

5.  New Business                                                                                None

6.  Reports                                                                                          None

7.  Sub-Committee Reports                                                               7:57 p.m.

Ms. Brighty reported briefly on the last meeting of the BCG. 

8.  School Committee Planning                                                          None

A.  Calendar Review

B.  Items for Upcoming Meetings

9.  Adjournment                                                                                  7:59 p.m.

Ms. Ecclestone made a motion to adjourn at 7:59 p.m.  Ms. Jorgensen seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Debbie Westmoreland

Approved 4/3/07