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Chris Avis stated that Ann Bradshaw was willing to sit and work with the Board <br /> and discuss their needs in a smaller setting. Chris warts to know what they are <br /> getting for the Budget increase, as suggested by Bob Hutchinson, i.e.; if there is an <br /> increase in the Budget,there should be an increase in the MCAS scores. <br /> Ken Patrick strongly commented that the School 'is spending Twenty Seven <br /> ($2+7,000,000,00) Million Dollars and 00/100 to educate One Thousand Nine <br /> Hundred 1,900) children. Chris Avis acknowledged Ken's statement. Ken Mated <br /> that he did not feel the School was going to make an effort to decrease costs <br /> because they are on a mission to mala things better for themselves, the employees, <br /> although the School continues to say that they are attempting to make things better <br /> for the children. Ken advised Joyce that she could not, under the Charter, offer the <br /> School any more than they spent last year. Joyce acknowledged Ken's statement, <br /> and they had a discussion regarding the difference between level spending and level <br /> service. Iden stated that Joyce should not have said"level service",but should have <br /> said `level spending". Joyce strongly disagreed with Ken and advised Iden that she <br /> did not make an error, and noted they cannot continue to operate on"level <br /> spending"because of the demands for services. Joyce further strongly suggested a <br /> meeting on a smaller level. <br /> Bill Johnson stated that if Aran Bradshaw is willing to work,the most important part <br /> of the meeting would be disclosure. If Aran is willing to disclose what all the <br /> numbers represent, and whether they are contractual, non-contractual,then the <br /> Board can have a meaningful discussion. Bill stated that when he, personally, looks <br /> at a Budget, and he has looked at many as a Chief Financial Officer for twenty two <br /> (22) years,he does not necessarily look to cut therm,but seeks to determine if they <br /> are reasonable. Disclosure allows intelligent people to make the right decision, or <br /> get close to it. without disclosure, he stated that he cannot approve it. Ken Patrick <br /> stated that the School Department has disclosed much information, and Bill <br /> Johnsen and Ken Patrick discussed whether the disclosures were "meaningful". <br /> Ken Patrick wants to know what they are getting for their money. Ken Patrick <br /> disagreed with going to the Superintendent, Ann Bradshaw, as he feels she will only <br /> state the same reasons for the Budget, and indicate that the increases are for"the <br /> children". <br /> Bob Hutchinson commented how he did not see the kind of publicity that goes <br /> along with a Town Meeting. Terrie Cook also noted that she dict not recall seeing <br /> the two weeks' of legal notices. <br /> Chris referred hack to the Motion on the floor,which is to accept Ann <br /> Bradshaw's invitation to attend a smaller meeting regarding the School <br /> Budget. Sandra Lindsey approved,and Chuck Gasior seconded. Iden Patrick <br /> asked Chri <br />