2/13/2007 FINANCE COMMITTEE Minutes

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■ Joyce further firmly stated she cannot be convinced that the School cannot start some of these initiatives with (5.7%) increase. Mary Rose commented that this figure (the 64 less students) could possibly be five 5 students per grade, and therefore could not result in the elimination of a teacher. Joyce stated that she did not vara to eliminate teachers, as that is part of the initiatives. Joyce wants the School to start working on the upward swing. Bill Johnson likened the School budget to that of a child asking a parent for a large sura of money, and it was agreed that the child would need to justify the need for the funds. Mary Rose stated that the School's requested increase can be justified. Bob Hutchinson and Chris Avis both agreed that upper level management should be held accountable, especially where paid time off and goals are concerned. Management needs to oversee staffing in order to avoid overtire pay. Bob further expressed the need for a streamlined budget, perhaps limited to one 1 page, along nth specific goals. Bob stated that he did not realize that there was a provision in the Charter that the Finance Committee did not comply with, that being that the Finance Committee is to hold a hearing on the Manager's Budget, fourteen 14 days after receipt of the same. Bob strongly suggested the hearing, giving the opportunity for the Manager to review her Budget, and also the School Committee, arra Superintendent of Schools in a fog where those can listen and hopefully better understand what is going on. Bob suggested scheduling the hearing,thea setting up a meeting in order to vote. Chris Avis will run the meeting and accept questions in his own format. Bob Hutchinson's own view would be to hear everyone first, then ask questions. Bob is hoping that this Will better prepare then for Ton Meeting. Public Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 1 2007, a :00 p.m. at Town Hall. Joyce Mason will arran a for publication of the same. Chris Avis, Bob Hutchinson and Bill Johnson continuously stated their support for the School Department, but firmly kept their stand on the meed for justification. Mary Rose Grady and Rebecca oml ey at this point excused themselves from the floor-. Dene' Read addressed the Committee to clarify that the (9.8%) increase was not approved. Ian Thayer, Town Accountant, addressed the Committee "as a taxpayer". Dawn agreed that initiatives should be implemented,and she sloes not want her child reading a seventeen 1 year old schoolbook. She questioned why her child would be reading an old textbook, yet To Hundred Ninety Thousand ($290,000.00)and 001100 Dollars is being prepaid for SPED. Why would these funds not have been applied for the purchase of the new textbooks? She also noted she has been with the Town during the hiring of three business managers. Each time a new one is hired,the salary is increased. She was frustrated because she feels it is the way the administration is choosing to spend money. Dawn wants to challenge the Superi