08/01/2005 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 1 5 Board of Selectmen Minutes August 1,2005 APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS: Su erintendent Bradshaw—Additional Fundin Ann Bradshaw, newly appointed School Superintendent was present to discuss her request for an article for the October Town Meeting Warrant. Kindergarten registration has significantly increased as of July 27 h. There are six sections. One is staffed with a class size reduction grant with enrollment limited to 18 students. The other five sections each have 25 students. If an additional section is added class size would be reduced to 21 students. The increased enrollment was unforeseen and the School Department has missed the deadline for placing an article on the warrant. The article as proposed would appropriate $60,000 to the School Department for staff needed for an additional section of kindergarten. Estimated salary costs are $45,000 for a teacher and $15,000 for a paraprofessional. It was noted that if both new hires received the maximum insurance and retirement benefit package, the accurate assessment to the Town would be $87,000. Ms. Bradshaw indicated she is confident that with Town leadership and parent support,the School Department would be able to receive the votes needed to pass the article. The School Department at this time is unable to fund the staffing due to budgetary constraints. The School is also facing a deferred payment of $50,000 for English textbooks that must be"found"in the School FY06 budget. It was noted that teacher quality-professional development, class size and extended learning time has proven to work towards the improvement of student achievement. The Selectmen indicated that they are now a policy board and bound to the rules governing the Town Charter. To consider a budgetary issue for placement on the Town Meeting Warrant,the Finance Committee and Town Manager must be consulted.