EASTHAM SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting, January 26, 2009
ROLL CALL
For the Committee: David Sheptyck, Joanna Stevens, Wendy Frazier, Sean Fleming, Darin Krum
For the Administration: Mike Gradone, Susan Glass Helman, Gail Briere
Others in Attendance: Carol Martin, and a parent
- CALL TO ORDER/AGENDA CHANGES
Chairman Sheptyck called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Eastham Town Hall. There were no agenda changes.
II. CITIZENS SPEAK – No one wished to speak.
III. PRIORITY BUSINESS
Administrators’ Reports
Mrs. Helman reported that the staff has been scoring winter writing prompts and they are making incredible progress. She will keep the school committee posted. Supt. Gradone reported on what is happening to state aid. Indications are the Governor won’t touch Chapter 70 funds. The Governor’s plan will be revealed on Wednesday.
Consider FY 10 Budget
Assistant Superintendent Gail Briere introduced the FY 10 Eastham budget indicating it was up 3.14% over last year’s budget. Mrs. Helman proceeded to go through the proposed budget line by line. Some items discussed were the addition of a money saving postage meter, discontinuing the online calendar, benefits of Mrs. Wharton’s sabbatical, replacement of aging computers, Study Island and Destiny system. Mrs. Helman noted that subbing out lawn mowing will cost less than having the town do it. Mrs. Frazier wondered why the school had to place lawn mowing in the school budget if other town departments don’t have mowing in their budgets? Mrs. Martin, Eastham Selectman, said she would check it out. More topics discussed included cleaning gutters annually,
replenishing playground rubber base, and sharing waste removal costs with the high school. Supt. Gradone said he had been told to expect 12% less in Circuit Breaker funds. He noted that Mrs. Schrock has the schools using Google for email and an online calendar because it is free. Ms. Stevens said it was good to see that there were no teacher cuts, and the budget is consistent with last year’s budget. Supt. Gradone said he would be updating the impact of the Governor’s cuts at the Joint Committee meeting. The committee thanked Mrs. Helman for doing a wonderful job with the proposed budget. The committee decided to continue reviewing the proposed budget and revisit it at the next meeting.
Consider Meeting Dates and Locations
Because the town hall meeting rooms are booked, the committee will have to meet on February 24 at the school. The public budget hearing will be on March 17th. After that, the committee should set dates for the April and May meetings.
IV. REPORTS AND INFORMATION
Cape Cod Collaborative – Mr. Fleming announced that the Collaborative has found a replacement for Walter Healey. The Board of Directors overwhelmingly supports the candidate. The name will be announced at a later date.
Eastham School Committee, Regular Meeting, January 26, 2009
Building Committee Update
Mrs. Helman said there was nothing to report.
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion was made by Wendy Frazier and seconded by Joanna Stevens to approve the regular session minutes of December 16, 2008 as printed.
For – 4 Not voting – 1 (Fleming)
VI. PAYMENT OF BILLS
VII. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Marcia M. Templeton, Secretary
Eastham School Committee
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