Salem School Committee
Minutes
FY11 Budget Presentation
Monday, May 24, 2010
6 p.m.
Collins Middle School
A meeting of the Salem School Committee was held on Monday, May 24, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the School Committee Chambers at Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts.
Members Present: Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Dr. Janet Crane, Nate Bryant, Mrs. Kerry Martin, Dr. Brendan Walsh
Members Absent: Mr. James Fleming, Kevin Carr
Others Present: Dr. William Cameron, Superintendent, Alyce Davis, Assistant Superintendent. Business Administrator Timothy Sheehan and Eileen Sacco, Secretary
Dr. Crane called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Public Hearing on Salem Public Schools Budget for FY2011
Dr. Cameron explained that the proposed budget for the Salem Public Schools for FY11 is $47 million dollars. He also explained that at this point in time they have reduced the gap in the budget which was accomplished by meeting with administrators and reviewing the budget.
Timothy Sheehan reviewed the adjustments that have been made to the budget.
Dr. Crane asked for an explanation of the contingency fund for Special Education. Dr. Cameron explained that last year the contingency fund was shifted to a special education grant.
Mrs. Martin expressed concern that a proposed adjustment counselor for the Nathaniel Bowditch and the Saltonstall is not included in the budget. She expressed concern that there is a real need for this position. Mayor Driscoll suggested that members of the School Committee look at the budget and see if there are areas that they would suggest be cut in order to fund this and the School Committee could vote on it on Wednesday.
Mayor Driscoll opened the hearing up for public comment at this time.
Caroline Nye of 5 Shore Avenue addressed the School Committee and expressed her concern that the Adjustment Counsellor for the Bowditch and the Saltonstall is not included in the budget while there is a 19% increase in the transportation budget. Mr. Sheehan explained that he increase in the transportation budget is due to a shortfall this year when we did not realize the savings we anticipated when the collective bargaining agreement was amended for this year. He explained that the transportation costs for in district transportation have increased substantially due to obligations to transport students between buildings etc.
Dr. Walsh requested that Dr. Cameron take a look at the budget and see if there is any place that money could be found to fund the adjustment counselor for the Bowditch and the Saltonstall.
Questions and Comments from the Audience
There were no further questions or comments from the audience.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the School Committee this evening, Dr. Walsh moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Bryant. The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
_________________________
Eileen M. Sacco, Secretary
Salem School Committee
Approved by the School Committee
June 7, 2010
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