NAHANT SCHOOL COMMMITTEE MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chair Mrs. Reeh in the Nahant Town Hall.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mrs. Dunn

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion to approve the minutes of 1/13/04 regular meeting by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey. After discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Wilson to table the minutes to the next meeting.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. REPORT OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY: Dr. Littlefield reported on the second of 2 professional development days which was held on January 20th. She outlined the activities of the day which included curriculum work, health and safety issues, and grade level meetings. In addition, Dr. Testaverde presented a workshop that included mandated training issues such as Ch. 51A regulation issues.
B. UPDATE OF ENROLLMENT FOR 2004-2005 SCHOOL YEAR: Dr. DiBella reported that with the recent addition a Grade 1 and a Grade 5 student, the Johnson School enrollment is currently at 209.
C. PRESENTATION OF DRAFT FY ’05 BUDGET: Dr. DiBella presented the current draft budget that includes increases in building, HVAC, and equipment maintenance and heating. These increases are necessary due to our 3 year AHERA (asbestos) inspection and in anticipation of further HVAC problems. The Superintendent noted that with the negative vote at the January Town Meeting it is prudent to plan and budget for these expenses. House 1, the Governor’s Budget scheduled for release on Wednesday, January 28th will provide important information about Chapter 70 aid for FY ’05.
D. FY ’04 BUDGET UPDATE: Dr. DiBella reviewed the FY ’04 budget spreadsheet with expenditures as of 1/26/04. She explained that a transfer of funds is necessary to cover special education legal fees. She outlined the transfers as follows:

$2,000 from School Committee Services to School Committee Legal
$2,742 from Supt’s Office-Salaries to School Committee-Legal
$2,240 from SpEd Admin.-Salary to School Committee-Legal
$2,912 from Principal’s Office-Salaries to School Committee-Legal
$870 from Aides Salaries-Reg. Ed to School Committee-Legal
$781 from Prof. Development-Services to School Committee-Legal

Motion to accept the Fy’o4 budget status report as presented by the Superintendent including transfers outlined in the amount of $11,545.00 by Mr. Rauworth, seconded by Mr. Walton. Roll Call: All in favor
E. UPDATE ON REVOLVONG FUND ACCOUNTS: Dr. DiBella reviewed a spreadsheet of revolving fund accounts such as the Extended Day Program, School Lunch Program, and School Rental. She outlined expenditures and balances as of 12/21/03.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF JANUARY 24TH SPECIAL TOWN MEETING: Mrs. Reeh and Mr. Rauworth reported on the results of the January 27th Special Town Meeting. Sadly, the Fin Com’s motion to postpone the vote on Article 1 was approved, closing down discussion of the issue. Mr. Rauworth expressed disappointment that the Town Manager broke with past practice and did not allow child care services which shut out parents. The Renovation Committee will go back to the drawing board and determine how best to proceed in light of the results.

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: Mr. Rauworth expressed disappointment at the results of the Special Town Meeting and acknowledged the hard work of the Committee over the past 18 months. He also thanked the members who participated in the tours of the Johnson School prior to the Special Town Meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr. Rauworth, second by Ms. Gilman to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategies for collective bargaining, not to return to public session. Roll Call: All in favor

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Coffey
Recording Secretary