WACHUSETT REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

HOLDEN ¨ PAXTON ¨ PRINCETON ¨ RUTLAND ¨ STERLING

Wachusett Regional School District Committee

Public Hearing – Budget

6:30 PM.

Regular Meeting #1022, Monday, March 12, 2001

7:00 PM.

Media Center

Wachusett Regional High School

Members present:

Duncan Leith, Chairman David Lowenthal

John Rokicki, Vice-chairman (7:00 PM) Peter MacDonald (6:55 PM)

Paul Anderson Kelly Maxwell

Mary Copeland (8:20 PM) Lorraine Neilan

Kimberly Ferguson John Nunnari (6:50 PM)

Jeffrey Gibbs (8:17 PM) Kathleen Singh

Sherry Horeanopoulos Rosemary Warren

Jane James Jeffrey Wentzell

Sarah Jordan (7:04 PM)

Members absent:

Kenneth Fensin Elizabeth Pape

Paul James

Administration present:

Alfred D. Tutela, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools

Paul Soojian, Director of Operations

Mary Scott, Director of Administrative Services

Philip Campbell, Director of Student/Information Services

Susan Sullivan, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Others present:

Tim Creedon, Student Representative WRHS

Thomas Pandiscio, Principal WRHS

James Connolly, Vice-principal WRHS

Gary Mitchell, Supervisor of Pupil Personnel

Richard Lewis, Physical Education/Health Curriculum Supervisor

Clif Wheeler, Math/Science Curriculum Supervisor

George Sherrill, Holden Police Chief

David Armstrong, Sergeant Holden Police Force

Linda Lehans, The Landmark

James Keogh, The Landmark

Richard Halloran, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Mary Anne Magiera, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Joseph Lambert, Community Crier

Brian Bullock, Holden Town Manager

Jacquelyn Kelly, Assistant Town Manager Holden

Mark Ferguson, Chairman Holden Board of Selectmen

James Jumonville, Holden Board of Selectmen

James Scola, Holden Board of Selectmen

Timothy Ethier, Holden Board of Selectmen

Louis Cornacchioli, Chairman Rutland Board of Selectmen

Douglas Briggs, Rutland Board of Selectmen

Remo Rossi, Sterling Board of Selectmen

Edmond Benoit, Chairman Holden Finance Committee

Joseph Giotta, Holden Finance Committee

Paul Challenger, Holden Finance Committee

Marilynn Foley, Holden Finance Committee

Terry Sullivan, Holden Finance Committee

Michael Wronski, Holden Finance Committee

Stanley Moss, Chairman Princeton Advisory Council

Ruth Briggs, Rutland

Melinda Johnson, Paxton

Chris Walton, Rutland

David Gibbs, Sterling

Edith Morgan, Princeton

David Krashes, Princeton

Donna Dominguez, Sterling

Anne Gillespie, Holden

Maureen Floryan, Holden

Brian O’Donnell, Holden

Ginny Belcher, Holden

Carol Esperti, Holden

Chairman Leith opened the Public Hearing on the Budget at 6:45 PM and turned over the presentation to the Superintendent. The Superintendent distributed copies of the Power Point Presentation on the budget (attachment 1). He then presented the Power Point presentation.

Chairman Leith opened the public hearing to comments from the public or from Committee members.

Following questions from several Committee members Chairman Leith closed the public hearing at 7:00 PM.

Chairman Leith called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Chairman Leith noted that item VII. Recommendations and Reports of the Superintendent would be addressed before any other items on the agenda.

1. Recommendations and Reports of the Superintendent

1. Recognition of Region Science Fair winners

Carol Sullivan, Science Teacher at WRHS and supervisor of Science Seminar introduced some of the winners of the Regional Science Fair held at WPI: Carl Harper, Erin Dunbar, Jackie Roux, Chris Rogacz. She noted that Karl Harper was the top winner of the Fair and will go on to the International Science Fair in San Jose, California.

B. Recognition of the WRHS Boys Championship Track Team

Richard Lewis, Physical Education/Health Curriculum Supervisor announced that the Princeton Middle School girls basketball team, coached by Member Sherry Horeanopoulos, won the Middle School league title and that Mountview won the boys Middle School league title.

Mr. Lewis then introduced the 4 x 800 meter winning relay team, Joel Legare, Tim Creedon, Dan Moro, and James Sullivan. He also noted that Joel Legare is Class A State Champion in the 1000 yard run.

Mr. Lewis also introduced Kristen Kelley, Class A State Champion in the 600 yard run. The outstanding coaches of the girls and boys track team are: Tim Boilard, Ian Butterfield, and Brian Wallace.

C. Recognition of the WRHS Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders

Richard Lewis, Physical Education/Health Curriculum Supervisor introduced the varsity girls cheerleading squad, coached by Claudette White, which has recently won the following titles: National Competition, second overall and first in dance; League Champion; Regional Title

Jennifer Marie Batista Holden

Sarah Lynn Bayrouty Holden

Brianna Ellen Burke Holden

Amanda Jillian Clark Holden

Megan Lynn DiPerri Sterling

Elizabeth Mary Foss Sterling

Emily Ann Gilbert Sterling

Meredith Lynn Grabek Paxton

Erin Marie Graham Paxton

Ashley Taylor Griffin-Long Rutland

Joanna Marie Holmes Holden

Lisa Deborah Jarosz Holden

Caitlin Elizabeth King Sterling

Rachel Elizabeth Masterman Paxton

Shannon Margaret Mooney Sterling

Tara Noyes Princeton

Allison Elizabeth Roe Rutland

Brooke Michele Suslak Paxton

Jessica Clare Taylor Sterling

Shanna Emily Ursin Holden

1. Presentation of the Criminal Justice Program at Wachusett Regional High School

Presenters: Holden Police Chief – George Sherrill

Wachusett Police Liaison – David Armstrong

The Superintendent introduced Holden Police Chief George Sherrill and Sergeant David Armstrong who reviewed their role as a partner with the high school. They distributed two handouts (attachment 2 and 3). The two officers explained the history of the police presence at Wachusett, dating back ten years when Officer Armstrong was at the high school a half day a week. They explained the criminal justice program at the high school, which has proven to be a very popular program for high school students. This program will be augmented by the partnerships between Anna Maria College and Assumption College.

2. Update of the Alternative Options for the High School

Presenter: Wachusett Vice Principal – James Connolly

The Superintendent noted that Mr. Connolly was in attendance at the meeting if any members had questions concerning the draft report included in the Superintendent’s Report. No Committee members had any questions at that time.

3. Update on Principal Pandiscio response to NEASC

The Superintendent noted that Principal Pandiscio was in attendance at the meeting if any members had questions concerning the draft report included in the Superintendent’s Report. No Committee members had any questions at that time.

Member John Rokicki reported that several teams from the District performed at Destination Imagination (formerly Odyssey of the Mind) . There were teams from Naquag Elementary School and Central Tree Middle School in Rutland and Dawson Elementary School, Davis Hill Elementary School, and Mountview Middle School in Holden. Four teams from the District will go on to the state finals: both teams from Mountview and one team each from Dawson and Davis Hill.

G. Approval of FY02 Budget Appropriation

Motion: To approve the FY02 Budget Appropriation in the amount of $49,046,899, as recommended by the Superintendent.

(P. Anderson)

(J. James)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

Kimberly Ferguson

Kelly Maxwell

Abstained:

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

(Motion passed 10-2-3)

1. Motion: To reappropriate SBAB funds in the amount of $222,495 to the Town of Rutland for reimbursement for the renovation/addition at Naquag Elementary School

(J. Rokicki)

(J. Nunnari)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Kimberly Ferguson

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

I. Motion: To transfer $14,365, the indirect cost value of state and federal grants to professional development revolving account.

(J. Rokicki)

(J. Nunnari)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Kimberly Ferguson

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

1. Motion: To transfer $250,000 from E&D to the transportation account to offset a portion of the transportation cost to member towns.

(P. Anderson)

(J. James)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Kimberly Ferguson

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

Abstained:

Sarah Jordan

(Motion 14-0-1)

Because of the number of public in attendance Chairman Leith held the first public session of the meeting.

1. Public Hearing

Recognition of Holden Town Manager Brian Bullock – request to speak to the School Committee regarding inequities of funding among member towns

Town Manager Brian Bullock distributed a handout (attachments 4, 5, and 6) and presented a Power Point Presentation regarding the inequities in funding among the member towns. He asked the School Committee to request a question on the warrants of the annual town meetings and to support that request. Committee members as well as some people from the general public asked Mr. Bullock questions.

Louis Cornacchioli, Chairman Rutland Board of Selectmen, spoke against Mr.Bullock’s proposal. The Town of Rutland would be significantly impacted and urged the Committee to work with the Legislature to change the funding formula. He also brought up the subject of Excess Debt. If equity is the issue, inequity in handling excess debt needs to be addressed as well.

Edmond Benoit, Chairman Holden Finance Committee, reaffirmed Mr. Bullock’s request as a start but indicated that discussions among key officials could bring this to a conclusion.

Brian O’Donnell, Holden, spoke regarding the inequity. He indicated that this was a problem to the taxpayers.

Dave Krashes, Princeton, chastised the School Committee for not either disciplining or defending the Superintendent for the smears in the press. He read a written question and asked the Superintendent to reply in a timely fashion (attachment 7).

Edith Morgan, Princeton, expressed concern to the School Committee for not gathering together people with different views to reach consensus.

Melinda Johnson, Paxton, disagreed with Ms. Morgan and read a prepared statement (attachment 8)

I. Secretary’s Report

(J. Rokicki)

(J. James)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

Member David Lowenthal left the meeting at 9:30 PM.

Motion: To reconsider the motion to approve the executive session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on February 12, 2001.

(P. MacDonald)

(J. Rokicki)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

(Motion passed unanimously)

Member David Lowenthal returned to the meeting at 9:33 PM.

Motion: To approve the Executive Session Minutes of the WRSD Committee held on February 12, 2001, not to be released to the public.

(S. Horeanopoulos)

(S. Jordan)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

1. Treasurer’s Report

1. Presentation of warrants and payrolls

Warrants were circulated for signature.

1. Financial Statements

Chairman Leith reported that if there were any questions for the Treasurer to refer them to Paul Anderson, Chairman of the Business/Finance Subcommittee, and any questions for the Comptroller should be referred to the Superintendent.

2. Communications

Member Kelly Maxwell asked if a motion could be made at this time. Chairman Leith indicated that a motion should be made under New Business.

Member Kathleen Singh requested that New Business be taken at this time. Chairman Leith indicated that there was not much remaining on the regular agenda before New Business and the committee would proceed with the agenda as presented.

Member Rosemary Warren wanted it noted that she had also notified the Board of Selectmen of the vote of the School Committee to have a ballot election on April 5, 2001.

Member John Rokicki reported that members received communication from Carol Esperti from Holden regarding changes to the Regional Agreement (attachment 9).

3. Committee Reports

1. Student Advisory Committee (L. McNally, T. Creedon, N. Leger)

Student Representative Tim Creedon reported that the Student Council on occasion had difficulty getting reimbursement for expenses. The Superintendent referred him to the Principal.

2. Management Subcommittee (D. Leith-Chairman, P. Anderson, M. Copeland, S. Horeanopoulos, S. Jordan, K. Maxwell, J. Nunnari, E. Pape, J. Rokicki, J. Wentzell)

Chairman Leith reported that the Management Subcommittee will be held on March 21, 2001. The main focus of the meeting will be the Superintendent’s evaluation.

3. Education Subcommittee (M. Copeland-Chairman, K. Ferguson, J. Gibbs, J. James, S. Jordan, D. Lowenthal, L. Neilan, J. Nunnari, E. Pape, R. Warren)

Subcommittee Chair Mary Copeland reported that the Education Subcommittee would meet on March 13, 2001. The main item on the agenda would be the Superintendent’s evaluation. An additional item was a concern expressed by Member Sarah Jordan regarding MCAS testing.

4. Finance/Business Subcommittee (P. Anderson-Chairman, K. Fensin, J. Gibbs, J. James, P. James, D. Leith, D. Lowenthal, K. Singh, R. Warren)

1. Motion: To adopt Policy AP4280 Policy Relating to Budget/Finance Gifts, Grants and Bequests for the second reading, waiving the reading

(P. Anderson)

(J. Rokicki)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Kimberly Ferguson

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

2. Motion: To adopt Policy DP4330 Policy Relating to Budget/Finance Payment for Special Town Meetings for the second reading, waiving the reading

(P. Anderson)

(J. Wentzell)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sherry Horeanopoulos

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

John Rokicki

Kimberly Ferguson

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

(Motion passed 13-4)

Motion: That the School Committee hire an independent accounting agency to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Jefferson School expenditure.

(K. Singh)

(S. Jordan)

Motion: To move the question

(J. Wentzell)

(M. Copeland)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Jane James

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

Kimberly Ferguson

Sherry Horeanopoulos

David Lowenthal

Sarah Jordan

Peter MacDonald

Lorraine Neilan

(Motion failed 11-6 two-thirds required for passage)

Member Sherry Horeanopoulos left the meeting at 9:50 PM.

Motion: To move the question.

(K. Ferguson)

(S. Jordan)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Kimberly Ferguson

Jeffrey Gibbs

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

Roll call vote on the main motion, which reads: That the School Committee hire an independent accounting agency to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Jefferson School expenditure.

In favor:

Kimberly Ferguson

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Lorraine Neilan

Kathleen Singh

Opposed:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jane James

John Nunnari

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

1. Holden – (K. Maxwell)

No report.

2. Paxton – (C. Ely)

No report.

3. Rutland – (J. Rokicki)

No report.

1. Sterling – (S. Jordan)

No report.

2. High School Building Committee

The Superintendent distributed updated information from Fleet Bank on the impact on the tax rates in member towns (attachment 10).

1. School Council Representatives: Central Tree Middle School (J. Nunnari); Chocksett; Davis Hill (M. Copeland); Dawson (K. Maxwell); Houghton (S. Jordan); Mayo (L. Neilan); Mountview (J. James); Naquag (J. Gibbs); Paxton (R. Warren); Thomas Prince (S. Horeanopoulos); Wachusett Regional High School (E. Pape)

Member Sara Jordan reported that the Chocksett School Council will be sending out a survey.

The Superintendent distributed copies of the March/April Guidance News (attachment 11)

1. Unfinished Business

1. Tabled Motion: Be it resolved that the Wachusett Regional School District Committee supports a modification to the Department of Education’s Foundation Formula to include a new ‘regional equity aid’ provision. This new aid will be in the form of an adjustment to Chapter 70 aid. The WRSDC advocates that the Department of Education calculate a ‘regional per pupil net school spending requirement’, i.e. a per pupil spending requirement that is the average of the different per pupil spending requirements, including the states’ contribution, of the member towns. Those member towns that exceed the average per pupil cost will have their respective minimum local contribution reduced to the average regional per pupil cost and those member towns that are below the average regional per pupil expenditure will be brought up to the average by the ‘regional equity aid’ provision through an increase in Chapter 70 aid. This will eliminate unequal local contributions, on a per student basis, for the same educational services. The Chair of the WRSDC is directed to share this resolve with appropriate State Legislators, Selectboards and Finance/Advisory Committee members

No member of the Committee wished to take action on this motion at this time.

2. Release of Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on January 29, 2001
3. Release of the Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on January 8, 2001
4. Release of Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on August 21, 2000 as approved on September 11, 2000
5. Release of Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on June 12, 2000 as approved on July 10, 2000
6. Release of balance of Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on December 14, 1999 as approved on December 22, 1999 and partially released on December 22, 1999
7. Release of Executive Session minutes of the WRSD Committee held on August 23, 1999 as approved on October 18, 1999

1. Public Hearing

No one from the general public wished to speak at this time.

2. New Business

Motion: To see if the Town will vote to elect and approve that the sum of the required local contributions of the members of the Wachusett Regional High School District Agreement, to wit, "on the basis of their respective previous five year average total enrollment as of October 1^st of each of the preceding five years", all as permitted by the fourth paragraph of Section 16B of General Laws Chapter 71.

(K. Maxwell)

(K. Ferguson)

After some discussion, the Superintendent suggested that the Committee ask the member towns to hold a place on the Town Meeting Warrants and the final wording would be sent when voted upon. He explained that this has happened in the past and might be a way of not feeling rushed but yet dealing with the critical nature of the inequity.

Motion: To move the question

(J. Wentzell)

(J. James)

Roll call vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Kimberly Ferguson

Jeffrey Gibbs

Jane James

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

None

(Motion passed unanimously)

Roll call vote on the main motion, which reads: To see if the Town will vote to elect and approve that the sum of the required local contributions of the members of the Wachusett Regional High School District Agreement, to wit, "on the basis of their respective previous five year average total enrollment as of October 1^st of each of the preceding five years", all as permitted by the fourth paragraph of Section 16B of General Laws Chapter 71.

In favor:

Paul Anderson

Kimberly Ferguson

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

Kathleen Singh

Opposed:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Jane James

John Nunnari

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

(Motion failed 8-8)

XI. Adjournment

Motion: To adjourn

(J. Gibbs)

(J. Wentzell)

Vote:

In favor:

Paul Anderson

Mary Copeland

Jeffrey Gibbs

Jane James

John Nunnari

Rosemary Warren

Jeffrey Wentzell

Opposed:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Kimberly Ferguson

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

Kathleen Singh

(Motion failed 7-9)

Motion: To adjourn.

(S. Jordan)

(D. Lowenthal)

Vote:

In favor:

Duncan Leith

John Rokicki

Paul Anderson

Kimberly Ferguson

Jeffrey Gibbs

Sarah Jordan

David Lowenthal

Peter MacDonald

Kelly Maxwell

Lorraine Neilan

John Nunnari

Kathleen Singh

Opposed:

Jane James

Jeffrey Wentzell

Abstained:

Mary Copeland

Rosemary Warren

(Motion passed 12-2-2)

The meeting was adjourned at 11:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Alfred D. Tutela, Ph. D.

Superintendent of Schools

ADT:ss/School Committee/Minutes