Action in Brief

1/23/06 School Committee Meeting

• The following students were presented with the annual Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents Academic Excellence Award and Blumer Book Award for their academic excellence and the myriad of extra-curricular activities in which they are involved: Newton North High School – Szeman Lam, Daniel Waldinger, Matthew Woolf; Newton South High School – Benjamin Gifford, Miriam Leshin. Jeff Young related the vast accomplishments of these students, and Irwin Blumer presented each student with his book selection for this year, “The Kite Runner”.

• The Committee was provided with an overview of the professional development program, which included State requirements, connection to systemwide goals, and addressing individual teachers’ needs. In addition, the impact of the cuts that were made in this area in the FY06 budget was discussed. Carolyn Wyatt and the Superintendent stressed how complicated it is to put together appropriate professional development for each teacher and measure the impact of the cuts. The cuts this year essentially eliminated opportunities for retaining outside speakers and sending staff to workshops and conferences. This compromises flexibility although professional development work by the coordinators within schools have been well-received this year.

• The Five-Year Forecast was reviewed, which covers a nine year period (three-year history, current year, and five-year projections) and was broken out into three levels: 1.) most likely case; 2.) best case (lowest increases); 3.) worst case (highest increases). Two particular cost drivers are health insurance and utilities. Salaries were built into the model but contract increases were represented at the bottom of the sheet by a total based on each percent increase given. This forecast can be used as a tool for budget discussions. Various assumptions can be adjusted to understand the effect of altering specific items. The forecast is also useful for long-range strategic planning.

• The Committee continued their discussion of the FY07 budget from the last meeting, in which it was felt that the initial projection of the Mayor’s allocation (70% of anticipated revenues) is a traditional conservative number this early in the process. In addition, there is increased community activism and legislative support for education this year and State funding and lottery revues are expected to be higher. Members were comfortable giving the Superintendent direction to prepare a budget $5.5 million above last year’s budget. The Committee also asked the Superintendent to prepare a list of items that could be added in increments of $250,000 up to $1 million more than the bottom line in case additional funds became available. It was noted that the specific allocation from the Mayor should be forthcoming shortly once the Governor’s budget is made public.