Action in Brief

3-27-06 School Committee Meeting

· The Committee had a discussion about the energy audit conducted by Energy and Resource Solutions at Day Middle School and the mini-audits done in the other schools. Half of this program was paid for by NSTAR. Mike Cronin presented a prioritized list of possible projects that could be performed in the schools and could result in savings in six months in some cases to one to two years in others. The goal is to spend some small amounts of money with a quick return on investment to achieve some immediate savings. The recommendations identified three levels of projects, some of which can be completed with current contractors and more major items which would require a bid process. Mike Cronin cautioned that in order for the savings to be realized within the time frame on the sheet, work had to begin before July, 2006. The Mayor indicated a willingness to discuss lending FY06 City funds to be replenished by the school system in FY07 in order to expedite the process.

· The Committee heard a review of the Literacy Program including progress to date, 2006-2009 goals, student performance, 2005 MCAS results, writing, and obstacles/challenges ahead. The K-3 Early Intervention program for students not meeting benchmarks was highlighted.

· The Committee voted on the recommendation of the Use of School Buildings Fees Subcommittee to increase rates for four outside programs that use the buildings intensively on weekends and that have been receiving a 93% discount for a number of years. The Committee also supported the recommendation that the rental structure for all C permit holders be reviewed during FY07, with any changes to take effect 7/1/07. Finally, the Committee discussed summer use of buildings/air-conditioning surcharges. They are recommending piloting a surcharge on C permits only and monitoring that process before discussing the possibility of a surcharge for all users. The Committee will vote on this at the next meeting.

· The final vote was taken on the Superintendent’s FY07 Recommended Budget of $143,599,686. The Committee unanimously approved the budget. The Chair reminded the group and audience that this vote was on the bottom line and that further modifications could be made later in the spring, particularly if more money became available.

· The Committee voted to approve grants totaling $234,025.