March 3, 2005 - OPEN HEARING RE: FY '06 BUDGET

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Mt. Everett Regional School

                                                                  Sheffield, MA

                                                                                          March 3, 2005

                                                                                          OPEN HEARING RE: FY’06 BUDGET

 

School Committee Members: Mr. Stevens, Mr. Pollitt, Ms. LeGeyt, Mr. Ronan, Mr. Tillett, Ms. Maggio, Mr. Mielke

          

Administrators:  Ms. Spriggs, Ms. Brown

 

Press: CTSB; Mr. Peter Rowntree, Sheffield Times

 

Others: Town Officials: Jonathan Sylbert, Monterey; Bruce Turner, Egremont; Janet Stanton, Robert Weitz, David Steindler, Sheffield; Staff Members: Marie Erwin, Matthew Wohl, Paul O’Brien, Patrick Barrett, Jennifer DeAngelo, Carol Ide, Joanne Pavoni, Joellen Height, Susan Happ, Amy Murray, Barbara Delmolino, Margaret Larkin, Richard Pavoni, Steven Small, Judy Lichtenfeld, Nancy Doherty, Julie Milani; Community Members:  Eileen Vining, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Sanes, Ms. Bryn Hogan, approximately five others; Recorder, Linda Higgins

 

Student Representatives:  

 

I.                    Chairman Stevens welcomed the audience at 6:32 p.m. and reviewed ground rules for the hearing.  He invited the participation of all, but noted the large audience and limited time.

 

II.                 Mr. Stevens then introduced Superintendent Spriggs to present an overview of the FY’06 budget.  Ms. Spriggs also thanked everyone for coming.  She voiced her pride in the staff and students of the District.  Ms. Spriggs stated that there were new regulations, which the District needed to comply with, and that had been accomplished within the FY’06 proposed operating budget.  Ms. Spriggs stated that the administration and School Committee had looked at students’ needs in the building of the FY’06 budget, and promised that the District will stay focused on providing for each student’s needs, no matter what those needs may be. 

 

After reviewing the budget building process, Ms. Spriggs stated that the School Committee and administration would listen carefully to those wishing to speak, and would then deliberate and bring a final version of the budget forward for a School Committee vote on March 17 and then to town meetings in early May.

 

III.               Ms. Brown then briefly reviewed the FY’06 proposed operating and capital budgets and explained differences between FY’05 and FY’06.

 

IV.              The floor was then opened for questions and comments, which included the following:

 

·        Mr. Jon Sylbert shared figures regarding inflation in higher education costs since 1978.  He said that it was his feeling that if a school budget did not increase by minimum of 5-6% each year, they would be losing ground.

·        Ms. Jennifer DeAngelo read a letter signed by 63 elementary staff members, requesting the reinstatement of the elementary guidance position.

·        Ms. Bryn Hogan questioned what would be cut from the Special Education Department in order to achieve the $33,000+ reduction noted in the budget.  Supt. Spriggs stated that administrators are looking at what has been provided in the past and will realign necessary services. She said that the Special Education Department is going through a restructuring process, and she promised that no children will be neglected.  She also noted that the District currently provides nineteen special programs to help children, and none is expected to be cut. 

·        Ms. Hogan stated that the guidance department had been very helpful with her child during the past year, and she did not wish to see the elementary guidance position cut. 

·        Superintendent Spriggs pointed out that the District has been out of compliance in not having the services of a staff psychologist; however, one of the changes will be to have such a position next year.  Ms. Spriggs promised to keep parents informed of what changes will be made in order to provide the necessary services to children.

·        Mr. Steve Small voiced his concern regarding all of the positions cut in the FY’06 budget.  He requested that the elimination of the elementary guidance position, in particular, be reconsidered.

·        Ms. Cheri Sanes read a letter to the School Committee protesting the elimination of the elementary guidance position.

·        Ms. Julie Milani expressed concern that the elementary administrators would be hard pressed to serve all of the students without the elementary guidance counselor.

·        Mr. Scott Sanes spoke, commending everyone who has had anything to do with hiring a wonderful staff.  He noted the differences in education in our rural area, as compared with the experience in large cities.  He echoed the request to reinstate the guidance position.

·        Ms. Carol Ide pointed out that there is a real person attached to each position to be cut from the budget.  She worried that all positions are necessary in order to meet the needs of all children.

·        Ms. Christine Martin spoke as a parent, noting that she would like to be asked what she wants for her own children’s education.

·        Ms. Susan Happ stated that her caseload is very high, and that she cannot take on more students.  She suggested asking Ms. Lichtenfeld to work part-time and then hiring a psychologist part-time, as well.

·        Ms. Eileen Vining, neighbor of Ms. Lichtenfeld, spoke in support of reinstating her position to the budget.

·        Ms. Amy Murray also echoed sentiments of the others, as a teacher and as a parent.

·        Ms. Margaret Larkin, Undermountain School Nurse, noted that she depends upon the guidance counselor and the school adjustment counselor to help her with students.  She asked that the cut be reconsidered, as she stated that she felt that more were needed, not less.

·        Mr. Patrick Barrett said that he felt that it is dangerous for the District to cut positions, given the high level of competition felt from neighboring school districts.

·        Ms. Janet Stanton suggested that those in attendance lobby to get the state to make an exception to needing to hire a psychologist.

·        Mr. Sylbert noted that beyond increases to the benefits line and the contingency line, the budget had increased only $28,000.  He encouraged the School Committee to consider increasing the budget further.

·        Mr. Sanes stated that he believed that there was room to be sure there was a guidance counselor in the budget, as proposed.

 

Chairman Stevens thanked all for coming out.  Indicating the School Committee members and Administrators present, he stated that all were committed to do whatever possible to make the Southern Berkshire Regional School District the best educational system anywhere.

 

The public hearing adjourned at 7:50 p.m.