BROCKTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
David E. Crosby Administration Building
43 Crescent Street, Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 580-7511 Fax: (508) 580-7513
TO: Brockton School Committee
FROM: Thomas J. Minichiello, Jr., Chair
Aldo E. Petronio, Chief Budget officer
RE: Report of the August 29, 2017 Finance Subcommittee Meeting
The Finance Subcommittee of the Brockton School Committee met on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 6:37 p.m. in the Theatre of the Arnone School, Brockton, MA.
Present: Mr. Minichiello, Chair; Mr. Petronio, Ms. Asack, Mr. D'Agostino, Ms. Plant,
Ms. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan, Superintendent Smith
Absent: Mr. Gormley
Also Present: E Team Members
The meeting was opened by Mr. Minichiello at 7:02 p.m., followed by the Superintendent’s update on the return of principals and assistant principals and an introduction of the latest budget barometer.
Budget Barometer Update
Mr. Petronio reviewed Round 11 barometer updates: $175,000 from unemployment savings will be used to support the Superintendent’s recommendation to recall three certified positions (art, kindergarten, school adjustment counselor), and two paraprofessional positions (one clerical, one instructional).
Also added at the recommendation of the Superintendent is hiring an additional JROTC Instructor; the district is responsible for 50% of the salary, equivalent to approximately $33,000, that will be paid with FY17 federal JROTC reimbursement funds. Mr. Petronio stated that none of the above affect the FY18 budget.
The Superintendent said that it is possible that she may be asking for additional positions to meet compliance.
The Superintendent and Mr. Petronio answered questions about available funds and specifics of the above recommendations. The committee discussed bringing back an instrumental music teacher by shifting use of the funds and not bringing back the clerical paraprofessional right away. During the discussion, Mr. Petronio was asked whether he thought he would be able to bring together an additional $7 – 10,000 as the year progresses which, together with available monies, would fund the music teacher without taking away the clerical paraprofessional position, Mr. Petronio responded “yes”. The Superintendent said her recommendation would be not to bring back the music teacher but instead make it a priority, until she is certain that all classes area covered.
Mr. Minichiello said it was clear that the committee wanted to bring back the music position and asked the Superintendent for a recommendation with respect to the clerical paraprofessional position; Mr. Thomas recommended keeping the position. The Superintendent said she did not disagree but cautioned, again, that she may be coming back with hiring requests in order to meet compliance.
Mr. Minichiello made the following motion:
Using identified savings of $175,000, together with available FY18 funds plus an additional $7,000 in funding to be identified, recall three certified positions-art, kindergarten, and a school adjustment counselor, plus 1 music teacher and two paraprofessionals – 1 clerical, 1 instructional, and to hire an additional JROTC instructor funded 50% by the Army and 50% from FY17 federal JROTC reimbursement funds. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sullivan.
Voted: to adopt the recommendation; unanimous.
City Council Approval of State Funding - Mr. Petronio reported that City Council voted to forward the additional Chapter 70 and cherry sheet funds to the school department.
Advocacy Update
The Superintendent reported that she is planning a meeting with Mr. Gormley, Ms. Plant, and Attorney Catignani to discuss choosing a lead plaintiff in the equity lawsuit and implications. She said she will speak with Manthala George who was Superintendent during the first lawsuit. She said she is adamant that we file within the next couple months.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Handouts: Meeting Agenda
8-29-17 Budget Barometer
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