1987-03-02- To 1987-05-13-ATM-min

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(ANNUAL TOWN MEETING- March 30, 1987) cont. Article 3. APPOINTMENTS TO THE CARY LECTURE SERIES. Presented by John C. Eddison, Selectman. MOTION: That a committee of three be appointed by the Moderator to have the charge of the lectures under the wills of Eliza Cary Farnham and Suzanna E. Cary for the current year. Passed. 8:49 p.m. Article 4. OPERATING BUDGET. Presented by John C. Eddison. MOTION: That Line Item 200-102 Public School-Education be taken out of order. Unanimously passed. 8:50 p.m. Presented by Shepard A. Clough, School Committee. MOTION: Under line item 200-102 Public School-Education I move that the amount of $22,311,077 be appropriated, of which $12,850 is for out of (see Pages state travel, to which the sum of $288,428 in available and anticipated 102 and P.L. 874 and other Federal and State funds, and $36,000 in available and 107) anticipated athletic receipts is to be applied and the balance of $21,986,649 is to be raised in the tax levy. 8:51 p.m. Mr. Clough presented the School Committee perspective of the Budget, noting the following issues: the extended deferral of equipment maintenance, escalating costs over which the Committee has little or no control, and the negotiations of contracts with teachers and custodians. He was recognized for a second ten minutes by the Moderator. 9:01 p.m. Dr. Geoffrey Pierson, Superintendent of Schools, was recognized for two ten-minute periods to continue explanation. The increase being recommended is 7%. 9:22 p.m. The Moderator recognized Dr. Pierson for an additional 10 minutes. Mr. Clough presented a follow-up in detail of the FY87 overbudget. 9:29 p.m. The Moderator encouraged full debate, asking that amendments be deferred until thorough discussion had occurred and reminding Town Meeting that amendments could not be made on individual items of the School Budget but to the Budget as a whole. 9:35 p.m. William S. Widnall, Precinct 2, asked for an explanation of Cherry Sheet reimbursement vis a vis the School Budget. 9:37 p.m. Dr. Pierson stated that the total reimbursement does not come close. There is not an even correspondence. 9:39 p.m. Sam Silverman, Precinct 5, suggested that the place to economize is via personnel. 9:39 p.m. Dr. Pierson expressed his concern as to a reasonable teacher/pupil ratio. Less expensive personnel are hired when vacancies exist. 9:40 p.m. Mr. Clough concurred. 9:42 p.m. Marthur Kalil, Precinct 7, asked for an explanation of the staff/secretary ratio and function. 9:44 p.m. Patricia McLaughlin, Precinct 4, asked for information as to the function of the coordinator. 9:45 p.m. Dr. Pierson gave a quick summary in response. 9:46 p.m. Sam Nablo, Precinct 6, questioned electricity charges. 9:47 p.m.