Weighing in: FY 11 budget

Mrs. Mullaney asks what the mandated non-negotiables (hours, curriculum, special ed, ELL, transportation at elementary level)
(oh, dear heaven, the handout quotes Henry Kissinger: "Leaders must invoke an alchemy of great vision.")
Superintendent describes the circles as a wedding cake: the "mandated non-negotiables" are the top layer that we set aside, uncut; the other layers we have to carefully cut to make things fair for everyone

Mr. Monfredo says we could, for example, have a low teacher ratio in the primary grades.
He'd also like a breakdown of all professional staff positions,including which ones are grant-funded; the mayor would like it broken down by building/ salary/ responsibilities for a point of reference (amended)...is it on the website, Mr. Foley asks?
FY10 budget does, Brian Allen says.
Mayor says that she doesn't recall it being specific; Mr. Foley says it's specific, may need a more cursory look for updating.

Mr. O'Connell: 5 areas (this bears a close resemblance to what he said when he was asked during the campaign, incidentally): classroom instruction (What do our students truly need...low teacher ratios, supplies and materials, libraries, technology, virtual instruction); staff development; special needs education (including gifted kids); buildings and maintenance; student wellness (nutrition, art, music, fitness...can be neglected if we focus on academic achievement)

The superintendent applauds his "big picture feel" and says that (basically) this is what we're looking for

The mayor didn't understand what direction he was going in; he explains that those are his priorities; the committee asks that they be read back

Mr. Foley: 5 attributes: teacher/pupil ratios (esp. in primary grades); professional communities (peer professional development, common planning time); relationships with teachers; high expectations for students/academic rigor; keeping a broad view academically (not only ELA and math; arts mentioned)

the administration urges further input: "you don't have to have five"
Hargrove: literacy
Monfredo:support services
Monfredo: says that parents distinguish us from others

superintendent urges that they call or email her with further input
I'd also urge anyone who has an answer to this to either email the superintendent or a school committee member (or two or seven)