PUBLIC HEARING of the Town Council held Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 7:00 o'clock p.m. in the auditorium of the Burrillville High School, 425 East Avenue, Harrisville, for and within the Town of Burrillville.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Council President Wallace F. Lees; Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Councilors Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilor William A. Andrews was excused.
OTHERS PRESENT:
Burrillville School Committee/Department: Mary Margaret Karmozyn, Chair, Paul J. Couture, Vice-Chair, Dorothy A. Cardon, Joan Cote, Peter Lambert, Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, Robin Kimatian, Business Administrator
Burrillville Budget Board: Arthur R. Hurley, Chair, Brigitte Buxton, Michael Malloy
Relative to discussing the School Budget
NOTE: The public hearing was duly advertised in the Woonsocket Call on May 4, 11 and 17, 2006.
1. Comments from the Budget Board
Arthur R. Hurley, Chairman of the Budget Board, commented on the school enrollment and outstanding debt related to school renovation/construction bonds. Mr. Hurley spoke of the importance of maintaining buildings on an annual basis. Mr. Hurley discussed the Budget Board’s concerns with the School Department’s unfunded liabilities.
2. Comments from Mary Margaret Karmozyn, Chair, Burrillville School Committee
Mary Margaret Karmozyn, Chair, Burrillville School Committee spoke of the Town Council’s concern with the impact on taxpayers and the School Committee’s obligation to provide the best possible education to the children of Burrillville. Mrs. Karmozyn acknowledged the joint efforts of the Town Council and School Committee.
3. Comments from Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of the Burrillville School Department
Barbara A. VonVillas, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools, discussed reductions made by the School Department, which resulted in a budget request for a two percent increase which, she said, is far below requests made by School Departments in other Rhode Island communities. Dr. VonVillas discussed the cost of human resources and the impact of reducing staff. Dr. VonVillas explained why reduced enrollment is not a good predictor of needs. She discussed the success the department has realized in educating students, explaining that State mandates can be credited with stimulating improvements in education. Dr. VonVillas discussed the challenges of meeting mandates if funding is insufficient. Dr. VonVillas said that the Town Manager’s budget recognizes the need to support the schools.
Barbara VonVillas, Superintendent of Schools, addressed questions related to the department’s ability to meet the state requirements for the science curriculum. She also explained the need for custodian overtime in the school department budget and for dues and fees for professional associations and journals.
Councilor Jacqueline Zahn commented that the Town Council also supports State mandates but takes issue with the fact that many mandates are unfunded. Dr. VonVillas concurred but noted that the State has the same difficulties as the municipalities in financing mandates.
4. Comments from Michael C. Wood, Town Manager
Michael C. Wood, Town Manager, commented on the importance of continuing work on health benefits, noting that savings in health benefits can be achieved and those funds used elsewhere in the budget. Mr. Wood discussed the caution with which his recommendation was made due to uncertainties related to State aid.
5. Comments/Input from Town Council Members
Councilor Nancy F. Binns noted her pleasure at the cooperation between the Town Council and School Committee and suggested that the two bodies continue with joint sessions. Councilor Binns pointed to the common goals of the Town Council and School Committee, suggesting that working together creatively would provide an opportunity to meet the needs of the students.
6. Public Comment: None
7. VOTED to close the public hearing.
Motion by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. Seconded by Councilor Margaret L. Dudley. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William A. Andrews was excused.
8. VOTED to adjourn at 7:32 p.m.
Motion by Councilor Nancy F. Binns. Seconded by Councilor Jacqueline Zahn. The motion was unanimous by the six members present. Voting in favor of the motion were Council President Wallace F. Lees, Councilors Jacqueline Zahn, Nancy F. Binns, Edward F. Bonczek, Margaret L. Dudley and Ronald E. Faford. Councilor William A. Andrews was excused.
The public hearing was taped. The tape is on file with the record of the hearing.
Louise R. Phaneuf, Town Clerk
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