CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Vice Chair Mrs. Dunn in Town Hall.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Wilson, Mrs. Dunn, Mr. Rauworth, Mr. Coffey, Mr. Walton, Ms. Gilman. Mrs. Reeh arrived at 7:15 p.m.

READING & APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the 10/14/03 meeting were approved, as amended. Motion to approve by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mr. Coffey. The following amendment will be added: Under New Business Item A, Motion failed, 3-3 tie. Vote: 6 members in favor, 1 member abstained (Ms. Gilman)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITORS

CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNITY INPUT: Ms. Cynthia Christ and Mr. Pete Rogers commended the Swampscott Negotiations Sub-Committee for negotiating a fair and equitable contract for both communities.

EXAMINATION & AUTHORIZATION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. REPORT OF PTO SPONSORED FAMILY NIGHT: The superintendent acknowledged the PTO and Mr. Joe Benoit from Taymore Pizza for their contributions to Family Night held on Oct 23rd. The cafeteria was packed and a wonderful time was had by all. Dr. DiBella expressed her appreciation to the PTO members, faculty volunteers, and Mr. Benoit for their support and generosity.
B. FY ’04 BUDGET UPDATE: Dr. DiBella distributed the FY ’04 budget status report and reviewed expenditures. She stated that we are well into the second quarter of FY ’04 and are on target with the budget. However, she cautioned the Committee that we have not received any heating bills as yet. Last year our heating bills exceeded the amount budgeted and we were forced to transfer funds into that account.

OLD BUSINESS
A. APPROVAL OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS FOR 2003-2004: Motion to accept goals for 2003-2004 by Mrs. Dunn, second by Mr. Rauworth. Vote: All members in favor
B. REVIEW OF PROPOSED AGREEMENT WITH SWAMPSCOTT: Committee members aired their views in favor or in opposition to the draft agreement. Mr. Coffey suggested a delay in the vote pending discussions at the Renovation Committee’s meetings in November. Mr. Rauworth explained that only the School Committee has authority to negotiate the contract. Motion by Mr. Rauworth, second by Mrs. Dunn that the School Committee adopt the Swampscott Agreement negotiated by the sub-committee and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the School Committee. Roll Call: Mr. Wilson-no, Mrs. Dunn-yes, Mrs. Reeh-yes, Mr. Rauworth-yes, Ms. Gilman-yes, Mr. Walton-no, Mr. Coffey-no. Motion passed. 4 votes in favor, 3 votes not in favor.

Mr. Walton questioned roof leaks at the Johnson School. Dr. DiBella responded by stating that we have received 1 estimate and are awaiting 2 others. The 1 estimate we have received is $20,000-$25,000 for 1/2 of the roof. Dr. DiBella stressed that our custodian, Ted Cronin has been diligently patching problem areas of the roof and that the delay in repairing the roof is not from lack of diligence but from difficulties in obtaining the required bids for the job.

NEW BUSINESS

OTHER COMMITTEE BUSINESS
A. REPORT OF RENOVATION/BUILDING COMMITTEE: Mr. Rauworth stated that 11/3 is the first of two public forums. The 11/3 forum will e a presentation only and community input will be received at the 11/17 forum. The Renovation Committee has asked the Board of Selectman for a special Town Meeting at a date to be determined in January 2004.
B. NOVEMBER & DECEMBER MEETING SCHEDULE: There will be a regular meeting on Tuesday, November 18th and meeting dates for December will be discussed at that time.