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MARS Board Meeting Minutes
Massachusetts
Association of Regional School District
Board Meeting
April 11,2007
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Present: Steve Hemman, Mike
Zapantis, Maureen Marshall, Lynn Ryan,
Gene Carlo, and Mike Buenicant
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The new Chapter 70 funding
numbers were reviewed. Gene Carlo gave out the Regional School Summary from
the Joint resolution. He also gave out Assabet Valley’s aid calculations. He
suggested that each District print out their own
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Discussion took place concerning
the winners and losers in the Joint resolution. There are communities facing
real trouble because of declining enrollment and economic problems.
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The major problem is that the
Foundation Budget is not adequate. Taking the Foundation Budget and
subtracting the minimum contributions calculates the amount of Chapter 70.
This difference is the amount of Chapter 70. The Foundation Budget does not
provide the amount needed to operate a school district.
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There are about 80 overrides
taking place this year. Communities are really being pressed with taxes and
demands on school and town financial needs.
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Gene does not see a change in the
State Budget. Regions will be hurt when the member towns are stressed
financially. There are differences in the Governor’s Budget and the Joint
Resolution.
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A change in minimum contribution
after the number is issued causes problems with the towns in trying to set
their budgets. There is a concern for schools that experience failed
overrides.
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Regional transportation is
estimated at 90% for FY07 and the same for FY08.
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MASS is working on School
Finance. Chapter 70 most likely will not change but Regional Transportation
and Circuit Breaker Transportation is still being discussed.
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Mike Buenicant updated the group
on problem of declining enrollments as it pertains to Chapter 70. See last
meeting minutes for more background information. He is meeting with members
of the legislature in an effort to solve the problems that the declining
districts are facing. Pothole funds don’t help because they come after the
budget is set.
Next meeting is May
15, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. at Assabet.
Submitted:
Stephen Hemman,
Supt. Narragansett Regional
For More Information Contact:
Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools
P.O. Box 334, Williamsburg, MA 01096-0334
Tel: 413-268-3607
E-mail:
niswonger@comcast.net
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Massachusetts Association of
Regional Schools