No reduction - Acton-Boxborough Regional School District - MEC

Acton Public, Acton-Boxborough Regional 

School Committees 

December 6, 2012 

7:30 Joint School Committee Meeting 

Followed by AB Regional School Committee Meeting 

Followed by Joint SC Executive Session 

at the R.J. Grey Junior High Library

ACTON PUBLIC AND ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

MEETING 

Library December 6, 2012 

R.J. Grey Junior High School 7:30 p.m. Joint School Committee 

followed by AB Regional School Committee Meeting 

followed by Joint SC Executive Session 

1.0 CALL TO ORDER (7:30) 

2.0 CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 

AGENDA (revised) 

3.0 APPROVAL of MINUTES and STATEMENT of WARRANT 

3.1 Minutes of 10/4/12 Joint/AB/APS School Committee meeting 

3.2 Minutes of 10/18/12 Joint AB/APS School Committee and Regional School District Study 

Committee meeting (addendum) 

3.3 Minutes of 11/1/12 Joint/AB School Committee meeting (addendum) 

4.0 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

5.0 JOINT SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUSINESS (7:40) 

5.1 ABRSD FY’14 Budget Overview – Steve Mills, Don Aicardi 

5.1.1 Governor’s Fiscal Stability Measures for FY13, 12/4/12 (addendum) 

5.2 Regional School District Study Committee (RSDSC) Update – Xuan Kong (8:00) 

5.2.1 Draft Position Statement from APS/BPS/ABRSC Chairs - VOTE – Xuan Kong, 

(already voted by APS and BPS School Committees) 

5.2.2 Merriam School Community emails and Chair’s memo – Kim McOsker 

5.2.3 Outreach Opportunities (revised in addendum) 

5.2.4 Douglas School Council Letter (addendum) 

5.3 Proposed 2013-2014 School Calendar – SECOND READING – VOTE - Steve Mills (8:15) 

5.3.1 Four Proposed Calendar Options: starting before/after Labor Day, Schools 

closed/open on certain religious holidays, possible March Professional 

Development Day noted 

5.3.2 Summary of Community Emails 

5.3.3 Calendar Discussion memo including 2012 Staff Survey summary 

5.3.4 Holiday Observances in MA, DESE 

5.3.5 School Committee memos re school calendar dated 11/2/12, 6/7/12, 4/30/12 

5.3.6 School Ceremonies and Religious Holiday Observances Policy and Procedures, 

File: IMD found at http://ab.mec.edu/about/policies.shtml 

5.3.7 School Year/School Calendar Policy, File: IC/ICA 

5.4 Acton Leadership Group (ALG) Report – Xuan Kong, Kim McOsker (9:00) 

5.4.1 Meeting materials for 11/29/12 (revised draft minutes in addendum) 

5.5 Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF) Report – Maria Neyland (oral) 

5.6 Health Insurance Trust (HIT) Report – Kim McOsker (oral) 

5.7 OPEB Task Force Update – Dennis Bruce (oral) 

5.8 Acton FinCom Report - Dennis Bruce (oral) 

5.9 Acton BOS Report - Paul Murphy (oral) 

1

APS SC is suspended. ABRSC continues. 

6.0 ABRSC BUSINESS (9:15) 

6.1 Review of Special Revenue Accounts – Steve Mills, Don Aicardi 

6.1.1 Memo from the Superintendent (addendum) 

6.2 Establishing OPEB Trust – VOTE – Don Aicardi (9:45) 

6.2.1 Draft from 11/1/12 School Committee packet (no changes, addendum) 

6.3 Recommendation to Approve Field Trip to Quebec, Canada – VOTE – Steve Mills 

6.4 Recommendation to Approve Field Trip to Dublin, Ireland – VOTE – Steve Mills 

6.5 Recommendation to Accept Gift of Nordic ski grooming device – VOTE – Steve Mills 

7.0 FOR YOUR INFORMATION (9:55) 

7.1 AB Regional High School 

7.1.1 Discipline Report – October 2012, November 2012 (addendum) 

7.1.2 Winter Athletic Coaches 

7.1.3 Donations to Student Publication “Window Seat”, “Saturday Night Activities”, and 

ABRHS Speech & Debate Team 

7.2 RJ Grey Junior High School 

7.2.1 Discipline Report – October 2012, November 2012 (addendum) 

7.3 Report on Professional Day, 11/6/12, Deborah Bookis 

7.4 FY13 ABSAF allocation memo, http://www.absaf.org/ 

7.5 New School Wellness Advisory Committee required by DESE 

7.6 ABRSD ELL Student Population, 11/1/12 and 12/1/12 

7.7 November 1 Enrollment Report 

7.8 Dismissal Schedule for 12/21/12 

7.9 ABUW Community Forum: Chris Herren, former Celtics Basketball player, talks 

candidly about the substance abuse problems which derailed his professional career. 

Sober since 2008, Herren is an inspirational speaker, especially reaching out to 

teens. Wednesday 1/9/13, 7:00 pm, ABRHS 

7.10 CASE Board of Directors meeting 11/30/12 materials (addendum) 

APS SC reconvenes and Joint SC is back in session. 

8.0 JT SCHOOL COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE SESSION (10:00) 

Strategy with respect to negotiations 

9.0 NEXT MEETINGS 

� December 20, 7:00 pm, APSC Meeting at RJGJHS Library 

� January 8 (Tuesday), 7:30 pm, ABRSC Meeting at RJGJHS Library 

� January 17, 7:00 pm. APSC Meeting at RJGJHS Library 

� January 26 (Saturday), 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Joint SC Budget Presentations, RJGJHS 

Library 

ADJOURN 

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ACTON PUBLIC and ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL 

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING Draft Minutes 

Library October 4, 2012 

R.J. Grey Junior High School 7:30 p.m. Joint School Committee 

followed by AB Regional School Committee Meeting 

followed by ABRSC Executive Session 

Members Present: Brigid Bieber, Mary Brolin, Dennis Bruce, Michael Coppolino, Xuan Kong, Paul 

Murphy, Kim McOsker, Maria Neyland, Deanne O’Sullivan 

Members Absent: None 

Others: Don Aicardi, Marie Altieri, Deborah Bookis, Liza Huber, Steve Mills, Beth Petr 

______________________________________________________________________________ 

The Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee was called to order by Chairperson Xuan Kong and 

the Acton Public School Committee was called to order by Chairperson Kim McOsker at 7:34 p.m. 

CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 

Xuan Kong announced that there will be a live debate on Acton TV between Senator James Eldridge and 

Dean Cavaretta on October 17 th at 7pm. 

Xuan and the Committee welcomed new Boxborough member, Dr. Mary Brolin. Mary thanked the 

Boxborough Board of Selectmen and School Committee for appointing her to fill Bruce Sabot’s seat. 

The FY13 ABRHS School Committee student representatives were welcomed: Caroline (Coco) 

DeFrancesco, Jennie He, Jacob Johnson, Tess Little, and Nikhil Manocha. The students said they are very 

excited to participate and represent ABRHS. 

STATEMENT of WARRANT 

AB warrant #13-006M dated 9/13/12 in the amount of $127,374.75, warrant #13-007 dated 9/20/12 in the 

amount of $1,849,588.12, and warrant #13-008 dated 10/4/12 in the amount of $2,013,695.49 were signed 

by the Chair and circulated to the Committee for signatures. 

APS warrant #201307 dated 10/2/12 in the amount of $205,595.29 was signed by the Chair and circulated 

to the Committee for signatures. 

APPROVAL of MINUTES 

The minutes of the 9/6/12 Joint/AB/APS School Committee meeting were approved as amended. Mary 

Brolin abstained from voting. 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

Student Rep Jacob Johnson spoke regarding teacher evaluations and a role for students based on the 

discussion in the Spring. He advocated for more student interactions input to be included, particularly for 

High School staff. He also suggested that department heads be involved. He cited a study funded by the 

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2010 about the effect of teaching on test scores. He believes the 

data shows that students can give effective evaluations. The goal is to give teachers constructive criticism. 

Jacob was thanked for sharing his thoughts. More discussion will take place on this topic in the future. 

JOINT SCHOOL COMMITTEE BUSINESS 

5.1 Acton BOS and FinCom Report 

5.1.1 Finance Committee meeting of 9/25/12 

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Paul Murphy reported that there was nothing relevant to report from the BOS. 

Kim McOsker reported that Don Aicardi and Steve Mills presented at the Acton Fincom meeting 

on 9/25/12. Regular meetings will be set up for them to report back. 

5.2 Acton Leadership Group (ALG) Report 

Xuan reported that ALG met 9/13/12 hoping to get to consensus. Fincom wants earlier dialogue re the 

budget process from School Committee. It was suggested that all boards meet as a group to get to know 

each other better. It was decided that no substitutions in attendance will be permitted this year. 

5.2.1 Input to ALG on Revenue Assumptions; Split Allocation; Override/No Override 

Xuan explained the split and how money was divided. This will be on the ALG agenda. Xuan 

asked for School Committee to address these issues so that they could be brought back to ALG in 

a timely manner. 

5.2 Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF) Report 

Maria Neyland reported that the BLF discussed their budget timeline. The Boards were asked to have 

their budget numbers in just before Thanksgiving. An update on Regionalization was given. Lots of 

questions were asked about the Lower Fields, such as is it coming in on budget, and how much rental 

income is coming in. 

5.3 OPEB Task Force Update 

Dennis Bruce reported that the town wide OPEB committee kicked off on 10/3/12. Steve Noone is chair. 

Discussion took place regarding how tough the issue could be but there are a lot of good ideas about 

funding. The goal is to bring a recommendation forward at the 12/13/12 ALG meeting, although this is 

later than they hoped. Don was thanked for his valuable participation. Guidance may come from the state 

in December. Maria said Boxborough does not have a subcommittee for OPEB but a transfer was voted in 

May. Xuan referred to Tess Summers’ memo in the packet. 

5.4 Regional School District Study Committee (RSDSC) Update/Issues 

Xuan reported that the RSDSC met on 9/12/12 for a presentation by Roger Hatch and Melissa King from 

the Office of School Finance, DESE. The highlight was a DESE FY13 Chapter 70 simulation study for 

the expanded district showing a $150,000 loss from the individual aid currently received by the three 

districts. There are a number of reasons for this, but it is not good news. The Committee was urged to 

keep in mind that the slides are a simulation, not actual. 

Mike Coppolino contacted Senator James Eldridge and the Senator suggested that a letter be sent to him 

from the three School Committees as an official request expressing their concern over being penalized by 

the funding formula. The three chairs will compose and send this letter for the Committees. 

There is a very important meeting next Wednesday night on Regionalization that Dr. Mills urged all to 

attend. Specifically, the meeting will try to reach consensus on three outstanding issues: 

1. Governing structure of the new Region 

2. 5% issue discount currently given to Boxborough for new construction 

3. How to divide up savings between the two Towns 

Dr. Bates and Dr. Mills discussed questions that have come up from the public that would not be addressed 

in a Regional Agreement. The memo in the packet represents only the Superintendents’ views at this time. 

Resolution of these issues would take further discussion, including School Committee action, contract 

negotiation with unions, and discussion with the public. The Study Committee members were urged to 

keep a long term timeframe in mind for many of these important questions. 

Dr. Mills said a possible date for the Special Town Meetings in both towns is Monday, April 29, 2013. 

Deanne O’Sullivan asked that the RSDSC website be updated to include the latest material. Maria 

emphasized that the Chairs of the three school committees, Kim, Xuan and Maria need to discuss any 

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position statements before they are posted, or be very clear about what the statement is saying and who it is 

from. Xuan confirmed that the three school committee chairs will create a position statement that addresses 

items that do not belong in the Regional Agreement. The next meeting of the RSDSC is 10/10/12. 

5.5 EDCO FY13 Representatives (Voting Board members and Advisory members) 

When the subcommittees and positions were voted at the 6/28/12 School Committee meeting, the EDCO 

Advisory Board positions were not included. EDCO Board members voted in on 6/28/12 were Brigid 

Bieber for the ABRSC and Steve Mills for the APSC. 

AB VOTE: 

Mike moved, Mary seconded and it was unanimously, 

VOTED: that Steve Mills be the EDCO Advisory Representative for ABRSC. 

APS VOTE: 

Mike moved, Paul seconded and it was unanimously, 

VOTED: that Xuan Kong be the EDCO Advisory Representative for APSC. 

5.6 FY 13 SMART Goals 

Dr. Mills said that there are fewer goals this year but they are more focused. He will accept comments or 

changes on the goals at any time. Goal #1 is an academic goal around student assessments from Deb 

Bookis. This is a sea change for our community but Dr. Mills wants to begin addressing it. He encourages 

his staff to take risks, saying that it is ok to not completely fulfill a goal as long as you have given it your 

best effort. Goal #2 regarding pupil services emphasizes transparency and efficiency. He has just begun 

working with an outside audit firm to look for efficiencies. Dr. Mills emphasized that this is not a goal to 

reduce special education services. Goal #3 is about the districts’ financial plans including the revolving 

accounts. Dr. Mills recognized and thanked Tom Blondin, the financial analyst hired last year, for being 

in the audience. A full financial discussion of the revolving accounts will be done by Don Aicardi and 

Tom in December. Marie Altieri’s Goal #4 regarding Teacher Evaluation dramatically changes how they 

will be evaluated. Goal #5 describes how Amy Bisiewicz and her team are moving students and staff to 

abschools.org and utilizing all the resources that that technology offers. Dr. Mills continues to try to make 

these goals quantifiable and measurable. 

Mike Coppolino stated that the “R” in SMART represents “student academic outcomes” and asked that 

the measurable outcomes be as tied to student academic outcomes as appropriate. He also suggested that 

some of the outcomes be more quantifiable with numeric specifics. John Petersen spoke from the 

audience suggesting that Goal #4’s statement of purpose should not be to pilot a new educator evaluation 

system, but to migrate to a new system. 

The APS SC adjourned at 8:30 p.m. and the ABRSC continued. 

ABRSC BUSINESS 

6.1 Recommendation to Approve Revised FY’13 ABRSD Assessments 

Don Aicardi explained that every October the District is required to submit “excess and deficiency” 

(E&D) information to the Department of Revenue. Because the final amounts of Chapter 70 revenue, 

Choice/Charter Assessment and Charter School Aid were $250,804 greater than the revenue assumptions 

used at both Town Meetings last spring, the Committee must decide how to deal with this change. 

Because this vote does not increase the assessment of either Acton or Boxborough, nor the total amount 

of the FY13 budget in any way, the Committee can make this decision without a Town Meeting vote. 

The recommended option is to lower the amount of E&D used, keeping the District under that statutory 

5% (of the operating budget) cap limit. Don stated that this is terrific news. Mike Coppolino asked if 

either Finance Committee had advice on this topic. Maria Neyland said that Boxborough Fincom did not. 

Maria Neyland moved, Brigid Bieber seconded and it was unanimously, 

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VOTED: that the total appropriation for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District for the 

fiscal year of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 be set at $39,114,804 and that 

member towns be assessed in accordance with the Education Reform Law and the 

terms of the Agreement and amendments thereto as follows: Acton $25,193,314, 

Boxborough $5,901,118, remainder to be accounted for by the Anticipated Chapter 70 

Aid in the amount of $6,659,200, Anticipated Charter School Aid in the amount of 

$108,536, Transportation Aid, Chapter 71, Section 16C in the amount of $732,782, a 

transfer from E&D Reserves in the amount of $519,196, and a transfer from the Junior 

High School Project Premium on Loan in the amount of $658. 

6.2 Long Range Financial Planning 

Xuan Kong presented on “Why Conduct Historical Expenditure Review?” He stated that the AB School 

Budget is a statement of the value of education of our community. He compared budgets to reality and 

asked the Committee to consider whether actual expenditures were more informative than budgeted 

figures. Mike thanked Xuan for “one of the most effective presentations he has seen at a School 

Committee meeting”. 

6.2.1 Historical Review slides and worksheet 

Don Aicardi presented on what the past could teach us about upcoming financial challenges, stating that: 

� High School Building Capacity increased by FY05 

� CPR review of FY04-05 led to additional staffing to address “990” concerns by FY07 and FY08 

� Class Size Average worsened from FY02 to FY07; and then improved 

� ABRSD population from FY02 to FY06 increased markedly and has slowed more recently 

� School Choice funds supported seven positions as late as FY11; supports 2.8 positions in FY13. 

The historical review concluded that: 

1. Formula change in the Education Reform Act, along with student enrollment increases, 

drove the large Chapter 70 increases in FY08 and FY09. The slowing of our student 

population will mean that any growth in Chapter 70 will increase at a much more 

conservative level. It is unlikely that the large increases similar to the ones that began five 

years ago will occur again unless there is another review of the Education Reform law. 

2. The ABRSD’s reserves, known as E & D, remain at or slightly below the statutory limit 

as the ABRSD enters a new, more austere financial era. 

3. The following have contributed to holding budget authorization growth to 2.0%, from 

FY10 to FY13: tightening the technical calculations of the budget, municipal reforms 

and negotiated changes in the employee-employer ratios that have slowed the budgetary 

growth, the Health Insurance Trust balance that has kept recent annual rate increases low; 

and successful efforts to control spending, such as in utilities. 

4. Budgetary increases for level service alone will likely be well over 3%. The “austere 

budget” increases of the last several years will no longer be possible due to a combination 

of flat Chapter 70 revenue, the non-availability of federal revenue, and already authorized 

spending commitments. 

The School Committee and the Administration will collectively have to balance the Long Range Strategic 

Plan against a very challenging financial picture. 

6.2.2 FY14 Preliminary Budget Priorities and Calendar 

Dr. Mills said that this is the very beginning of a discussion that will go on for the upcoming months, 

through “Budget Saturday” on January 26, 2013 and up to the Town Meetings in April and May. 

He described the budget as something that has to be “pruned, so more of the flowers can grow”. He 

acknowledged that the investment budget is beyond level service, but it is based on the Long Range 

Strategic Plan and sound financial management. There is more money in reserves now than when he 

arrived as Superintendent. The Regional School District’s bond rating has also improved. Dr. Mills stated 

that there are steadily increasing demands being put on all teachers beyond the classroom, such as more 

complicated evaluations, ELL requirements, and mandates. More professional learning time opportunities 

are needed. The school budgets are a reflection of a community’s values. He looks forward to working 

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with the towns’ finance committees and other community members to put successful budgets in place for 

next year. 

His preliminary FY14 budget proposal includes: 

� 2 Additional English Teachers at the High School 

� Connections/Bridges Program 

� Increase Drug/Alcohol Counseling Hours 

� Increase Opportunities for Professional Learning 

Xuan asked the Committee to come to the next meeting ready to share their priorities for the Regional 

School District for the coming years. Members mentioned class size and enrollment as key issues. Thanks 

to the position added this year, the counselor load at the High School went from 240 students to 219. With 

the 2 English teachers added this year, the student load now is 110 – 105 students per teacher, a big 

improvement. The issue now is that there is no time during the day to meet with students to discuss their 

work. Two more teachers would keep the same load, but add time for staff to work directly with students. 

Dr. John D’Auria, President of Teachers21, presented to APS/ABRSD staff this week and emphasized 

that the focus in schools now is moving away from TEACHING and to LEARNING. Learning requires 

time and knowing the student. Four classes per day would be optimal. Our schools are nowhere near the 

staff load of 90 students that Concord-Carlisle and other towns have. 

Brigid Bieber said that Open House at the High School was “Fantastic!” She noted the new computers 

that she saw in one of the classrooms as a striking example of the direct impact on student learning that 

the Committee’s budget discussions can have. She was impressed with how much further into the 

curriculum the students were because of the faster computers that don’t crash like the old ones used to. 

John Petersen spoke from the audience citing the Boston Magazine rankings article and the notable per 

pupil spending column. The ABRSD ratio is considerably lower than Lexington, Concord-Carlisle, 

Lincoln Sudbury or any of the communities we compare to. He pointed out that this relates to the student 

– teacher ratio in a negative way but emphasizes that it does show that the District delivers excellent 

education with good efficiency. 

6.3 Recommendation to Approve Field Trip to Dominican Republic 

Dr. Mills stated that this is a community service learning trip, not just a cultural experience. 

Maria moved, Brigid seconded and it was unanimously, 

VOTED: to approve the High School Field Trip to the Dominican Republic. 

6.4 Recommendation to Approve Exchange/Field Trip to China 

This is a High School trip for next summer. A goal of Dr. Callen and her staff is to establish an annual 

student exchange. She and some of her staff members went to China last year and took a very close look 

with an eye toward safety at the schools and places where our students would be. This could be a pilot for 

our students to earn credit. The trip would be for students who had just finished 10 th and 11 th grades. 

Brigid moved, Mike seconded and it was unanimously, 

VOTED: to approve the High School Trip to China 

Xuan asked the School Committee if they wanted to participate in the Acton Finance Committee 

sponsored “All Board” meeting to share thoughts about the boards’ long range financial plans. 

The Committee agreed that they would like to participate. The date is not set yet. 

Xuan asked the Committee for their view of the FY14 Budget, Chapter 70 aid and any input for ALG. 

Mike Coppolino stated that he wanted no override and to keep the split as is. He is generally comfortable 

with the outlook for the state aid increase from current funding level. Maria Neyland said it is very early 

to say anything about state aid for next year. 

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION 

7.4 FY12 MCAS Results 

Dr. Mills complimented Deborah Bookis on a very well done report. He said that we continue to be 

suspect about the relativeness and usefulness of these tests. Some of it is helpful, but he and Deb stressed 

that there are many other measures to also use. Deb said that MCAS is a summative assessment that helps 

with curriculum alignment, and seeing patterns that over time can help identify weaknesses and gaps in 

curriculum. It also can be used as a screen to identify students who may need intervention. 

Specifically, two areas that have been identified for attention are the aggregate median SGP for 10 th grade 

English Language Arts, and the median SGP for the SWD subgroup at the Junior High. An item analysis 

of the ELA results showed that at grades 7 and 10 students did not do well in multiple choice and open 

response questions that focused on using text evidence to support answers in literature and informational 

text. This is one of the major shifts of the CC or new MA Frameworks and where MCAS can be a helpful 

tool to help identify weaknesses in curriculum. For mathematics, the Jr High High Needs Group CPI 

(achievement) declined slightly and is being reviewed. 

7.6 Notification of Pesticide Use on 9/19/12 

Dr. Mills highlighted the recent and very serious EEE outbreaks. He approved the spraying of all school 

fields. 

7.7 Boston’s Best High Schools 2012: Boston Magazine 

Dr. Mills highlighted this. APS/AB is ranked 9 th , but per pupil spending is used as a metric and this hurts 

the District. He stated that this ranking is a tremendous tribute to our entire school community. 

In response to only having water at School Committee meetings this year, Mike asked that any decision 

that affects School Committee members be discussed at a meeting. The chairs made this decision based 

on other town committees not serving refreshments at meetings, and the increased focus on health and 

wellness. 

Xuan mentioned that the Mass. Association of School Committees (MASC) meeting is on November 9th 

and all School Committee members are invited to attend. 

AB EXECUTIVE SESSION 

At 10:30 p.m., it was moved, seconded and unanimously 

VOTED by role call: that the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee go into 

Executive Session (Joint School Committee) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation. 

(YES – Bieber, Brolin, Bruce, Coppolino, Kong, McOsker, Murphy, Neyland, O’Sullivan) 

Xuan Kong declared that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the 

Board and the Committee would return to open session for the sole purpose of adjourning. 

At 10:35 p.m., the Committee was polled and voted to go out of Joint Executive Session. 

NEXT MEETINGS 

� October 18, 7:00 pm, APSC Meeting at RJGJHS Library, Education Report: David 

Krane, Principal of McCarthy-Towne School 

� November 1, 7:30 pm, ABRSC Meeting at RJGJHS Library 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Beth Petr 

List of Documents Used: see agenda 

6

Acton-Boxborough Regional 

School District 

School Committee Meeting 


ABRSD FY’14 Operating Budget 

Superintendent’s Introduction 

1 

2 

12/6/2012 

1

Introduction 

1. Long Range Strategic Plan 

2. Investment Budget 

3. Sound Financial Management 

FY’13 Financial Update: 

Effect of Governor Patrick’s Mid-Year 

9C Reductions? 

3 

4 

12/6/2012 

2

FY’13 Financial Update 

Chapter 29, Section 9C of the 

Massachusetts General Laws gives 

the Governor the power “to declare a 

fiscal emergency and reduce 

executive branch spending” 


End of October, 2012 Estimated Shortfall 

($256) million 

End of November, 2012 Estimated Shortfall 

($540) million 

5 

6 

12/6/2012 

3


Highlights from Governor Patrick’s Proposal: 

$306 million will not require Legislative Approval; 

$234 million will require Legislative approval 

TOTALS $540 million in net reduction to FY’13 

budget 



Of the $306 million that will not require 

Legislative Approval … 

$225 million will come from executive 

branch agencies and programs, 

and from that, $21.7 million is coming from 

the Department of Elementary and 

Secondary Education 

7 

8 

12/6/2012 

4



No reduction to Chapter 70 

revenue requested. 


Highlights $21.7 million reduction to DESE: 

A) Special Ed “Circuit Breaker” Reimbursement (5% 

cut or $11.5 million) 

B) Charter School Tuition Reimbursement ($1 million) 

C) Regional Transportation Reimbursement (2.2% cut 

or $1 million) (reimbursement in 58-60% range) 

Law passed in 2010 stated that regional transportation 

cannot be cut more on a percentage basis that 

Chapter 70 … explanation? 

9 

10 

12/6/2012 

5


Other highlights: 

Proposed $9 million reduction in Unrestricted Local 

Aid (would affect both Acton & Boxborough) 

Reduction will require legislative approval – raises 

possibility of having that reduction absorbed by 

the State’s “Rainy Day” fund? 


Other highlights of $540 million plan … 

�$200 million transfer from State’s “rainy day” fund 

would increase the amount being used in FY’13 

from $350 million to $550 million 

�Projected FY’13 projected balance of “rainy day” 

fund is $1.2 billion 

�Concerns about slower growth, effects of federal 

“Fiscal Cliff” negotiations, uncertain economic 

growth, and the Hinton drug lab scandal 

11 

12 

12/6/2012 

6

ABRSD FY’14 Operating Budget 

FY’14 Financial Overview: 

What’s On The Horizon? 

Review of Reserves FY’11 to FY’12 

Before we begin our discussion of FY’14, 

what is the current status of our reserves? 

13 

14 

12/6/2012 

7

Million 

Acton Boxborough Regional School District 

Excess & Deficiency FY’98 to FY’12 

FY E & D FY E & D 

FY’98 $391,959 FY’06 $632,349 

FY’99 $460,077 FY’07 $1,415,970* 

FY’00 $803,026 FY’08 $1,231,767* 

FY’01 $427,861 FY’09 $1,545,953 

FY’02 $467,258 FY’10 $1,711,823 

FY’03 $767,772 FY’11 $1,925,118 

FY’04 $605,464 FY’12 $1,892,740 EST 

FY’05 $805,557 

$2 

$1.5 

$1 

ABRSD Excess/Deficiency Balance: Where 

will we be in the fall? 

$1.7m 

FY’10 

Final 

$1.92m 

FY’11 

Final 

$1.9m 

FY’12 

Est. 

12/6/2012 

8

Review of Reserves FY’11 to FY’12 

FY’13 Gross Budget $39,114,804 

5% of Gross Budget (5% Cap) $1,955,740 

EST‐FY’12 Excess & Deficiency $1,892,740 

Amount “Under” 5% Cap ($63,000) 

ABRSD Level Service Estimate 

First Step: What does the level service 

budget look like right now? 

18 

12/6/2012 

9


(in thousands) 

FY’13 Final $39,114 

FY’14 Level Service Current $40,825 

$ Change from Final FY’13 $1,710 

% Change from Final FY’13 4.37% 


Implementation of Regional Agreement: 

Allocation of ABRSD Costs 

Between Acton & Boxborough 

19 

20 

12/6/2012 

10

ABRSD “Three Year Enrollment 

Percentages” FY’11-FY’14 

FY Acton Boxborough 

FY’11 79.23 20.77 

FY’12 79.81 20.19 

FY’13 80.67 19.33 

FY’14 81.61 18.39 

Current FY’14 ABRSD Level Service Estimate 

Based on: current level service numbers and 

current state aid estimates; and 

updated enrollment numbers 

Town Assessments will increase from $31,094,432 in 

FY’13 to $32,704,542 in FY’14 (increase of $1,610,110) 

Figuring in: regional agreement percentages … 

Acton 81.61%, Boxborough 18.39% 

FY’14 Acton Boxborough 

Assessments: $1,608,592 $1,518 

increase (6.4%) increase (0.00%) 

Before any “investment budget” dollars are added 

22 

12/6/2012 

11

ABRSD FY’14 Level Service Estimate 

Current FY’13 to FY’14 ABRSD Budget Increase: 

4.37% 

6.4% 0.00% 

Acton Increase Boxborough Increase 


� 2.5% total salary increase estimated for all employees 

including steps, lanes, longevity and Supermax for 

teachers 

� Moves current FY'13 staff forward into FY'14 

� Accounts for any loss in grants used to support FY'13 

Budget (IDEA, Title 2A) 

� Health Insurance: HMO 75/25%, Indemnity 50%/50% 

� Health Insurance estimate 10% rate increase due to a 

combination of market rates and recent claims history 

(initial estimate by Health Insurance Trust; still under 

consideration) (currently a 19% increase budget impact 

due to loss of federal EdJobs funds used in FY'13) 

� Continuing “Realistic” budgeting whenever possible to 

reflect actual trends and to improve analysis 

24 

12/6/2012 

12


(Continued) 

� Middlesex retirement (for ABRSD non-teacher staff) 

preliminary annual assessment -increase by 15%?? 

� Updated all ABRSD debt service (now includes debt 

service for Lower Fields project) 

� Circuit Breaker reimbursement assumed at final FY'13 

level of 65% ($1.1 million) 

� Workers Compensation based on trends $37k increase 

� Assumes continuing trends of lower energy usage 

� OPEB Trust Contribution $236k to $376k (59% increase) 

� Agreement with Acton on hosting MUNIS -$34k potential 

increase to upgrade? 

� Increasing Drug & Alcohol consulting hours 

The Foundation Budget 

FY’14 Chapter 70 Estimates 

25 

26 

12/6/2012 

13


Each district’s Foundation Budget is updated 

annually to reflect: 

A. Inflation Factor (Last year’s was estimated 

at 3.6%; current FY’14 estimate is 1.56%) 

B. Changes in Foundation Enrollment 

C. Wage Adjustment Factor (23 zones in state) 

D. Municipal Revenue Growth Factor (MRGF) 

is also calculated for local contribution 


FY Chapter 70 

Total % 

Increase 

FY’06 $3,138,512 

FY’07 $4,715,036 50% 

FY’08 $5,625,428 19% 

FY’09 $6,852,830 22% 

FY’10 $6,715,773 (-2%) 

FY’11 $6,931,919 3% 

FY’12 $6,969,133 1% 

FY’13 $7,124,122 2% 

27 

28 

12/6/2012 

14



Based on October 1, 2012 data, we are assuming: 

32 Foundation Enrollment Decrease for ABRSD 

$0k ABRSD Chapter 70 Increase FY’13 to FY’14 

30 

29 

12/6/2012 

15

What are some other important 

elements that we should review 

tonight? 

Effect of Loss of Federal EdJobs Funding 

on Health Insurance from FY’13 to FY’14 

Millions 

$6 

$5 

$4 

$3 

$2 

$1 

$0 

Fed Ed Jobs 

($473,982) 

$4,938,816 Final FY 13 

$4,464,834 

$5,349,326 

FY’13 FY’14 

31 

12/6/2012 

16

ABRSD Excess/Deficiency Balance: How will it 

be used in FY'14? 

Based on assumption we will start the FY'14 budget 

process slightly below the E & D 5% Cap of $1.9m 

Start with 5% of Oper Budget E & D balance: ($1.9m): 5% 

2% of Oper Budget Used for FY'14 budget ($770k): (2%) 

1% Oper Budget FY'13 Year End Turnback ($385k): 1% 

ESTIMATED FY'13 Year End E & D Bal ($1.5m): 4% 

Due to our high level of reserves, and our close 

proximity to the 5% cap, we will continue to evaluate 

this throughout the budget season 

ABRSD FY’14 “Investment Budget” 

Where do things stand for the ABRSD 

FY’14 “Investment Budget”? 

33 

34 

12/6/2012 

17


Dr. Mills has received budget requests for 

program expansion, capital requests, and 

staff 

Our plan, if new positions are added, is try to 

redeploy positions to address new requests 


The Administration will determine over the next 

several weeks what requests above level 

service will be added to FY’14 budget 

1/8/13 FY’14 Preliminary Budget Presented to 

School Committee 

“Budget Saturday” targeted for January 26, 

2013 

35 

36 

12/6/2012 

18

FY’14 ABRSD Budget Items 

What will we be monitoring over the 

next several months? 

FY’14 ABRSD Budget Items To Be Closely 

Monitored In Coming Months 

� Chapter 70: Assuming full Foundation Budget-concerns about level 

revenue 

� Current Assumption: State Aid based on final FY’13 Cherry Sheet 

� Regional Transportation Revenue (based on FY’12 EOYR at 65% 

up from 60%) 

� Circuit Breaker Reimbursement? ($1.1 million) (currently estimated 

at 65%) 

� Health Insurance Trust/Rates for FY’14 (currently at 10%)? 

� Energy Savings - Decreasing Usage? 

� “E & D” Reserves Number Used to Support the ABRSD Budget? 

� Are there opportunities, if appropriate, to move positions over to 

Special Revenue accounts? 

� Second year of contributions to OPEB Fund for ABRSD? 

� Legal Expenses-closely monitoring due to change? 

37 

38 

12/6/2012 

19

School Committee FY’14 Budget Schedule 

Upcoming Schedule 

Balance of School Committee FY’14 Budget Schedule 

12/6/12 ABRSD School Committee’s budget discussion opens 

12/20/12 APS School Committee budget discussion continues 

12/31/12 Acton Town Meeting warrant closes-Potential Capital Articles? 

1/8/13 Presentation of preliminary budgets to APS and AB Regional School 

Committees (overview/issues) 

1/17/13 Discussion of preliminary budget with APS School Committee 

1/26/13 Joint School Committee Saturday All-Day Session with presentations by 

school leaders; Selectmen / Finance Committee / public at large all 

encouraged to attend 

2/7/13 AB Regional School Committee budget hearing (required by law) - Possible 

Budget Vote & Acton and Boxborough Finance Committees / Review / 

Comments to School 

2/14/13 APS School Committee budget hearing (required by law) - Possible Budget 

Vote 

Possible Joint School Committee meeting if vote needed on Regional 

budget/assessments (2/18/13 is deadline to vote according to Regional 

Agreement) 

39 

40 

12/6/2012 

20

Balance of School Committee FY’14 Budget Schedule 

3/7/13 AB SC Meeting 

3/21/13 APS School Committee Meeting 

TBD Boxborough warrant goes to printer 

3/28/13 Joint Acton/Acton-Boxborough SC Meeting 

4/1/13 Acton Town Meeting begins 

5/3/13 Boxborough Town Meeting begins 

41 

12/6/2012 

21

Acton Public Schools 

Acton-Boxborough Regional School District 

A) PROPOSED SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2013-2014 (START BEFORE LABOR DAY, SCHOOL HELD ON RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS) 

Bold Underlined Dates = No School Days 

Aug. M T W T F Teachers’ mtg. – Aug. 26 

Sept. 26 27 28 29 30 Schools Open – Aug. 27 

2 3 4 5 6 No School – Aug. 30 

9 10 11 12 13 Labor Day - Sept. 2 

16 17 18 19 20 HS Late Start - 

23 24 25 26 27 School Days - 23 

30 

Oct. M T W T F 

1 2 3 4 

7 8 9 10 11 Columbus Day - Oct. 7 

14 15 16 17 18 Elem Early Dismissal - 


28 29 30 31 

Nov. M T W T F Prof. Day - Nov. 5 (no school/students) 

1 Elem Early Dismissal - 

4 5 6 7 8 Veterans Day - Nov. 11 

11 12 13 14 15 Half Day - Nov. 27 

18 19 20 21 22 Thanksgiving Recess - Nov. 28-29 


Dec. M T W T F 

2 3 4 5 6 Jr. High. Early Dis - 

9 10 11 12 13 

16 17 18 19 20 Winter Recess - Dec. 24 - Jan. 1 


30 31 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

No School and Delayed Opening Announcements air on: http://ab.mec.edu, 

TV Channels 4, 5, and 7 and radio stations WBZ and WEIM 

Monthly School Committee Meetings are held: 

Acton-Boxborough Regional -1st Thursday, Jr High Library - 7:30 PM; 

APS Elementary Schools - 3rd Thursday, Jr High Library - 7:00 PM. See 

http://ab.mec.edu/about/meetings.shtml for more information. 

Jan. M T W T F 

1 2 3 Schools Open - Jan. 2 

6 7 8 9 10 JH AND HS Early Dis. - 

13 14 15 16 17 Martin Luther King Day - Jan. 20 

20 21 22 23 24 Kindergarten Change-over - Jan. 21 


Feb. M T W T F 

3 4 5 6 7 JH AND HS Late Start – 

10 11 12 13 14 Presidents’ Day - Feb. 17 

17 18 19 20 21 Winter Recess - Feb. 17-21 


Mar. M T W T F 

3 4 5 6 7 


17 18 19 20 21 (Possible Prof. Day – Mar 25) 


31 

Apr. M T W T F 

1 2 3 4 

7 8 9 10 11 Spring Recess - April 21-25 

14 15 16 17 18 Patriots Day – April 21 


28 29 30 

May M T W T F 

1 2 

5 6 7 8 9 

12 13 14 15 16 Memorial Day - May 26 


26 27 28 29 30 

June M T W T F Graduation – June 6 

2 3 4 5 6 Last day – June 10 - 17 

9 10 11 12 13 (depending on snow days) 


23 24 25 26 27 Total Days = 180 - 185 

Proposed 12/6/12



C) PROPOSED SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2013-2014 (START AFTER LABOR DAY, SCHOOL HELD ON RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS) 


Aug. M T W T F 

Sept. 26 27 28 29 30 Labor Day - Sept. 2 

2 3 4 5 6 Teachers’ mtg. – Sept 3 

9 10 11 12 13 Schools Open – Sept. 4 

16 17 18 19 20 HS Late Start - 


30 


1 2 3 4 




28 29 30 31 









9 10 11 12 13 



30 31 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 



















3 4 5 6 7 




31 


1 2 3 4 




28 29 30 

May M T W T F 

1 2 

5 6 7 8 9 



26 27 28 29 30 


2 3 4 5 6 Last day – June 16 - 23 



23 24 25 26 27 Total Days = 180 - 185 

Proposed 12/6/12



D) PROPOSED SCHOOL CALENDAR, 2013-2014 (START AFTER LABOR DAY, WITH REL HOLIDAYS OFF) 


Aug. M T W T F 

Sept. 26 27 28 29 30 Labor Day - Sept. 2 

2 3 4 5 6 Teachers’ mtg. – Sept 3 

9 10 11 12 13 Schools Open – Sept. 4 

16 17 18 19 20 Rosh Hashanah – Sept 5 

23 24 25 26 27 HS Late Start - 

30 School Days - 18 


1 2 3 4 




28 29 30 31 









9 10 11 12 13 



30 31 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Note: Yom Kippur is Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013. 



















3 4 5 6 7 




31 


1 2 3 4 


14 15 16 17 18 Good Friday – April 18 


28 29 30 School Days - 16 

May M T W T F 

1 2 

5 6 7 8 9 



26 27 28 29 30 


2 3 4 5 6 Last day – June 18 - 25 



23 24 25 26 27 Total Days = 180 - 185 

Proposed 12/6/12

ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL 

SCHOOL DISTRICT 

SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT 

REVIEW 

Don Aicardi, Finance Director 


ABRSD Special Revenue Account Review 

TONIGHT’S GOAL 

11/30/2012 

1


The Finance department is responsible for tracking 

and reporting all school related expenditures. 

Our goal is to ensure that the financial information 

is in a format that facilitates efficient and effective 

delivery of services. 


While we have improved the quality of the reports 

and analysis for general fund revenues and 

expenditures, the Special Revenue accounts 

would benefit from improved reports to the 

Superintendent, our Administrators, and to the 

Regional School Committee. 

11/30/2012 

2


Tonight we begin the process of providing both 

background information on the special revenue 

accounts as well as a status report on how we are 

trying to improve our analysis of these programs. 

Tracking of what is being spent? 

Acceptable available balance levels? 

Tracking and timing of revenues? 

Relationship to AB general operating budget? 


FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS 

11/30/2012 

3



There are different categories of funds 

that exist in Massachusetts school 

districts. 

Some funds are intended for a specific 

purpose and some are to support the 

general operation of the district. 

» MASBO’s Massachusetts Regional School 

Administrators’ Guidebook 

11/30/2012 

4


There are laws that govern the manner 

in which the monies are receipted and 

accessed for spending. 




These categories include: 

A) General Fund 

B) Special Revenue Funds 

1. Revolving Funds 

2. Gift Funds 

3. Grants 

C) Capital Project Funds 

D) Trust and Agency Funds 

1. Stabilization 

2. Pension 

3. Health Claim Funds 

4. Student Activity Funds 

» MASBO’s Massachusetts Regional School Administrators’ Guidebook 

11/30/2012 

5


Appropriated Budget (General Fund) is 

the budget approved each spring, first 

by the regional school committee and 

then by the town meetings of both 

Acton and Boxborough 


Revolving Funds 

11/30/2012 

6


Revolving funds can only be 

established for specific purposes 

noted by statute. 




Generally the revenue generated for 

these funds is derived from fees 

charged for a non-mandated service or 

activity (before and after school 

programs, athletics, transportation user 

fees, building usage etc.) 

» MASBO’s Massachusetts Regional School Administrators’ 

Guidebook 

11/30/2012 

7


The budgets for these funds are not 

subject to the annual adoption/ 

approval process required by general 

fund budgets. 




However, expenditures from these 

funds must be specifically related to the 

purpose for which the funds are 

established. 



11/30/2012 

8


Any money left in the fund at the end of 

the year carries forward into the next 

year and the fund remains open until 

the revenue generating activity ceases 

to exist. 




Gift Accounts 

11/30/2012 

9


Gift Accounts are similar in nature to 

revolving funds except that the revenue 

comes from a different source. 

MASBO’s Massachusetts Regional School 



Gifts can be accepted by the school 

committee from charitable foundations, 

private corporations or individuals. 



11/30/2012 

10


Money from these accounts can only 

be expended for the intended purpose 

and are subject to school committee 

approval. 




Gift accounts are closed when the 

funds are fully expended or the purpose 

has been filled. 



11/30/2012 

11


Gift Acceptance Procedures 


• Entity communicates with the RSC 

via a letter detailing, how much and 

the criteria 

• If over $500, placed on RSC agenda 

for acceptance vote; 

• If under $500, accepted by 

Superintendent and thank you noted 

at RSC meeting 

11/30/2012 

12


• Checks are sent to Denise Kelly, 

Coordinator of Business 

• Mrs. Kelly checks RSC minutes to 

confirm acceptance 


Depending on the type of donation: 

•If similar to an existing account, the 

funds are deposited into that account; 

•If not, a separate “fund” is set up within 

our financial reporting system (MUNIS) 

and the check is deposited into the new 

account 

11/30/2012 

13


What are the categories for special 

revenue accounts & gifts currently 

being used by the ABRSD? 


For the ABRSC, these accounts will 

range from the familiar to the 

unfamiliar….. 

11/30/2012 

14



Athletics (Three) 

Community Education (Three) 

Friends of Lower Fields (One) 

Lower Fields Construction (One) 

School Lunch (Three) 

11/30/2012 

15


Miscellaneous Admin (Three) 

Emporium Revolving (One) 

Integrated Preschool (One) 

Occupational Development Program (One) 

Parent Involvement Project (One) 

Performing Arts (Seven) 

Scholarships (Twenty Three) 


Small Miscellaneous (Fifteen) 

Summer School Tuition (One) 

Transportation (One) 

Junior High (Eight) 

Senior High (Twelve) 

11/30/2012 

16


What are we doing to track revenue and 

expenditure trends in the special revenue 

accounts? 

•The Finance Office was sending out status 

reports on an “as-requested” basis to make 

administrators aware of the financial status of 

these accounts. 

•We wanted to improve both the quality and the 

timing of the information we were sending out….. 


This summer, the Finance staff built a 

redesigned tracking document. 

It picks up all current balances-with 

revenues, expenditures and 

encumbrances. 

The information is downloaded from the 

integrated finance software (MUNIS) into 

an EXCEL document, then a macro takes 

the information and quickly updates the 

expenses and encumbrances. 

11/30/2012 

17


However, we have begun to build “individualized” 

tracking documents, on a prioritized basis, that can 

be sent to Administrators on a regular schedule. 

We have completed tracking documents for the 

following “Greatest Hits” accounts: Athletics, 

Community Education, Food Services and 

Integrated Preschool. 

All of them completed are works in process, and 

are being re-tooled after receiving feedback from 

administrators. 


11/30/2012 

18


How was information on these accounts 

being shared with the Regional School 

Committee? 

A status report was provided in annual 

“Budget Saturday” briefing book that listed 

revenues, expenses and available balances. 

Special reports were produced as requested. 


Grappling with the following questions: 

1. How helpful are these reports to the 

administrators? 

2. What are the “interconnectivity” of these 

funds to the ABRSD general operating 

budget? 

3. What is the appropriate “balance level” for 

each account at fiscal year end? 

4. Timing of reports to ABRSC? 

11/30/2012 

19


This presentation was designed to give the 

ABRSC a general overview of how SRA 

and Gifts accounts function. 

There will be additional information in future 

school committee meetings. 

I’m happy to answer any questions that you 

have at this time. 

11/30/2012 

20

ABRSD SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS 

YEAR END BALANCES 

11/30/2012 

ADMIN 

ATHLETICS 

BUILDINGS & 

GROUNDS 

COMMUNITY 

EDUCATION 

SCHOOL STORES 

INTEGRATED 

PRESCHOOL 

FUND TITLE 

FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 

BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE BALANCE 

SUPERINTENDENT GIFTS $0.00 $0.02 $154.02 770000% $444.02 188% 

UNITED WAY GIFT $994.95 $994.95 0% $994.95 0% $994.95 0% 

CURRICULUM GIFT $437.86 $38.57 -91% $349.11 805% $956.71 174% 

ESL REVOLVING $10.57 $10.57 0% $10.57 0% $10.57 0% 

INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENT $6,787.52 $10,345.09 52% $15,574.19 51% $15,431.38 -1% 

TELEPHONE REVOLVING $21,640.70 $16,695.47 -23% $26,699.84 60% $22,715.95 -15% 

VENDOR RECOVERY $34,550.25 $58,450.75 69% $38,348.98 -34% $40,698.79 6% 

TOTAL $64,421.85 $86,535.42 34% $82,131.66 -5% $81,252.37 -1% 

ATHLETIC GIFTS $7,010.93 $12,248.26 75% $6,203.76 -49% $0.00 -100% 

ABSAF: ATHLETICS $44,000.00 $45,027.24 2% $5,791.13 -87% $0.00 -100% 

ATHLETIC REVOLVING $13,885.75 $40,734.77 193% $0.00 -100% $2,223.06 #DIV/0! 

TOTAL $64,896.68 $98,010.27 51% $11,994.89 -88% $2,223.06 -81% 

ELM STREET HOOPS GIFT $1,214.00 $1,214.00 0% $1,214.00 0% $1,214.00 0% 

SOLAR PANEL PROJECT $464.05 $1,555.75 235% $1,555.75 0% $1,555.75 0% 

FRIENDS OF LOWER FIELDS $0.00 $0.00 0% $0.00 0% $0.00 0% 

LOWER FIELDS GIFT 2 $0.00 $0.00 0% $0.00 0% $0.00 0% 

LOWER FIELDS CONSTRUCTION $0.00 $0.00 0% $0.00 0% $0.00 0% 

VANDALISM REIMBURSEMENT $311.09 $311.09 0% $311.09 0% $311.09 0% 

TOTAL $1,989.14 $3,080.84 $3,080.84 $3,080.84 

COMMUNITY EDUCATION $278,145.08 $389,639.45 40% $466,570.20 20% $433,037.22 -7% 

USE OF FACILITIES $26,673.36 $54,826.35 106% $0.09 -100% ($0.00) -100% 

DRIVERS EDUCATION $143,146.11 $82,559.90 -42% $92,027.89 11% $125,045.06 36% 

TOTAL $447,964.55 $527,025.70 18% $558,598.18 6% $558,082.28 0% 

JUNIOR HIGH STORE REVOLVING $7,856.91 $8,847.41 13% $7,614.67 -14% $7,753.86 2% 

EMPORIUM REVOLVING $84,790.34 $81,763.67 -4% $78,328.88 -4% $42,003.36 -46% 

TOTAL $92,647.25 $90,611.08 -2% $85,943.55 -5% $49,757.22 -42% 

INTEGRATED PRESCHOOL $45,398.89 $60,530.49 33% $108,752.15 80% $118,511.65 9%



11/30/2012 

JUNIOR HIGH 

ODP 

REVOLVING 

PERFORMING ARTS 

FUND TITLE 



JUNIOR HIGH GIFTS $7,434.07 $2,390.74 -68% $9,562.01 300% $11,769.11 23% 

ABSAF:JUNIOR HIGH EXTRACURRICULAR $13,501.60 $13,860.38 3% $5,073.09 -63% $5,100.08 1% 

JOHN LORING MEMORIAL GIFT $4,616.87 $4,628.42 0% $4,633.99 0% $4,638.61 0% 

PROJECT WELLNESS JUNIOR HIGH $9,071.01 $20,410.62 125% $4,488.06 -78% $0.00 -100% 

EDFAAB GIFT - JUNIOR HIGH $3.64 $3.64 0% $3.64 0% $3.64 0% 

LOST BOOKS-JUNIOR HIGH $2,941.00 $3,285.43 12% $3,755.70 14% $3,880.28 3% 

LIBRARY REV - JUNIOR HIGH $2,832.00 $3,498.15 24% $3,730.44 7% $6,248.92 68% 

TOTAL $40,400.19 $48,077.38 19% $31,246.93 -35% $31,640.64 1% 

ODP REVOLVING $1,417.76 $47,706.76 3265% $87,085.99 83% $87,846.33 1% 

ABSAF: SENIOR HIGH PERFORMING ARTS $7,000.00 $2,892.23 -59% ($0.00) -100% ($0.00) 0% 

BAND UNIFORMS $4,946.36 $6,997.10 41% $1,802.22 -74% $4,647.34 158% 

AB FRIENDS OF DRAMA GIFTS $25.00 $25.00 0% $25.00 0% $25.00 0% 

DRAGONFLY THEATER $0.00 $120,303.48 #DIV/0! $31,642.24 -74% $16,059.33 -49% 

PERFORMING ARTS REVOLVING $0.00 $2,407.52 #DIV/0! $1,362.27 -43% $0.00 -100% 

JUNIOR HIGH THEATER REVOLVING $23,264.84 $10,978.56 -53% $5,959.22 -46% $1,074.39 -82% 

SENIOR HIGH: PROSCENIUM CIRCUS $8,685.46 $17,297.30 99% $5,966.69 -66% $3,997.41 -33% 

SENIOR HIGH CHORUS $5,040.64 $6,341.12 26% $8,035.43 27% $17,242.02 115% 

TOTAL $48,962.30 $167,242.31 242% $54,793.07 -67% $43,045.49 -21%



11/30/2012 

PRIVATE GRANTS 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

SCHOOL LUNCH 

FUND TITLE 



TELS PROJECT $3,008.57 $0.00 -100% $0.00 0% $0.00 0% 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT PROJECT $4,483.70 $3,501.11 -22% $5,641.22 61% $12,585.02 123% 

NSTA TOYOTA TAPESTRY $3,408.36 $1,542.46 -55% $1,542.46 0% $1,542.46 0% 

MCC BIG YELLOW SCHOOL BUS $0.00 $0.00 $124.59 $205.14 65% 

NSTAR POWER DOWN PROJECT $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,150.00 

TOTAL $10,900.63 $5,043.57 -54% $7,308.27 45% $15,482.62 112% 

DENNIS M KULSICK $6,126.46 $5,148.58 -16% $4,161.16 -19% $3,169.86 -24% 

ANDREW GRATZ $8.66 $8.66 0% $8.66 0% $8.66 0% 

A B JAMBOREE $3,043.06 $3,044.97 0% $3,048.94 0% $3,052.00 0% 

KATHERINE KINSLEY $29,858.75 $29,697.64 -1% $29,594.72 0% $29,464.26 0% 

JAMES E KINSLEY $37,200.36 $37,244.00 0% $37,340.11 0% $37,407.96 0% 

AMERICAN LEGION 284 $56,233.26 $54,479.17 -3% $52,651.65 -3% $50,807.78 -4% 

BRODY PEER LEADERSHIP $33.96 $33.96 0% $33.96 0% $33.96 0% 

J PRENDIVILLE III $16,683.45 $15,760.56 -6% $14,814.80 -6% $12,863.90 -13% 

M&P SMOLTEES $55,005.39 $51,227.25 -7% $47,371.11 -8% $43,490.56 -8% 

J DEBAGGIS $2,932.12 $2,933.96 0% $2,937.78 0% $2,940.72 0% 

R J GREY $15,511.63 $15,025.97 -3% $15,056.67 0% $14,576.20 -3% 

CHARLES BATTIT $16,527.13 $16,823.81 2% $16,193.80 -4% $24,523.36 51% 

J SCOTT $1,322.06 $325.19 -75% $75.70 -77% $1,076.24 1322% 

SCHOLARSHIP:GENERAL $836.88 $1,262.07 51% $1,371.64 9% $1,360.01 -1% 

FRED S KENNEDY $3,411.32 $3,482.28 2% $3,320.03 -5% $2,146.87 -35% 

CHS BRUSIE MEMORIAL $14,088.02 $12,250.66 -13% $10,375.97 -15% $9,455.65 -9% 

THOMAS MEAGHER $8,276.43 $7,813.30 -6% $7,329.46 -6% $6,839.07 -7% 

R & E MATUSOW $50,353.39 $49,926.24 -1% $49,857.95 0% $50,043.20 0% 

R BARTOLOMEO $4,436.09 $3,768.07 -15% $2,473.00 -34% $1,175.56 -52% 

SANDRA WILENSKY $4,877.66 $3,889.81 -20% $3,395.50 -13% $3,099.49 -9% 

FREDERICK JOYCE $0.00 $0.00 #DIV/0! $5,636.01 #DIV/0! $4,893.50 -13% 

R & R DOW $0.00 $0.00 #DIV/0! $2.70 #DIV/0! $4.08 51% 

ALMA PARKHURST $0.00 $0.00 #DIV/0! $0.00 #DIV/0! $28,728.19 #DIV/0! 

TOTAL $326,766.08 $314,146.15 -4% $307,051.32 -2% $331,161.08 8% 

CENTRAL OFFICE LUNCH $93,262.03 $112,885.83 21% $108,189.22 -4% $98,409.29 -9% 

JUNIOR HIGH LUNCH $3,354.98 ($4,286.70) -228% ($23,708.64) 453% ($47,356.56) 100% 

SENIOR HIGH LUNCH $165,449.91 $191,026.93 15% $250,891.69 31% $263,888.15 5% 

TOTAL $262,066.92 $299,626.06 14% $335,372.27 12% $314,940.88 -6%



11/30/2012 

SENIOR HIGH 

SUMMER SCHOOL 

TUITION 

TRANSPORTATION 

FUND TITLE 



SENIOR HIGH GIFTS $7,515.35 $6,639.73 -12% $8,296.23 25% $9,605.98 16% 

SENIOR HIGH GIFT:GAZEBO $2,072.41 $1,002.41 -52% $1,002.41 0% $1,282.41 28% 

SENIOR HIGH GIFT:PTSO $10,037.42 $14,664.84 46% $13,099.69 -11% $15,893.62 21% 

SENIOR HIGH GIFT:OTHER $3,704.94 $2,477.25 -33% $4,776.13 93% $9,569.52 100% 

SENIOR HIGH GIFT: ABSAF $375.25 $375.25 0% $375.25 0% $375.25 0% 

ABSAF: SENIOR HIGH EXTRACURRICULAR $26,810.99 $25,882.01 -3% $2,102.38 -92% $5,598.52 166% 

SENIOR HIGH: COMMUNITY SERVICE GIFTS $580.96 $228.71 -61% $180.03 -21% $162.84 -10% 

SENIOR HIGH: SPECTRUM $506.00 $140.95 -72% $728.95 417% $1,887.95 159% 

LOST BOOKS-SENIOR HIGH $14,309.04 $20,693.04 45% $24,458.38 18% $29,325.26 20% 

PARKING-SENIOR HIGH $13.95 $276.50 1882% $20,671.80 7376% $26,341.55 27% 

LIBRARY REVOLVING SENIOR HIGH $1,498.62 $4,308.42 187% $7,064.57 64% $1,582.71 -78% 

SCHOOL TO BUSINESS $4,078.57 $4,770.39 17% $3,313.59 -31% $956.88 -71% 

SMOKING REVOLVING $20.00 $20.00 0% $20.00 0% $20.00 0% 

SWAP TUITION $4,983.52 $4,233.52 -15% $4,078.32 -4% $256.32 -94% 

SENIOR HIGH:COUNSELING/TESTING $26,898.00 $32,573.36 21% $29,584.94 -9% $15,959.56 -46% 

TOTAL $103,405.02 $118,286.38 14% $119,752.67 1% $118,818.37 -1% 

SUMMER SCHOOL TUITION $57,254.94 $68,073.26 19% $106,312.43 56% $126,970.84 19% 

TRANSPORTATION $38,088.05 $48,258.07 27% $56,091.05 16% $66,788.40 19% 

GRAND TOTAL $1,606,580.25 $1,982,253.74 $1,955,515.27 $1,949,602.07

Office of the Director of Curriculum and Assessment 


Acton-‐Boxborough Regional School District 

(978) 264-‐4700 x 3213 

http://ab.mec.edu/curriculum/curriculum.shtml 

TO: Dr. Stephen Mills, Superintendent 

FROM: Deborah Bookis, Director of Curriculum and Assessment 

DATE: November 30, 2012 

RE: Report on Professional Day, November 6, 2012 

The implementation of the educator evaluation pilot was the focus of Professional Day 

2012. The day began for APS educators with a three-‐hour “Reflection and Goals” workshop 

facilitated by John D’Auria, President of Teachers 21 . Staff then returned to their respective 

schools to begin work on professional practice and student learning goals. At the region, 

John D’Auria shared a short presentation on the “Growth Mindset,” based on the work and 

research of Carol Dweck, Ph. D.; specifically, he focused on how feedback that’s connected 

to strategies and effort positively impact student and adult learning. AB staff then returned 

to their respective schools to continue work on the goal-‐setting process. 

Below are the Professional Day summaries from the schools and departments of the Acton 

Public Schools and the Acton-‐Boxborough Regional School District. 

Conant School: Submitted by Damian Sugrue 

The Conant School staff returned to school and had a brief lunch meeting with the 

principal. We debriefed on the morning and clarified important issues; i.e., the fact that the 

evaluation is not based on completion of goals but instead is based on how well the teacher 

does relative to the state rubric, as well as what is learned through the goal setting and 

implementation process as it relates to professional practice and student growth. The staff 

then met and decided they would create their personal goals based on a common need for 

the school: the development of writing rubrics and assessments. 

Douglas School: Submitted by Chris Whitbeck 

The Professional Learning Day was very well received by the Douglas School teachers. They 

said that the morning was very informative and returned to school with many good ideas 

for professional and student learning goals. During lunch, the staff and principal discussed 

any questions that remained. We spent the remainder of the afternoon meeting discussing 

specific individual and group goals. This was an excellent use of our time, and I was able to 

meet with all teachers and make significant progress in the evaluation process. 

Gates School: Submitted by Lynne Newman 

The Gates teachers found the professional learning to be very helpful in understanding the 

new evaluation and supervision framework. Spending the first three hours off campus was 

great, and teachers found John D'Auria to be clear, informative, and overall a strong 

presenter. When we returned to Gates for a catered lunch and short staff meeting, staff

was ready to work by grade level in creating their student learning goal. Many teachers 

collaborated on their professional practice goal, but others wrote individual goals that 

would best fit their needs. Lynne Laramie, Priscilla Kotyk, and I worked with staff to help 

them write SMART goals. Our plan is to meet with staff to review their journal writing and 

rubric self-‐reflection and to sign their professional growth and evaluation fall form and 

individual goal setting form. Teachers have been reassured that this is a pilot year and that 

they should set goals that will help them to grow professionally but should also understand 

that we are all learning along the way. 

McCarthy-Towne School: Submitted by David Krane 

The faculty and staff at McCarthy-‐Towne have been supportive as we have rolled out the 

Pilot Evaluation system. I believe that it has prompted some deeper reflection about 

practice as teachers use the variety of documents to guide their thinking. Much of the initial 

concern about this new system has been mitigated by the fact that the process has been 

genuinely collaborative, with teachers, the AEA, Central Office, and the building principals 

all having seats at the table. Since this is a new experience for us all, knowing that it is a 

pilot program allows time to think about what is working and what may need to be 

adjusted. That is an important feature of how this has been presented. Process is critical for 

a change of this magnitude, and I feel that that process has been honored. Continued 

collaboration and continued process will make this a very successful endeavor. 

Merriam School: Submitted by Ed Kaufman 

The Professional Day at Merriam School was a successful and informative experience for all 

involved. After the Merriam PTO treated the staff to an “Appreciation Lunch,” I met with the 

entire staff for about 45 minutes. I reviewed the key points from John D’Auria’s morning 

presentation and then discussed the “nuts and bolts” of the goal-‐setting process. I reviewed 

important topics such as dual supervision, timelines, professional status vs. non-‐ 

professional status requirements, and the difference between professional practice and 

student learning goals. There were many questions – and I took the time to answer each 

one with the whole group so that everyone would feel ready to work on their goals. 

Both Matt McDowell and I posted sign-‐up sheets for individual goal-‐setting conferences, 

and then staff members went to work, either individually or in small groups, for the rest of 

the day. Staff members stopped in my office to consult throughout the afternoon. All in all, I 

think it was a great kick-‐off for the evaluation pilot. We’re on our way! 

R.J. Grey Junior High: Submitted by Andrew Shen 

The opportunity to spend an entire day working with colleagues on a variety of 

professional learning activities was extremely useful and supported many of our current 

initiatives and efforts. The presentation by John D’Auria has generated numerous 

conversations between colleagues and with administrators about how to capture the 

"growth mindset" approach to various practices with students and with each other. I 

personally used the presentation as a starter for conversations that I had with staff 

members about how to frame their student learning goals. The remainder of the morning 

RE: Professional Learning Day, 11/6/2012 page 2

session was dedicated to department-‐specific work. Several departments finished writing 

and reviewing their individual and shared learning goals for students and also worked in 

grade-‐specific groups to refine and expand specific curricular units; for example, the 7 th -‐ 

grade social studies teachers worked on their unit that focuses on the experience of 

Colonial-‐era women. In the afternoon, RJG staff signed up for different workshops and/or 

met with colleagues to pursue independent projects. The workshops were led by RJG staff 

members and included trainings on the use of library databases, using MOBI technology in 

the classroom, and support for using AB Schools. In addition, the junior high’s two Critical 

Friends Groups used one of the workshop periods to hold their first meeting of the year. 

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School: Submitted by Alixe Callen 

After spending the first part of the morning with John D’Auria, the high school faculty split 

up by department to work on and towards departmental and individual goals under the 

direction of the department leaders. Please see the following descriptions of each 

department’s work for more specific information. 

Science 

In science we split up primarily by discipline: physics, biology, chemistry, and earth 

science. Teachers worked together on curriculum issues. For instance, physics teachers 

reviewed the new labs for CP and AE and checked equipment inventory for these labs. 

Chemistry teachers worked on a new set of formative assessments around labs and took 

the time to review upcoming lab-‐quiz formats and expectations. 

Special Education 

The special education department spent the afternoon developing materials and 

assessments to measure their department student-‐learning goal. 

English 

The English Department spent the morning drafting common writing assessments for each 

course, based on the department’s learning goals. Teachers plan to administer them in 

classes in early February and to use professional learning time on the February late-‐start 

day to look at resulting student work together. In the afternoon, department members 

worked together on their professional and student learning team goals and individual 

goals. 

World Language 

The department spent time discussing the session with John D’Auria, particularly focusing 

on how best to implement the “Growth Mindset” in world language classrooms. Following 

that, each department member met with the department leader to discuss his/her goals 

and then spent the remainder of the day beginning to work on those goals. 

Mathematics 

The math staff spent the morning working on their individual goals and discussing them 

with the department leader. The department came together in the afternoon to continue 

their work developing common assessments. 


Social Studies 

The department spent the morning crafting a goal around common vocabulary, since there 

is a widespread perception that students have a hard time reading because of vocabulary 

deficiency. After finalizing the goal, they discussed instructional strategies that would 

enhance vocabulary development. 

The group spent the afternoon working in small groups. The US History I teachers worked 

on a SmartBoard project; the Psychology teachers developed common assessments; the 

World History staff continued their efforts on a Byzantium project, and US History II spent 

some time reconsidering the exam format in light of recent research about assessment. 

Counseling 

The Counseling Department spent the day discussing their professional and student 

learning goals. They started the morning discussing their shared professional goal around 

consistency and the services they currently provide to students in each grade level. In the 

afternoon, they broke into smaller groups to focus more on student learning goals. Some 

counselors and psychologists are working toward similar student learning goals, so they 

met to work on this together. Others worked on their own to finish up writing their goals 

and to begin working on them. 

Performing Arts 7-12: Mark Hickey 

The Performing Arts Department (7-‐12) met at the high school after John D'Auria's session 

on Tuesday. The rest of the morning session was used to work on both the professional and 

student learning goal for each individual. The afternoon was used to work on assessment 

tools for specific PA course needs. 

Visual Arts 7-12: Submitted by Diana Woodruff 

The Visual Arts Department (7-‐12) met at RJG after John D'Auria's session on Tuesday. We 

reviewed the forms for the professional and student learning goals. I stayed at the JH to 

work with the JH art teachers on their goals, while the high school staff returned there to 

work individually on their goals. For the afternoon, the HS VA staff continued to work on 

their goals. The JH art staff met with other members of the RJG Arts Happening team to plan 

for the arts event that will be held in the spring at RJG. 

Health and Nursing: Submitted by Diana McNicholas 

Both APS and AB nurses attended the evaluation training by John D'Auria with their 

respective districts. After their morning session the regional nurses met as a group to work 

on goal writing and to review the Specialized Instruction Support Rubric and the School 

Nurse Appendix. All the nurses met for lunch and a general discussion of the rubrics and 

goal writing ideas. The APS nurses finished the day working on their goal writing specific to 

the elementary setting. 

Educational Technology: Submitted by Amy Bisiewicz 

Five members of the Educational Technology department created, facilitated, and 

supported the training for the Administrative and Office Support Staff. Others attended the 

Assistant and Paraprofessional Workshops. 


The Operations team worked on identifying needs and prioritizing long-‐term projects with 

an eye toward 3-‐5 year projects. Included in this list are software (Windows 7/8) and 

network upgrades (Cat 5/Wireless), along with other infrastructure needs (Altiris, BackUp 

Exec, AD Schema to 2008). 

Assistant and Paraprofessional Workshops: Submitted by Liza Huber 

District paraprofessionals (including Community Education Extended Day staff) gathered 

to participate in three workshops designed to understand the rights of students in the 

learning process and to learn new ways of supporting students academically, behaviorally, 

and socially. 

The first workshop, led by Liza Huber, Director of Pupil Services, addressed current issues 

faced by paraprofessionals in the areas of civil rights (discrimination and harassment), 

child abuse and neglect (the role and responsibilities of a mandated reporter), bullying 

prevention and intervention, student records (FERPA, maintaining student confidentiality, 

email communication), and more. In addition to practical tips for daily use, legal 

requirements for student support and intervention were shared through hypothetical 

scenarios. 

With more than thirty years of teaching experience, Mary Koert and Sally Smith offered 

both regular and special education assistants valuable information regarding the role and 

responsibilities of all teachers as part of an inclusive learning community for students with 

varying needs. A range of disabilities and disability categories were reviewed, in addition to 

a range of instructional strategies and approaches. 

Finally, recognizing that each child carries his/her own identity with varying talents, Dr. 

Charlie Brown led staff through a pragmatic behavioral workshop designed to help staff 

understand the cycles of negative student behavior, while applying new strategies for 

providing positive behavioral support. Participants practiced specific strategies for 

modifying a child’s environment as a way of helping children regulate their emotions, 

increase frustration tolerance, and participate in learning. 

The talent and commitment of the districts’ paraprofessional staff was evident in the 

overwhelming attendance and participation of this essential group of professionals. 

Administrative and Office Support Staff: Submitted by Marie Altieri 

The central office offered workshops to administrative and office staff. In the morning, 

Carol Pavan, Information Management Specialist, led a workshop on the use of 

PowerSchool. An HR roundtable lunch was held, focusing on Aesop, FileMaker 11, and 

CORIs. The afternoon workshop, facilitated by Stephanie Hoban, Curriculum Technology 

Specialist, emphasized some of the advanced uses AB Schools. All sessions were very 

informative and helped administrative staffs to resolve questions about the use of these 

programs.

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