The Rochester School Committee met for their first meeting of the 2012-2013 school year on the evening of Monday, September 10 at the Rochester Memorial School. Three weeks into the new school year, the Committee was eager to get back to work.
“It’s an exciting start to the new year,” said School Committee Chairperson Tina Rood. “It’s the third week and things are going very smoothly.”
Three new faces to the school district introduced themselves to the committee: Rochester Memorial School Principal Dr. Moira Rodgers, District Technology Director Ryan McGee and District Facilities Director Gene Jones.
Jones and McGee discussed the implementation of new computer software called “School Dude” that will help all the schools in the district keep track of repairs and inventory of equipment in the classrooms electronically. Instead of teachers and staff tracking down maintenance workers in the hallway, all requests for repairs will be submitted via email, that way the workers can respond in a timely manner in the order that the requests are received.
“It’s going to be a great system,” said Jones.
School Dude won’t be the only new electronic addition in the Rochester School System. Dr. Rodgers introduced the concept of the Backpack Express — an online notification system for parents to get important school notices electronically via email. The program will be optional and is still in development stages.
McGee also discussed the addition of a Technology Integration Specialist — a new position that was created to help teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. The district is currently interviewing candidates for the position.
“We’re going to come through as a team and offer an added layer of support,” said McGee.
Superintendent Doug White announced that the 2012 School Budget ended with a $2,072 surplus from a $5 million budget. The surplus is less than 0.5 percent of the total budget. The surplus, although small in terms of percent, marked a huge accomplishment for the town as it was certain they would end up in a deficit heading into the 2013 Fiscal Year.
“Kudos to everybody,” said White. “I’m very proud.”
The Rochester Memorial School’s Food Budget also saw a large decrease in its deficit thanks to an increase in lunch prices and reimbursement and a decrease in spending. According to District Food Manager Caitlin Meagher, the reimbursements came from an increased number of children enrolling in the reduced lunch program. The school is in a shortfall of $1,275 as compared to the near $14,000 it was facing last year.
“That was a lot of hard work,” said Rood. “You’ve given a great effort.”
The Rochester School Committee will meet again on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 pm in Rochester Town Hall.
By Katy Fitzpatrick