As 34 traffic supervisors face elimination in the light of a projected $4 million school budget shortfall, their union leader, Roseann Casazza, drew sympathy at the selectmen's meeting Monday, April 12, and a cooler response the next night from school officials.

Hearing appeals from Casazza and Martha Scott, in their shimmering yellow-and-black uniforms, Town Manager Brian Sullivan said he disagreed with the layoff decision and had asked the School Committee to rethink the matter.

Casazza said the supervisors, "on the block for four or five years," are "very upset." She cited the need for proper supervision and asked Tuesday night, "Why are we being cut?"

On Monday night, Selectman Jack Hurd said it is unfortunate a safety issue is being compared with an education issue.

Facing an increase of $225,000 in special-education costs in the last month, the School Committee did not follow the manager's advice. Instead, it voted, 6-1, to refer Casazza's request to transfer the supervisors to the police budget to a subcommittee. Joseph Curran cast the no vote.

The vote after Superintendent Kathleen Bodie disputed claims Casazza made to selectmen and to the School Committee about increases in administrator pay.

Casazza told both boards that Bodie had received a $5,000 annuity, that the interim assistant superintendent had received a $4,000 pay boost to $119,000 annually and that Diane Johnson, the chief finance officer, was making $17,000 more than her predecessor. Before leaving last summer, Sue Mazzarella had been making $91,000.

"I did not receive a $5,000 annuity," Bodie said. She was named permanent superintendent last month, at an annual salary of $160,000. She said the former CFO was "woefully underpaid" and that Wallis Raemer, the interim assistant superintendent, was making the same as when she had been Dallin principal. 

Curro asked Casazza to focus on the discussion of Town Meeting warrant Article 68, which she supports as a way to save the supervisors' jobs.  "Is this a new appropriation?" he asked.

On a motion by member Jeff Thielman, the committee moved to have the executive subcommittee consider the issue.

The action occurred on a night that 25 people came before the board during public participation. Members were urged to retain the Metco and ACE programs, as well as music, art, drama at the Ottoson. As manay 41 teachers could be let go if the current shortfall holds.