1999-08-18 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- August 18, 1999 CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian stated RCTV had purchased new equipment for videotaping the School Committee meeting and that the quality of the picture and audio should improve dramatically. Dr. Harutunian thanked Mr. and Mrs. Oliver for their generous donation to the Birch Meadow School. Chair Dahl stated that at future meetings in addition to the Superintendent's Report there would also be liaison reports from members of the Committee. Dr. Harutunian advised that approximately 70 new teachers /administrators /aides have been hired. He stated that there is a shortage of teachers and that the shortage is not unique to Reading. He stated that he has spoken to other Superintendents and that they are also experiencing difficulty in obtaining teachers. He stated that the shortage may be due to the current economy. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that Richard J. Barrett is the new Director of Facilities and would be starting on Monday. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on emergency communication and procedures including the new radios, the 1- 888 -3 -HOT TIP number and the training the staff would receive from Lt. Silva. He also advised that all administrators would receive CPR training next week. Dr. Harutunian advised that Kevin Moran is the new Interim Director of Special Education. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that he had included in their packet a memo from the Town Manager stating his understanding of Article XI. Dr. Harutunian advised that he agreed with the memorandum. Dr. Harutunian advised that Reading had received a federal grant for $29, 127 to reduce class size. Dr. Harutunian advised that he had received a request for information from the Reading Advocate regarding e-mail messages between school committee members. Dr. Harutunian stated that he had requested that all School Committee members either keep copies of their e -mail or forward copies to the Superintendent's office for filing. Dr.