1997-06-23 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES_ June 23, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular session to order at 7:02 p.m. at the Birch Meadow Principal's Conference Room. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of strategies on collective bargaining and litigation for union and non -union personnel. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The regular session resumed at 7:42 p.m. in the Birch Meadow Gymnasium. All members were present with the exception of Ms. Williams . Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. Chair Timothy Twomey explained that a week ago a number of parents, represented by Ms. Richissin, during the Citizen Input segment of the School Committee Meeting brought up their concerns regarding the Birch Meadow busing issue. The parents requested another meeting to present their concerns to the School Committee. Mr. Twomey explained the fall 1996 budgeting process and how all of the needs of the school system were addressed. This included class size and resources available to meet the needs of the children. The consensus was that large class sizes were not good for the children. He explained the busing method that has been used the past 28 years as a method to help balance the overall needs of the kids K -5. He said the budget was approved at Town Meeting which meant 56 children would be bused to Barrows. Mr. Twomey explained what the format would be for the evening. He said there would be one half - hour presentation followed by comments for one hour. After that, the administration will make comments for twenty minutes. Ms. Richissin gave a presentation by transparencies. She discussed the cost, possible solutions, positive and negatives of adding a fifth 5th grade class at Birch Meadow, Reading School Committee Policy dated July 27, 1981 and results of busing Kindergarten students. Mr. Twomey thanked Ms. Richissin for her presentation and opened up the discussion for the next hour to any comments from other individuals present. Below are the highlights of the comments that were given: • The number of children being bused was questioned. • Class size is important. • Not happy with 28 children in a class. (said several times) • Twenty -eight years is not a short term solution. • Kindergarten education is not only academics. • Kindergarten should be a positive experience for the children. • Principal Davidson is supported. • Will children come back for first grade? • What will happen in three years?