1995-05-01 School Committee Minutes

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REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 1 1995 Mr. Richards stated that Laura Peterson and Joan Clifford have been selected to participate in a summer course, Resources for Teaching about the Americas that will be held at the Latin American Institute, University of New Mexico. PUBLIC HEARING: SCHOOL CHOICE Interim Superintendent Richards stated he spoke recently to the principal of RMHS who advised that because of next year's high school class sizes School Choice would present a problem. Mr. Stohlman noted that the School Committee voted against School Choice last year. He informed the audience that any school that presently has school choice can accept Reading students. He also stated that School Committee will need to make a decision on School Choice yearly. Matthew Cummings moved pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c.76 & 1213(d), the School Committee of Reading, following public hearing, hereby withdraw from its obligation ion to enroll non - resident students in Reading Public Schools during the school year beginning June 1,_1995 for the following reasons: programmatic class sizes and general district enrollment. Robert Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. PUBLIC HEARING: REDISTRICTING Mr. Richards demonstrated slides for the public hearing on redistricting that included the back- ground, process, early findings and a summary. Parker Principal Delaney advised out of five options, Option Four was recommended. He stated the most influential reason for Option Four is that there would be no bussing. Principal Delaney noted that a small number of Killam students would be going to Parker - the current boundary goes through the Killam district that would be enlarged as well as Birch Meadow. Coolidge's Interim Assistant Principal John Doherty advised he would provide the number of students who would be affected over the next four years. In response to safety questions the School Committee members had received, Principal Delaney advised we will need to provide safety. Coolidge's Interim Principal Adreani informed the audience that he has sent a memo to the Town Manager to ask about sidewalks and the areas to be prioritized should be followed up. When asked what would happen if we do not redistrict until 1997, Mr. Delaney replied we are looking at classes now of 28 students, in Coolidge it is a challenge with 450 students and in two years that number will jump to over 505 students - over 30 students in classes. The new Parker will be able to handle 600 students.