1996-05-06 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 6, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings reconvened the regular session to order at 8:10 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. SCREENING COMMITTEE FOR THE JOSHUA EATON PRINCIPAL Associate Superintendent Richards reported that the Screening Committee for the Eaton Principal met earlier this eveningto hear what Eaton's parents and School Council are looking for in the future Eaton Principal. Grade 5 Eaton teacher Bill Lewis stated this was the second of four meetings the Screening Committee plan to have. He said he is a teacher representative as well as Anne Coneeney, Marcia Gibbons, and Fran Akell. Representing the administrators are Beth Klepeis and Killam Principal Paul Guerrette and parent representatives are Robin Hamilton, Juidi Casey and Lynn McCoy. There will be two community people added. He asked the School Committee to advise the Screening Committee of the qualities they want in the new principal. Mr. Stohlman said the principal should have the ability to create a budget and negotiate with the superintendent and keep to that budget. He added that the principal should have experience as an elementary principal. Ms. D'Antona outlined educational leader, full understanding of district curriculum, know what is happening on the State level with elementary schools, be aware of each school's own uniqueness, have a connection with the community, and experience - someone who can hit the ground running and be part of the administration team. Ms. Cavicchi added he /she should be a good listener to both parents and teachers, love children and talk to them in the hallways. Chair Cummings continued by adding an advocate for individual building needs, understand each constituency, an experienced school principal, someone used to accountability, a visionary, able to cope and deal with transition. Mr. Lewis stated the new principal should be able to work with the other elementary schools.