1996-05-20 School Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Minutes REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 20, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings reconvened the regular session back to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards and a person from the Chronicle. PUBLIC HEARING ON SCHOOL CHOICE Chair Cummings explained to the audience that the School Committee has chosen not to go with School Choice for the past three years. He noted that the School Committee must vote prior to June 1 of every year on whether or not Reading will participate in School Choice. Mr. Stohlman added that School Choice does not offer free transportation. Dr. Harutunian recommended the Reading School Committee vote against School Choice. Mr. Twomey moved pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c. 76 & 12B, the School Committee of Reading, following_ public hearing hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non - resident students in Reading Public Schools during the school year be inning June 1, 1996 for the following reasons: Programmatic Reasons, Class Sizes and General District Enrollment. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. OLD BUSINESS (out of order) HOME ECONOMICS Dr. Harutunian requested that the School Committee endorse the World Language Proposal as outlined from Principals Doherty and Delaney. With their approval, it would replace the Consumer and Family Science Program at the middle schools for next year. He said that Technology Education A, Technology Education B and Computers has been rescinded. Mr. Stohlman added it would now be Technology A, Technology B and Foreign Language. RMHS Foreign Language Department Head, Anthony DiSanzo, stated this is the first measure, noting Grade 7- Introduction to World Languages, Grade 8- French and Spanish Recitation