1996-10-21 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER OCTOBER 21, 1996 Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:12 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Cummings who were expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. HARASSMENT POLICY Dr. Harutunian advised the School Committee that by November 6 the school department is required to have a new harassment policy in place. He noted that the draft the School Committee has includes revisions recommended by Town Council, Attorney Cohen. Mr. Twomey and Ms. D'Antona have also provided comments that have not been discussed by the school committee. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the Reading School Committee Policy on Harassment prepared by Attorney Cohen and attached to the Superintendent's memorandum dated October 18, 1996. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Spadafora wanted to clarify that we will come back to discuss the policy at a later date. He also asked how will the administration get the policy out to the employees and students. The Superintendent stated this version is the bare minimum. He added the law is very specific as to distribution of the policy to students and all employees. Dr. Harutunian added that he will sit with the presidents of all the bargaining groups and that there will be training involved. Mr. Twomey noted that the law requires each employee to have a copy and does not regulate how to present to students. Superintendent Harutunian advised this information will be discussed with students through the Great Body Shop, DARE, and presented to the School Councils.