1991-04-20 School Committee Minutes

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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING ORIENTATION SESSION MINUTES 20 APRIL 1991 Chairman Stan Nissen called the meeting of the School Committee to order in the Staff Center of Reading Memorial High School at 9:05 a.m. All members were present as was Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Superintendent of Schools. The meeting opened with a discussion of the needs of the School Committee relating to COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC. Discussed was the value of response to letters to the editors, and the need for regular, ongoing communication with the public. A public relations plan is a need especially in times of fiscal difficulties - - not to overcome distrust, but lack of appreciation. The biggest problem is dealing with misinformation. Among suggestions offered were: o Newsletter - mailings o Regular column in newspapers o Open meetings o Insert into Suburban News One member commented that Chalkboard was perceived by the public as a public relations vehicle and consequently a waste. The School Committee agreed to put the issue of public relations and communica- tion on the regular agenda for further discussion and possible action. Chairman Stan Nissen reviewed the ROLE OF CHAIRMAN: • Spokesman for the Committee when the Committee has dealt with the issue. • Agenda planning. • Parliamentary procedure will prevail to resolve disputes. • Chairman's ruling can be overruled by the vote of the members. • Even if a large number of people appear at a meeting, the Chairman may hear only from a few people in order to move on to the planned business. A separate meeting can be arranged (e.g. issues on freshman sports). • Chairman decides on the degree of public participation, but the School Committee members speak as often as they wish on an issue. • Chairman tries to summarize sessions or segments of meeting.