1985-02-11 School Cimmittee Minutes

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24 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 1985 A Town Meeting article for financing replacements for the roof and fiberglass clerestory at the Coolidge Middle School was discussed briefly. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that the School Committee adopt the language of the article for Town Meeting as stated on the document presented by the Administration, dated February 9, 1985, regarding roof replacement and fiberglass replacement at the Coolidge Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive. Citizens Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights This segment of the agenda was presented by Principal Dr. John Delaney, Assistant Principal William Cowles and students Kim Bennett and Meghan Griesmer, all of the Parker Middle School, and featured their "Student Activity Program." Dr. Delaney gave a brief description of the Program which brings students together in interest groups for such activities as arts and crafts, aerobics, sign language, etc. , at an age when they should be exploring new interests. The Program, set up by Mr. Cowles , draws upon outside interests and talents of the staff to assist the students in exploring various avenues of creativity. Mr. Cowles added that the Program consists of two ten-week sessions, and gives the students opportunities to be very creative. He distributed literature giving further details about the Program. The two students gave a short demonstration of sign language and Dr. Delaney showed slides depicting some of the many activities of the Program. The Chairman thanked them for their presentation. Request from Rivers Development Corporation Chairman Allen said that the Committee received a request from Attorney 0. Bradley Latham, representing the Rivers Development Corp. , seeking permission to do certain grading on property under the control of the School Committee, in order to conform with requirements of the Board of Survey. The firm plans to build two houses on land at the end of Chestnut Street. Dr. Wells said he had checked with the Superintendent of Public Works and been assured that the firm must do what it is requesting in order to conform to Board of Survey sloping requirements; that the work would enhance the School Committee's property; it would have no adverse effect on the water flow; and that it was proper for the School Committee to ask for remuneration in return for granting the request. Attorney Latham addressed the Committee, going into the specifics of his client's request, pointing out the location being discussed on a copy of an Assessors' map, and noting that basically Lots 2A and 2B were involved. He said his client would be agreeable to performing $2,000 worth of work or services in return for being granted a temporary right to do the grading requested. He added that the slope would be made more gradual and some seeding would be done to stabilize the area.