1982-01-04 School Committee Minutes

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SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Call to Order JANUARY � , 1982 ` 17 The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was held January 4, 1982 in the Superin- tendent's Conference Room. Chairman Landers called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Mr. Garroway was unable to be present due to a business commitment. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately twelve visitors, including Mrs. Catherine Duerr, Food Services Director, and representatives of the Citizens Advisory Council and Daily Chronicle. Chairman Landers announced that Dr. John J. Kelly, Jr., a valued member of the Reading Memorial High School staff, had died suddenly on January lst. A moment of silence was observed in membey of Dr. Kelly. Approval of Minutes of December 21, 1981 On a motion by Mr. Nigro, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the meeting of December 21, 1981 were unanimously approved. Payroll The following payroll warrant was authorized: January 8, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $21,117.48 Citizen Input There was no citizen input. .Cafeteria - Contracting Food Services At their last meeting the School Committee heard a presentation by a representative of a food services company regarding the advantages of contracting for the school lunch program with a private business firm. Because the Committee's schedule did not allow time for an extended discussion Mr. Nigro requested that the matter be on the agenda of the January 4, 1982 meeting. After a brief discussion of what the next step should be in pursuing the possibility of using the services of a contractor, Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, that the Administration be directed to contact two or three food service companies, requesting submission of pro- posals to operate the Reading School Department food services program. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to amend the motion to include two stipulations to the request for proposals - that philosophically the program would be maintained on a break -even basis and that present cafeteria employees be retained, and current prices not be increased. The amendment and the main motion, as amended carried by unanimous votes. During the discussion of the motion and amendment it was decided that the Administration would publicly advertize an invitation to bid and set the timetable for the same. Future Grade Reor --anization Chairman Landers announced that the public meeting on grade reorganization has been postponed from January 20th to January 27th. It will be held in the R. M. H. S. Lecture Hall at 7:30 p. m. At the February lst meeting the School Committee will vote on the ultimate grade reorganization to take place in the future. He added that the extra week will give the Citizens Advisory Council additional time to gather data and inform the public.