1982-01-18 School Committee Minutes

Home Browse Search

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Call to Order JANUARY 18, 1982 n�? The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Vice Chairman Garroway at 7:30 p. Tn. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Chair- man Landers, who was detained at a Law Committee meeting, arrived at 7:50 p.m., and presided from then on. Mr. Nigro was absent. All other members were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Munnelly. )Xssistant Superintendent Winslow was on vacation. There were approximately nine visitors, including representatives of the Highland School Study Committee, Finance Committee, Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of January 4, 1982 On a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the meeting of January 4, 1982 were unanimously accepted with the following addition: Page 1 - Add to the last sentence "and current prices not be increased." Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for hills and payrolls, were authorized as follows: Bills January 15, 1982 - General Expense -. Total - $65,153.42 January 22, 1982 - General Expense Total - $52,987.84 January 22, 1982 - Cafeteria Expense - Total - $21,917.01 Payrolls January 14, 1982 _ Teachers - Total - $283,078.97 January 15, 1982 - Weekly— Total - $24,223.43 January 22, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $21,915.30 Citizens' Input Mr. Donald Shepheard, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC), read the following statement: "During the recent School Committee meetings, Superintendent Wells has suggested grade reorganization (Middle School) plans for the Reading School System. The impact of finances, declining enrollment and utilization of present school build- ings in the coming years is a major concern of the Administration, School Committee members, educators, parents and Reading taxpayers. The Citizens Advisory Council (_CAC), in anticipation of the various concerns facing th above mentioned, has been researching this grade reorganization. Since a public meeting is scheduled to present grade reorganization to the people of Reading, and since the CAC is charged to act as a 'communication bridge' between the people of Reading and the School Committee, we feel our input is necessary prior to this public hearing. The CAC feels that the number one priority of any reorganization should be the best interests of the students involved, educationally and emotionally. The problems of finances, enrollment and space utilization will normally fall into place after this number one priority.