1982-02-01 School Committee Minutes

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q SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES bruary 1, 1982 Mr. Coco said the major concerns he heard at the public meeting were those relating to what would happen to sixth grade youngsters thrust into an enviroment with seventh and eighth graders. He added that in proposing the middle school concept perhaps the School Committee had not given enough weight to what the middle school concept would mean when translated into curriculum. He said it was his understanding that Dr. Wells suggested the Administration would be able to start planning quickly for a middle school curriculum, therefore, what he would like the School Committee to do this evening was approve the middle school concept in a preliminary fashion and in six months or so have the Administration present a broad -grush outline of what the middle school would look like in Reading. Mr. Coco said this would allow the School Committee to give the Administration the green light to do what they have to do and report back in May or June. He then made a motion to amend the motion to this effect but it failed to gain a second. Mrs. Philbrick commented that at the Public meeting she heard from both sides of the table that the present system is a good one and the School Committee and Administration can feel pleased with it. She added that she feels grades six, seven and eight are compatible, that this would be a sensible arrangement and that it would be an oppor- tuntiy to make the System even better. She said she does not think a two -year school is the best answer, and that a three -year school offers many advantages, such as students and teachers being able to get to know one another better, giving more time for adjustment difficulties to be handled and the chance to create anew curriculum which will be interesting, challenging and exciting. The Chairman, addressing the visitors, said he hoped that they would become involved by volunteering and actively participating, as it was central to the motion that the School Committee desires to have the reorganization process as participatory as pos- sible. Dr. Wells reminded the Committee that this review was not only to look at the pro- gress on his goals but for the School Committee to express its feelings about other parts of the Superintendent's job. He then read the first of two goals presented to and accepted by the School Committee October 13, 1981. Goal #/1 Rationale: Factors that include a conservative economic climate along with a continuing pattern of enrollment decline have all but made necessary the need for a major re- organization of our grade structure. Goal: To act in a leadership role in gathering data and marshalling the numerous resources essential to bring about the necessary changes in grade reorganization in an orderly and thoughtful process. Steps I will take to achieve this goal: 1. Continue to update and refine census data. 2. Keep School Committee and public aware of educational facility needs as well as of surplus educational facilities. 3. Keep the public informed of possible grade reorganization patterns and the pros and cons of them (1) an economic factor and (2) and educational factor. 4, Form a committee of Reading educators to initiate preparation for eventual grade reorganization.