1982-07-26 School Committee Minutes

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Ir • READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 26.1982 In answer to a question, Mr. Winslow said that a gas escalation clause was not necessarily in Reading's best interest. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award the contract for Special Education Transportation to Transcomm, Inc.,of Cambridge, for $237.78 per day, with no gas escalation clause. Policy Proposal on Fiscal Management Dr. Wells presented a draft of a policy for School Committee discussion. The policy reflects the new definition of fiscal autonomy brought about by the passage of Proposition 2z and subsequent legislation under Chapter 71, Sect. 34. Putting these legal views into a policy statement would help all decision makers in Reading to understand the new rules -of- the -game. Chairman Garroway praised the policy as " A good move," and said he had been in contact with Chairman Fiore of the Finance Committee about the fiscal autonomy policy. Mr. Nigro suggested that change orders be transmitted to Finance Committee members as well as to School Department Staff. This amendment was agreed to by the other School Committee members. Mr. Nigro then moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to adopt for first vote the proposed policy as amended. Approval of Request to Educate a Child at Home On the recommendation of the Administration, Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, that the request of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doolittle to educate their daughter, Katherine, under the terms of the School Committee's policy on Home Instruction, for the 1982 -83 school year be approved. The plan submitted by the Doolittles met the criteria of the Policy. The motion to grant approval passed unanimously. Adjustment of Food Services Director's Salary Mr. Winslow recommended a 7% increase in salary for Food Services Director Ms. Catherine Cook. During the salary discussion, Mr. Winslow showed how Ms. Cook's responsibilities and salary compared to those holding similar positions in surrounding communities. On a motion by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the School Committee voted unanimously to increase Ms. Cook's salary 7% - to $16,090. Financial Statements The Committee took note of the following financial statements: Expense and Salary Accounts as of June 30, 1982, Account Balances as of June 30, 1982, Cafeteria Statement for June, 1982, and a Cafeteria Comparison Statement for September - June, 1982 versus 1981.