1983-01-31 School Committee Minutes

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i9 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31, 1983 Call to Order Chairman Garroway called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on January 31, 1983, at 7:30 p. m., in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were eleven visitors, including High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Athletic Director R. Gilbert Congdon, and representatives of the Finance Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of January 10 and 17, 1983 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. -Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 1983. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 17, 1983. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills January 28, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $36,047.58 Payrolls January 27, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $296,528.68 January 28, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $27,083.88 February 4, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $25,110.95 Citizens' Input Mrs. Bernice Merrick spoke on the subject of finger printing school children, as an aid to locate missing children, on a voluntary basis, with only parents having possession of the prints. She inquired as to whether the Administration has given any thought to doing this through the School Department. Dr. Wells noted that there are two sides to this issue - protecting children and infringing on their civil liberties. He added that in some communities where this has been attempted the American Civil Liberties Union and /or the Civil Rights movement have come out against it. Chairman Garroway said he felt it would be an appropriate matter for the Citizens Advisory Council to look into. Formation of Debating Team Dr. Wells announced that as a citizen and as a Superintendent he was pleased to announce that Reading Memorial High School has a debating team for the first time. He said that for years they have been unable to find a coach but Dr. Munnelly has now volunteered and spent most of Saturday working with the team. He added that Dr. Munnelly deserved a vote of thanks. The Chairman offered the congratulations and thanks of the School Committee.