1983-03-14 School Committee Minutes

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117 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 14, 1983 Previously the School Committee had approved grades one and two of the Red Sneakers School. This year the School requested approval of grade three, also. Mrs. Beth W. Montillio, Director of the School, was present and answered a number of School Committee questions regarding programs, curriculum, attendance, etc. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, the School Committee approve three grades for the Red Sneakers School for the coming school year. Chapter 2 - Block Grant Dr. Munnelly announced that word has been received from the State that Reading will receive an additional $1583 under its Chapter 2 Block Grant. Financial Assistance Award - U. S. Department of Energy Mr. Winslow announced that Reading has been awarded a matching funds grant of $12,475 from the United States Department of Energy. This amount is 500 of the cost of the energy management (Computerized energy control) system at Reading Memorial High School. As the entire amount of the system had been paid for from surplus funds, the grant money will go into the Town's General Fund. . "Resources for Schools' Massachusetts Department of Education Dr. Wells said he was pleased and proud to announce that two of Reading Schools' programs had been singled out as exemplary in the State Department of Education publication "Resources for Schools." The programs, "Dimensions" and the 735, Incorporated assisted "Alcohol, Drug and Smoking Education /Prevention," are the type of programs which could be used by other school systems. Dr. Wells commented on the assistance given by 735, Inc., and said he was disappointed to read in the newspaper that the Board of Health will not support this organization in FY84. Dr. Munnelly added that 735, Inc., has been designated as a national model by the Federal Government for its work with peer leaders and training secondary students to work with younger students on education /prevention of drug, alcohol and smoking abuse. Finance Committee member Mr. Michael McCarron explained that the Board of Health is withdrawing its support because even though other communities in the area had withdrawn their support, Reading received no priority for its financial support. The Board of Health will still have funds in its budget but will contract for such services from 735, Inc., or some other organization. He added that under the new financial arrangements program for local students will, hopefully, be expanded.