1983-07-25 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 25, 1983 Mansfield Public Schools - M. A. S. C. 1983 Resolution For the record it was noted that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees will sponsor jointly with the Mansfield Public Schools a resolution, which the Reading School Committee previously voted to support, at its annual meeting. The resolution calls for legislation which would permit a School Committee to enter into a contract for up to six years with supervisory personnel, in lieu of granting tenure. New England Association of Schools and Colleges - R.M.H.S. Accreditation Report Dr. Wells noted that School Committee members had received copies of the first report of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Visitin Committee. He said that by and large the report was very positive but pointed out that there were some errors, e. g., wrong amount for per pupil expenditure; a superintendent was listed as part of the Committee but was not present during the visit, therefore there was no one with a Central Office point of view participating. Dr. Wells then addressed four areas of the report: 1. Space planning - He noted that the report sounded as if this had not begun when, in fact, it has and the School Committee will know pretty specifically next year what should be done, both for short term and long term enrollments. 2. Recommendations for upgrading - He pointed out that Mr. D'Orlando has been thinking of placing all computers in one room. He added that he has on his desk two studies -one dealing with computers in the High School and the other concerning computers in other schools. 3. Vertical coordination - Dr. Wells noted that the Principals and Central Office Administration had recently attended a management and leadership systems workshop which dealt with, among other topics, vertical coordination and curriculum management. 4. Statement about shortage of textbooks, supplies, etc. - Dr. Wells said the report spoke of high morale of the teachers, adding that usually good morale indicates a good teacher -pupil ratio and sufficient textbooks, supplies, etc. He also said it would be difficult for the visiting team to determine whether there was a shortage of these items in such a short time. Dr. Wells then invited the Committee to address their questions to Mr. D'Orlando. Mr. D'Orlando said that what may have been neglected in the brief overview was that the Visiting Committee found RMHS to be a very good school - even to commenting it is the kind of school they would like to have their own children attend. He stressed the importance of the word "perception," noting that the report relied heavily on the pre- evaluation report which was made up largely of the perceptions of the faculty, administration, students and parents.