2001-06-11 School Committee Minutes

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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts _ I CLERK VV JIfJu. MASS, COMMUNITY MEETING 7"91W LV pX'11: 45 CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Pete Dahl called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the Senior Center. Present were School Committee Members Dahl, Keigley, Russo and Twomey. Ms. Cavicchi and Mr. Griset arrived late. Also present were Superintendent Ham[tmian and approximately 45 members of the public. OPEN DISCUSSION Ray Porter stated his concern over Mr. Dahl's tone in his letter to the editor in response to Mr. Porter's letter to the editor. He asked Mr. Dahl for a public apology. Mr. Dahl stated that he apologized if Mr. Porter took offense to the tone of the letter but that he stands by the facts in his letter. Ms. Blanchard asked why the school district couldn't have parent paid bussing K-12. The Committee and Dr. Harutunian discussed the history of bussing in Reading and Dr. Harutunian suggested that Ms. Blanchard call him to schedule a meeting to discuss the possibility of parent paid bussing. Ms. Dorothy Marshall asked about the condition of Reading Memorial High School and the time frame for renovations. Mr. Twomey discussed the feasibility studies that have been done and the different plans the School Building Committee is reviewing. lie stated that the School Building Committee hopes to bring a request for $500,000 for plans to Town Meeting in November. Mr. Brown stated that he would not vote for the new high school plan until the landfill is sold. Mr. Tucker stated that Mr. Twomey is the first person that has told him that the School Building Committee is reviewing six or seven alternatives to the high school solution. He stated that we need to have that information publicized so people know that alternatives are being looked into. I le stated that the enrollment issue still needs to be resolved. Ile asked if the citizens would have an opportunity to vote on their idea of the best solution. 4