1984-04-11 School Committee Minutes

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_"A READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES April 11, 1984 Call to Order Chairman Coco called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 8:01 p. m. on April 11, 1984, in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Nigro was absent. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately eight visitors, including Reading Memorial High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando and a representative of the Daily Times and Chronicle. The Chairman explained that most of the meeting would be in executive session because bargaining and negotiating matters will be discussed. Approval of Minutes of April 2, 1984 Approval of the minutes of the meeting of April 2, 1984 was postponed until the next meeting. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Two visitors asked questions about the agenda at this time. Executive Session At 8:06 p. m. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to enter into executive session to discuss matters concerning bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. Return to Open Session - Teacher Aides' Contract The Committee returned to open session at 9:17 p. m. Chairman Coco asked Mr. Allen, as Chairman of the Subcommittee negotiating with Teacher Aides, to give an update on negotiations. Mr. Allen said he and Mrs. Philbrick, the other member of the Subcommittee, had come to an agreement with the Teacher Aides bargaining team and the latter had signed a two -year agreement with a 6% increase for the first (current)year, and a re- opener clause. He added that they are now in the process of negotiating under the wage reopener for the 1984 -85 year. He said it had been a positive experience and strongly recommended that the School Committee ratify the agreement. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to ratify the agreement with the Teacher Aides Association, as described by the Chairman of the School Committee's Subcommittee which has been negotiating with the Teacher Aides Association, effective July 1, 1983 through June 30, 1985. Professional Staff Reappointments and Related Action Chairman Coco then stated that during the executive session the Committee had a long discussion on the budget process and, with great difficulty, had decided to adhere to the Finance Committee guidelines for a level- funded budget, which means a total of cin o�� ,i, Th LA r; yLV,iVL, )I./. L1J, tae continued, meant accepting some reductions 111 serVll�es lV the school children, adding that the Administration has prepared recommendations as to where cuts should be made.