HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-28 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
REGULAR SESSION June 28, 2000
CALL TO ORDER
At 6:12 p.m. Chair Dahl called the meeting to order in the Superintendent's Conference
Room. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Griset,
Keigley and Twomey. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian.
BILLS & PAYROLL
Bills and payroll are as follows:
Payroll 103 June 23, 2000 $92,506.40
Warrant 104 June 26, 2000 $285,490.08
Chair Dahl announced that the Committee would be joining their spouses and would
attend a social dinner at Baldwin Landing after the meeting.
CITIZENS' INPUT
There was no citizen input.
REORGANIZATION: Election of Officers of the Reading School Committee
Chair Dahl thanked the Committee for their support during his tenure as Chair. Chair
Dahl stated that this Committee is truly a committee of equals and the goal of all
Committee Members is providing the best education for Reading's children. He stated
that the level of dedication by members is truly outstanding and the Town is fortunate to
have a dedicated Committee and Superintendent as qualified as Superintendent
Harutunian. Chair Dahl stated that he felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve
the community of Reading.
Chair Dahl turned the gavel over to Dr. Harutunian.
Dr. Harutunian thanked Chair Dahl for his guidance and leadership during this difficult
year. He stated that he felt fortunate that he has had such wonderful Committee's during
his tenure.
Dr. Harutunian advised that he would accept nominations for Chair.
REGULAR SESSION -2- June 28, 2000
Mr. Twomey nominated Ms. Cavicchi for Chair. Mr. Keialey seconded the
nomination.
Mr. Dahl nominated Mr. Griset for Chair and Mr. Twomey seconded the
nomination.
There were no further nominations and Dr. Harutunian closed nominations.
Both Ms. Cavicchi and Mr. Griset stated that they are honored to be nominated as Chair
of the Committee.
Mr. Twomey stated that he was happy with both individuals that were nominated and he
appreciates their willingness to take over the role of Chair of the School Committee. He
stated that the Chair has not been viewed as a position of power but as a position of
facilitator. Mr. Twomey stated that he believed Ms. Cavicchi did an excellent job when
she was Chair several years ago and she has a style and grace that works well in the role
as facilitator. Mr. Twomey stated that Mr. Griset's nomination also needs serious
consideration. He stated that because of the pending litigation facing the Committee and
the Town, Mr. Griset's skill and expertise would be a valuable asset to the Committee.
Mr. Twomey stated that the Committee would be served well by either of these
individuals.
Mr. Dahl stated that he agreed with Mr. Twomey that either individual would serve the
Committee well very well. He stated that after much thought he would be voting for Ms.
Cavicchi because of her experience. He stated that he nominated Mr. Griset so that the
Committee could recognize how Mr. Griset's legal experience will be required during the
next year. He stated that he feels that the Committee will be using Mr. Griset's and Mr.
Twomey's legal expertise over the next year.
Dr. Harutunian asked for a vote on Mr. Twomey's nomination of Ms. Cavicchi as
chair. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms.D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr.
Keigley and Mr. Twomey voted yes.
Dr. Harutunian asked for a vote on Mr. Dahl's nomination of Mr. Griset as Chair.
The vote was 0 -6 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keialey
and Mr. Twomey voted no.
Dr. Harutunian asked for nominations for vice chair.
Ms. D'Antona nominated Mr. -Dahl as vice chair. Mr. Twomey seconded the
nomination. There were no further nominations and the Committee voted for Mr.
Dahl as vice chair 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr.
KeiWey and Mr. Twomey.
REGULAR SESSION -3- June 28, 2000
EXECUTIVE SESSION
AT 6:35 p.m. Mr. Dahl moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of
conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Custodians
and Maintenance Workers and to discuss pending litigation not to return to regular
session Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr.
Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Maley and Mr. Twomey.
Respectfully submitted
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools