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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-20 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session March 20.2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members Dahl, Griset, McFadden, Russo and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards and Town Accountant Richard Foley. Chair Griset stated that Ms. Cavicchi was unable to attend this evening's meeting. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll for the meeting circulated CITIZENS INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT Chair Griset discussed the selection of the members of the Superintendent Search Committee. Chair Griset stated that he had made appointments based on a verbal opinion by Town Counsel. He stated that subsequent to those appointments that there was another discussion with Town Counsel and that there had been a misunderstanding and that Town Counsel felt it prudent that the positions be posted. He stated that he did not agree with Counsel's opinion, but he agreed to accept Town Counsel's ruling because it would have no negative impact on the search process. Chair Griset stated that the appointments he made yesterday are null and void, and he will consider all applications received at the end of the 15 day posting. Mr. Twomey stated that he also disagreed with Counsel's interpretations of the Town Charter, but for the reasons stated by the chair he agreed that the Committee should post the positions. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that a short executive session would be needed at the end of the meeting. Dr. Harutunian asked that Monday evening's meeting be cancelled because adequate time was not available for the Committee to review the revised policies. Regular Session 2 March 20, 2003 Dr. Harutunian reminded the Committee that any questions they had for the architects should be forwarded to him by tomorrow afternoon. Dr. Harutunian advised that the focus group for the superintendent search would be held on March 27`h at Parker. Dr. Harutunian discussed his meeting with Vinnie Cameron of RMLD. He stated that the light company is doing an analysis regarding electrical rates for schools in the light department area. Dr. Harutunian distributed a memorandum from 2 "d grade parents at Barrows asking for strong consideration on class size. Dr. Harutunian stated that after discussion with Town Counsel he is recommending that a third architect be interviewed for the high school project. the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl. Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Dr. Harutunian thanked the members in the audience for attending all the budget meetings. Mr. Dahl thanked Mr. Russo for reviewing all bills and payrolls FY04 Budget Dr. Harutunian reviewed the FY04 budget reduction list. Mr. Twomey discussed the need to prioritize the list because of the uncertainty of the state budget. Mr. McFadden asked that the list be brought back to the Administrators at each level for review and possible reprioritization. The Committee asked that an explanation be brought back to them on why the Administrators wanted to replace tutors before teachers. Regular Session 3 March 20, 2003 The Committee discussed the possibility of eliminating stipends for extracurricular activities that were not and charging a user fee for extracurricular activities. Mr. Twomey asked that a list of how many students participate in non - athletics and a plan on how fees could be collected be brought back to the Committee. The Committee discussed the impact of further cuts in the custodial maintenance budget including the closing of schools to any evening activities. Mr. Twomey asked that a chart showing current custodial levels, staffing levels if reduced by 3.5 positions and staffing prior to the Peat Marwick report. At 9:00 p.m. the Committee took a short recess. At 9:10 p.m. Vice Chair Dahl called the meeting back to order. Mr. Russo stated that he would like to work on getting volunteers to help with the maintenance budget. Ms. Webb stated her concern if buildings close at 3:00 p.m. the PTOs cannot hold enrichment programs. Dr. Harutunian reviewed the athletic department figures and the proposed cuts in athletics. Mr. McFadden questioned the status of lacrosse. Dr. Harutunian advised that lacrosse would be a varsity sport but self-funded. The Committee discussed the amount of money that would need to be raised to support athletics and whether the Director of Athletics would be able to raise the money and what sports would be eliminated. Mr. Twomey discussed the fact that a commitment on funding must be made prior to the start of fall sports. It was the consensus of the Committee to try to keep all sports programs if possible through the enterprise program. Ms. Webb discussed her concern about the athletic program reduction being lower on the list than teachers. Regular Session 4 March 20, 2003 Ms. Powers asked if there was an option for members of smaller teams to carpool rather than pay for transportation costs. Dr. Harutunian stated that they would look at that as one alternative. He discussed the issue of CORIs and security for students. Chair Grist read a brief statement from Sue Cavicchi that in her opinion any position or program that does not involve an academic subject should go to the top of the reduction list. Mr. Twomey stated that there is approximately an $800,000 delta and that he would like to see a prioritized list of put backs. Mr. Twomey asked that the Superintendent check to see if the elimination of one counselor at RMHS would eliminate the college assistance program. He asked that the guidance counselor be on the put back list. Mr. Russo stated that- he agrees that sports should be at the top of the list. He stated that he had responded to complaints about the restrooms and resolved the problem. Mr. Russo stated that he felt he could do more with the custodial unit. Mr. Dahl stated that he would take everything that is not a classroom teacher and move that to the end of the list and everything else on the list should be above classroom teachers. Dr. Harutunian discussed reading teachers and librarians. Chair Griset agreed with Mr. Dahl's statements regarding classroom teachers and Dr. Harutunian's comments regarding reading teachers and librarians. Mr. McFadden discussed having some type of AP business courses and adding Japanese, Russian and Arabic to the curriculum. Dr. Harutunian stated that there are no AP business courses and that colleges look for a well - rounded student with foreign language capability. He stated that finding instructors for Japanese, Russian and Arabic is extremely difficult. Mr. Dahl discussed the possibility of going back to a junior high model rather than a middle school model if that allowed foreign language to remain in the curriculum. Reaular Session 5 March 20, 2003 Dr. Harutunian suggested that the School Committee meet on April 2nd to continue budget discussions and to review the policy manual updates. Mr. Russo asked if after SBA restructuring the Reading projects do not get funded is there an escape clause in the contracts. Dr. Harutunian stated that he believes all our contracts have some type of escape clause. Mr. Dahl reminded the community that the Reading School Committee voted in favor of supporting the override. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 10:40 Mr. Dahl moved to adiourn from reeular session and enter into executive session for the Puraose of discussine the Possible sale or lease of real estate. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl. Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools