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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-02 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session April 2, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Griset called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, McFadden, and Russo. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Chair Griset stated that Mr. Twomey is unable to attend this evening's meeting. Dr. Harutunian discussed the public forum scheduled for April 3'd and asked two members to volunteer to answer questions at the public forum. Mr. Dahl and Mr. McFadden agreed to answer questions at the public forum. NEW ELEMENTARY PROJECT Dr. Harutunian discussed the add alternates for the new elementary school. Dr. Harutunian advised that we cannot sign a contract with J&J until a decision is made on the add alternates. He explained that the add alternates must be approved in the order that they were originally voted, for example if the Committee votes not to do add alternate one they cannot do add alternate two or three. Mr. Bowen discussed the three add alternates, concrete paving and curbs, solid surface counter tops and additional site planting. The Committee discussed the cost savings to the taxpayers if the add alternates were not approved. The Committee members discussed the fact that the taxpayers had approved the new elementary school and high school renovation and felt to add a further burden may not be prudent. After some discussion, Mr. Bowen stated that since he believes that add alternate one was so important. Flansburgh would agree to pick up the $10,000 cost for the concrete sidewalks. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the donation of $10,000 from Flansbureh to cover the cost of the concrete sidewalks, add alternate one. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo. Reeular Session 2 April 2, 2003 Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve add alternates two and three. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 0-5 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo voted no. The motion did not carry. Mr. McFadden asked Mr. Bowen whether the issue brought up last week regarding who is listed as the architect principal on the elementary school could be an issue with the high school project. Mr. Bowen stated that it is not an issue. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payrolls were circulated for signature. CITIZENS INPUT Mr. Phillips discussed 5,400 square feet of space that he said was missing from the Barrows elementary school renovation plans and the elimination of classrooms. Chair Griset stated that Mr. Phillips had discussed this item last week and was adding no new information to his comments the previous week. Chair Griset stated if Mr. Phillips had nothing new to add he would rule him out of order. Dr. Harutunian stated that Mr. Phillips is more than welcome to come and discuss the plans and the 5,400 in question with him. Ms. Cavicchi discussed Mr. RMHS, a new fundraiser for the senior class to be held on Friday April a at 7:00 p.m. GIFTS Ms Cavicchl moved to accent the generous anonymous donation of $2,000 to the Parker Middle School for the purchase of computers for the com uter lab. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian updated that Committee on the status of the elementary student who swallowed a quarter. He thanked the administration, nurse, teacher and educational assistant who helped the student. Regular Session 3 April 2. 2003 Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee and the community regarding the district's emergency plans. He outlined the work done to ensure the safety of students and staff in the district. Dr. Harutunian advised that the three school department warrant articles were being moved forward for town meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised that the administration was investigating an odor coming from the crawl space in the old section of Coolidge. He stated that the preliminary investigation indicated no hazard to students or staff. Dr. Harutunian discussed the Support Our Troops Rally scheduled for Sunday on the Town Common. Mr. McFadden stated that anyone wishing to have a relative acknowledged at the rally should contact Nelson Burbank at 944 -2503. Dr. Harutunian distributed letters that went to staff and parents at the Parker School asking them to attend a meeting to give input on the characteristics they are looking for in a principal. HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Harutunian thanked the students and staff at the Killam Elementary School for the art work displayed-in the conference room. FY04 BUDGET Dr. Harutunian discussed the revised reduction list. Mr. Dahl stated that he received a letter from the state representatives indicating that 15% to 20% is the amount the town should plan for a budget reduction for next year. Mr. McFadden asked why an art teacher was being saved at the high school over an English teacher or math teacher. Dr. Harutunian stated that eliminating a math or English teacher would increase class size while eliminating an art teacher would be a loss of instruction time and have 1/3 of the student body in an additional study period during the day. Regular Session 4 April 2, 2003 Ms. Cavicchi stated that she did not want funding for athletics to come before funding for teachers or educational assistants. Dr. Harutunian stated that the administrative council felt they needed to present a balanced approach to the district's needs. Mr. Russo asked Dr. Harutunian when he thought the Governor would make a decision on the list of waivers. Dr. Harutunian stated that he believed the Governor's budget would be presented by June 30`h. Mr. Russo asked if teachers were laid off did Dr. Harutunian think they would get a job immediately or would the district be able to re -hire them if more money became available. Dr. Harutunian stated that good teachers would get jobs. Mr. Dahl discussed the public forum scheduled for April 3`d to discuss the override. Mr. Dahl asked Mr. Russo if he was still against the override and supported the proposed reductions. Mr. Russo stated that much of the problem is caused by overspending at the state level. He stated he felt the override amount was too high and he was still unsure what the state would do. Chair Griset opened the meeting to public comment. Mr. Phillips agreed with Mr. Russo that the override amount was too high. He discussed the issues of people on a fixed income paying higher taxes. Mr. McFadden asked Mr. Phillips to pass along information regarding the town's program that allows those on fixed income to apply for tax assistance. He suggested that people contact Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis for more information. Mr. Russo discussed the SBA update he received regarding funding of projects. He discussed his concern that once the new elementary school is started the Town is committed. He suggested that the Committee look at a Barrows' expansion and the high school projects before the new school. Mr. Dahl stated that the voters have spoken, and he feels compelled to listen to the voters. Regular Session 5 April 2, 2003 Mr. Russo stated that he believed data has changed since the public voted. Dr. Harutunian stated that this was Mr. Griset's last meeting. Dr. Harutunian and the Committee thanked Mr. Griset for his commitment to the children of Reading. Chair Griset thanked the Committee members and Dr. Harutunian for their support and kindness. Chair Griset stated that Monday evening he would appoint the members of the Superintendent Search Committee. Chair Griset passed the gavel to Mr. Dahl. At 9:30 p.m. Mr. Griset moved to enter into executive session to discuss pending litigation. not to return -to regular session. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 MsXavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Griset, Mr. McFadden and Mr. Russo. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools