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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-05-12 School Committee MinutesReading School Committee Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session May 12, 2003 CALL TO ORDER Chair Dahl called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. in the Superintendent's Conference. Present were School Committee Members Carpenter, Cavicchi, Dahl, McFadden, Russo and Spadafora. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian. EXECUTIVE SESSION Ms. Cavicchi moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Secretaries and Clerks, Custodial Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Education Assistants, Nurses and Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, High School Principal, Coolidge Principal, Parker Principal, Barrows Principal, Birch Meadow Principal, Eaton Principal, Killam Principal, two high school assistant principals, Coolidge and Parker assistant principals, Directors of Special Education, Food Service, Athletics, Nurses, Facilities, Assistant Director of Facilities, Secretary to the Superintendent, Administrative Assistant to Finance, Administrative Assistant to Personnel, Administrative Assistant to Curriculum and Administrative Assistant — Central Office, to discuss pending litigation, to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and to approve executive session minutes. To return to regular session at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. CALL BACK TO ORDER At 7:40 p.m. Chair Dahl called back to order. All School Committee Members, Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards were present. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll circulated for signature. Chair Dahl formally welcomed Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Carpenter to the Committee. Both Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Carpenter thanked those who supported them and stated they were looking forward to serving the residents of Reading. Regular Session 2 May 12, 2003 Mr. Dahl congratulated the students and staff of the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team. The team placed 6th out of 54 in the National Championship. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian introduced Dave Williams, a member of the Parker Search Committee. He asked the Committee to give input to Mr. Williams on the characteristics they would like in a principal at the Parker Middle School. Ms. Cavicchi stated that the new principal should maintain the very high standards of courtesy and kindness that are evident at Parker. Mr. Carpenter stated that the person needed to be able to lead people, manage resources and communicate to the community. Mr. Russo stated that the position should be looked as a coach and should coach the young teacher. Mr. Spadafora stated that principal must be able to be the CEO of the building, a team player among staff and willing to work with the community. Chair Dahl stated that the principal needs to be student centered and be able to direct and support the students. He also stated that communication is extremely important. Ms. Cavicchi stated that the principal must have a working knowledge of middle school students. Dr. Harutunian distributed a draft elementary class size enrollment chart for 2003 -2004. He stated that we have the same number of teachers this year as last year. Mr. Russo asked if a parent requested their child be transferred to a school with lower enrollment in their grade is that possible. Dr. Harutunian stated that is possible. Mr. Spadafora stated his concern about class size in K, 1, 2 and 3. He stated that the all day kindergarten program is a pilot program this year and he is hopeful that revenue from the program will grow in future years. Regular Session 3 May 12, 2003 Parents discussed their concern that all day- kindergarten was eliminating space needed to add classes to grades that had classes larger than 25. Chair Dahl stated that even if the all day kindergarten classes were available there is not money in the current budget to fund additional teachers. He discussed the profit from all - day kindergarten. Vice Chair McFadden discussed the continued uncertainty of the state budget. A parent noted that Killam has 29 more students enrolled than Birch Meadow yet Killam has the same number of teachers as Birch Meadow. Chair Dahl stated that when the new school opens it will be the goal to balance class sizes. Dr. Harutunian stated that the administration is looking at ways to solve the Eaton and Birch Meadow all day kindergarten enrollment issue. A parent commented that when class sizes go up to 26 and 27 it costs the district more in the long run because more students will need services from special education because of the large class sizes. A parent asked about Barrows class sizes and the fact that Barrows takes severely disabled students into their school. Dr. Harutunian advised that both Barrows and Eaton have a DLC class. He stated that those classes are supplemented with aides. A parent asked if parents who have signed up for all day kindergarten have had to make a financial commitment yet. Dr. Harutunian stated that they have $400 deposits from all -day kindergarten families. He stated that there will be 10 payments of $400 starting April 1ST Mr. Russo stated that the enrollment is still being fine -tuned and perhaps they should revisit the issue in a month. Dr. Harutunian stated this is a draft but that the development of classes has already begun and teachers and students must have class assignments by the end of the year. A parent asked if teachers move from grade to grade when classes are collapsed. Dr. Harutunian stated that in most cases retirements and leaves cause the movement. Regular Session 4 May 12, 2003 A parent stated his concern that it is a shame that class space is being taken up for an all - day kindergarten program that is only breaking even. Mr. McFadden stated that the all -day kindergarten is making $180,000. Mr. Brown stated that the Department of Revenue does not allow schools to charge a fee to exceed the cost of the product. Dr. Harutunian stated that he has a memorandum from Mr. Foley stating that the cost of running the all -day kindergarten program is $440,000, which includes a portion for heat, electricity, etc. RCTV BYLAW CHANGE The Committee discussed the request from RCTV for a bylaw change that would eliminate the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee from Ms. Cavicchi moved to advise the RCTV Board that the Reading School Committee strongly believes that the School Committee appointee should remain on the RCTV Board, and there should be no change in the bylaw. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Spadafora voted yes and Mr. Russo voted no. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Vice Chair McFadden updated the Committee on the superintendent search process. He stated that the subcommittee hoped to select 8 or 9 semi - finalists to be interviewed May 19t ", 21St, and 22"d. Mr. Brown discussed the Superintendent Search and the open meeting laws. Mr. McFadden discussed a legal opinion from Town Counsel regarding the Superintendent Search and the open meeting laws. Mr. Russo stated that after reflection he is concerned about the way people were chosen to serve on the Superintendent Search Subcommittee. He asked to have a ruling from Town Counsel to see if an error had been made. Chair Dahl discussed the policy used to make the decision. Regular Session 4 May 12, 2003 Dr. Harutunian stated that he is recommending, although it is not required, that the Committee vote to formally accept the 11 members appointed to the search committee. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the appointment of the Reading School Committee Superintendent Search Subcommittee to include Karen Callan, Linda Carey, John Doherty, Richard Foley, Carol Grimm, Carl McFadden, John O'Connor, Gael Phillips- Spence, Chuck Robinson, Rick Schubert and Camille Visconti. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. The Committee thanked the members of the Search Subcommittee for their dedication and commitment. Ms. Phillips expressed concern about the process used to select members of the Subcommittee and the policies discussed. Chair Dahl discussed the process the Committee used in order to be certain that community input was included. Mr. Brown informed the committee that he has made a suggestion to the Board of Selectmen that the charter regarding posting positions be clarified. Dr. Harutunian reminded the Committee that Jeff Ryan will be honored at the May 27th School Committee meeting. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on negotiations with Keyspan. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the Coolidge Middle School crawl space issue. Mr. Russo asked if the issue was the result of a design flaw. Dr. Harutunian said it was not a design flaw. Dr. Harutunian advised that shields have been installed on the lights at Barrows. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the elementary project. Mr. Russo asked if residents have been informed of the blasting. Dr. Harutunian advised that the contractor is aware of the requirement of notification. Regular Session 6 May 12, 2003 Dr. Harutunian advised in response to Mr. Russo's question that the number of classrooms proposed for the Barrows School has not changed. Mr. Russo stated Mrs. Phillips' concern about 5,400 square feet of space that she believes no longer appears in the Barrows project. Mr. Spadafora stated that this issue has been discussed with Mrs. Phillips at several public meetings. He discussed the reconfiguration of space that occurred in the Barrows project. Mrs. Phillips stated her desire to discuss the Barrows classrooms. Chair Dahl stated that the issue has been discussed at several public meetings and if Mrs. Phillips wanted further clarification she should contact the Superintendent to schedule a meeting. Mrs. Phillips gave the Superintendent information to be distributed to the Committee. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the high school project. Dr. Harutunian and the Committee reviewed the School Committee calendar for May and June including possible dates for interviews for Superintendent candidates and site visits. Mr. Russo asked if there was any objection to his attending the interviews being conducted by the search subcommittee. Chair Dahl stated that those meetings are held in executive session. Mrs. Phillips stated her opinion regarding the superintendent search and the open meeting law. She noted that Future Management Systems was cited for a violation of the open meeting laws. Dr. Harutuman stated that he has a legal opinion from Brackett & Lucas regarding the superintendent search and the open meeting law. SCHOOL CHOICE Chair Dahl opened the public hearing on School Choice. There was no public comment on School Choice. Regular Session 7 May 12, 2003 Ms. Cavicchi moved pursuant to the provisions of GLc76 and 12B, the School Committee of Reading, following pubic hearing, hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non - resident students in the Reading Public Schools during the July 1, 2003 school year for the following reasons Programmatic Reasons, Class Sizes and General District Enrollment. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. AUDIT COMMITTEE Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the modification of the Audit Committee as outlined in the Town Manager's memorandum of April 18, 2003 Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 17, 2003 as the official last day of school. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. NORTHSHORE CONSORTIUM Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the Northshore Education Consortium Articles of Agreement Amended Version dated December 2002 as outlined in the December 23, 2002 memorandum from Executive Director Robert L. Gass. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Mr. McFadden asked how Reading became a member of the Northshore Consortium. Dr. Harutunian advised that we had many special needs students attending the Consortium and tuition is less expensive if the district is a member of the Consortium. SBA LONG RANGE PLAN Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the long -range plan for submission to School Building Assistance as outlined in the Superintendent's revised memorandum of May 12, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Regular Session 8 May 12, 2003 Mr. Russo moved that the School Committee approve expenditure of only the amount of money necessary to get the SBA application and no further funds be expended at this time. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. After discussion Mr. Russo withdrew the motion. Mr. Russo stated his concern that the public voted for the high school based on a reimbursement figure from the state. Chair Dahl stated that the Committee already voted twice not to move forward a project that is not reimbursable by the state. Dr. Harutunian stated that the high school architects will attend the School Committee meeting on May 27'h Mrs. Phillips stated her concern about the letter to Design Partnership, approved by the Committee, authorizing Design Partnership to expend funds up to $400,000 to prepare for submittal. She stated that only $60,000 should be expended. Mr. McFadden stated that Mrs. Phillips could discuss that question with the architect on May 27`h Dr. Harutunian reviewed the work associated with the $400,000. MINUTES Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of February 26, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 10, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 11, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms. Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 12, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. ReLyular Session 9 May 12,200 Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 13, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 17, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voted yes, Mr. Spadafora abstained. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 18, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 19, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voted yes, Mr. Spadafora abstained. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 20, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 27, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voted yes, Mr. Spadafora abstained. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of March 27, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voted yes, Mr. Spadafora abstained. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of April 3, 2003 with changes as noted. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Ms Cavicchi moved to accept the minutes of April 10, 2003. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 -1 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo voted yes, Mr. Spadafora abstained. Mr. Russo stated that he would like to review the documents distributed earlier by Mrs. Phillips and discuss the documents at a future meeting if necessary. Regular Session 10 May 12, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION At 10:30 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to enter into executive season for the reasons previously stated. Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Mr. Carpenter, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Russo and Mr. Spadafora. Respectfully submitted, Dennis A. Richards Acting Superintendent