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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-21 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION June 21, 1999 CALL TO ORDER Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, D'Antona, Dahl, Keigley, Twomey and Williams. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian. BILLS & PAYROLL There were no bills and payroll. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. EXECUTIVE SESSION REQUEST At 6:05 p.m. Chair D'Antona excused herself from the meeting for the discussion of the request of a parent for an executive session meeting with the School Committee. Vice Chair Twomey stated that the Committee has a policy that permits parents to petition the School Committee and request a meeting to discuss an issue which they have attempted to resolve through the Administration and have not been able to resolve to their satisfaction. Vice Chair Twomey stated that tonight the Committee was only going to discuss whether to grant the petition for a meeting and not about the reason for the request. Attorney Orlando stated that the Shea family would like to be afforded the opportunity to express their concerns to the Committee regarding allowing their children to attend the same elementary school. Ms. Williams made a motion that the School Committee set a date in the future to give an opportunity for the parents to speak to the Committee under executive session. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. After discussion, it was agreed to try to schedule the executive session meeting for July 1" at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. The Committee informed Mr. and Mrs. Shea and their attorney that they would allow approximately one hour to hear a brief presentation and to have an opportunity to ask the Mr. and Mrs. Shea questions regarding the issue. The Committee also requested that the Sheas forward REGULAR SESSION -2- June 21, 1999 any additional information that they would be presenting to the Committee to Dr. Harutunian by Monday, June 28th so the Committee would have the opportunity to review the material prior to the meeting. Dr. Harutunian asked Attorney Orlando if they were waiving the forty eight hour notification. Attorney Orlando advised that they were waiving the notification. At 6:25 p.m. Chair D'Antona returned to the meeting. Chair D'Antona advised that she would be turning the gavel over to Superintendent Harutunian during the election of officers. Superintendent Harutunian opened up nominations for the position of chair. Mr. Twomey nominated Mr. Dahl for the position of chair. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the nomination. Superintendent Harutunian asked if there were other nominations for chair and no other nominations were made. The vote for Mr. Dahl for chair was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Superintendent Harutunian opened up nominations for the position of vice - chair. Mr. Dahl nominated Ms. D'Antona for the position of vice - chair. Mr. Twomey seconded the nomination. Superintendent Harutunian asked if there were other nominations for vice -chair and no other nominations were made The vote for Ms. D'Antona for vice -chair was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Dahl stated that keeping with past practice he had nominated Ms. D'Antona as vice - chair. He stated that as a result of already being chair person, having Ms. D'Antona as vice -chair would be helpful to him as chair. Mr. Twomey stated that the most boards' movement of elected officers is usually from vice -chair to chair but that the School Committee officers usually move from chair to REGULAR SESSION -3- June 21, 1999 vice - chair. He stated that the vice -chair has experience as chair and is available to assist the chair when needed. Ms. D'Antona thanked Superintendent Harutunian for his support during her term as chair. She also thanked vice -chair Twomey and all of the members for their support and stated that it has been a pleasure working with the board. ADJOURN At 6.30 p.m. Ms D'Antona made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0 Ms Cavicchi Mr. Dahl Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools