Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-09-01 School Committee MinutesI'/ P READING PUBLIC SCHOLS Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session September 1 1999 Reception for New Teachers At 7:15 p.m. an informal social with new teachers was held. CALL TO ORDER At 7:33 p.m. Chair Dahl called the meeting to order. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Keigley and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. BILLS & PAYROLL The following were the bills and payroll: Payroll 9 July 29, 1999 $263,252.39 Payroll 11 August 6, 1999 $29,224.67 Payroll 13 August 12, 1999 $286,839.35 Payroll 15 August 20, 1999 $63,714.95 Warrant 10 August 2, 1999 $98,975.54 Warrant 14 August 16, 1999 $1,464,156.14 Warrant 12 August 9, 1999 $99,639.42 Warrant 16 August 23, 1999 $29,224.67 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizen input. HIGHLIGHT Dr. Harutunian thanked Mr. Leo Kenney, Mike Harney and their students for School Committee room artwork, posters on environmental issues. INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS Dr. Harutunian introduced the new administrators, Associate Superintendent Richards introduced the new instructional specialists and the principals introduced their new staff members. At 8:15 p.m. Chair Dahl advised that the Committee would take a short break. At 8:17 Chair Dahl called the meeting back to order. Regular Session -2- September 1, 1999 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that their packet included copies of all information that was sent home to parents during the first week of school. Dr. Harutunian advised that the School Council Co- chairs and the building principals will be in attendance at the September 271h School Committee meeting to discuss the FY01 budget process. Associate Superintendent Richards read a memorandum to the Committee regarding the alleged Chinese Cultural Connection break -in. The memorandum will be a part of the minutes of the meeting and will be forwarded to the Reading Police Department. UPDATE COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Dr. Harutunian advised that the following people where in attendance at this evening's meeting to update the Committee on the Coolidge Middle School project and to answer any questions the Committee may have. Gene Raymond, Architect, John Doherty, Principal, Rick Barrett, Director of Facilities, Steve Melendy, Seaver Construction, Assistant Chief Jack Mooney, Jane Fiore, Health Services Administrator Dominic Cacciapuoti, Assistant Director of Facilities, Glen Redmond, Building Inspector Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, Roger Hoyt of Strekalovsky & Hoit, George Livingston and John Barbecci, Clerk of the Works. After discussion and input from the individuals listed above, it was decided delay the opening of the Coolidge Middle School until Tuesday, September 7, 1999. Dr. Harutunian advised that if there were any problem opening on Tuesday, parents and the community would be notified by Friday afternoon. Mr. Twomey stated that this has been a highly orchestrated project. He stated that it is frustrating to have the project come in a few days late but that anyone connected with the construction industry will realize the this has been an extremely well run project. Mr. Twomey stated that he appreciated the efforts of the contractor and the architect. He stated that Reading has been well served by the contractor, the architect, Principal Doherty and Dr. Harutunian and all the staff involved in the project. Ms. Cavicchi questioned whether Principal Doherty felt that not starting until Tuesday would negatively impact educational issues. Regular Session -3- September 1, 1999 Principal Doherty stated that the project is scheduled to continue through Thanksgiving and that he felt the first week of school is a critical time mentally for students and that by starting a day later, Tuesday, would be a boost to students. Mr. Keigley stated that he agreed with Principal Doherty that allowing students to start on Tuesday would be advantageous. Mr. Keigley stated that the contractor, architect and staff had done a great job bringing the Coolidge project together. Mr. Dahl stated that the safety of the students is the number one priority of all involved in this project. Mr. Dahl thanked the architect, the contractor, the school staff and also the town staff. He stated that he was impressed with the level of cooperation between school and town officials to bring the project to a successful conclusion. Mr. Dahl stated that he has heard from the individuals involved with the project that the punchlist items would be completed by Friday. He asked what the plan was for cleaning the building before the arrival of students. Dr. Harutunian advised that Seaver has a cleaning crew on duty almost around the clock. He stated that the school crew would come in over the weekend and wipe down and clean all areas. He stated that he was working with the contractor to have only a skeleton crew working on Tuesday, students first day of school. Chair Dahl advised that he would open the meeting up to questions from the audience. A citizen asked what would not be available to students on Tuesday. Principal Doherty advised that there would be no gym until October, the lunches will be made at RMHS for approximately 2 -3 weeks until the kitchen is ready and the computer room is not yet available. Mr. Dahl asked whether the media center would be ready. Mr. Doherty advised that the center would be ready but books would not be on the shelves by Tuesday. Mr. Swyter questioned whether Coolidge students were being short changed on education during the construction with not all areas at Coolidge ready especially the computer lab, the media center and the gym. He stated that he has not been well informed about the project. He stated that he was unhappy that he would not have an opportunity to view the school before students arrive on Tuesday. Dr. Harutunian stated that he did not feel that students were being short changed. He stated that the middle school team approach is probably the best suited to handle this type of construction. i Regular Session -4- September 1, 1999 Mr. Dahl stated that personally he believes that the most important part of the school is the students and teachers. He stated that he is confident that the teachers will do everything to adequately prepare the students for high school. Dr. Harutunian advised that Coolidge would not be completed until December. There would be an open house in September for parents and the another open house probably in March when the project is completed. He informed Mr. Swyter that if he felt that he needed to view the school before open house he could contact Mr. Doherty and schedule an appointment. At 9:55 p.m. Chair Dahl advised that the Committee would take a short break. At 9:58 Chair Dahl called the meeting back to order. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS Dr. Harutunian advised that he is requesting up to 3.5 educational assistants for the 2nd and 5t" grades classes due to class size issues. He stated that there is enough money in the budget for 3.5 assistants. Mr. Twomey moved to grant the Superintendent the latitude to add up to 3.5 educational assistants for class size issues at the Eaton and Killam Elementary schools in the 2nd and 5d' grades. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey. WARRANT FOR TOWN MEETING Dr. Harutunian advised that formal notice would be given to the Town Manager through the Chair of the School Building Committee that an article should be placed on the warrant for the elementary project. ADJOURN At 10.10 p.m. Mr. Keigley made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, "b I (� Qt:, Harry . Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools