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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02-09 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION February 9, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the meeting to order at 7:00 in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Spadafora, Stohlman and Twomey. Also present was Superintendent Harutunian. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Spadafora made at motion at 7:01 p.m. to enter executive session to consider the lease of real property for classroom use, if such discussions may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the governmental body and a person, firm or corporation. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey. Ms. D'Antona arrived during executive session. CALL BACK TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the regular session meeting back to order at 7:33 p.m. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll are as follows: Payroll $145,688.34 2/6/98 Bills $22,779.64 2/9/98 CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian advised that state testing will be starting this May in grades 4, 8 and 10. He advised the Committee that he would like to bring in the DOE Bureau Chief of Evaluation for a 20 minute presentation. Dr. Harutunian advised that there is significant interest in Wednesday's meeting with the School Size and Enrollment Committee and suggested changing the meeting to the lecture hall to accommodate the audience. REGULAR SESSION -2- February 9, 1998 Chair Twomey agreed and asked that the room be set up conducive to both Committees and the audience. Dr. Harutunian advised that the High School Administration is working on tardy and absenteeism and 1st semester results are a 50o reduction in tardiness and a 210 improvement in attendance. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that actual births in Reading for 1997 is 338, anticipated that it will go over 350. He explained that for the year 2002 appears Reading will have 400 kindergartners. Dr. Harutunian discussed the School Committee calendar. CAPITAL PLAN Mr. Stohlman stated his concern that Reading Memorial High School has been put off until 2006 and money will be needed for maintenance on the high school before 2006. Dr. Harutunian stated that it is the School Administration's intention to take care of all schools by 2002. Once the feasibility study is completed, will probably recommend to move RMHS forward hopefully to 2002 or 2003. Chair Twomey stated that Mr. Stohlman has raised appropriate issue and this discussion should be held after receive report from architect. Mr. Stohlman stated that between last year and this year, have added $13 million worth of capital projects between the town and the schools. If there was ability to add $13 million to capital plan from last year, how much more leeway do we have to adding to the capital plan. Mr. Stohlman requested a meeting with Beth Klepeis and Richard Foley to discuss this matter. Dr. Harutunian stated that this would be discussed at the meeting of February 11 and March 4 and Beth Klepeis would be in attendance at both meetings. Mr. Stohlman stated his concern that last year's capital plan estimated costs out of line with reality. He stated that he is cautious about committing to things that may come in more than expected and push other things aside. Chair Twomey stated that he agreed and that is why the capital plan is reviewed every year. REGULAR SESSION -3- February 9, 1998 Dr. Harutunian discussed with the Committee the Fiscal Year 1999 Capital Plan as presented in his memorandum of October 1, 1997 revised January 26, 1998. Mr. Stohlman questioned whether there is a formal motion for the $7.5 million elementary building projects or formal motion for the $300,000 for the elementary study only. Dr. Harutunian advised that formal for the $300,000 for study and will go back to fall town meeting for the building project. SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION PROCESS Chair Twomey and Ms. D'Antona discussed with the Committee the the proposed evaluation form for the Superintendent's Evaluation. Ms. D'Antona stated that the form represent a blend of the current Reading School Committee form, the Superintendent Evaluation form of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and forms used by other school committees. Ms. D'Antona discussed the five step procedures and the six criteria standards for the evaluation. Ms. D'Antona stated that there would be three levels, doesn't meet expectations, meets expectations and exceeds expectations. Ms. Cavicchi stated that in the past the Committee had used numerical values for the levels and felt that it may be beneficial to continue to use numeric values. Mr. Stohlman stated his concern that the Committee would comply with all opening meetings laws. Chair Twomey stated that last year individual assessments were not in public and this process is more open. Mr. Stohlman questioned the fact that the public would not be at the individual meetings with the Superintendent. Ms. D'Antona stated that the purpose of these meeting were to give the Superintendent information and the opportunity to respond to what may be brought up at the public meeting. Mr. Stohlman requested that it is confirmed that the individual meetings are in compliance with the law. REGULAR SESSION -4- February 9, 1998 Ms. D'Antona stated that she would check into it further. Mr. Stohlman questioned whether he would be limited to only the criteria listed. Chair Twomey stated that the criteria can be interpreted broadly and criteria is to give the Superintendent the opportunity to know what he is being evaluated on. Mr. Stohlman stated that he is concerned that everything is presented orally and nothing is written. Chair Twomey stated that the minutes of the meeting will be a written record. Mr. Stohlman questioned step 5 and whether the Chair's oral summary is then the overall summary. Ms. Cavicchi stated that is why she would like to see the numeric value on the ratings. Mr. Spadafora stated that he believes the standards should be reviewed every year and stated that the time line should be included. Mr. Stohlman stated that he wanted a written record of what is done. He questioned why the Committee is committing to putting down oral evaluation only. He stated that what is being proposed is less broad and informative. If there is no problem with an oral evaluation why is there a problem with written? Ms. D'Antona stated that she felt the Committee had made great strides with the minutes and additions or corrections to the minutes can be made if determined necessary. She also stated that if a member cannot attend a meeting they could give written notes to secretary to include. Mr. Spadafora stated that he felt the Committee was getting bogged down on open meeting law and this should be discussed again after further information is received regarding open meeting law. REGULAR SESSION -5- February 9, 1998 Mr. Spadafora stated that under item III Fiscal Leadership he would like to see a reference to the Budget Council in item number 3. Mr. Stohlman stated that under item III Fiscal Leadership he would like to add town to community financial leaders under number 3. Mr. Spadafora stated that he felt item VI Meets Goals of the School Committee was to rigid and suggested changing to works with School Committee to accomplish Goals or Implements School Committee Goals. Mr. Stohlman stated that he would like more time to review. Chair Twomey requested that any comments be given to the Subcommittee as soon as possible. INCREASE IN BUILDING RENTAL FEES Dr. Harutunian discussed with the Committee his proposed rental costs for Parker Middle School. Mr. Spadafora questioned whether there is a charge to school organizations for dances or fundraisers. Dr. Harutunian advised that there is no charge to school organizations. This would apply to outside groups renting the Parker Middle School Facilities. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the Superintendent's recommended rental proposal dated February 5, 1998 for the Parker Middle School. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twome MINUTES Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the minutes of January 6, 1998 with amendments made by Mr. Stohlman. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey. REGULAR SESSION -6- February 9, 1998 Mr. Stohlman made a motion to approve the minutes of January 8, 1998. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey. Mr. Stohlman made a motion to approve the minutes of January 12, 1998 with amendments made by Mr. Stohlman. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the minutes of January 14, 1998 with amendments made by Mr. Stohlman. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey. ADJOURN At 9:30 p.m. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to adjourn into executive session for the purpose of approval of executive session minutes. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Cavicchi, D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twome es�ectfully sub ted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent