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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-15 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION June 15, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7:05 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Custodial and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants' Association, Nurses, the Director of Facilities (non- union) and the Superintendent (non- union) and to return to regular session after executive session. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona and Ms. William._ CALL BACK TO ORDER Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Stohlman arrived at 7:30 p.m. during executive session. BILLS & PAYROLL Payroll 6/12/98 $158,296.85 Payroll 6/15/98 $94,979.27 Payroll 6/4/98 $546,559.89 Payroll 5/29/98 $165,613.90 Bills 6/8/98 $141,367.40 Bills 6/1/98 $135,746.40 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a copy of a letter sent to Coolidge parents regarding an article that was printed in the Reading Chronicle concerning a Coolidge student who allegedly threatened a teacher. The Coolidge administration was never contacted by the Chronicle for information on this situation, therefore the contents of the story were never verified. .1 % REGULAR SESSION -2- June 15, 1998 CURRICULUM INITIATIVES English Language Arts Associate Superintendent Richards introduced the English Language Arts Curriculum Initiative Presenters. The group gave an update to the Committee on English Language Arts Curriculum Initiative and information on the Scope and Sequence. The discussion was opened to questions from the Committee. Ms. Williams asked for more information and curriculum details on the writing lab. The group advised that writing classes, intermediate and advanced are taught and the computers aren't compatible between Ami -Pro and Word software. Mr. Stohlman asked what media literacy is and what the end product of media literacy is. The group advised that media literacy is using viewing as a skill with a critical approach to what to look for in film. A film is viewed, discussed and a paper written regarding the film. Mr. Stohlman stated he was pleased that information will be going to parents indicating what they should expect their child to learn at their grade level. Mr. Stohlman asked how we will evaluate curriculum and change for the better. The group advised that they expected the MCAS test results will be a major standard and, under the guidance of Associate Superintendent Richards, the group has done a lot of self assessment. Ms. Cavicchi asked why interdisciplinary work was just at the 9th grade level. The group advised that they would like to do more but that it takes back to back scheduling which requires a larger staff. Dr. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Richards and Chair D'Antona thanked the group for their dedication and hard work. REGULAR SESSION -3- June 15, 1998 Social Studies Associate Superintendent Richards introduced the Social Studies Curriculum Initiative Presenters. The group gave an update to the Committee on the Social Studies Curriculum Initiative and information on the Scope and Sequence. Associate Superintendent Richards advised the Committee that they had received a final draft of the Social Studies frameworks. The discussion was opened to questions from the Committee. Ms. Cavicchi asked if the frameworks were taken from the Virginia frameworks which consisted of mostly memorization of facts. The group advised that the frameworks were similar to the Virginia frameworks and did include memorization of specific facts. Dr. Harutunian advised that economics needs to be added to the curriculum and the cycle may need to be moved up. Chair D'Antona stated that the Social Studies framework sounded very specific and questioned what curriculum would cover all areas. Dr. Harutunian advised that we need to decide what to include and what to leave out and that the Social Studies Committee is K -12 and that is important for horizontal and vertical articulation. Dr. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Richards and Chair D'Antona thanked the group for their dedication and hard work. Science Associate Superintendent Richards introduced the Science Curriculum Initiative Presenters. The group gave an update to the Committee on the Science Curriculum Initiative and pilot programs that have been implemented. The discussion was opened to questions from the Committee. Ms. Williams stated that she was glad to hear that there is a procedure for refilling science kits and that she is excited about the students working together. Ms. Williams asked if science is taught in a spiral. The group confirmed that the state frameworks call for spiral in the science curriculum. REGULAR SESSION -4- June 15, 1998 Mr. Dahl stated that it seems curriculum is aiming at the middle group, how is the curriculum in terms of rigorous programs? The group stated that they believe the curriculum is very rigorous but they were also talking about adding another honors course at the high school. Math Associate Superintendent Richards introduced the Math Curriculum Initiative Presenters. The group gave an update to the Committee on the Math Curriculum Initiative that has been implemented. The discussion was opened to questions from the Committee. The group distributed the 1997 -1998 RMHS Mathematics Department - Current Initiatives & Accomplishments to the Committee and discussed the math curriculum. The discussion was opened up to questions from the Committee. Ms. Cavicchi stated that she attended the Eaton school presentation on math and was impressed to see what the students were learning and questioned if 7th grade math would be Chicago Math. The group advised that no final decision on grade 7 math has been made. Mr. Dahl questioned whether 5th grade testing will be a permanent part of the assessment. Dr. Harutunian advised that he would be distributing a chart later showing all proposed testing schedules. Ms. Williams stated that all parents received a letter inviting them to view curriculum material and asked Dr. Harutunian if the material could be available at the library so parents would have a better opportunity to view the material. Dr. Harutunian advised that there had been discussion about utilizing the public library or possibly sending the material to each school for a two day period for viewing. However, there is a concern about loss of material. At 10:00 p.m. Chair D'Antona advised that the Committee would take a five minute break. REGULAR SESSION -5- June 15, 1998 MIDDLE SCHOOL RESTRUCTURING Dr. Harutunian advised that the middle school reports for 1997 and 1998 were included in the School Committee packets. He advised that what the Committee would be hearing tonight is where the middle schools will be in the next 3 -4 year. The two middle schools will be identical. Dr. Harutunian advised that the two middle school principals will go over the recommendations for next year. Mr. Delaney and Mr. Doherty went over the seven recommendations, world language memorandum and spread sheet recommendations. The discussion was then opened for discussion. Ms. Williams asked what the impact will be of pulling out SSR and if there is any way to test to see the type of impact this may have. Mr. Delaney stated that SSR did not enjoy political support but it had a lot of staff support. Dr. Harutunian stated that he didn't think it would be possible to test to see what the impact may be of removing SSR but stated that there is a strong language arts program. Ms. Cavicchi asked whether heterogeneous grouping in math was looked at. Dr. Harutunian advised that the grouping will be wrapped into the 7th grade math decision. Mr. Dahl asked when keyboarding is taught and if there were any plans to remove keyboarding. Mr. Dahl stated that he believed that keyboarding is an important skill. Mr. Doherty advised that keyboarding is taught in the 6th grade. Dr. Harutunian thanked Mr. Delaney and Mr. Doherty for their work. LIBRARY CHIMNEY REPAIR Ms. Cavicchi moved, on the recommendation of the administration, to approve the bid of $23,480 from Commercial Construction. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams. REGULAR SESSION -6- June 15, 1998 PERIMETER FENCING CONTRACT Ms. Cavicchi moved, on the to approve the award of th Perimeter Fencing Contract Fencing for $14,300.00 Ms. vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, and Ms. Williams. MILK BID recommendation of the administration e Parker Middle School Soccer Field to Vermont Recreational Surfacing & Williams seconded the motion. The Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman Ms. Cavicchi moved, on the recommendation of the administration, to approve the award of the milk bid from H.P. Hood in the amount of $53,339.40. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 5- 0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams. MINUTES Chair D'Antona advised that the approval of the minutes would be done at a later meeting. GIFTS Dr. Harutunian advised that there was a $200 anonymous gift to Parker Middle School. Dr. Harutunian thanked the Peter Collins' family for their gift to the Joshua Eaton School. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on the condition of the buildings after the recent storms. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the Administration will be hiring a one year assistant middle school principal. He will adjust the budget and get back to the Committee with the details. Dr. Harutunian advised that he will direct all principals to submit a procedures report on emergency situations prior to the start of school. REGULAR SESSION -7- June 15, 1998 Dr. Harutunian advised that the Parker Middle School Newspaper, the QUILL, has received two awards from the New England Scholastic Press Association. Dr. Harutunian distributed a revised testing schedule for the Committee's review. Mr. Stohlman stated that the reason he asked for this schedule was to understand at what point we will have a truly consistent schedule. Dr. Harutunian advised that the information distributed is the best information available at this time. If the state changes 4th grade MCAS then changes will occur. Chair D'Antona suggested that Mr. Stohlman submit any further questions he may have to Dr. Harutunian for detailed information. Mr. Stohlman agreed. INFORMATION & PROPOSALS The Committee discussed a letter sent to Ms. Cavicchi regarding the sign at the Killam School that states "Busses and School Personnel Only ". Dr. Harutunian advised that at the June 22nd School Committee meeting the School Improvement Plans and Strategic Planning will be on the agenda. Ms. Williams asked if the School Improvement Plans will be folded into the budget process and stated that she would like the public to have information from the School Improvement Plans. Dr. Harutunian advised that the state has to have them approved by June 30, but that the School Improvement Plans are consistent with the School Committee goals. Chair D'Antona stated Mr. Stohlman had issues at the School Committee's reorganization meeting that he wanted to schedule a meeting to discuss. Chair D'Antona stated that the meeting should include discussions on team building, roles on the School Committee and School Committee Goals. Ms. Cavicchi stated that perhaps, a retreat with a facilitator on a Saturday would be the best way to schedule this. 1. REGULAR SESSION -8- June 15, 1998 Dr. Harutunian advised that he will contact Massachusetts Association of School Committees for a facilitator. ADJOURN At 11:30 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to adjourn from regular session and reconvene into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Custodial and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants' Association, Nurses, the Director of Facilities (non - union) and the Superintendent(non - union) and not to return to regular session after executive session. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms' Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams. spect.fully mitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools