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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-31 School Committee Minutes[] READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session August 31, 1998 At 7:15 p.m. there was an informal social gathering with School Committee members, new teachers and administrators. CALL TO ORDER At 7:30 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Twomey and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Chair D'Antona requested a moment of silence in honor of Lou Adreani who passed away over the summer. Chair D'Antona stated that Mr. Adreani was a 43 -year employee of the Reading Public Schools and an active member of the Reading community. She stated that Mr. Adreani would be missed by all. INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS & ADMINISTRATORS Dr. Harutunian advised of two new administrators this year in the Reading Pubic School. He stated that Cheryl O'Brien had been appointed as the permanent assistant principal at RMHS and he introduced to the Committee John Marion the new Director of Technology. Mr. Richard introduced to the Committee the two new Instructional Specialists, Rick Comeau and Mary Beth Banios. Mr. Orlando introduced to the Committee new Reading Memorial High School staff members Melissa Campbell, Christina Tiernan, Noreen Scarpitto and Matt McKeon. Mr. Delaney introduced to the Committee new Parker Middle School staff members Sarah Erickson, Amy Dyment, Cathy Beach and Jen Conley. Mr. Doherty introduced to the Committee new Coolidge Middle School staff members Kim Vassilev, Brenda Hodgkins, Bob Peterson, Janet Platt, Meghan LeFevre, and Samantha Genier. Mr. Guerrette introduced to the Committee new Killam Elementary School staff members Amy Stein and Elizabeth Houghton. Mr. Davidson introduced to the Committee new Birch Meadow Elementary School staff members Josie Szolusha, Gina Barrett and Beth Ann Stevenson. Regular Session -2- August 31, 1998 Ms. Callan introduced to the Committee new Barrows Elementary School staff member Maria Simon. Ms. Pittella introduced to the Committee new Joshua Eaton Elementary School staff members Susan Sprole, Amy Brittell and Debra Kwiatek. Chair D'Antona, on behalf of the School Committee, welcomed all new staff to the Reading Public Schools and wished them the best. Dr. Harutunian thanked his office staff, principals, Jeff Griffin, Valerie Ardi and especially Sherry Carpenella, Administrative Assistant /Personnel, for their hard work this summer. At 8:05 p.m. Chair D'Antona advised that the Committee would take a short break. CALL BACK TO ORDER At 8:10 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order. The Superintendent advised the Committee that the central office had been painted, new blinds installed, a new sign hung, new audience seats were purchased and new carpet installed. He stated that last year that central office had some water damage and the cost of the recent repairs was covered mostly by the insurance claim money from that damage. Dr. Harutunian also advised that artwork done by the students at RMHS had been hung in the conference room and each month artwork from a different school would be hung in the conference room. Dr. Harutunian informed the Committee that the flower bed at RMHS taken care of by the senior class and Mr. Kurchian received an award from the Women's Garden Club. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll are as follows: July 30, 1998 $63,576.41 Payroll August 3, 1998 $38,711.50 Bills August 7, 1998 $63,576.41 Payroll August 10, 1998 $94,937.88 Bills August 13, 1998 $244,603.81 Payroll August 17, 1998 $81,956.10 Bills August 21, 1998 $61,206.73 Payroll August 24, 1998 $11,042.91 Bills August 28, 1998 $43,054.02 Payroll August 31, 1998 $260,755.04 Bills Regular Session -3- August 31, 1998 GIFTS Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee of a generous technology gift by Mrs. DiRocco to the Joshua Eaton School. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee of a generous donation of $175 by Mrs. Krugman to the Killam School. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT As representative to the School Building Committee, Mr. Twomey updated the School Committee on the Elementary Feasibility study. Mr. Twomey stated that the School Building Committee subcommittee had presented the School Building Committee with a short list of five architectural firms from the twelve firms that responded to the RFP. Of the five on the short list, one firm dropped out and the School Building Committee interviewed the remaining four firms last week. The School Building Committee awarded the contract to Flansburg and Associates. Mr. Twomey advised that the School Building Committee would be meeting at least every other week between now and town meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised that the role of the architect is not to determine whether a fifth school should be built but to bring available options and associated costs to the School Building Committee. Dr. Harutunian stated that the warrant for town meeting closes on September 22nd and he stated that the Committee may want to put an article for the elementary schools on the warrant and if the Committee is not ready for town meeting the article could be rescinded. Ms. Williams asked if the sole responsibility of the architect is for financial information. Dr. Harutunian advised that the architect would look at the Dividence Road property, confirm demographics and look at the cost of four schools versus five schools. Dr. Harutunian advised that all four elementary principals attended the interviews and all wanted Flansburg and Associates. Ms. Williams asked whether traffic issues would be looked at by the architect. Mr. Twomey advised that traffic issues will be studied in all options. He stated that Flansburg de- emphasized design issues and emphasized basic decisions such as community issues during their presentation. it Regular Session -4- August 31, 1998 Chair D'Antona questioned whether this would be read in time for town meeting. Mr. Twomey stated that the School Building Committee is meeting Thursday to set the schedule. Dr. Harutunian advised that a memo from John Doherty outlining the time schedule for the Coolidge project was included in their packet. Also, a letter from Gene Raymond of Strekalovsky & Hoit outlining the six alternatives in prioritized fashion that will be used if the bids for Coolidge come in under budget was included in their packet. Dr. Harutunian advised that the Town Manager was putting an article on the warrant asking for additional funding for the Police Station if the bids come in over budget. Dr. Harutunian stated that the School Committee may want to discuss doing the same thing for the Coolidge Project. Dr. Harutunian advised that the drawings for Coolidge had been sent to another architect for peer review to help cut down on possible change orders. He also advised the Committee that George Livingston is working on the Coolidge project at the request of the School Building Committee. Mr. Dahl asked if it appears that the Coolidge project may come in under budget. Dr. Harutunian advised that the feedback he is getting right now regarding the bids is good but there are many variable that change that. He stated that he needs direction from the Committee whether they want to sit pat or consider putting an article similar to the Town Manager's article on the warrant. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee what work had been done on the tech ed room at Coolidge Middle School and that the cost of that work was approximately $3,500. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that he had received a copy of a memo from Town Manager to Chief Marchand stating that the traffic lights at Prescott and Summer Ave. will be operational by the start of school and that the Crossing Guard can be eliminated from that intersection. All of the School Committee members present expressed concern about the traffic signal at the intersection and requested that a crossing guard remain at the intersection at least until people had the opportunity to get used to the signal. The Committee also requested that the Superintendent notify the School Councils at Joshua Eaton School and Parker Middle School of the possible removal of the crossing guard at the intersection. Mr. Twomey moved to authorize the Superintendent to request that the Town Manager keep a Crossing Guard at the Prescott and Summer Ave intersection. Failing that the School Department will put a crossing guard at the intersection for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks and the Superintendent will report back to the Committee on this issue prior to four weeks. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Regular Session -5- August 31, 1998 Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee information on Reading's School District Profile taken from the Department of Education's School District Profiles 1997 -1998. Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee a brochure from MASC regarding a professional development program being held on September 19`h Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee information regarding Year 2000 Compliance and informed the Committee that Joe Cain and John Marion were working with the Town on Year 2000 Compliance. Mr. Twomey asked whether the fire alarms were Year 2000 compliant. Dr. Harutunian advised that they were. Ms. Cavicchi asked when we contract for equipment if language is in our RFP's regarding year 2000 compliance. Dr. Harutunian advised that the language has been in since the Siebe contract. Dr. Harutunian advised that by September 15`" we should have a complete report from Diversified on each school regarding asbestos. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that a memo was in the packet regarding per pupil allocation FY00. He stated that significant increase in per pupil allocations have occurred since FY94. At 8:55 Richard Foley arrived. Dr. Harutunian advised that a draft of the budget calendar was in the packet and asked that the School Committee members advise him at the next meeting of any conflicts with the budget calendar dates. Dr. Harutunian advised that guidelines regarding field trips were included in the packet. Mr. Dahl stated that he felt the guideline was written in a manner that may be intimidating to some parents and requested that the guideline be sent back to counsel and be re- written in simple language. He also stated that parents should retain a copy of the certification to keep as much flexibility as possible. Ms. Williams requested that Dr. Harutunian check to see whether drivers would be covered under the Town's liability policy. Mrs. Mandell stated that the legislature had recently passed a bill regarding teenage driving rules and that we should check to be sure that we comply with new rules. Regular Session -6- August 31 1998 OLD BUSINESS (out of order) Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the School Department returned $32,492 to the Town from the FY98 budget. He stated that he was looking for authorization to work with the Town Accountant to balance out the FY98 budget. Mr. Twomey moved to authorize the Superintendent to work with the Town Accountant in balancing out the FY98 budget across program lines to $0. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Dr. Harutunian advised that the Committee needs to meet before the September 10`h Budget Council with the Town Manager to discuss FY99 revenues and the Peat Marwick report. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that, because of additional money received through state aid and the lottery fund, he would like to request an additional $180,000 to $200,000 funding at the Budget Council meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised that he will come to next meeting with a prioritized list of items for the additional funding. Mr. Twomey requested that Dr. Harutunian also bring a list of the $800,000 cuts that were made last year. REPORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR & SUPERINTENDENT (continued) Dr. Harutunian advised that he had approved up to six additional METCO slots at the elementary level for this year. He also advised that Reading had received a slight increase in METCO funding. He stated that he had authorized up to two second graders at Joshua Eaton, up to two first graders at Barrows and up to two second graders at Killam. Mr. Dahl stated that he believes METCO is a worthwhile program but feels strongly that the state should pay for it. He stated that the town is getting the short end financially in the METCO program. Mr. Dahl also stated his concern over the demographics and questioned whether the Barrows area was expected to have the largest turn over for houses. Dr. Harutunian stated that he felt that the School Committee would be redistricting in between two to three years and that any growth in the Barrows district would be part of the redistricting solution. Ms. Cavicchi stated that it appeared only ten towns of all the towns listed have increased their number of METCO students. Dr. Harutunian advised that this was probably because of overcrowding at other districts. Regular Session -7- August 31, 1998 Ms. Williams stated that METCO is a good program but that if you have the ability to allow a teacher to have a smaller size class you should give the teacher that opportunity. Ms. Williams also stated her concern about increasing METCO slots and denying Reading employees the opportunity to allow their children to attend Reading schools. Dr. Harutunian stated that he believes that Reading needs the diversity that METCO brings. Dr. Harutunian advised that a memorandum updating the status of the high school feasibility study being completed by Strekalovsky & Hoit was included in the packet. Ms. D'Antona asked whether Strekalovsky & Hoit were advised as to the format the Committee wanted for the presentation. Dr. Harutunian advised that he had a meeting scheduled with Strekalovsky & Hoit and he would suggest that the present all options, their recommendation and the reason for their recommendation. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the Coolidge project was number 112 on the SBAB list and that he expected funding on time. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the School Department would be participating in National Denim Day, a fundraiser to raise money for breast cancer research. Dr. Harutunian advised that a memo regarding summer curriculum work was included in their packet. Dr. Harutunian advised that memorandums regarding summer work completed by Jeff Griffin, Siebe Co. and the DPW were included in their packet. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that he had served on the Committee for the cut -off for the tenth grade Language Arts /Reading MCAS test. He advised that he had learned from serving on this Committee that low level students did o.k. on the multiple choice portion of the test but not on the written portion of the test. He stated that he had spoken to Mr. Orlando and that we need to be sure that all students are pushed to write. Ms. Williams asked how this information was passed on to other districts. Regular Session -8- August 31, 1998 Dr. Harutunian advised that the test scores are going to come in low and it will be a wake up call to all communities. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that will be going out to bid on the Killam local area network and he should have a recommendation for the Committee at the September 28th meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that network installation at Birch Meadow will be completed soon, Joshua Eaton has already been completed and the approximate date for completion at RMHS is November 1St Dr. Harutunian advised that Attorney Cohen had sent a letter to St. Athanasius requesting an update on construction of the classrooms. CALENDAR Dr. Harutunian advised that the Committee needed to schedule dates for Strategic Planning, Goals and the discussion of FY99 Revenues with the Town Manager. After discussion, it was decided to schedule a meeting on September 8th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss FY99 Revenues with the Town Manager. Mr. Dahl stated his concern about the public not being able to attend a 6:00 p.m. meeting. Dr. Harutunian advised that this meeting needed to be earlier because the Town Manager has a meeting with the Board of Selectmen at 7:30 p.m. that evening. After discussion, it was decided to schedule a meeting on September 18th a 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Coolidge project. PERSONNEL Dr. Harutunian advised that a list of personnel changes was included in the Committee's packet. NEW BUSINESS Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to authorize the Superintendent to allow the YMCA project to hook 0 the sewer pipe that is underneath the property on the corner of the Coolidge Middle School. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Twomey moved to award the asbestos report contract to Diversified Environmental Corporation for $15,000 as recommended by the Superintendent. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey an d Ms. Williams. Regular Session -9- August 31, 1998 INFORMATION & PROPOSALS Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that copies of the policies that had been distributed are included in their packet under Information and Proposals. Also under Information and Proposals was a copy of a request for information and a copy of information regarding School Start Time Set Study. MINUTES Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of May 11, 1998. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of May 26, 1998. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -1 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Twomey voted yes, Ms. Williams abstained. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of June 8,1998 Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 to approve the minutes with corrections and additions as noted. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of June 15, 1998 Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -1 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona and Ms. Williams voted yes, Mr. Twomey abstained. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of June 17, 1998 Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -1 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms D'Antona and Mr. Twomey voted yes, Ms. Williams abstained. Mr. Dahl questioned whether the details of a presentation should be included in the minutes. Ms. D'Antona stated that in the past a presentation was noted in the minutes and unless there was an issue, details of the presentation were not noted. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of June 22, 1998. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -1 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Twomey voted yes, Ms. Williams abstained. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to approve the minutes of July 21, 1998. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Regular Session -10- August 31, 1998 ADJOURN At 10:3012.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to adjourn and to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Custodians and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employ Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants, Nurses and Tutors and to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and to discuss pending litigation, not to return to regular session. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools