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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-28 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts Regular Session September 28, 1998 CALL TO ORDER Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present were School Committee members Dahl, D'Antona, Stohlman, Twomey, and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7:04 p.m. Mr. Stohlman made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy trategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with both union and non -union personnel including the Teachers' Association, Custodian and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants and Tutors and to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and pending litigation, to return to regular session at approximately 7:30 p.m. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. CALL BACK TO ORDER Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order at 7:33 p.m. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll are as follows: Payroll September 25, 1998 $600,417.75 Payroll September 28, 1998 $177,906.81 Payroll September 10, 1998 $621,414.67 Payroll September 04, 1998 $666,246.55 Bills September 28, 1998 $252,908.38 Bills September 21, 1998 $184,739.39 Bills September 14, 1998 $143,821.42 Bills September 08, 1998 $1,253,499.21 Regular Session -2- September 28, 1998 CITIZENS' INPUT Chair D'Antona asked whether there was any input from citizens' for any item not on the agenda. Kendra Cooper requested information regarding why she was denied access to asbestos records. Chair D'Antona advised Ms. Cooper that the asbestos plan was on the agenda and she could speak regarding the asbestos records at that time. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee of two classes that he had visited. Ms. Gina Barrett's 5th grade class at Birch Meadow Elementary School and Ms. Cathy Giles 2nd grade class at Barrows Elementary School. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that an executive summary from Diversified Environmental Corporation regarding asbestos in the Reading Schools was included in the School Committee packet. Dr. Harutunian stated that one complete set of books is available today and more will be available tomorrow. One set of books will be kept in the Superintendent's Office, one set at Facilities and one set at each of the schools. Dr. Harutunian stated that the Reading Public Schools will be following the recommendations made by Diversified and that some of the major work included labeling areas and training staff. Mr. Dahl questioned how much of the Coolidge asbestos issue would be solved during the renovation project. Mr. Griffin stated that it would be difficult to tell until the project actually begins because sometimes containment is actually a better alternative than removal. He stated that as we get further into the Coolidge project he would have a much clearer picture. Ms. Kendra Cooper questioned why she was denied access to removal records from March. Dr. Harutunian advised that we only recently received information from Siebe Corporation. Mr. Griffin stated that after the Reading Public Schools were cited in June, he was following strict directions from the state regarding access to records. Regular Session -3- September 28, 1998 Ms. Margaret Donnelly asked why Birch Meadow was not included in the Diversified Executive Summary. Dr. Harutunian advised that it was included on page 4 and gave a copy of page four to Ms. Donnelly. FY00 BUDGET (out of order) Dr. Harutunian advised that the principals, school council representatives and the directors were at the meeting to give input to the School Committee regarding their FY00 budget needs. RMHS Mr. Orlando stated that RMHS needs a minimum of 6 additional teachers in the FY00 budget to cover an increase in students entering RMHS next year and to maintain the current increase in academic courses. He stated that RMHS needed support for aligning the curriculum to the Social Studies frameworks and in preparing students for the MCAS tests. School council representative Alison DaSilva stated her support of Mr. Orlando's requests. She stated that the increase of 100 students in the next 8th grade class would require additional staff, space and textbooks. She also stated that she strongly supported expanding the Humanities and the Advanced Placement Program. She stated that Reading needs to maintain a high standard in the high school programs. Mr. Twomey stated there was discussion at freshmen night about increasing the minimum number of requirements for graduation and asked whether this would have an impact on the budget. Mr. Twomey also asked whether any thought had been given to supplying all the tools students needed including graphing calculators. Mr. Orlando stated that he did not believe increasing the number of requirements would be an impact for FY00. He also stated that under the present budget RMHS couldn't possibly fund graphing calculators for each student but that they have purchased six calculators for use in class for those students that may not have the calculators. Ms. D'Antona asked about foreign language plans at RMHS. Mr. Orlando stated that he is planning to offer AP classes for Spanish and French next year and this year they have offered a Spanish 2B which moves at a little slower pace. Mr. Orlando also stated that the high school staff is working closely with the middle school staff because as foreign language evolves in the middle schools the high school will have to be prepared for students that have had more foreign language exposure. Mr. Richards added that there will be an added cost for materials for Spanish I and Spanish Il. Dr. Harutunian advised that foreign language is the largest growth area. Regular Session 4- September 28, 1998 Coolidge Middle School Mr. Doherty stated that math/science and world language curriculum has been funded and now there is a need to look at language arts and social studies curriculum frameworks for the MCAS tests. He also stated that there is an enrollment bubble coming next year and Coolidge will need additional staff to handle the increase. Mr. Doherty also stated that the Coolidge project will add an additional 30,000 square feet to the building and he will need additional custodial support to maintain the building and technology suprt to maintain the computers. Mr. Doherty stated that funding will be needed for the 6` grade world language exploratory program next year or the year after. He also stated that the instructional specialists have proven to be invaluable and he would like to see an instructional specialist for each of the areas. Maryann Kozlowski, School Council representative stated her support for Mr. Doherty's requests and thanked the Committee and the town for supporting the addition and renovation to Coolidge. Parker Middle School Dr. Delaney stated that Parker is in good shape because of the addition/renovation. He stated that he expects to stay between 570 -590 students for the next 3 years and that Parker was built to house 600 students. Dr. Delaney stated that he agreed with Mr. Doherty about curriculum and world language support. He also stated that he would like to see additional custodial help at Parker so that the building is well maintained. Mr. Dahl questioned what was lacking in language arts and social studies curriculum compared to the frameworks. Mr. Delaney stated there is a problem with alignment and sequencing and that a proposal will be developed through Dennis Richards' office and will be brought to the Committee in the spring. Mr. Richards stated that the state has done a lot of work defining the curriculum but have not yet identified materials they will use. Barrows Elementary School Karen Callan stated that she would be looking for budget support in the areas of curriculum initiatives, an additional kindergarten teacher in the system due to an enrollment increase and special needs issues that Dr. Ardi would address. Killam Elementary School Paul Guerrette stated that he would be looki% for budget support in the area of staff development and training and an additional 4' grade teacher due to enrollment increase. He stated that the need to add an additional 4`" grade class will create a space issue and there will be no space for kindergarten students at Killam. Mr. Guerrette also stated that he would like the Committee's support for full -time assistant principals for each of the elementary schools. He stated that full time assistant principals are needed because of the number of students and staff at the elementary schools and because of the increased demands on principals brought on by education reform. Mr. Guerrette also Regular Session -5- September 28, 1998 stated that he would like to see 2 additional technology aide be hired so that each elementary school would have a technology aide. Mr. Guerrette also stated that he would like to see the maintenance program and furniture replacement program continue to be funded. School Council Representative Jim Stager agreed with Mr. Guerrette and stated that if the kindergarten solution winds up at Killam then the need for an assistant principal is even greater because the total number of students would be increasing. Eaton Elementary School Ms. Pittella stated that she would like to see continued support for curriculum initiatives, the addition of full time elementary assistant principals and continuing to maintain adequate class size. She also stated that the instructional specialists have been an excellent resource and she would like to see one specialist dedicated to each curriculum Mr. Bob McCarthy, School Council Representative strongly agreed with Ms. Pittella regarding class size and stated the School Council's concern about the lack of core facilities. Birch Meadow Dr. Harutunian advised that Mr. Davidson was unable to attend this evening's meeting but had asked Dr. Harutunian to relay to the Committee his request for additional education assistants. He stated that six teachers have been added at Birch Meadow with no increase in educational assistants. Ms. Gael Phillips Spence stated that it is important to the Birch Meadow community to keep class sizes down at the school. Chair D'Antona stated that she believed that as enrollment increases, there will be a need for additional support for core subjects such as art and music. She also stated that neighborhood schools are valued in Reading and the concept of neighborhood schools should continue. Dr. Harutunian quickly reviewed some of the items that will be needed by directors such as athletics would need an increase to cover busing costs and officials, the health department would like to have a full time nurse at each school and the technology department will need additional personnel. Dr. Harutunian also advised that Jeff Griffin will be submitting a report to the Budget Council for the merger of school and town maintenance and the Peat Marwick recommendations will cost approximately $333,000. Mr. Dahl questioned Mr. Orlando regarding equity in extra curricular activities. Mr. Dahl specifically questioned whether arts, theater and drama were considered less important than sports. Dr. Harutunian advised that the administration is trying to bring the arts up to the level of athletics, both have an equal priority. At 8:55 Chair D'Antona advised that the Committee would take a short break. At 9:00 Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order. Regular Session -6- September 28, 1998 COOLIDGE BIDS Dr. Harutunian advised that the filed sub -bids for Coolidge came in $31,000 below the architect's estimates. Dr. Harutunian also advised that six bids were received on September 24th for the general construction of the Coolidge Middle School Project and Seaver Construction was the low bidder at $6,995,000 and that the administration would like to add the first alternate. Mr. Stohlman excused himself from the discussion and the vote because he does business with Seaver Construction. Mr. Twomey moved to award the general construction contract on the Coolidge Middle School Project to Seaver Construction Company for the low bid of $6,995,000 and to add the first alternate, classroom shelving on the exterior walls of classrooms in both the existing building and the addition, which will bring the total cost to $7,006,100, award is pending that all paperwork is in order and references check. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -1 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams voted ves Mr. Stohlman abstained. Mr. Stohlman questioned whether the $9 million figure is on budget. Dr. Harutunian advised that it is on budget. Mr. Twomey questioned whether the low bids on the filed sub -bids were very low when compared to our estimates or where they on a curve. Mr. Doherty advised that they were on a curve. LABOR COUNSEL Dr. Harutunian advised that the Subcommittee for the Labor Counsel selection had received a total of six bids and interviewed five firms the sixth firm was unable to meet the time frame of the subcommittee. Dr. Harutunian advised that the subcommittee came to consensus on Morgan Brown and Joy. Superintendent Harutunian, Chair D'Antona and Town Manager Hechenbleikner stated their support for Morgan Brown and Joy. Dr. Harutunian advised that the subcommittee would like to see a three year contract with the ability to exit after each year. Mr. Twomey moved to appoint Morgan Brown and Joy as the School Committee's Labor Counsel under a contract as described earlier and reviewed by Dr. Harutunian and Town Manager Hechenbleikner. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. At 9:25 pm Chair D'Antona advised that the Committee would take a short break. At 9:30 pm Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order. Regular Session -7- September 28, 1998 FY00 BUDGET INPUT Dr. Harutunian suggested to the Committee that they may want to wait to give their input into the FY00 budget until after the Public Hearing on October 13th. The Committee agreed to delay their budget input until after the public hearing. LAN AT KILLAM Dr. Harutunian advised that the Administration had received 8 responses to the RFP on the Killam LAN Communication Wiring. Mr. Stohlman stated his concern that Barrows was the only school being left out of the communication wiring. Mr. Dahl asked how quickly the Administration would move to have Barrows wired if Barrows is not part of the elementary enrollment solution. Dr. Harutunian advised that if Barrows is not part of the elementary enrollment solution construction project the Administration would be coming back this year to the Committee and requesting communication wiring for Barrows. Dr. Harutunian also stated that Barrows has a network in their library. Mr. Twomey moved to award the wiring of Killam School to JCI Communications for the bid amount of $30,200 subject to the Administration confirming references and insurance. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. CAPITAL PLAN Dr. Harutunian went through the proposed FY00 Capital Plan for the Committee. Ms. Williams asked whether any band items were going to be included in the capital plan. Dr. Harutunian advised that a plan is needed from the band. Mr. Twomey questioned if the money for the two portable classrooms was all town money and if portable classrooms are actual a capital budget item. Ms. Klepeis stated that the money for the portable classrooms was all town money and that the portable classrooms do fit the town's definition of a capital item. After discussion among the Committee regarding the Capital Plan, Dr. Harutunian stated that he would request an extension from the Town Manager on the filing of the School Committee's Capital Plan until after October 14th The Committee agreed that Regular Session -8- September 28, 1998 further discussion was needed regarding the elementary solution, moving up the RMHS renovation and possible overrides. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS Mr. Stohlman moved to affirm the Superintendent's plan to finance 3.5 additional educational assistants. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Ms. D'Antona stated that she understands the need for educational assistants but would like to see a job description. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian advised that the crossing guard would remain at the intersection of Prescott and Summer for at least an additional two weeks, he is waiting for further information from Officer Veno. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that a request had been made to continue the Savings Make Cents program. The Committee agreed the program should continue. Dr. Harutunian advised that Technology Director John Marion would be attending the MASC Technology Conference. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that due to time constraints, he would like to eliminate School Highlights and have each school give a 3 -5 minute video displaying a special event or learning project at their school and the video would be shown before the School Committee meeting each month. The Committee agreed. MINUTES The Committee agreed to postpone approval of minutes until the next meeting. ADJOURN Mr. Twomey made a motion to adjourn at 11:30 pm. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. pectfully s fitted, Harry . Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools