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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-13 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION October 13, 1998 Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m. in the RMHS lecture hall. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona, Stohlman, Twomey and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. Dr. Harutunian described the budget process to members of the audience. He advised that the superintendent's recommended budget should be complete by the end of December. BILLS AND PAYROLL Bills and payroll are as follows: $465,529.90 October 5, 1998 Bills $580,542.33 October 8, 1998 Payroll $179,715.87 October 13, 1998 Bills $143,514.58 October 2, 1998 Payroll CITIZENS INPUT FY00 BUDGET Donna Selger stated her support for a gifted and talented program in the lower grades. She stated that high achievers need appropriate curriculum and opportunities. She stated that approximately 12 people were here to speak in support of a gifted and talented program and more would have attended but there is a conflict with this meeting and three elementary school PTO meetings. Carolyn Epstein agreed with Donna Selger's statement about the need for curriculum to acknowledge learning differences in the younger grades. Dorothy Casolaro stated that there has long been a focus on special education but we also need to focus on quicker learners. Constantly repeating the same basic skills bores children. Lucinda Ellert agreed with the statements regarding the gifted and talented program and stated that instrumental music should be brought to the fourth grade. Donna Selger submitted letters for the record from people who were unable to attend the meeting. Neil Hunt stated that the School Committee had supported a gifted program in the past and he would like information on how it worked. REGULAR SESSION -2- October 13, 1998 Judy Dougherty and Cathy Mandolese, Co- Presidents of the Parents Supporting Student Theater Group, distributed an informational package to the School Committee. Ms. Mandolese stated that the interest in drama at the high school is at an all time high and she estimated that 220 students would be involved in the 1999 -2000 school year. She also stated that the English Department is submitting a proposal for a world drama course and she would like to see the School Committee approve the proposal. Ms. Mandolese advised that she believed that drama should be supported and would like to see the director's stipend increased. Ms. Dougherty questioned why the drama students have to raise funds for transportation and the athletic teams do not. She stated that the burden of transportation costs should be on the school budget not on the students. Chair D'Antona thanked the drama parents for the information and their specific recommendations. Judy Casey stated that some teachers make an effort to challenge gifted and talented children and she appreciates that but is frustrated that other teachers do not put in the same effort. She stated that she would like to see a policy on how teachers should handle gifted and talented children. Larry Chomsky stated that Reading was fortunate to have an outstanding drama program on such a small budget. He advised that he would like to see the World Drama Course proposal approved by the School Committee. Kerry Dougherty a junior at RMHS stated that she also supported the World Drama Course. She stated that it would not benefit her but she would like her younger brothers to have an opportunity to take this course. Stacie Smith stated that she wants to see all students achieve to their full potential. She stated that even if a child is getting all A's they still need to achieve. Jeff Lawton stated that he supports a gifted and talented program. He stated that his son has not been challenged in his elementary school years. Barbara Bradley stated that she would like to see money allocated for a coordinator or program that would identify needs for gifted and talented students. Phil Werth echoed his support of the gifted and talented program. He stated that research shows that students with a higher intelligence level fail more often that regular students because they are bored. He stated that foreign language education is important in elementary schools, he stated that this is a bi- lingual society and our children need to be exposed to a second language. REGULAR SESSION -3- October 13, 1998 Michelle Carrick stated that she supported everything that was brought to the Committee this evening. She also stated that this is the fifth year she is asking for a full time nurse for each school. She stated that children have a right to be protected and full time coverage is needed. Ms. Carrick advised that it is unacceptable for children to be getting their own ice packs and it is also unacceptable that aides in the school do not know how to put together an asthma inhaler. Ms. Carrick stated that the Strategic Plan belief statement includes the phrase safe environment. James Bradley stated that he understood that Reading has a budget it must adhere to but he also stated that it is unfair that drama and band students should be forced to fundraise for transportation costs. He stated that the Committee should look into making all extra curricula activities equitably funded. Gael Phillips Spence stated that the Strategic Planning Committee brought information to the School Committee that the ideal school should not exceed 500 students. She stated that the School Committee should follow that recommendation. She also stated that students should not be isolated in a portable classroom. Harold Bond, former RMHS teacher, stated his support for increased funding and programs for the drama department. Keith Good from the Band Parent Organization stated his support for the arts. He stated that research shows that the more exposure a student has to the arts the higher than SAT scores. Susie Kelly at senior from RMHS stated her support for an increase in the arts program and number of courses offered. She also commended Mr. Enslow. Pat Holland stated support for the band and drama and requested increased funding. The President of the Drama Club stated her support of drama and the benefits it brings to students including team - building skills. She stated her support of Mr. Enslow and his dedication to the program. Jeff Lawton stated his shock and displeasure that Reading does not have an instrument program in grade 4. Donna Selger thanked all that attended the meeting to support the Reading Public Schools. REGULAR SESSION -4- October 13, 1998 Chair D'Antona thanked all members of the audience for their participation and advised that the School Committee has made note of all items mentioned. She stated that she hopes that all of the audience would stay involved through the budget process through the end of the year and continue to support the schools at town meeting. At 8:35 p.m. Chair D'Antona advised that the Committee would take a short break at 8:45 p.m. Chair D'Antona called the meeting back to order. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input. ELEMENTARY FEASIBIILITY PLAN An updated plan was distributed and Mr. Twomey advised that at the last School Building Committee Mr. Anderson from the SBAB reiterated that the SBAB wants to see a whole town solution to the problem. He stated that no new space should be added to Killam, a renovation could be done and would be reimbursable but no space could be added. He stated that Plan A continues to look less reasonable. He stated that Plan B adds a new school, renovates and adds on to Barrows and renovates Killam. Mr. Graham stated that Option B appears to be the way the School Building Committee is thinking but that Killam would be out of the picture. He also stated that at this point, the capital plan will be out of balance with Option B. Dr. Harutunian suggested a joint meeting between the School Building Committee and the School Committee on October 22 °d Mr. Stohlman questioned how Killam could be reimbursable for a renovation if we did not add any space. Mr. Graham advised that Killam would fall under the SBAB programmatic reimbursement. Ms. Cavicchi asked if the new school scenario would prevent Killam from becoming too large. Dr. Harutunian advised that he needs a capital recommendation from the School Committee to send to the Town Manager. A discussion was held among Committee members regarding moving up the Major Update Reading Memorial High School project. REGULAR SESSION -5- October 13, 1998 Mr. Stohlman moved that the architect's plans for RMHS be moved from 2002 to 2001 and the Major Reading Memorial High School Update be moved from 2003 to 2002. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 3 -2 -1. Mr. Dahl, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams voted yes, Ms. Cavicchi and Ms. D'Antona voted no and Mr. Twomey abstained. The motion did not carrv. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the capital plan as recommended by the Superintendent dated 10/13/98 at 3:47 p.m. which includes $21.6 million for the elementary solution. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams voted yes, Mr. Stohlman voted no. Mr. Stohlman stated that he voted no because he felt the capital plan did not show enough support for Reading Memorial High School. HOME SCHOOLING Ms. Cavicchi moved on the recommendation of the administration to approve the home schooling for the two students as noted. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams_ - KILLAM FIFTH GRADERS Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that he would like to offer 5th grade students who are scheduled to attend Coolidge Middle School the opportunity to attend the Parker Middle School. Dr. Harutunian advised that he is looking for approximately 25 students to move from Coolidge to Parker. If they do not get the 25 students to attend Parker, then Coolidge would have to hire additional staff to handle the increase in enrollment. Dr. Harutunian advised that he is offering this option to Killam students because Killam is the only school where the population is split between the two middle schools. Ms. Williams asked how it would be handled if he received more than the 25 requested. Dr. Harutunian advised that students would be selected by lottery or by some type of geographic line. MS.'-Williams asked if a Birch Meadow parent requests that his or her child attend Parker �ould the child be included in the 25 students. Dr. Harutunian stated that at this time he wanted to include only Killam students because of the middle school split and if a Birch Meadow student wanted to attend Parker the policy would be the same, they would need to find someone to switch with. REGULAR SESSION -6- October 13, 1998 Ms. Cavicchi moved that the School Committee support the Administration's decision as outlined to allow parents to chose to move 6`h grade students to Parker Middle School and all siblings if they chose. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. STACKPOLE PROPERTY After discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee to direct Dr. Harutunian and Dr. Delaney to meet with the abutters of Parker Middle School to discuss the possible purchase of the Stockpole Property and the proposed use of the property. MINUTES Mr. Twomey moved to approve the minutes of September 10, 1998 as amended. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the minutes of September 8, 1998 as presented. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams. Mr. Twomey abstained. Mr. Stohlman made a motion to approve the minutes of August 31, 1998 as presented. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams voted yes and Mr. Stohlman abstained. O • C At 11:10 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to adjourn and enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy trategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teachers' Association, Custodians and Maintenance Workers, Cafeteria Employees, Association of Secretaries and Clerks, Educational Assistants, Nurses and Tutors and to discuss the possible sale or lease of real estate and pending litigation. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. spectfull bmitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools