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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-02-24 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:38 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Matthew Cummings and Timothy Twomey who were expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Ms. D'Antona moved to approve the minutes of December 14, 1996. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made changes. The minutes were unanimously approved as amended, 4 -0. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of December 16, 1996. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman questioned the need to have School Committee dates recorded. Dr. Harutunian stated this becomes an index to the budget process. The minutes were approved, 4 -0. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January7, 1997. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 4 -0. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of January 9, 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made a spelling correction. The minutes were unanimously approved as amended, 4 -0. Ms. D'Antona moved to approve the minutes of January 13, 1997. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made a change to the need for additional training in SPED inclusion this year and Dr. Harutunian response. The vote was unanimous as amended, 4 -0. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January 16, 1997. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 4 -0. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of January 17, 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made amendments. The vote was unanimous as amended, 4 -0. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of January 18, 1997. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 4 -0. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of January 22 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made an amendment. The vote was unanimous, 4 -0. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills was as follows: January 21, 1997 - Bills - $222,450.69 January 27, 1997 - Bills - $331,769.69 February 3, 1997 - Bills - $ 89,998.78 February 10, 1997 - Bills - $149,123.23 The warrant for payrolls was as follows: January 16, 1997 - Teachers - $522,401.27 January 30, 1997 - Teachers - $534,987.97 December 27, 1996 - Biweekly - $152,431.22 January 10, 1997 - Biweekly - $117,267.70 January 24, 1997 - Biweekly - $137,666.25 February 7, 1997 - Biweekly - $153,878.67 LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Spadafora, who is the School Committee liaison to the Drug Committee, reported on the schedule of events for Reading's Fourth Annual Drug Free Week for 1997. He noted the Board of Selectmen will make a proclamation for the week of March 5 through March 12, 1997. On March 5 there will be a Community Wellness Health Fair at the Upper Gym, RMHS 4 -7 p.m. A Community Showcase of Talent will be held at RMHS Auditorium on March 6th at 7 p.m. Free family skating at Burbank Ice Arena on March 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and three performances of "The Yellow Dress" will be held on March 12. Mr. Stohlman, who is the School Committee liaison to the Fin Com, reported on February 26th new capital items and new positions will be discussed. REGULAR_ SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 Mr. Cummings arrived at 8:05 p.m. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT (out of order) Dr. Harutunian stated each year the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents affords each Superintendent the opportunity to offer a Superintendent's Award for outstanding students within their school districts. This year's recipient is Anne Baumgartner. The Superintendent invited Ms. Baumgartner and her parents to come forward. He went on to read excerpts from the memo sent to him by the RMHS guidance department. Anne has a real balance in her life. She is mature in that she seeks help when she doesn't fully understand a concept. Her honors algebra teacher said, "The words that come to mind when I think of Anne are: intelligent, responsible, industrious, personable, and unselfish ... As a student, Anne far exceeds the norm. Her sense of duty is commendable, and her strength of character is to be envied." An English teacher stated he could always depend on her, and expect the very best from her in all situations. She is an inspiration and a role model to her classmates, and to her teammates. She exhibits excellent leadership qualities and is an inspiration to her teammates and to her classmates. She is a gem! Ms. Baumgartner thanked the Superintendent for the award and stated she will be going to Swathmore in the fall. CITIZENS' INPUT Michele Carrick asked about the public meeting for nurses on March 11. The Superintendent stated something will be in the paper about the public hearing as well as about the Kindergarten cut off date. This will be a presentation only by the school department where people in the audience can ask questions. GIFTS Dr. Harutunian thanked Mr. and Mrs. Steven Koppel for their donation of a $1,000 to the Computer Committee at Birch Meadow School. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 1. Dr. Harutunian reported that the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. continued the RMHS accreditation. The increased finding for technology acquisitions, and the interim plan with proposed funding to resolve science laboratory concerns while approval for a new or renovated high school is pursued, and the hiring of a mechanical engineer. The Five -Year Progress Report should provide detailed information on action taken to address the following: - provide a status report on the school system's efforts to build a new high school or renovate the existing facilities, including any established timeline - provide evidence that Rooms C 111, C 112 and C207 have been upgraded to allow for appropriate science instruction 2. The Superintendent stated Stephen Blewitt has asked that the School Committee come to our meeting with the FinCom on February 26 prepared to answer the questions he addressed in his memo of February 14, 1997. Dr. Harutunian announced that there would be an executive meeting after the FinCom meeting on union personnel. He also suggested inviting School Building Committee Chair Russ Graham to speak on the 3 projects - Articles 11, 12 and 13. Mr. Stohlman moved that we request the Town for $600,000 to address the Birch Meadow constructing additions, remodeling, reconstructuring, and making extraordinary repairs. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Spadafora had questions regarding the RMHS list that Dr. Harutunian presented. Mr. Stohlman said when he voted for this in November he thought there would be a 66% SBAB reimbursement for Birch Meadow. He would like to compare with the other schools needs. Dr. Harutunian said all of the other schools would be reimbursed. He added he would like to get the areas that weren't touched at Birch Meadow done now and then the school would be completed. Dr. Harutunian said the Town's ability to get this done is now. Mr. Twomey asked about the adjustment on page 77. Dr. Harutunian said it was now $775,000. He added the Capital Plan was revised on January 27 that included the approved amounts. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed ,Mr. Stohlman� Mr. Stohlman moved to request $350,000 renovations to Eaton Elementary. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 24 1997 Mr. Spadafora moved that the Superintendent ask the Town Manager for up to $40,000 for the portable to be moved from Killam to Barrows. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed (Mr. Cummings). Dr. Harutunian explained that it never was the Administration's desire to wait 10 years to address the RMHS project. He plans within the next 6 months the Barrows and RMHS projects will be adjusted for the near future. 3. Also included in the School Committee packet was information that all School Committee minutes, with the exception of Executive Session, from February 24, 1997 would be sent to both candidates, Chip Hines and Mary Williams. 4. Dr. Harutunian noted that J -1, 2 and 3 regarding the changes in benefits for new employees will be discussed on March 5. 5. Mr. Cummings asked about Article 16. He requested Attorney Cohen respond. 6. The Superintendent enclosed the changes in the class size proposal and budget breakdown information that was voted on by the School Committee on February 10, 1997. 7. Dr. Harutunian spoke about the School Committee calendar and asked about any changes that should be made to it. A change was made for the School Committee Retreat at Endicott College from March 8 to March 22, 1997. PERSONNEL The Superintendent informed the School Committee about the second quarter report of personnel changes that have taken place in the Reading Public Schools. He then invited Richard Foley, Town Accountant, to come forward while he discussed the FY97 Budget Analysis as of February 24, 1997. Dr. Harutunian explained that there was a shortfall of $81,266. He noted they would be discussing this with the FinCom on Wednesday night to see how the School Committee should proceed. The Superintendent suggested that the Special Education Department should tally up their total amounts for new and revised special needs. Mr. Cummings commented on the need to look at heat. gas, electricity and other consumable accounts in the "G" column and all revolving accounts. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 FEBRUARY 24. 1997 Dr. Harutunian stated we have looked at the electricity and heat account. He noted that the RISE account will be used. A third class will be added and we will use the revolving account. In response to a question from Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Foley stated the reserve item is the 20% hold on schools. He also said to Mr. Twomey that we are using the present teachers' salaries for any change overs of staff during the school year. The Superintendent added the first quarter reflected the Smoking Cessation Grant person. It is now being directed to the Smoking Cessation grant. OLD BUSINESS HARASSMENT POLICY CALENDAR Dr. Harutunian updated the School Committee on the revised Harassment Policy Calendars and gave them the trainer, Mr. Loel Greene's resume. Associate Superintendent Richards said he would need to talk with the School Committee about changes they would like to implement in the Harassment Policy. There will be discussion of the policy and the implementation at the March 10 School Committee meeting. The Superintendent stated everyone in the district will be trained. NEW BUSINESS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE TOWN OF READING AND THE READING SCHOOL DEPARTMENT Mr. Twomey moved to authorize the Superintendent to enter into an agreement for the Town of Reading and the Reading School Department for Buildings, Grounds, and Parking Maintenance. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. 6- 0. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mr. Richards presented the newly developed Professional Development Portfolio for all teachers. In the portfolio it explained the Professional Development Philosophy and Purpose, High Quality Professional Development, Recertification Information and the Tuition Reimbursement. There also was an explanation for the key forms and documents, an outline of REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 FEBRUARY 24, 1997 opportunities for professional development, district goals, school goals and individual goals. Chair Cavicchi informed the audience that professional development is a state mandated requirement. Mr. Spadafora asked for more information from the Superintendent to inform the community about the money spent on text books. Dr. Harutunian stated money is being put directly into the hands of the teachers and principals and with the support from the community we have been given the dollars to be spent on direct education to the children. Mr. Twomey pointed out that teachers will need to submit and be recertified by June 1999. Associate Superintendent Richards said the teachers in our district will be asked to submit their application forms earlier. He stated teachers must do planning on their own. Dr. Harutunian informed the School Committee that the state may come out with a request for the school department to come out with their teachers' recertifications. He added that the DOE is giving some towns access to who is certified. ADJOURN At 9:45 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Cummings, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey Respectfully submitted, a, K Q-", Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools