No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-07 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES April 7, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Twomey who was expected to arrive late. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. A Reporter from the Chronicle was present. Chair Susan Cavicchi welcomed and congratulated Mr. Twomey on his reelection and congratulated Ms. Williams to her election to the School Committee. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of February 26 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion The vote was 4 in favor and 1 abstained. Mary Williams abstained. LIAISON REPORTS Chair Susan Cavicchi said there were no reports from the committee. CITIZENS INPUT None REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Superintendent Harutunian reported on several issues. First, he referred to an invitation to Beacon Hill called a Day on the Hill. He said the School Committee meeting on May 5th will be posted as a public hearing and the next meeting for a vote is on May 19th. Finally, he said that the Finance Committee approved two of the three articles, (1) Joshua Eaton and (2) 1.85 million for the high school. They have not approved Birch Meadow yet. The exterior windows will be voted on Wednesday evening. A statement will be made this evening regarding Birch Meadow. Dr. Harutunian displayed trophies won by the Coolidge Middle School for winning the State Championship for the Massachusetts Drama Festival. He said they finished first in 1996 and they also won first place for the best set, costume and actress. He acknowledged Coolidge for their outstanding efforts in the areas of science and drama. At the May 5th School Committee meeting, the high school drama and history performance will be acknowledged. Regular Session Page 2 April 7, 1997 Dr. Harutunian made a special notation regarding a booklet he received from the first graders in Room #25 at the Killam School. The booklet was titled The Day The First Graders Got a Snow Day. He reviewed the booklet with the committee and said how much he enjoyed it. The Superintendent thanked the first graders for the story. Mr. Spadafora questioned the Birch Meadow item that the Finance Committee had not approved yet. Dr. Harutunian said the FINCOM said they would like to see the windows replaced with insulating glass. Chair Susan Cavicchi said that each Committee member will receive a copy of what is being sent to the FINCOM. CALENDAR AND MEETINGS Dr. Harutunian said the May 5th School Committee Meeting will be posted as a public hearing. Also on May 5th, he would like the two middle school principals to talk about a restructuring program that they have worked on for over a year. On May 19th he would like to bring a representative in from the high school for a restructuring meeting. Dr. Harutunian noted that there were no changes from the previous calendar. Ms. D'Antona asked if the dates for the nurses negotiations were confirmed yet (4/25/97 at 4:00 p.m. and 5/16/97 at 4:00 p.m.). Dr. Harutunian said the dates will be confirmed tomorrow and he will confirm them with Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Twomey. Superintendent Harutunian said there was a non - agenda item regarding the Barrows Principalship Search Committee; they would like to seek input from the School Committee. Mr. Richards explained the recruitment process. He explained that various groups met with the faculty and parents to hear their input regarding qualities they would like to see for a new principal. The Committee members introduced themselves, they were: Lucille Beeth, John Doherty, Barbara Rawding, Robert Shor, and Susan Viegas. Mr. Stohlman began by saying he would like to see a principal that is committed to being at Barrows for the long run. He said the new person should be aware of the building projects. He wanted a principal to keep the kids in mind first. Ms. D'Antona agreed with Mr. Stohlman and added that the person should be a blend of a manager and an educator. They should be a good communicator with students and parents. They should be forward - thinking with curriculum, such as technology. Mr. Spadafora said he would like to see a principal that has the ability to make changes in the school. Someone who is flexible. A person who is aware of future technology. Someone who is a people person with strong parental involvement and can work well with the staff, parents and community. Ms. Williams said a person who has solid prior principal work experience. That they have a resume and application that shows that they have not stopped learning, especially in the technology area. Mr. Stohlman said he has appreciated the current foundation and basics that has existed at Barrows also the way things are done simply and well. A person who tries hard to accommodate both gifted and special needs children. Chair Susan Cavicchi said someone who loves children and is excited about the children and excited about being there. The Committee took a break at 7:55 p.m. Dr. Harutunian referred to the memo dated March 3, 1997 about an Educational Assistant Request. He explained that Valerie Ardi, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education, is requesting $3,844.80 Regular Session Page 3 April 7, 1997 for a 27 hour educational assistant. He requested the Committee support this request and the payment would come from the $90,000 requested from Town Meeting. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve for an additional twenty -seven hours of an educational assistant for $3,844.80 as mentioned in the memo dated March 3 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Ms. D'Antona asked if this was a common disorder. Dr. Harutunian said this is uncommon, these are two new preschool students who entered the district. Ms. Williams asked if a permanent person is being hired. The Superintendent said an existing person's hours are being extended from 19 to 27 hours. The vote was in favor 5 -0. OLD BUSINESS Harassment Polic Mr. Richards explained to the committee that he took all of the comments from the last discussion but was unable to contact Mr. Cohen. He referred to the memo dated March 3, 1997 and indicated that all of the changes have been underlined. He said any suggestions the committee has this evening he will address at the next meeting after he has spoken to Mr. Cohen. Ms. D'Antona thanks Mr. Richards for his efforts on this project. She referred to page 3, Harassment in the Form of Bullying or Victimizing, and the issue of it being one time versus repetitive instances. She read a statement she would like to see added. Mr. Twomey arrived. The Committee discussed the issue of one -time and repeated harassment. Ms. D'Antona suggested to Mr. Richards that he show her statement to Mr. Cohen. The Committee continued to discuss the issue. Dr. Harutunian asked if harassment takes place when one person is being harassed and asks the other to stop. The Committee discussed situations where a person does not speak up to the appropriate people when being harassed. They also discussed whether it is harassment if the incident happens one time. Mr. Stohlman said the policy should insure that the person doing the harassment knows it is wrong. He said people should be educated about it. The Superintendent said it is important for all students to know that there is protection for them. Mr. Richards also said the policy is to protect the person and that we have a responsibility to educate people about it. He felt that significant strides would be made in the community if this policy was implemented. Ms. D'Antona referred to page 4, (second) Employees, the sentence that reads, Failure of any employee of the Reading Public Schools to report incidents of discrimination, harassment or child abuse may result in disciplinary action, she asked if may could be changed to will. She said it sends a clearer message that the school district feels strongly about this. She referred to page 5, Students, the sentence that reads, Any student found to have engaged in harassment may be subject to school imposed discipline and /or legal action. Again, please change may to will. Lastly, she referred to page 6, Retaliation for Filing a Complaint or Providing Information Regarding a Complaint, the first sentence that reads, Any attempt by an employee or a student to retaliate against a person who makes, or provides information regarding a claim of discrimination or harassment is unlawful, strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Again, change the may to will. Regular Session Page 4 April 7, 1997 Mr. Twomey referred to page 4, (second) Employees, last sentence, Failure of any employee of the Reading Public Schools to report incidents of discrimination, harassment or child abuse may result in disciplinary action and the Third Party section. He said that many people won't know they have to report it. He asked if this will hold the school system open to potential liability because we didn't properly inform them. Ms. D'Antona referred to page 7, the sixth bullet, reasonable protection from retaliation while the investigation is ongoing. She asked what the school district's responsibility was. She asked if the sentence, You can expect the following: the investigation will begin promptly and proceed in a timely manner; was this standard? Mr. Twomey referred to page 4, Third Party section, he said should is more appropriate than must. Dr. Harutunian asked if we needed to define third party. Mr. Spadafora said must should be for employees and should be for third party people. Chair Susan Cavicchi said the Committee was in consensus about that. Mr. Stohlman said Retaliation should be removed. He also said on page 9, there is no category on where a third party should go to report a harassment issue. The Superintendent suggested putting Employees /Third Party. Mr. Stohlman suggested adding third party and reiterate what is on page 4. Dr. Harutunian suggested putting teachers before building principal in the Employees section on page 9. NEW BUSINESS (out of order) Walter S. Parker Middle School - Phase 2 Budget Mr. Jack Delaney, Principal of the Parker Middle School and Mr. Rich Radville, Building Committee Representative gave a presentation on the Phase 2 Furniture and Equipment Budget. They were requesting $218,737 as per the memo dated March 3, 1997. Mr. Delaney reviewed the Year Two Revised Budget Summary in detail. He reviewed on page 3, Phase 2 Budget the items they actually need. He explained that $110,000 or $120,000 is needed now. He said the $218,737 request is scaled down. He will revisit the Committee in a couple of months to request the other $48,000 or $49,000. Mr. Radville said that if the$218,737 is approved, the risk is less each day as they approach the final numbers. The Committee discussed the figures with Mr. Delaney and Mr. Radville. Mr. Radville said the $143,737 is what is needed to be voted on this evening. Mr. Stohlman made a motion to approve the request for $143,737 now for a total of $218,737 for the Parker project. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 abstained. Mary Williams abstained. OLD BUSINESS Kindergarten Cut Off Date - 2nd Reading Ms. D'Antona, Director of the R.E.A.P. Program, excused herself from the discussion. Dr. Harutunian reviewed the JEB School Entrance Requirements change. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the JED /School Entrance Requirements' first paragraph to read: To be eligible for admission to the Reading Public Schools a child must have reached the age of five on or before August 31 of the entering year as of the fall of 1999. Under no circumstances will children Regular Session Page 5 April 7 1997 Eger than five be admitted. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Harutunian mentioned that out of the four towns that were mentioned at the March 10, 1997 meeting that do not require this, two of the towns are switching to an age five requirement for Kindergarten. The vote was four in favor and 1 abstain. Ms. Williams abstained. Ms. D'Antona returned after the vote was taken. NEW BUSINESS 1997 -1998 School Calendar Dr. Harutunian reviewed the memo dated March 3, 1997 regarding the Revision of the Reading Public School 1997 -1998 School Calendar. He was requested the teacher inservice day on November 10, 1997 be moved to November 21, 1997. He said last year a similar change was done. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the teacher inservice day from November 10 1997 to November 21 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded to motion. Mr. Twomey asked about Veteran's Day being on a Tuesday. Mr. Stohlman confirmed that it will be on a Tuesday. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Dr. Harutunian discussed with the Committee the possibility of having January 2, 1998 be added as an additional day of school vacation and then add an additional day at the end of the school year. He explained that there was a concern about attendance and the cost of heating the schools for one day. The requested school year end date was June 17, 1998. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the Administration's recommendation that January 2 1998 be an additional day of school vacation and the last day of school be on June 17, 1998 for students and June 18, 1998 for teachers. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Spadafora said he was in favor or this but he requested that in the future, try to avoid this. He said this years calendar the students returned for two days after New Year Day. Dr. Harutunian agreed with him and said the recommendation was made due to the cost issue to heat the schools. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Ms. Williams asked if in the future the students and teachers will be returning to school after Labor Day. Dr. Harutunian said they would not because of the teacher's contract. Mr. Spadafora circulated an article from the Boston Sunday Globe, dated April 6, 1997 about President Clinton urging volunteerism. ADJOURN At 9:10 p.m., Ms. D'Antona moved to adjourn to Executive Session. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey, Ms. Williams