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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-05-19 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES May 19, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Mr. Thomas Stohlman called the regular session to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Members present were Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey, and Ms. Williams. Chair Cavicchi and Ms. D'Antona were expected to arrive late. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. Mr. Stohlman moved to adjourn to Executive Session. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0. Chair Susan Cavicchi arrived after the vote was taken. The meeting resumed at 7:42 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Lecture Hall. All members were present with the exception of Ms. D'Antona, she will be attending the meeting late. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. Award Ceremony Chair Susan Cavicchi called the meeting to order and apologized to the audience for being late due to the Executive Session. Dr. Harutunian honored Mr. Cummings for his time spent on the Reading School Committee. He also introduced Mr. Cummings family. Mr. Cummings was given a laser engraved commemorative chair from the School Committee. Chair Cavicchi stated that this was the first of a new tradition to honor the long and hard hours members contribute to the School Committee. She said the Committee valued his friendship and advice as well. Dr. Harutunian also honored Ms. Carol Angelo for taking the School Committee meeting minutes for nine years. Chair Susan Cavicchi presented Ms. Angelo a sterling silver engraved bowl and said it was with great love and affection for all of her hard work. Dr. Harutunian thanked everyone for coming and asked if Principal John Doherty was present. He had not arrived. The Superintendent acknowledged and commended the Coolidge Middle School for their attendance at the National Science Olympiad competition in North Carolina and for finishing third in the United States. Last year they finished fifth and the year before they finished ninth. Dr. Harutunian said there were a number of groups to acknowledge beginning with: Group I National Merit Finalists Group II National History Day Group III Boston Globe Drama Festival Group IV National Latin Exam Group V The Scholastic Art Awards of 1997 Dr. Harutunian thanked the students and staff for their contributions. He introduced Mr. Robert Quinn, Assistant Principal of the Reading Memorial High School. He explained that Mr. Orlando was unable to attend the ceremony because of a prior commitment Regular Session Page 2 May 19, 1997 Mr. Quinn began by acknowledging all of the students involved in the National Merit Finalists, National History Day, and the Boston Globe Drama Festival, and also eleven students in the class of 1997 named as Commended Students. Mr. Quinn introduced Ms. Ariane McCoy, Foreign Language Latin Teacher at Reading Memorial High School. She acknowledged the National Latin Exam Award Winners. Mr. Quinn said Ms. O'Brien was unable to attend the ceremony to acknowledge this year's National History Day state competition hosted by Reading Memorial High School. Five separate awards were given, Mary VonEuw, member of the National History Day team introduced the students involved. Mr. Quinn introduced Mr. Bill Endslow who has coached the Middle School and High School Drama Groups. Mr. Endslow acknowledged the Reading Memorial High School students involved in the performance Degas, C'est Moi. The group won impressive awards at the Massachusetts High School Drama Guild State Festival. They then moved on to become State Finalists at the Boston Globe State Drama Festival. At the state finals, the group won 16 gold All Star Company awards (eight for technical excellence and eight for acting) Mr. Quinn introduced Mr. Peter Wood from the Art Department. Mr. Wood acknowledged the students involved in the Scholastic Art Award of 1997. Mr. Quinn also thank the students involved in athletics, band member, Dr. Harutunian and the School Committee. He said what a pleasure it was for him to host this ceremony. Dr. Harutunian said the Science Olympiad will be acknowledged another evening. Mr. Endslow acknowledged the Coolidge Middle School students in the production of Anne of Green Gables. It was the state title of Best Production, Best Set design and execution, best costume design and execution. Mr. Endslow acknowledged the two students awarded for Best Actress and the State Monologue Award for Best Actor. Dr. Harutunian acknowledged everyone's efforts for a balanced program. He thanked the students and teachers for their outstanding efforts. Ms. Cavicchi said on behalf of the School Committee, a night like this is wonderful for the Committee. She said that is why we {the School Committee} are here. She thanked all those involved for working so hard. She also acknowledged and thanked the parents of the students this evening, they are appreciated as well. At 8:05 p.m. the School Committee took a brief recess. A photographer was present for all the students involved in this evening's event. At 8:25 p.m. Chair Susan Cavicchi called the meeting back to order. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Mr. Twomey moved to approve the minutes of March 24, 1997. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman noted on page three, Old Business, Superintendent's Performance, the part that said Mr. Regular Session Page 3 May 19, 1997 Richard Foley joined the Committee did not need to be included in the minutes. The minutes were approved as amended. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 abstain. Ms. William abstained. LIAISON REPORTS None CITIZENS INPUT Mr. Robert Mandell wanted to discuss the Chicago Math issue with the Committee. Mr. Frank Moore expressed a concern about a future busing issue of Kindergarten through third grade students from the Birch Meadow Elementary School to the Barrows Elementary School. He wanted to insure that input could be given from citizens of the community. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Harutunian said that he and Mr. Richards met last Wednesday with six individuals regarding Chicago Math. He said the district has taken a comprehensive approach to this issue. We will talk to six other school districts. We will also seek local, regional, and national input. Additionally, a conversation will happen with the publisher. We will be in touch with individuals at Northeastern University and a math consultant. Also an assessment has been done by Richard Davidson, Principal at Birch Meadow. Mr. Richards and Ms. Redford split the grades and met to survey all teachers. Teachers in grades K -5 were surveyed. Dr. Harutunian and Mr. Richards said they will meet with parents. The Superintendent understands that the parents are concerned about a style change in teaching methodology. He said testing will be considered for the fall. He said they are working with the state to plan to check the progress of fourth grade students and level of proficiency. He will continue to work with parents and welcome their input. Mr. Spadafora asked how the curriculum is evaluated. Mr. Richards explained that there are math and science committee groups that look into this. There are also committees in other subject areas. The math and science committees have been approved. An evaluation is conducted about four to six years. Dr. Harutunian addressed the busing issue. He said he will be meeting with parents on June 11, 1997 to discuss the issue. The issue of redistricting will also be addressed. Dr. Harutunian said he and Richard Davidson will be available at 6:00 p.m., prior to the meeting, for open discussion with parents. He explained that the district is moving to a redistricting plan. Fifty -seven students will be moved to Barrows. Information is still being gathered on this. He said that he was open to plenty of parent input. The Superintendent said the last day of school for students will be Tuesday, June 17, 1997. The last day for teachers will be Wednesday, June 18, 1997. The Superintendent acknowledged and congratulated two students at the Parker Middle School who honored by the National Council of Teachers of English. They were Paul Wright who earned a Certificate of Recognition and David Suchy who received a Certificate of Participation. Dr. Harutunian mentioned the memo dated May 8, 1997 from Richard Radville regarding non - discretionary money necessary for the Parker project. Regular Session Page 4 May 19, 1997 The Superintendent referred to the memo dated May 8, 1997 regarding a fund raising bake sale activity to be held at the Atlantic Food Mart on Sunday, which he approved. Chair Susan Cavicchi commented on the memo date May 14, 1997 regarding at meeting she and Cindy Conti, Director of Technology, attended which was hosted by Congressman Ed Markey. She is planning a strategy to obtain new monies available for school systems K -12 through the Telecommunication Act. She said Markey discussed the E -rate (educational rate) discount. Chair Susan Cavicchi said it was a productive day. Chair Susan Cavicchi also mentioned that she, Ms. D'Antona and Dr. Harutunian attended a meeting on Beacon Hill that was phrased a Day on the Hill. Many state representatives spoke and it was a very informative day. Dr. Harutunian added the that Reading is lucky to have representation in the House and Senate and he expressed his thanks for their cooperation. Dr. Harutunian referred to the memo dated May 15, 1997 regarding the Technology Plan. He said it was submitted to the Department of Education. CALENDAR AND MEETINGS Dr. Harutunian reviewed each of the dates of the memo dated May 14, 1997 regarding Future Agenda Items. The final date, June 30, 1997, the Committee will be reorganizing. After that the Committee will be going out to dinner with spouses or future spouses. Dr. Harutunian also briefly discussed the memo date May 15, 1997 regarding School Committee Meetings - May 1997 and June 1997. He said June 10 and June 12, 1997 were new dates added for AFSCME negotiations. NEW BUSINESS (out of order) School Choice Dr. Harutunian referred to the memo dated May 8, 1997 regarding School Choice. He did not think School Choice is a good option for Reading due to lack of space. He said he worked and lived in a community that did have this. One disadvantage is once a student participates with the town, they are there until they graduate. He felt it was hard to predict what the enrollment and needs will be in Reading. He said it is done by a lottery. Mr. Stohlman asked if there were any changes in the law on this. The Superintendent said no. Dr. Harutunian suggested the motion be worded as it was the year before. Mr. Twomey moved pursuant to the provisions of G.L.c. 76 & 12B, the School Committee of Reading, following public hearing hereby withdraw from its obligation to enroll non - resident students in Reading Public Schools during the school year beginning June 1, 1997 for the following reasons: Programmatic Reasons Class Sizes and General District Enrollment. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey said he was in favor of this, historically it has not been an issue but he does know of a person who is in favor of it. The vote was 5 -0. Adult Education and Driver Education (out of order) Mr. Richards introduced Mr. Alterio to the Committee. He planned to discuss the things they are currently doing and what they would like to do regarding adult education. He said there were issues relating the salary that the Committee will need to address. Regular Session Page 5 May 19, 1997 Mr. Alterio outlined the current program being offered for adult education. He highlighted the Personal Skills, Self Improvement, Financial Planning, Parenting Workshops and Home Projects. Mr. Alterio explained the direction he would like to district to go to broaden the client base. He discussed skilled maintenance courses to be taught year round. He discussed future offerings such as: after school academic skill maintenance activities for grades K -5, high school tutorials and GED programming, college credit courses for high school students through the community and state college system, Saturday workshops and courses for the working family, employee training programs for area businesses in keyboarding and computer application programs. Mr. Alterio continued to discuss support mechanisms needed such as: fax, e -mail, internet access, etc. for registration; payment by credit /debit cards as standard practice; direct mailings to target audiences to further enhance registrations and broaden the client base; expanded hours of operation - am/pm, year round operation; additional clerical support. Mr. Alterio referred to a salary survey done by the TEC Community Education. He said Reading was on the low end. He said to keep us competitive he was asking for an hourly rate increase to $22 and the leisure rate increase to $17. He said a person would pay 25% or 30% of what you would pay at a college for a comparable course. Mr. Spadafora asked if the program was self - funded? Mr. Richards said yes. Mr. Spadafora said it would be interesting for the Committee to see the enrollment figures. Mr. Alterio said the is always a waiting list for computer classes. Dr. Harutunian discussed with the committee transportation issues for student attending a nearby college. The closest college to Reading is Middlesex. He said a future possibility would be to have a teacher come to Reading from the college. Mr. Stohlman asked the role of the School Committee with this issue. Dr. Harutunian said the adult education is an extension of the Reading Public Schools and where it is a community -based program, it is appropriate to bring to the School Committee. Ms. D'Antona arrived. The Committee continued to discuss the role of the School Committee and Adult Education. They asked if it compared to the food service program. Mr. Stohlman asked if low level materials were paid back to the system. Mr. Alterio said yes. Mr. Stohlman asked if this is subsidized. Dr. Harutunian said yes. Chair Susan Cavicchi asked about the cost of the clerk and if that would be covered under the fees. Mr. Alterio said yes. Mr. Twomey asked where the courses were taught. Mr. Alterio said the High School. Mr. Twomey asked if any are taught at the Parker Middle School. Mr. Alterio said he has talked to Ms. Conti about it. Mr. Twomey asked if any analysis has been done on the figures. Mr. Alterio said yet, the current balance is $3,500. Mr. Stohlman asked if in the future more budget detail could be provided for the Committee. Mr. Stohlman also thanked Mr. Alterio for answering his questions and said he felt more comfortable voting on this issue. Mr. Spadafora asked if an analysis should be done to look at similar communities. He also asked if there is a rush for this. Mr. Alterio said that people have been working 4 to 41/2 years without a raise and he would like to maintain the high quality teachers. Mr. Alterio discussed the Driver Education program with the Committee. He was requesting hourly salaries be increased. Presently on road instructors receive $10.82 per hours and classroom instructors receive $15.33 per hours. Mr. Alterio proposed raising the classroom wage to $17.00 per hour and raise the classroom instruction rate to $22.00 per hour. Dr. Harutunian said an increase has not occurred in over four years. Mr. Stohlman asked if this is in the day or evening. Mr. Alterio said it is after school, some evenings and summertime. He said there has been a low interest for evenings. Mr. Twomey asked about maximum number of hours. Mr. Alterio explained that the classroom teacher works 30 hours which two people have been rotating. He also discussed the Registry of Motor Vehicles offering a discount to those completing this program. Regular Session Pape 6 May 19 1997 Mr. Stohlman made a motion to raise the On Road hourly wage to $17.00 per hour and the Classroom wage to $22.00 per hour. The cost to the student will be $170.00. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey asked Mr. Alterio what contract he was referring to on the last page of his handout. Mr. Alterio said the Teachers' contract. The vote was unanimous. 6 -0. Dr. Harutunian said that he will get back to the Committee with more information regarding adult education. PERSONNEL Special Education - Pervasive Developmental Delayed Teacher Dr. Harutunian discussed the memo dated May 7, 1997 regarding a request for additional PDD teacher. He said it was done last year. Over $25,000 plus transportation is needed. The money will come from the private school tuition account. Mr. Twomey asked if this was in the budget. Dr. Harutunian discussed with the committee how this is budgeted and the self - contained program for the four children needing this new teacher. Ms. D'Antona asked if this was a one year position and will it stay at RISE? The Superintendent said it is not a one year position and it will stay there until the children are school age and their progress is evaluated. The Superintendent discussed how this will be budgeted for next year. Mr. Stohlman asked if the students were to be send to a private school, plus transportation it would cost $150,000? The Superintendent said yes, he said he spoke with each of the parents of the special needs children and they approved this proposal. Mr. Stohlman motioned to take $36,850 from the private school tuition account for hiring of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder special education teacher for the preschool program. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Ms. Williams asked if one person could handle six students. Dr. Harutunian said yes, especially with assistants helping. Ms. Williams asked about the cost of equipment and supplies. The Superintendent said little was needed. If supplies were needed, the RISE revolving account would be used. Ms. Williams asked about transportation savings. The Superintendent said were the transportation was local instead of out of the district there would be a savings. He added the a contract may occur with other local towns were transportation resources would be pooled which would also be a cost savings. Harassment Policy Mr. Richards said he made the policy as detailed as he could regarding the questions the Committee posed. He asked the Committee if they had any changes. Mr. Twomey thanked Mr. Richards for doing the policy. He said it was easy to compare Mr. Richard's draft with his notes. Ms. D'Antona agreed with Mr. Twomey and thanked Mr. Richards for his patience. She said this is an important document and it sets a standard. Ms. D'Antona discussed with the Committee the language in Section 2, page 3, repeatedly and over time. After Committee discussion, Ms. D'Antona said she felt comfortable leaving it out. Mr. Twomey said he also felt comfortable leaving it out with reservations. Dr. Harutunian said the true test of this policy is implementation. Then a report could be given back to the Committee with an assessment at a later date. Ms. D'Antona moved to accept the Draft Reading School Committee Policy on Harassment and Discrimination revised May 8, 1997 with changes therein. The School Committee will review in one year's time. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Mr. Spadafora said it is very important for these Regular Session Page 7 May 19, 1997 definitions to be articulated to the students. Mr. Richards said he has worked with Mr. Greene on a proposal to establish a High School Diversity Committee; they will develop an action plan for students, parents and teachers. Dr. Harutunian said there will be a full workshop with Mr. Greene and the School Committee at a future date. Ms. Williams mentioned that problems do exist in lower grades. Mr. Richards said there will be another committee for grades K -8. Dr. Harutunian said we will introduce this policy to as many people as possible plus have a repeat meeting on it. Chair Susan Cavicchi said she read an article on harassment of gay and lesbian students, she hoped this issue would also be discussed in the meetings. Dr. Harutunian said a problem exists especially in the middle schools with derogatory language being used by students. He agreed this is a very important issue and will be addressed. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Reserve Fund Dr. Harutunian said he was being encouraged by Steve Blewitt, Finance Committee, to use the account. He said $40,000 may need to be used for four reasons per the memo dated May 8, 1997. Mr. Spadafora motioned to authorized the Superintendent to seek up to $40,000, if necessary, to balance the Fiscal Year 1997 School Department budget. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. Superintendent's Contract Chair Susan Cavicchi read the Term from the revised Superintendent's contract dated May 13, 1997, per the memo dated May 8, 1997. Ms. D'Antona motioned to accept the 1997 -1998 Superintendent's Contract. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 abstain. Mr. Twomey abstained because it is a multi -year contract. Ms. D'Antona said it was a pleasure to offer this contract. Dr. Harutunian said it was a pleasure to accept. The Term read as follows: The Superintendent shall be employed for the period commencing Julyl, 1997 and ending June 30, 2000, and for successive periods of three (3) years annually from and after said July 1, 1998, unless notified in writing by the Committee on or before April 1 of any year of its intent to terminate this Agreement in two (2) years. It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to notify the School Committee by March 1 of every year of the renewal date of April 1. Failure to notify the Committee by March 1 by the Superintendent, forfeits the one (1) year extension. The Committee discussed meeting in Executive Session on May 29, 1997, regarding contract issues for non -union personnel. The Superintendent said he will send information to the Committee beforehand. He also discussed other issues he would like to present at this meeting. ADJOURN At 10:15 p.m., Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey, Ms. Williams Regular Session Page 8 May 19, 1997 Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools