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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-06-02 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES June 2 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:34 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams who were expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. A Reporter from the Chronicle was present. Dr. Harutunian acknowledged Eileen Litterio and her Second Grade class at the Barrow Elementary School, under the leadership of Charles Papandreou, for the drawings displayed in the Superintendent's Conference Room. The topic of the pictures is "Collect and Protect" Endangered Species Reports. He added that the Postmaster was also instrumental in the display efforts. Dr. Harutunian thanked the entire Second Grade for their pictures on endangered species. Ms. Litterio thanked Ms. Pekins and Ms. Bresnahan for their classes efforts. She also acknowledged the Reading Post Office and the administration for the computers used by students to create the display. Recognition of Coolidge Middle School Olympiad Students Dr. Harutunian commended the Coolidge Middle School Olympiad students for finishing third in the United States at their recent competition in North Carolina. He said they finished first in Massachusetts this year, last year they finished fifth and the year before they finished ninth. The Superintendent said that Reading couldn't be more proud. Principal John Doherty introduced the team of students and also announced those who were not present. Mr. Doherty conveyed a few facts to the Committee. The team was actually third place in North America. He said that 12,000 participate from the United States and Canada, 53 in the middle school level get to the national competition. We did not have any ninth graders on our team. The majority of the schools had over 1,000 students, we have 461. Mr. Doherty talked about the first and second place teams from Georgia and Pennsylvania. He talked about the teams from Michigan and Indiana and the universities they were sponsored by. Mr. Doherty said the reasons he felt Reading was successful was (1) commitment of students (2) commitment of coaching staff (3) significant amount of volunteer and parent volunteers (4) parents in the community very significant in fund raising and going on the trip. While in N. Carolina, parents were a great help with transportation of the kids between events. Mr. Doherty said this was not just a group of 29 students, it was a community effort. He said because Reading has done well for the past five years, it does not necessarily mean they will be in first or second place next year. He said he was very happy at third place. Mr. Doherty presented a plaque to Dr. Harutunian from last year when they were in fifth place. Chair Susan Cavicchi said on behalf of the School Committee, she felt they were awesome. She thanked the teachers and parents for their dedication, care and concern. She said the students seem confident and self - assured. She said the Committee was pleased with their high level of achievement Regular Session Page 2 June 02 1997 and know the students will do well next year. Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Stohlman also gave their positive support and recognition to the students. The Committee took a break at 7:53 and resumed at 7:58 p.m. NEW BUSINESS (out of order) Middle School Restructuring Principal Jack Delaney of the Parker Middle School reported to the Committee on the Middle School Restructuring, per the memo dated May 27, 1997. Dr. Delaney explained how the process began and the committees that were formed and the recognition they deserve for this effort. He explained that change will continue to occur over the next few years and both middle schools are headed for different paths from where they have been. Principal John Doherty gave an overview with transparencies highlighting the Coolidge Middle Schools. The topic on each slide was: Vision, Areas to Examine, Expectations, Curriculum and Instruction, Grouping, Scheduling, Common Planning Time and Objectives for Middle School Restructuring. Mr. Twomey arrived at 8:05 p.m. Principal John Doherty continued the slide presentation with topics about Increased Student Achievement and Success, Redesign the Schedule, Strengthen 7th grade Program/Increase World Language, Strengthen Exploratory Program, Improve Communication with Parents and Assessment Questions. Mr. Doherty introduced the members of his staff that were present. Dr. Delaney and Mr. Doherty answered questions from the School Committee about the future direction of the Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools. Mr. Spadafora asked what type of evaluations for heterogeneous and homogeneous groups will be given. Dr. Delaney discussed test scores from the state for both groups. Mr. Spadafora asked about tenth grade curriculum. Dr. Harutunian said the MEAP scores were not at the level of other communities and Principal Orlando was addressing the issue. Mr. Richards discussed the new testing next spring. Mr. Spadafora asked what was being done for students that were excelling. Dr. Delaney discussed this issue from a practical and philosophical point of view. He said at the fifth and sixth grade level, it was difficult to define winners and losers. He felt every option ought to be left open to the students. Mr. Stohlman asked about the way students are taught now and how will they be taught in the future and the goals expected to be attained by the students. Dr. Delaney said we do not know exactly where it is going at this point. He said there will be more flexibility on the part of teachers. There will be more collaboration between teachers. Mr. Stohlman asked about teaching methods, whether a teacher should teach to the middle of the class or the high level. He said if the teacher teaches to the high level of the class would that mean more money is needed for those students who cannot attain it. Dr. Delaney said the direction they are going, the opportunity will always exist for students to excel. Ms. D'Antona said there was no question in her mind that the heterogeneous grouping was the way to go. She asked what support and professional development would be given to teachers? Dr. Delaney discussed the professional development for this summer and next year. Ms. D'Antona asked if evaluations will be done at the end of the upcoming school year. Dr. Delaney said there will be a formal assessment. Dr. Harutunian said input will also be Regular Session Page 3 June 02 1997 given from the high school. He said the goal is for vertical and horizontal articulation with the High School. Mr. Twomey asked about how focused the new structure is to know if the connection is being made between each child and the teacher, also how does the parent know that a connection is taking place? Dr. Delaney said no one can guarantee a connection can be made. He said they can comfortably say the odds can be increased. Mr. Richards said there will be more challenges offered to the students. With K -12 articulation, lots of planning, curriculum and professional development going on he feels confident people will be pleased, especially in the area of math and science. Chair Susan Cavicchi said she hoped the new program will bring about more confident students so when they get to high school, they will not fall behind. She said articulation needs to start early. Students need to be told they are bright enough to do this work. Dr. Harutunian said this program will have a long -term affect on students. He said communication has increased between the middle schools and the high school in the last few years. He also said they program may be difficult to measure after one year. Mr. Stohlman discussed teaching to the top students and core and non -core subjects being taught. Chair Susan Cavicchi opened the meeting up to parent input. Mr. Cummings discussed with the Committee his concerns about the meeting he attended at Coolidge regarding the new curriculum. He felt the majority of the parents did not support the changes. He also discussed budgeting for educational assistants, differences between Parker and Coolidge, and eight grade test scores. Mr. Doherty and Dr. Delaney responded to his concerns. Dr. Harutunian said he is hopeful that in the spring there will be an in- service day for teachers to assess the new curriculum for the fall. The Committee and Principals discussed assessment of students and leadership structures. Ms. Sgroi, Birch Meadow parent asked where we stood on testing. Dr. Harutunian said the test scores are off the charts. He said we are at or above other towns. He discussed the High School test results saying that haven't gone down but they are not at a level where we would like them to be. Dr. Delaney discussed the lack of pressure placed on students in other areas of the country in relation to curriculum. Dr. Harutunian discussed budgeted dollars for new books. He said we are moving forward with sixth through eight grade math. Ms. Sgroi asked about the difference curriculum offered at the middle schools and the need to make the schools uniform. Dr. Delaney said there is strong evidence of success at both schools. Chair Susan Cavicchi asked the Superintendent what is expected of the Committee this evening in relation to this topic. The Superintendent said this is strictly informational because these are administrative functions not policy. There was a break at 9:40 a.m. 9:45 the Committee resumed. CITIZENS INPUT Ms. Sgroi asked about the time -table to meet with parents regarding the Chicago Math. Dr. Harutunian said it would be early fall. She asked if he had spoken to the Department of Education. Dr. Harutunian said he spoke to several organizations including the University of Chicago Math Series, a State Consultant, the Publisher, the Department of Education, and a Science Consultant. Ms. Sgroi expressed concern about many tests available aside from the Chicago Math testing. Dr. Harutunian said parents need not be concerned. Much research is being done in this area and district -wide testing will be done in early 5th grade. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Regular Session Page 4 June 02, 1997 Dr. Harutunian said he will be beginning site visits for the final principalship candidates. On June 16th he plans to announce the new principals. Chair Susan Cavicchi said she received a note from Carol Angleo of the Central Office thanking the Committee for honoring her on May 19, 1997. Chair Susan Cavicchi acknowledged the retirement party held the day before for Charles Papandreou and there will be another retirement party for him at the Library put on by the parents and the PTO on Wednesday, June 4th from 4:00 to 7:00. Dr. Harutunian also noted that Mr. Papandreou was in the school system for 37 years and 24 of those was at Barrows as the principal. CALENDAR AND MEETINGS The Committee discussed the date the new chairmanship should be discussed. The Superintendent recommended it be done before the 18th of June due to vacations. The reorganization and a dinner was discussed. Dr. Harutunian said when he receives all of the calendars from the Committee members he will propose dates. PERSONNEL The Personnel Report dated May 29, 1997 was in the packet. OLD BUSINESS Second Reading Harassment Policy Ms. D'Antona moved to ratify the Second Reading of the Harassment Policy, Agenda Item D2, with the noted amendments and adjustments the Committee made. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0. Ms. D'Antona commented on an article in the Education Weekly, Titled Bully's Beware at Wellesley College. She said the Committee should congratulate themselves on creating this policy. Adult Education Mr. Spadafora said he asked for back -up information on this issue and he was pleased that the Administration furnished a list of comparable town. He noted that Reading was below the average. The Committee discussed the proposal. Mr. Spadafora moved to amend the salary scales of Readings' Adult and Community Education to $17.00 (leisure offerings) /$22.00 (academic offerings ) salary rate increase and the $10.00 (leisure offerings) (academic offerings) increase in course fee. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0. School Committee Goals Mr. Spadafora asked what should be discussed at the next meeting regarding goals. Dr. Harutunian said the goals the Committee originally had were sent out to the principals and now there is back -up Regular Session Page 5 June 02, 1997 from each school for the 1997 -1998 school improvement plan to be approved to give the administration direction on strategic planning. Dr. Harutunian suggested they be complete by the first day of school this fall. Mr. Stohlman suggested tabling the goals until the June 16, 1997 meeting. Dr. Harutunian noted that we have 30 days upon receipt and we received them last week. The Committee discussed the meeting on June 9, 1997 with the Building Committee. Mr. Stohlman asked for further interpretation of the Massachusetts general laws regarding the school building committee. Dr. Harutunian said he will fax any laws relevant to both committees. Ms. Williams arrived at 10:20 p.m. ADJOURN At 10:25 p.m., Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn to Executive Session. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous 6 -0. Ms. Cavicchi Ms. D'Antona Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman Mr. Twomey Ms. Williams Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools