HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-04 School Committee Minutes - Executvie SessionReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES August 4, 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the Executive Session to order at 12:30 a.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards and Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis. PENDING LITIGATION This matter is a subject of Executive Session Dr. Harutunian reviewed with the Committee the transmittal dated July 30, 1997 regarding the status of a former school nurse grievance. Dr. Harutunian discussed the Reading Administrators Contract. He referenced the memo dated July 23, 1997. He said they would like to disband, report to the Superintendent and be put on merit. The Superintendent said he would sit with the principals to decide the merit. He said Attorney Allan Drachman will draft a document to terminate the current contract. Dr. Harutunian said he felt this was a positive move. He said the principals were comfortable with this change. Mr. Spadafora moved to endorse the dissolution of the Reading Administrators Union. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous 6 -0. Dr. Harutunian informed the committee that the Town Manger Peter Hechenbleikner will be a member of the bargaining team for the custodians union contract. Dr. Harutunian referred to the packet dated July 25, 1997 regarding Disability Insurance. He said this would cost $6,000 per year for 22 administrators. He explained that administrators currently are entitled to up to 180 days of sick time, under the new policy it would be 90 days. Ms. Klepeis explained that this policy is a protection for the School and the employee. In the event a disability did occur, emotional situations could occur. She said on the Town side this insurance is funded by the employees and is very expensive. She explained that this is an employer sponsored program and is a joint venture with the Town. 1 f 0-4. �� l 0 � 1-1 1 ° 0 Executive Session Page 2 August 4.. 1997 Dr. Harutunian said after 90 days, the employee would receive 60% of their pay. He said people would be covered until age 65. The Superintendent said the unions already have this benefit. He said this benefit protects the district. Ms. Williams asked if a decision needed to be made this evening. Dr. Harutunian said he wanted to move ahead for budget reasons. The Committee discussed with Dr. Harutunian and Ms. Klepeis whether to use one policy for everyone. Ms. Klepeis suggested that one policy be used for the Town and school district. Mr. Twomey discussed with the Superintendent and Ms. Klepeis whether employees would be covered up to age 65. Dr. Harutunian said they would gather more information and report back to the Committee. ADJOURN Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn at 1:25 a.m. 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