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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-24 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION November 24 1997 CALL TO ORDER Chair Twomey called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Spadafora, Stohlman and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 7.02 p.m. Mr. Soadafora made a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss union and non -union negotiations, possible litigation and the possible sale of real estate. To return to regular session at approximately 7:30 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Mr. Twome Ms. Williams arrived during executive session. Chair Twomey called the meeting back to order at 7:53 p.m. Student Representative Heather Shannon was present. BILLS & PAYROLL Bills and payroll were as follows: Teachers salaries 11/06/97 $562,954.21 Biweekly salaries 11/14/97 $173,087.04 Teachers salaries 11/20/97 $555,170.76 Bills 11/10/97 $471,959.98 Bills 11/17/97 $21,336.60 Bills 11/24/97 $330,773.46 DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES (out of order) Dr. Harutunian introduced to the Committee the new Director of Facilities, Jeff Griffin. He informed the Committee that he is planning to have Mr. Griffin on board by December 10, 1997. REGULAR SESSION -2- November 24 1997 GIFTS Dr. Harutunian thanked the following for gifts to the Reading Schools: Charles McDonald from the Amateur Telescope makers of Boston for their generous donation of books on astronomy to the Barrows Library. Carlene Smotrycz for her generous donation of shirts and book bags for the children and faculty of the Joshua Eaton School. Mr. Brailler for his generous donation of books and math manipulatives for the teachers and students of the Joshua Eaton School. Volunteers from Sun Microsystems Company and the Joshua Eaton Technology Committee for their work on NetDay adding Ethernet cards and software to the school's computers. CITIZEN'S INPUT Jackie Mandell, CPR, stated that the Stanford 9 test was given on October 7 and 8. She questioned why the tests were held so long by the administration before being sent to the company for grading and whether the tests were in a secure area during that time. Ms. Mandell's final question was when the test results would be distributed to parents. Chair Twomey advised Ms. Mandell that he believed all questions would be answered by Dr. Harutunian and Mr. Richards under Superintendent's Report on the agenda. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that he received a letter from a parent of a Joshua Eaton student regarding a snow /ice condition on the Summer Avenue sidewalk. Dr. Harutunian advised that he had spoken to Town Manager and DPW regarding the incident. It is DPW's responsibility to ensure that sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. REGULAR SESSION -3- November 24 1997 Dr. Harutunian informed the Committee that he had attended the Godspell performance at Parker and it was wonderful performance and a tribute to Reading. Ms. Cavicchi also commented that she had attended the performance and it was very enjoyable. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the school district's local Technology Plan has been reviewed and accepted. Dr. Harutunian also advised that he will be preparing the grant for the $119,000. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that a copy of the updated School Goal's are in their packets and if there are any questions or concerns, contact him as soon as possible. Dr. Harutunian and Mr. Davidson updated the Committee on the School Size and Enrollment Committee. Mr. Davidson advised that the group has developed and adopted a problem statement, next week will adopt guidelines and then will begin brainstorming. Mr. Spadafora stated that his belief was that the Enrollment Committee was given a blank slate and all options were to be looked into. He questioned why, in the minutes of November 6th, it was stated that the option of moving 8th graders to the high school is not viable because the School Committee had made it clear that the middle school concept must stay. Ms. Cavicchi stated that we are in the "middle" of the middle school concept, to change the entire concept would require a great amount of study. Mr. Twomey advised that Parker had just been built based on a middle school system. The Enrollment Committee must recognize a body of decision have been made, if there is to be a change, it must be supported by details. Dr. Harutunian thanked Mr. Davidson and the Committee for their work. Chair Twomey clarified for the public that no School Committee member is on the School Size Enrollment Committee because the School Committee did not want to taint the process and wanted the Committee to move ahead with a clean slate. REGULAR SESSION -4- November 24 1997 Dr. Harutunian presented follow up information to the Committee regarding how Ivy League schools perceive high schools like Reading Memorial High School. Dr. Harutunian informed the Committee that after reviewing the information obtained from the colleges, he will be looking into adding additional advanced placement courses. The average number of advanced placement courses in Middlesex County is 5 to 7 and Reading has 3. Dr. Harutunian informed the Committee that a postcard has been developed to inform candidates for positions in the Reading School Department that there application material has been received and will be reviewed by the appropriate person. Dr. Harutunian updated the Committee on RMHS Team Updates. Readings team placed eight in the West Suburban Science League Meet, The Marching Band and Color has received numerous awards including the Gold Medal for their performance at the New England Marching Bank Championship Finals. The Math Team competed in our first New England Math League contest. Dr. Harutunian distributed to the Committee information regarding Reading Memorial High School Class Distribution. He advised that there has been an 11% increase in the number of classes being taken in Social Studies, Math, Science and Foreign Language. Ms. Cavicchi asked whether advanced placement physics and chemistry will be offered at the same time. Dr. Harutunian advised that this should happen in the near future because course loads are growing. Ms. Williams stated that although colleges say they do not have a ranking system for high schools, she questioned whether the individual responsible for the area has formed opinions about their area's schools. Dr. Harutunian stated that he would like to hold an open house for college admission directors or to do a direct mailing outlining the changes that have occurred at RMHS. Dr. Harutunian advised the Committee that the Parker Middle School received the state -wide Massachusetts Library Media Association award for video news. REGULAR SESSION -5- November 24 1997 Student Representative Heather Shannon urged the Committee to expedite the additional advanced placement courses, especially the humanities. Stanford Achievement Tests Dr. Richards informed the Committee that the agreed upon time frame for the Stanford 9 tests was as follows: Week of October 6th tests to be given Week of October 13th any necessary make up tests were given The material was ready to be sent out on October 24th, however, the delivery truck did not arrive and the test was actually sent out the following Monday. The company received the test and stated that we would receive them back on November 26th, we actually received them on November 14th. Before the tests were sent out to the company for grading, they were in the Associate Superintendent's office under lock and key in the evening and no one other than Mr. Richards, Dr. Harutunian and the secretaries had access to them. The test results will be sent out to parents tomorrow, November 25,1997. Dr. Harutunian advised that the head of testing for Stanford Testing will be in to talk to the Committee on December 8th. The head of testing did fax an analysis of the test results which was distributed. Ms. Williams questioned whether the information sent out to parents would be clear and understandable. Mr. Richards stated that he felt the information was presented in a clear manner. Mr. Stohlman questioned the norm, is that all schools in the nation? He also stated that he would be interested in comparing students scores to students who didn't take Chicago Math. Dr. Harutunian advised that he did not believe that you could compare a Stanford 9 to a Stanford 8 test but the head of testing would be available to answer all questions on December 8. REGULAR SESSION -6- November 24, 1997 Dr. Mandell requested that the consultant publish an equivalency table to break down for suburban norms. Ms. D'Antona stated that, as she has asked before, that Mr. Mandell provide her with a list of members names and any minutes that may have from CPR meetings. Mr. Mandell advised that members do not wish to be named for fear of retribution. Ms. D'Antona stated that it is unfortunate that the members of CPR do not wish to come forward. Dr. Harutunian asked that Committee members review the proposed highlights calendar and update their calendars. Student Representative Shannon informed the Committee that this is a big spirit week at RMHS. The hallways are decorated, students are looking forward to the powder puff football game, senior pancake breakfast and the football game. PRESENTATION OF CURRICULUM INITIATIVES Dr. Richards gave a brief curriculum presentations history to the Committee. The Math leadership committee, Paul Guerrette, Dr. Redford, Joseph Finigan, Peter Moscariello and Donna Pappalardo, gave a presentation to the Committee on K -12 mathematics initiative and then opened the discussion up to questions from the Committee. Ms. D'Antona stated that some children may be ready for algebra in the 7th grade, others however, may not be mature enough at the age. Is there a way for those children to catch up? The Committee advised that in order to catch up, children would have to double up. For example, a child may have to take Algebra II and Geometry in the sophomore year. Flexibility is needed to move or down as needs and abilities change. Ms. Pappalardo advised that she had six students double up last year. Mr. Stohlman asked how successful can we be with heterogenous math classes at the middle school? REGULAR SESSION -7- November 24 1997 Ms. Pappalardo advised that last year they did have a 6th grade teacher who noticed a student who was well ahead. The teacher moved to have her tested and moved her into algebra. Plan are in place to look at how students have done in heterogenous groups. Mr. Spadafora questioned whether we still tested for 8th grade algebra. He stated the 8th grade algebra is crucial to the direction of the student. Mr. Richards advised that they are working towards higher skills and higher standards but must be the gate keeper, need to be conscious not to shut out students and also must be conscious not to let kids have a bad math experience and turn them off from math. Hope to see the percentage of children taking 8th grade algebra increase with the Chicago Math program. Ms. Williams questioned when they envision bringing the math program down for algebra in 7th grade. Dr. Harutunian advised that he hoped to see the math program dropped down within the next 2 -3 years. The Science Leadership Committee, Richard Davidson, Lauren Fusco, Karen Rickershauser, John Doherty, Ruthann Budrewicz and Donna Pappalardo, gave a presentation to the Committee on the K -12 Science Curriculum Initiatives and then opened the discussion up to questions from the Committee. Chair Twomey stated that he believed the spiraling science is an intelligent thing to do. Mr. Spadafora stated that high school graduates say honors level courses help them significantly in their freshman year at college. Dr. Richards asked that Donna Pappalardo explain to the Committee her role. Ms. Pappalardo explained that she assisted teachers in the classrooms and looks for exemplary programs for use in the classrooms. She brings people in to talk to the teachers about their programs and will also team teach. The World Language Leadership Committee, Joan Clifford, William Cowles and Dr. Anthony DiSanzo gave a presentation to the REGULAR SESSION -8- November 24, 1997 Committee on the World Languages Curriculum Initiatives and them opened the discussion up to questions from the Committee. The Committee informed that this year all 7th graders have foreign language with the exception of agreed upon SPED students. Internet contact with schools in France and Spain is now available and a CD program. Ms. Cavicchi asked when language labs would be more beneficial than CD programs. The Committee advised that it would be wonderful for all students to be able to have access to a language lab. Dr. Harutunian and the School Committee thanked the Committees and Mr. Richards for a very informative presentation. CAPITAL HEATING & ENERGY REPAIRS A discussion was held regarding the capital heating and energy repairs. Ms.,Cavicchi made a motion to accept the recommendation of the administration in the memorandum dated November 20, 1997 regarding remaining work at Reading Memorial High School and Birch Meadow School. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Further discussion was held regarding the high school work and it was decided to wait on the high school work until further information is received from the architect. Ms. Cavicchi moved to withdraw her previous motion and move accept the administration's request for 5100,000 to finish the work at the Birch Meadow School as stated in the memorandum dated November 20, 1997. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. REGULAR SESSION -9- November 24, 1997 AWARD FIRE ALARM TESTING Ms. Cavicchi and Mr. Twomey abstained from discussion and voting on this issue. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to accept the bid from Simplex for 537,109.00 as noted on the Superintendent's memorandum dated November 12, 1997 regarding Award Fire Alarm Testing and Inspection for School and Town Buildings, Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -2, Ms. D'Antona. Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Williams voted_ves, Ms. Cavicchi and Mr. Twomev abstained. HIGHLIGHTS The Highlights dates will be confirmed at the School Committee meeting scheduled for December 8th. MINUTES Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the School Committee minutes of October 14, 1997. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the Budget Council minutes of October 15, 1997, Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the School Committee minutes of October 18, 1997. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Spadafora requested that the minutes of October 27, 1997 include his arrival time as 8:30 p.m. REGULAR SESSION -10- November 24, 1997 Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the School Committee minutes of October 27, 1997 with change as noted. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. Mr. Spadafora made a motion to approve the Budget Council minutes of November 5, 1997. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. ADJOURN At 11:05 Mr. Spadafora made a motion to adjourn from regular session and reconvene into executive session to discuss possible litigation, union and non -union negotiating strategies and the possible sale of real estate. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey and Ms. Williams. ectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools