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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-09 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 9, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superinten- dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards, School Committee Student Representative I-leather McDonald, and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of December 5, 1994. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made adjustments. The revised minutes were approved by a vote of 5 in favor and Mr. Shannon abstainin4. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of December 12, 1994. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman made adjustments. The revised minutes were unanimously a pl proved. -- — BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant f -or bills were as follows: December 27, 1994 - Bills - $267,012.92 December 27, 1994 - Bills - $202,681.00 .January 3, 1995 - Bills - $ 89,292.95 January 9, 1995 - Bills - $ 5,112.98 The warrant for payrolls were as follows: December 23, 1994 - Teachers $469,423.73 December 30, 1994 - Biweekly $121,700.53 January 6, 1995 - Teachers $467,024.55 CITIZENS' INPUT Chair Twomey recognized Mary Williams, who was appointed as the School Committee's Liaison and a member of the 350th Anniversary Steering Committee. Ms. Williams stated now that the celebration for the 350th Anniversary is over there will be a Celebration Trust Fund (CTF) established that will need a representative appointed by the School Committee. Ms. Williams REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 9, 1995 asked that School Committee members consider her as the liaison to the CTF. Matthew Cummings moved to appoint Mary Williams as the School Committee designee to the Celebration Trust Fund. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote for approval was unanimous. On another noted, Ms. Williams spoke as a concerned parent about the need for side walks and the dangers that are presented to the students who walk to school. She added that she has taken pictures of the student walkers and has presented them to the Board of Selectmen. Dr. Munnelly noted that the administration has had major input with the Safety Committee and have been in touch with the engineer Joe Delaney. Mr. Delaney has met with every school principal to receive input about the areas of need in their district. SUPERINTENDENT'S AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly shared the January- February 1995 issue of ZooGoer that featured an article on Vernal Affairs with photography by Leo Kenney. The Superintendent congratulated Mr. Kenney, who is a Biology teacher at Reading Memorial High School and his students. School Committee member and FinCom liaison Matthew Cummings reported on the January 4, 1995 FinCom Meeting. He noted that the FinCom Chair again raised concerns regarding both the projected operating spending not only in the FY96 budget but in future operating budgets and in the capital budget versus the ability of the Town to pay for those expenditures. Mr. Cummings asked if Reading's "community profile" could be circulated to FinCom members. He was asked by the FinCom whether METCO students were counted in our founda- tion budget calculation, Dr. Munnelly said he would check that out. Mr. Cummings advised the School Department and School Committee will be receiving the new FY96 - 10 Year Capital Plan and comments by the Administration and School Committee must be returned to the Capital Im- provement Sub - Committee no later than February 1, 1995. It was noted that this will be put on the next School Committee agenda along with leasing versus purchasing computer equipment. Ile added caution was expressed regarding our design specifications for Parker noting that re- gulatory requirements that may have us making changes after the building comes on line. PERSONNEL Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee and the public audience of his resignation to be effective on April 30, 1995. The Superintendent stated he has been in education for over 40 years and will look back fondly on his years in the Reading system. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 9, 199_5 The Chair thanked the Superintendent and stated he will be missed and wished him luck in his future endeavors. Dr. Munnelly advised under Education Reform the School Committee has one clear cut person- nel role - to hire the Superintendent and to accept his resignation. The Personnel Report was presented by the Assistant Superintendent as follows: CERTIFIED Dawn Greenwood, Gr. I at Killarn on a sick leave of absence from 1/9/95- 2/10/95 and a maternity leave of absence from 2/13/95 - 5/5/95 Barbara. McLean, Library /Media Specialist at Eaton on a medical leave of absence from 1/3/95- 2/27/95 NON-CERTIFIED Elizabeth Costello - SPED Assistant at Killam resignation effective 1/3/95 Virginia Scott - Educational Assistant at Coolidge resignation effective 1/13/95 David Alesse - Electrician - new hire effective 1/3/95 Barbara Rubin - Educational Assistant at Birch Meadow reinstated 12/16/94 Phillip Capodilupo - Assistant Wrestling Coach at RN HS - new hire effective 1994 -95 OLD BUSINESS SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING TOPICS AND DATES OF MEETINGS FROM JANUARY TO JUNE Chair Twomey reviewed the proposed calendar for potential School Committee meeting dates and Dr. Munnelly reviewed the proposed agenda topics for January to June 1995. There was discussion about adding time in on the January 23rd School Committee for the Capital ILnprove- ment and dates that School Committee members need to meet with the FinCom. Dr. Munnelly announced the FinCom will be meeting every Monday and Thursday beginning on February 1 through the month of March and asked that a date be considered by School Commit- tee to meet with them. The concensus was to try to schedule February 15th with them. Mr. Stohlman asked if the Town Manager could provide the School Committee with the same information he gives to FinCom. FinCom member Mr. White stated figures basically look the same as they did three months ago. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JANUARY 9 1995 Ms. D'Antona stated she will be meeting with the Safety Committee on January 24th and would like to present this information at the first School Committee meeting in March. Mr. Cummings requested that Cable Liaison Silva Gerety attend the technology meetings and Ms. D'Antona asked that she also be part of the technology negotiating team with the Selectmen. JOSHUA EATON SCHOOL CHANGE ORDERS DISCUSSION Dr. Munnelly presented the revised and updated Eaton Change Orders' Proposal Tabulation of total cost of changes by category presently it totals $54,961. He added the construction contin- gency estimate for January 25, 1994 is $170,305. The Superintendent outlined Eaton's Change Order # 1, 2 and 3. Dr. Munnelly explained when welding is being done during school time, manning is required by the Reading Fire Department. Dr. Munnelly advised that he would get more information regarding the additional doors, door 11-anles and hardware as requested in Change Order #3 and will discuss the fire alarm graphich aunnunciator with the architect. He also added that CP #16 for revision to provide an additional curb cut, parking space, and paved walkway was not what we are asking for and lie will follow up oil this. The Superintendent summarized the changes and rationale outlined in Eaton's Principal Page's December 27, 1994 memo: 1. Create an additional handicapped parking space 2. Re- consideration of placement of the dumpster 3. Create a second mode of egress from the courtyard 4. Reconfiguration of the administrative wing 5. Provide access to the attic /storage area Mr. Stohhnarl stated the owner initiated CP #15, Fin -tube cover substitution for corridor 053 for $3,374 is a misprint. Dr. Munnelly asked for School Committee's approval of Change Order #2 so we may move for- ward. EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Chair Twomey declared that he was in the process of assessing the evaluation information of the Superintendent. lie added we need to consider how we are going to approach the positions of the Interim Superintendent and the permanent Superintendent. George_ Shannon moved to accept the resignation of Dr. Robert Munnelly effective on April 30, 1995. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JANUARY 9, 1995 Mr. Shannon suggested the following approach: 1. Screening Committee 2. Selection Committee 3. Post the Interim Superintendent and the Superintendent positions 4. Advertise 5. Establish a salary range as soon as possible 6. Decide if the Interim Superintendent candidate will be considered for the Superintendent's position 7. Set up target dates Other school committee suggestions included having someone on board for the Superintendency by September 1, 1995, to ask for advice regarding description and criteria for the Superintendent from the public as well as all staff for the screening committee, have copies of the existing role description as a hand out at the proposed open hearing on January 24, 1995 at 7 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. It was also suggested that a staff meeting be held in the Lecture Hall at 3:30 p.m. on .January 26, 1995. Dr. Munnelly asked that the public receive a copy of his goals and a copy of a blank evaluation term. He stated that he and Chair Twomey will receive written requests to be on the Screening Committee as outlined in Policy CBC. He added it would be a major problem for an outside person to take over as the Interim Superintendent. Thomas Stohlman moved as a matter of policy the School Committee consider candidates for the Superintendent'_s position, including an interested Interim Superintendent. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and George Shannon the only opposition. George Shannon moved to restrict the Interim Superintendent position to qualified candidates within the district only. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Thomas Stoblman the only opposition. Matthew Cummings moved a $6,000 annualized stipend, prorated for the necessary length of time the position re uq fires. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated the School Committee should clearly express the salary range they intend to appoint a Superintendent at. Surrounding districts rates should be realistically looked at. Matthew Cummings moved to set the salary rate for the new Superintendent in the high $70's. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and George Shannon abstaining. Chair Twomey said we need to look for someone to coordinate the Search Committee for the Superintendent. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JANUARY 9 1995 Dr. Munnelly advised proposals for a consultant should be discussed at the next School Committee meeting, January 23, 1995. In the mean time we should meet with citizens and staff to have the information ready for the search firms that apply. NEW BUSINESS REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE BY HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM FUNDRAISER GeQrge_ Shannon moved to waive the $122 rental fee for the Reading High School Softball Team Fund-raiser, Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Timothy Twomey was not present for this vote. INFORMA'T'ION AND PROPOSALS VISITORS: ADOPTION OF PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS (OUT OF ORDER) Dr. Munnelly invited Parker Principal Delaney, Building Committee Chair Mr. Graham and Design Partnership Architect Mr. Finney to come forward. Dave Finney presented the preliminary specifications for Parker Middle School that defines the square footage of educational classrooms. The School Committee was provided an Education Specification from the State dated January 9, 1995. Mr. Finney stated this form will need to be submitted to the State twice, now and again by the end of May. He noted the current student population at Parker is 390 and the projected head count for October 1998 will be 620. He went on to explain there will be 22 General Class Rooms; an Art Room with 1 storage area; for Music there will be 1 Rehearsal /Band Room, 1 Library/Office for instrument storage, I Music Lab; 6 Science and 4 storage areas; 1 Technology Education Room, 1 Project Storage, 1 storage area 1 Family & Consumer Science Room, I storage area; a Media Center /Library and office /preparation/storage area; 2 Physical Education areas; a Self Contained Special Needs Room and a Resource Room; for remedial - 1 Chapter I Room, 1 Reading Room and I Remedial Room; 1 Computer Lab for writing and 1 for graphics. The basic space for a subtotal will be 44,950 sq. ft. Mr. Shannon asked if the Family & Consumer Science program was deleted what other thought has been given to another arrangement for that space. Principal Delaney said they plan to go ahead with these facilities now with the thought that it may be used as a classroom later. Under assorted space, Mr. Finney identified the new construction spaces Cafeteria for 3 separate seatings; 3 Guidance offices, 1 meeting area and 1 waiting area; a Health Suite that includes 1 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JANUARY 9, 1995 office, I examining room, 1 rest area and 1 toilet; 1 Kitchen and Storage area; for Administration there will be I Principal's office, 1 Assistant Principal's office, 1 General office, 1 Conference area and 3 areas for storage and work space, there will be l Teachers' Dining /Faculty Workroom, Physical Education will have 2 locker rooms and 2 offices. In the existing space is a gym storage area, an auditorium and stage. For a subtotal of 19,570 sq. ft. When asked about flexible space, Mr. Finney replied the area over the Auditorium can be used as a single large room. He stated another line should be added to existing space for a multi purpose space. Dr. Delaney stated he would be making greater use of the new cafeteria for multi purpose use also. Itohei_ta D'Antonamoved to accept the education specs as defined in enclosure F. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked that the Version #1's date be amended to read 1/9/95, The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS REPORT OF STATE BOARD DESISIONS ON TIME AND LEARNING, RECERTIFICATION, AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS Dr. Munnelly reported that the Department of Education (DOE) regulations on time and learning are defined for the elementary schools to offer all enrolled students a minimum of 900 hours per school year of learning time and secondary schools shall offer to all enrolled students a minimum of 990 hours per school year of learning time. He noted that the DOE also states school graduation may be held up to twelve school days before the regular scheduled closing date of that school. Assistant Superintendent Richards stated by the end of the school year each school council has to come up with a school improvement plan, an implementation plan for the student time and learning requirements, and they will need to develop their professional development plan for recertification. Dr. Munnelly added there is no more life time teacher certification. A teacher has to be recertified every 5 years. He stated the Superintendent's office will become the record keeper. I le continued by saying teachers can be dismissed if they are not meeting the professional standards that will be developed within the next 6 months with teacher associations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JANUARY 9, 1995 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS LETTER TO STATE DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE USE OF PORTABLES Dr. Munnelly shared a letter that he wrote to the State requesting an agreement from them on the use of the portables at Eaton for other education programs and to continue use of the port- ables at Birch Meadow until the temporary peak of 582 students levels off to about 506. The Superintendent stated he expects a reply from them within the next few days. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CAFETERIA STATEMENT Dr. Munnelly reported the Director of Food Services, Catherine Cook has informed him that October was a profit month. EXPENDITURES The Superintendent presented the status of appropriations as of December 30, 1994. ADJOURN At 1 I :O5 v.m. Thomas Stohlman moved to go to Executive Session for the purpose of custodial negotiations update the planning for teacher negotiations and a possible litigation. Matthew Cuinmings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew CLIMP 176?s Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey R Ily Submitted 87V Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee