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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-01-23 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 23, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Susan Cavicchi. also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: January 17, 1995 - Bills - $228,254.70 January 23, 1995 - Bills - $ 25,250.86 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: January 13, 1995 - Biweekly - $128,136.49 January 20, 1995 - Teachers - $462,486.86 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion was made by Matt _Cummings and seconded by Tom Stohlman to approve the minutes of December 14 after identifying the school committee member who abstained in the 4 -0 -1 vote on page 3 of the minutes With this correction, vote was 4 -0 -1 (R. D'Antona) to accept minutes of 12/14. Tom Stohlman moved to accept minutes of 12/19 and Matt Cummings seconded with the following corrections: Page 4: Dr. Munnelly noted that the police, with our assistance, are writing for a D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) grant that will support training for one or two police officers, one full day a week for 16 weeks. Dr. Munnelly stated in response to Tom Stohlman's question that this would not cost the school system anything. Mr. Shannon wanted it recorded in the minutes that he voted against the policy on Library /School Coordination (page 3) because he felt there was no need for the policy. With these amendments vote was 4 -0 -1 (R. D'Antona) to accept minutes of 12/19. -2- CITIZENS' INPUT Bob Hilliard, representing a group of Reading citizens advocating a higher level of school spending, presented the School Committee with their new bumper sticker, "In Reading..... KIDS COUNT." Chronicle photographer was on hand to record the presentation for publication. Tim Twomey thanked Mr. Hilliard and the group for their efforts on behalf of the school system. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly addressed headlines in Monday, January 23, Daily Times Chronicle concerning a Reading teacher arrested on drug possession.. He indicated the teacher was not in school on Monday and he would meet with the teacher first thing Tuesday to determine what happened and start process to gather information regarding any potential action. The Administration will be taking an active role in how this will play out in terms of a teacher of young people in Reading. Dr. Munnelly introduced planning for a pilot restructuring of the high school. He indicated it made good sense to do this under controlled conditions now. Rena Mirkin and the faculty have worked on this in response to Ed Reform. One thing coming through is length of periods discussed by Time and Learning group. Will double periods be better? Will they be liked by students, faculty, etc.? Better to try out the suggested schedule instead of waiting. During a five -week period in March and April, a total of 8 days on Wednesday and Thursday, every student and teacher will experience several double periods on those two days. This way, everybody will get several days of work on double periods and their views and perceptions will be recorded. No changes up or down in the amount of time spent on subjects, and there will be no interference with other activities such as band, etc. in the 5th period. Public assessment would be planned, student reaction would be surveyed, teachers would do some written survey interviews and participate in round table discussions. Parents would be asked for their input gleaned from observations of their student at home, homework, etc. High School would release public report before any action is taken. Tim Twomey asked if this was in response to the NEASC Evaluation. Rena indicated that it was and also from Time and Learning, Core Curriculum, Common Core and other initiatives begun by the faculty. Idea is to "try it on and see how it fits." -3- Rena elaborated. Time frame will be 90- minute blocks. Wednesdays would consist of periods 1, 2, regular period 5. and then period 3. Thursday would be periods 4.6,5 and 7. All would consist of same amount of time. Discussions and planning time will take place on March 8, March 21 release day and April 5 release day afternoon. February 8 release day will be for professional development i.e. restructuring committee to look at time frame, professional development, assessment, curriculum etc. Next year people interested could teach in longer blocks. We could accommodate people who think it would work. This gives us a chance to see how it works across the board. Matt Cummings wanted to know if this plan was for all subjects, all periods. Rena indicated it was for these 4 times, and the April 5 release day would be for periods 5 and 7, 90 minutes each. Heather McDonald, Student Council representative to the School Committee. indicated that based on a recent student survey many students are looking forward to the opportunity to experience the changes. The seniors feel the proposed schedule would liken the classes to college style. She also felt it is responsibility of students to remain on task and teachers should include a variety of teaching styles within the longer periods. PERSONNEL No report. OLD BUSINESS Capital Improvement Plan. Dr. Munnelly expressed his disappointment that some things talked about were not going to be operational. Long range Capital Improvement Plan had been submitted to the town and voted on by the School Committee in September. 2 months earlier than usual. He requested School Committee's reaction to the CIP in their packets and pass on to CIP committee. Right now technology is liste renovations on the CIP. This Capital Improvement Committee memo on Preliminary Report on 1996 - 2005). School Committee regarding this. d at a lower priority than building should be discussed with the (page 2. #5 of December 29, 1994 Capital Improvement Plan for FY needs to respond to CIP committee Matt Cummings indicated School Committee should respond in writing to Capital Improvement Committee by February I. Tim Twomey indicated this would be the only opportunity to respond to committee before February 7. -4- Tom Stohlman indicated the need for public to understand what precisely we are talking about. Every year Town Meeting approves Capital Improvement Plan by Finance Committee sub committee and Capital Improvement sub committee date who prepare draft for Town Meeting approval. Capital Improvement Plan does not determine town to spend, but is a planning mechanism only. We should be planning for it - not committed to spending it. School Committee voted Capital Improvement Plan best for the school system and should be contained in the town Capital Improvement Plan so town understands what our needs are. Tim Twomey said that relating to Item 5. page 2 of 12/29 Preliminary Report on CIP FY 1996- FY2005. Not clear how they arrive at assumption, based on town meeting discussions concerning the Parker project. CIP plan did not include the technology plan. $2.000.000 for technology from '96 - 2003 in $400,000 segments in 5 of the 8/9 years. One of the recommendations for the Capital Improvement Advisory Sub Committee - spread out evenly over each year for that period. Robin D'Antona is looking for clarifications on assumptions. Rather than ask for clarification. submit the plan again for review to say that School Committee has voted on this plan and this is what we support at this point in time. Notion of where it stands in relation to building project is not the point. Long range plan has technology as an important segment of it. Incorrect assumptions need to be corrected. Matt Cummings indicated that Capital Improvement sub - committee is saying that may be what you requested and this is what we are able to do. Formulate specific response to the issues they raised. CIP sub - committee is saying although we requested $15.000 - $20.000 yearly over the next six years they have to be deferred because they can't pay for them. Other deferments: ADA lifts and toilet remodeling boilers. doors, etc. in increments that fit into Capital Improvement Plan. Tim Twomey asked if the decision for deferrals listed under #10 were made by the CIP committee the School Department? No funding identified for technology equipment. Fund by grants not what School Committee proposed or recommended. Not enough money in CIP to fund technology and other things. Does this represent what they want to cut? Matt Cummings: CIP made their best prioritization of what School Committee gave them fitting into financial plan and they are clarifying deferral based on ability to pay. School Committee needs to go back to Capital Improvement committee and clarify to them in greater detail. George Shannon said the subcommittee decided to come up with a working plan. The School Committee needs to prioritize and we are not doing it tonight. -5- Tom Stohlman indicated CIP sub - committee is saying X- amount of dollars available from year to year for your capital needs so tell us if we have made correct assumptions regarding capital needs. Implies we agree to that figure. Concerned that capital improvement plan as a whole says that by the year 2,000 we will be $1,800,000 dollars underfunded. So if the plan shows deficit spending with no override, what is the point of hiding from Town Meeting the needs of school committee by agreeing to arbitrary number for capital expenditures. George Shannon said do we accept or go back with modified plan. Tim Twomey said to clarify if we are to be prioritizing within a financial context. CIP funding technology within the operating budget. Looked at 2 million in technology and said not enough money there. Expect you to fund it entirely within the operating budget. In terms of priorities we want a piece of that $2,000,000 in a certain year and give lower priority to something else. Instead of not doing anything, we do something less. Recommend separate meeting and have representative from capital improvement advisory group (or more than 1) present to clarify to School Committee what they are looking for so the School Committee can get it right the first time. Have everything ready by February 1 for positive reception. School Committee scheduled another meeting for January 30 to discuss the issue. Meeting next Monday, January 30, 8 p.m. Capital improvement advisory committee members can attend. How many? READING 2000 COMMITTEE REPORT Report of progress concerning condition of high school. Dr. Munnelly explained when planning was done in September, the idea was to lay plans for the future upgrading of Reading Memorial High School to avoid situation like Parker. Make plans early to keep the building good for 25 -30 years from now. $2,000,000 place holder in the Capital Improvement Plan for modifying of the building - Oakland Rd. portion of the building 50 years old at turn of the century. Committee was appointed to identify needs and make report for action at upcoming Town Meeting. Rena further commented: Committee was convened in November. First meeting was December 2. Committee members are Dan Ensminger, Martin Foodman, Bob Hilliard, Tom Meharg, Stan Nissen, Bill Stamatis, Joe Cain, Dave Bunten, Phil Vaccaro, Ev Blodgett, May Von Euw, Heather Shannon, Greg Goltsov, Anne Baumgartner. In depth Saturday tour of the building revealed scope of the project. Decision of committee to report beginning program report to School Committee. aM. a. 305,000 square feet, larger than all the other schools put together. Space is needed to accommodate programs. Looking at the restructuring of space - how much will be needed to accommodate educational needs. Building conditions: Not good. Declined over last 10 years. Looking not only at 50 -year old building, with the other half 25 years old, but one used every day by 1,100 people plus night school, community, etc. Heat very inconsistent, windows are a big issue, etc. Dan: Examined the band room, auditorium: need improvement, labs need upgrading. 80% go on the degree programs from Science /math background. Heating in Building C very uneven. Field House & outdoor facilities ... He is firmly converted to needs of the building. Field House floor needs refinishing. Bleachers need repair, could be safety hazard. Pool probably would not qualify for 2/3 reimbursement, boilers need work. Should this project be done under SBAB aegis, would qualify for 60% reimbursement. Would cover everything including furnishings and technology equipment. Would also need capital investment. Funding will be a challenge. Town not entirely out of resources - land fill and other real estate trying to sell - work with representatives to maintain SBAB reimbursement. Could repayment schedule be accelerated? Cost: want to place on warrant for Town Meeting request for professional consultant to survey the building and put cost figures together and submit to SBAB. Need professional assistance from this point. To bring to spring Town Meeting and go forward or take other means of action. Rena further elaborated. 1) Technology program implication: if middle school state -of- art, we are mandated to provide level of service at high school - equipment, space configuration and wiring. Joe Cain and Ev Blodgett co- chaired facilities report re NEASC - 37 recommendations re the physical plant to be addressed. Motion by George Shannon: Request selectmen to place on ballot at Spring Town Meeting $20,000 for architectural studies of Reading Memorial High School. Seconded by Matt Cummings. Stohlman asked if hiring of a consultant was a budget item or separate? Dan Ensminger responded that this was the first step in the Parker project through the Building Committee to get a separate item on the warrant. -7- Mr. Shannon indicated they need commitment from Town meeting, no money in operating budget. Mr. Twomey asked how this relates to school building committee - the charge they have vs. what Reading 2000 committee is trying to do. Dan Ensminger responded that they would have no pride of authorship and will take clarification from the School Committee on it. Dr. Munnelly responded that the whole issue hasn't been thought through. Building Committee created for more than 1 project. Proceeded through several steps to Parker project as part of its charge. In best interests of town to add some responsibility to building committee to do this search and evaluate that as part of their charge or create another building committee to act on renovation of the high school. What is the most streamlined way to proceed? School Committee needs to discuss. Tim Twomey Warrant closes on February 14/15? Dollar amount would not have to be specified according to Dan Ensminger Robin D'Antona elaborated. Have a conversation between Reading 2,000 committee and town building committee and a recommendation could then be made to school committee what expectations and goals are. Dan Ensminger indicated a plan to meet is in place, they are retaining technology consultant for Parker and we would want to avail ourselves of that person's expertise. Stan Nissen: Believe motion was advisory to Board of Selectman place an article on warrant detailing who is the author and either School Committee or building committee should indicate specific wording of the article. What Reading 2000 wants tonight is to have the School Committee support placing an article on the warrant. School Committee won't know more about the issues between now and the 14th. Work out details behind the scenes. George Shannon: Needs at the high school are known - move it forward - get it going to place on the warrant. Control of it can be done later. Tim Twomey felt further discussion should take place as part of Capital Improvement Plan. Take up at next Monday's meeting. Dan Ensminger asked the School Committee to recommend a liaison to the Reading 2000 group to sit in on the meetings. Finance Committee also to have representation on Reading 2000 group. Tom Stohlman will be representative from school committee to Reading 2000 committee. Robin D'antona explained her experience with building committee - understand importance of moving forward with placesaver in capital plan. In the past - not have the opportunity to do that at Parker. Money put in without having the advantage of a reasonable study so a clear understanding was there about what they were getting into. Fully support the notion of moving forward, but also need to take opportunity to consider within the context of next week's meeting. Delay vote to consider capital improvement plan. Matt Cummings doesn't see any reason to delay vote on the motion to direct selectmen to put placekeeping article on the warrant. Don't delay -need is there, need to know the money involved and move forward with accurate information. When information is accurate and upfront, it has been successful. George Shannon made the motion to remove the dollar amount from the article and have it read that the item be placed on the warrant for an amount to hire an architectural study. Seconded by Tom Stohlman. Vote: 3 - 1 (Twomey) - 1 (R. D'Antona). Motion fails but will continue on the agenda for next week. FY '96 BUDGET Dr. Munnelly indicated that he had attended town meetings for Budget '96 along with Matt Cummings and Dennis Richards. Although it's early, the way the financial picture is shaping up for the town, there are implications that will impact the schools. Notes from last budget meeting indicate the school budget listed as $18,336,000 and the town manager is recommending $17,300,000. We are 1 million short and need to look at what's happening and to talk about how School Committee needs to deal with this issue and the large gap, alert public and at upcoming meeting to take up issue of how to deal with it. Not enough information to make recommendations tonight on potential of $1 million cut. Tim Twomey: Do we have clear date on when we're going to have more definitive information on state revenue projections? Dr. Munnelly explained that town manager says revenue estimates are conservative. Amount of lottery money for Reading not clear. Probably close to $100,000 not $1,000,000. Does not include governor's own State Aid ed reform dollars for schools. Don't expect big dollars from this at all. Dr. Munnelly wasn't aware of "unknowns" that might be out there. Matt Cummings: Public has an idea of magnitude of fiscal difficulties. Municipal budget to increase $938,000. Our budget request is for $1,600,000, our budget includes all the increase. plus $700,000 more. There is planned increase in additional -9- state aid (2 1/2 - 30) and maybe in lottery receipts or educational reform. Town Manager proposed budget up $600,000 from revised FY'95 $16,000,000 to $17,000,100. Revised budget for special ed mandates - increase is $370,000. Of the $600,000, 620 of it goes to special ed increase. Big changes in the program given the scenario before us. Tim Twomey noted that at the December public meeting when original draft of current budget was presented there were a number of key issues as to why we were $1,600,000 more than this year's appropriated amount. Salary adjustments, additional teachers due to growing enrollments. FTE equivalents also to move forward to meet Educational Reform requirements, teacher developments completely independent of whatever impact will be from Time and Learning regulations which seem to indicate 900 hours grammar and middle school, 990 hours at the high school. If this holds and we need to adjust school programs to meet these needs - to bargain these issues with unions - this also will drive the budget up. Ed reform unclear, special ed requirements unclear, salary adjustments not negotiated yet. At the public hearing, suggestions were made as what could be done. Suggestion was made to contact School Committee regarding priorities, but also let selectmen, town manager and financial committees know your views. Let this happen again from all parents, townspeople. Think about all this and contact people to express your views. George Shannon wanted to know if we are going to take steps to cut? In view of substantial shortfall, don't get caught like last year. Put on the agenda soon to start discussion for cuts so citizens will know. Dr. Munnelly start taking up at meeting on the 6th. Dr. Munnelly explained this budget, technology, Reading 2000 will all be in a big mix. School staff will meet to start prioritizing and have ready in 2 weeks to share with school committee. Tom Stohlman wanted to emphasize why it is important the public be aware of what shortfall is going to be. Because of override, it is important the public understand the impact so public and board of selectmen put it into the mix when considering an override. It is important for public to know what will suffer if override not considered. If we don't try, money won't come. Are we past the time to have an override on the ballot in spring elections? Have to get information to selectmen regarding impact of cuts long before the 14th of February. Robin pointed out that another piece of putting together impact of cuts for discussion is the overall impact they have on education in Reading. While we try to make this a part of the puzzle of town finances, we must also consider how it impacts us as an educational institution. Whatever ways to raise money, override or additional cuts, it had better be well understood what impacts are. M Tim Twomey explained that at a budget meeting the point was made that we have come from a terrible time in prior years taking big cuts out of school budgets, reducing teachers and administrative staff, etc. Two years ago we were able to stop that process and last year move forward. This year we were looking forward to a more hopeful picture in light of Ed Reform. Right now it is discouraging! We were starting to recover and suddenly we are into the single largest reduction of services if this $1,000,000 cut holds up. Largest impact will be on students. Have to tackle the process, but will try to do it with the best information available and in as creative a way as possible. Bob Hilliard suggested School Committee organize area communities together to talk to senators and representatives regarding push for increase in State Aid to Education. Budget discussion to continue on agenda for Feb. 6. NEW BUSINESS: Home Schooling Recommendations: (Out of order) Dennis Richards explained all policies have been reviewed with Mr. & Mrs. Garratt -Reed and he was requesting school committee approval of home schooling from now through June, 1996. They talked to Paul Guerrette and conditions have been met. Their daughter Meghan, grade 2 and Gillian, grade 4, will be home schooled -when recommendation is approved -until next year. George Shannon reminded all that in the past never has been more than one school year approval at a time. Why recommendation for 2 -year approval. Dennis Richards felt that the remaining time the current year would only amount to a half year, and it was reasonable to continue through the end of next year but could be amended as School Committee wishes. George Shannon moved to approve home schooling recommendation for Meghan Garratt -Reed and Gillian Garratt -Reed January '95 to June '95. Matt Cummings seconded. Past policy only been for school year. Tom Stohlman asked for further clarification as to the advantage of recommending for 18 months. Dennis Richards explained that parents have worked out with Paul Guerrette so much had been done to prepare to teach. Feeling was to give them the opportunity to prove they were capable of fulfilling the agreements outlined in the program was reasonable to have them do it for the rest of this year and next year. George Shannon outlined again that past practice has been one year and then annual evaluation will allow for adding next year. Prevent anyone else from asking for 18 months, 2 years, etc. -11- Vote: 3 in favor - 1 opposed (D'Antona) - 0. Vote failed. Robin D'Antona made a new recommendation to allow home schooling for Meghan and Gillian Garratt -Reed through June '96. Seconded by Tom Stohlman. Precedent can be set here. For this particular plan with these particular parents principal and assistant superintendent felt it was all right. Other parents should not consider this a new precedent. Vote 2 - 2 (M. Cummings & G. Shannon) - 0. Did not carry. George Shannon recommended home schooling through June '95. Vote was 5 (G. Shannon, M. Cummings, T. Twomey, R. D'Antona, T. Stohlman - 0 - 0. Vote carried. SUPERINTENDENT'S SEARCH Dr. Munnelly explained material is in newspaper articles, and notice has been posted until January 27 for interim superintendent. At meeting on January 30 position of interim superintendent can be taken up then or on February 6. Two more notices have been sent out regarding the need for a screening committee. Write to Tim Twomey before February 15. Three replies have been received to serve on screening committee. Tim Twomey clarified that 8 slots are available: 4 educators and 4 non - educators. This is one of the most important committees in connection with a school system. Urge people to make interests known as soon as possible. Dr. Munnelly continued. Regarding salary of various superintendents. Lynnfield should be corrected from low figure to higher amount. can refer them to search consultant. Can get more information if desired. Tim Twomey advised that five consulting firms have contacted for proposals which are in. All are in state except one from Illinois. In discussion of budget guidelines. three of the proposals fall in range of $3- $7.000, one at $25.000. One preferred not to indicate money. Need to come to conclusion about who to go with. Need to be reviewed by more than just Tim Twomey. George Shannon suggested regarding the $25.000 bid person, thank them for their interest. Invite them to choose an evening and come to make a presentation to the School Committee. Three of the companies appear to have the kind of range of services they are looking for. Suggest these people come in for a brief presentation each. 15 minute presentations should be enough. Tim Twomey thought 1/2 hour would be better to allow for questions, etc. -12- Tom Stohlman had a question regarding public view of what their perceptions of superintendent's role would be. Get on the selectmen's agenda next meeting and get their opinion. Tim Twomey clarified that anyone was welcome to attend around 3:30 on Thursday at RMHS. This was another opportunity for people to express their interests or concerns. Phone calls to school committee members would be appropriate as well as written comments or recommendations to take into consideration. Invitations should be sent out to search firms to make presentations at February 6 school committee meeting. Meeting scheduled for January 30 to deal with capital budget and on February 6 search firms will present at 1/2 hour intervals. Packets from search companies are available at central office for review by school committee members. Matt Cummings summarized the search for Coolidge principal. Screening committee has begun and made suggestions to superintendent. Have set aggressive schedule to fill that position. Will keep School Committee informed. Calendar is in place. Dr. Munnelly hopes to have appointment late in spring and person on board in August to build in sufficient time so if person comes from outside the system. can still be here in time for opening of school. Letter to placement offices is done. Cut off date is March 15 for completed applications. BOOSTER'S REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF RENTAL FEE: Dr. Munnelly explained he hasn't had time to sit with Chuck Schena yet. Can be taken up at one of the future meetings. George Shannon recalled that the Craft Fair has been done in the past. Excellent fund raiser - fee has been waived in the past. George Shannon moved that the fee be waived and was seconded by Matt Cummings. Vote was passed 4 - 0 - 1 (Robin D'Antona abstained). George Shannon raised the issue of food being sold in the field House. Wrestling parents sold food at a recent event without permission. This should not happen again. Dr. Munnelly has written to Athletic director to alert every coach and every athletic team regarding reasons for this policy and asked Phil Vaccaro to check with everybody to make sure this is understood. Mr. Shannon wants wrestling group to come in and give the rationale for having done this. Would like letter of explanation or appearance at a meeting to explain why this ruling was ignored. Dr. Munnelly will follow through as to who the parents are. etc. Food is not to be served in the field house. Waiver for boosters only this year. Dr. Munnelly will send copy of the letter to School Committee. George Shannon: Due to policy violation, letter of reprimand should be sent with committee support. -13- DATES FOR FINANCE COMMITTEE REVIEW OF BUDGET FY 1996 February 22 and March 1 dates confirmed by Dr. Munnelly. Also January 30 regular meeting of the School Committee. Warrant closing for annual Town Meeting on February 14. Motion was made to move into executive session for matters relating to beginning negotiations with union personnel and for personnel matter relating to possible litigation. Seconded by Matt Cummings. Vote was 5 (T. Twomey, M. Cummings, G. Shannon. T. Stohlman, R. D'Antona) - 0. Adjournment at 9:45. R ectful1nSu Imitted, v- Dennis Richards Interim Superintendent