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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-06 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Heather McDonald called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards. ANNOUNCEMENT Dr. Munnelly announced the move at the Joshua Eaton School would take place February 7, 1995. Parents and students would help with the move. There is a short punch list left to finish. The Construction Company is gearing up to do major demolition work during February vacation. VISITORS: Interviews with Superintendent Search Firms Winchester Associates: Mr. William MacDonald introduced himself and critiqued his company. He outlined, in detail, the search process, reviewed his fee schedule and then answered questions. Mr. MacDonald's theory is that one Superintendent would not fit any and all School Systems. Harold Webb Associates, Ltd. Mr. Kenneth Underwood joined us via telephone from New Orleans. He explained that Harold Webb Associates was a National Search Firm of which Dr. Munnelly is an associate. Mr. Underwood spoke about the firm and search process for 7 or 8 minutes and then answered questions. Massachusetts Association of School Committees Mr. John Dowling introduced himself as the Central and Western Massachusetts Field Rep for his firm. He also outlined the search process and explained how his company operates. He then answered questions. He was asked if his firm actively recruited candidates. He replied that they did not. He explained that his firm had a wide base for advertising. Mr. Dowling claims that his company advertises so extensively that anyone looking for a Superintendent's job would see their advertisements. He feels that proper advertising is the key. He then reviewed their fees. Heather thanked all of the Candidates for their presentations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 6. 1995 VISITORS - STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE Heather McDonald mentioned that the Student Advisory Council had a very positive return on their recent survey. The surveys were passed out during English classes. The students were very receptive and took the surveys very seriously. Mr. Shannon thanked all of the students for their efforts. He asked if the School Committee could have a copy of the survey results when they were all tallied. Heather explained that there was positive interaction between the S.A.C. and the student body. Mary VonEuw and Heather Shannon did an assessment of RMHS needs for the year 2000. They discovered that RMHS had an abundance of current needs. They toured the school, room by room, inch by inch. They took pictures noting things from poor wiring to lack of heat and storage space. Marissa Freitas and Kate Chomsky- Higgins spoke positively about the 90 minute periods. They felt that the teaching time would be more effective with a longer span of time. Changing the order of the periods is also being considered. For example, Math would not be period #1 every day as it is now. Scott Given and Sarah Meehan verbalized how well all the winter sport teams were doing. All of the athletes were working very hard and doing extremely well. Most of all, the athletes were enjoying themselves. Mr. Shannon urged members, parents and people from the community to support the sporting events. Chrissie Cerretani explained that the Thanksgiving Day Pancake Breakfast was successful as well as the Halloween Haunted House, T- Shirt and Candy Cane Sales. The proceeds from these events were to go towards "The Spirit of Boston" Trip and the Senior Prom. The Senior Class has planned a parent dance, March 24, 1995. The Student Council has planned a Senior Citizen Prom for March 8, 1995. Heather McDonald added that the Senior Class is planned a variety show. The faculty, parents and the School Committee are all welcome to perform. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 6 1995 BILLS AND PAYROLLS The Warrants for Bills were as follows: February 6, 1995 - Bills - $ 61, 908.53 The Warrants for Payroll was as follows: February 3, 1995 - Teachers - $ 462,736.30 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Matt Cummings moved to approve the minutes of January 24. 1995. George Shannon seconded the motion. The minutes were voted 5 -0 -1 abstaining. Matt Cummings moved to approve the January 26. 1995 minutes. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman noted that he was not present at the January 26th meeting and wished to have the record adiusted. The minutes were voted 5 -0 -1. OLD BUSINESS: Dennis Richards passed out a report summarizing Capital Projects. (Comments on the Preliminary Report - Capital Improvement Plan.) Mr. Twomey noted that the summary was very good and thanked Dennis for doing it. Matt Cummings noted that the School Committee was the only committee to submit a written report on time. The Finance Committee received a memo from Peter Hechenbleikner stating that we are to receive some additional revenue. Dr. Munnelly suggested that we discuss our budget priorities. Mr. Shannon feels we should be ready to pare down our budget. The members did not want the FinCom doing it for them. Mr. Twomey feels we need to take a stand and seek additional funds. Mr. Stohlman says an override is one way to raise funds. Mr. Twomey feels an override may be a strategy that should be discussed. Mr. Shannon feels the chair should set a date for discussion on cuts. Matt Cummings feels we need input from the community on budget priorities. He feels we have a responsibility to the public. Mrs. Cavicchi feels the public is not clear on what items will be cut from the budget. She recommended a meeting to spell out what the cuts would be. It was agreed that there would be a Public Hearing with a telephone call -in at the RMHS Lecture Hall, Monday Night, February 13, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. It was suggested that all the P.T.O.'s, school principals, School Councils, Band Parents and P.A.C. parents be notified. REGULAR SESSION 4 FEBRUARY 6, 1995 NEW BUSINESS Waiver of Rental Fee for Understanding Handicaps. Mr. Cummings moved to waive the rental fee for Understanding Handicaps. The vote was unanimous, 6 -0. PERSONNEL Dr. Munnelly has not had any discussion with the two Interim Superintendent Candidates to date. Mr. Cummings feels that the two candidates should make statements. Mr. Stohlman and Ms. Cavicchi feel statements are important for the public. The two candidates, Dennis Richards and William O'Connell will makes statements at the February 27, 1995 meeting. It will be the first order of business after routine business. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS The Year -to -Date Financial Reports were reviewed. We seem to be on target in most areas of spending. Mr. Stohlman was concerned about the percentages on Regular Day - Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton - Special Ed. Dr. Munnelly said the percentage in dollars is not significant. Joshua Eaton is ahead in spending. Mr. Munnelly will speak to Jennifer Page. He also said that if he sees a significant change in spending he visits the particular school. Mr. Cummings feels that the Principals should get copies of the monthly reports. SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM The November and December Profit and Loss Statements for the School Lunch Program were reviewed with favorable results. PLANNING THE NEXT SERIES OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS Dr. Munnelly suggested that the School Committee select and decide what topics they want information on from the Superintendent to make decisions and policies. They need to suggest topics and priorities. Matt Cummings suggested that the School Committee members get together among themselves and decide on priorities. Dr. Munnelly added that the School Committee is more powerful when well informed. MRS. D'ANTONA MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING AT 10:10 P.M. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey REGULAR SESSION 14INUTES 5 FEBRUARY 6, 1995 R spectfull S3mit ed, ennis Richards Interim Superintendent