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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-13 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS READING, MASSACHUSETTS REGULAR SESSION MEETING MARCH 13 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular School Committee to order at 7:30 in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards, Student Council Student Representative Christine Cerretani and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: March 06, 1995 - Bills - $ 127,424.83 March 13, 1995 - Bills - $ 251,710.60 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: March 10, 1995 - Biweekly - $ 121,869.20 APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes to approve. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no Citizen's Input. SUPERINTENDENT'S AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR'S REPORT The Superintendent congratulated John Doherty, Louis Adreani, the Coolidge Middle School students and staff for winning the Science Olympiad for the third year in a row. The State Championship this year will be held in Wilmington, Indiana. Dr. Munnelly noted that this is a wonderful accomplishment. Dr. Munnelly explained the Barrow's Library expansion diagram. This enlargement will make the Barrow's Library the same size as libraries in other schools. Plans are in the works. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 13 1995 VISITORS: PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PLANNING Mr. Russell Graham introduced Mr. David Finney, Architect, from The Design Partnership of Cambridge. Mr. Finney and Ms. Michelle Martin, Project Manager for the Parker Project, presented the design and development drawings to date. Mr. Finney explained how Ed Specs. are transformed to Building Plans. His firm has had meetings with every group imaginable to determine the needs of the Parker Middle School. He pointed out, on his diagrams, the views from all surrounding streets. He explained how they tried to match the windows and ceiling heights of the existing structure. The design phase is almost complete. Mr. Finney made reference to the auditorium chairs, replacement versus restoration. He felt that the old seats would be too expensive to match. The seats could be restored and upholstered. It would be costly but the net result would be favorable. Mr. Twomey asked about the square footage of the new auditorium versus square footage of the old. Mr. Finney explained that it was about the same. Using the old seats would definitely use less space. Mr. Twomey asked if Mr. Finney had a Schematic Estimate. Mr. Finney responded not yet. Mr. Stohlman asked about conversations with the neighbors. Dr. Delaney explained that several meetings have been held with the neighbors. There are no unaddressed issues at this date. Dr. Munnelly asked Mr. Finney to go over the time table. Mr.. Finney explained that the project goes from the design development phase to the construction document phase (6/1/95). From there it goes to the state for funding. The project then goes out for bid. Phase I of construction would go from the summer of 1995 to early summer of 1996, 10 months. During the summer of 1996 Phase II of the construction will begin and the existing building would be vacated so that asbestos work could begin. Mr. Finney received word late in the day on March 13, 1995 from Boston Gas Company that the cost to bring gas down Summer Avenue from Route 28 would be a cost that the Town of Reading would have to absorb. It was deemed too expensive. Any fuel savings would be offset by unrealistic start up costs. Mr. Cummings asked about a gas line at Joshua Eaton explaining that the gas line would have to come down Summer Avenue anyway. Mr. Finney responded that the gas pressure for Joshua Eaton is very different from the gas need for Parker. Mr. Twomey asked where the oil tank would be located. The oil tank could be located near the boiler room so deliveries could be made from the front yard but a final decision on location has not been made yet. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 13. 1995 VISITORS: MIDDLE SCHOOL REDISTRICTING Dr. Jack Delaney, Principal of Parker Middle School, highlighted the issues concerning the redistricting of the two middle schools. Dr. Delaney thanked John Doherty and Louis Adreani for all their hours of work. Dr. Delaney previously met with School Council to explain the options for redistricting. They were pleased with the manner in which he was proceeding. Potential problems showed up quickly and were worked out. Dr. Delaney reviewed five options for the redistricting. He gave the pros and cons of each. Dr. Munnelly asked the School Committee to consider all the plans and have an open meeting for anyone concerned. The basis for the redistricting was to have six classes per grade at Coolidge Middle School and eight classes per grade at Parker Middle School. Dividing the total number of students per grade by six or eight to determine the class size. There are five students going to Coolidge whose siblings would be going to Parker Middle School as part of the redistricting. These students could go to Parker a year earlier to solve problems in families. Mr. Stohlman asked about population and geography. Mr. Doherty said they had a tally of every child in every house involved. Mr. Shannon said that the School Committee should take a stand on one of the plans and listen to feed back from that point. He claims that it is easier to makes adjustments to one plan than to make adjustments to five plans. Christine Cerretani informed Mr. Shannon that the Student Advisory Council had completed the survey. Mr. Shannon indicated that he would like to have the survey on the agenda at the next regular School Committee meeting, March, 27, 1995. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MARCH 13 1995 PERSONNEL The Assistant Superintendent announced the Personnel Report for March 13, 1995. Dr. Munnelly noted that Delia Quinlan had retired after a long service. Mrs. Quinlan was one of the first Educational Assistants in the Reading School system. He wished her a long and happy retirement. BERGER AWARD Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards announced with great pride the recipients of the 1995 Berger Exemplary Teaching Awards: Richard Crump - Guidance Counselor /Psychologist Barrows School Kristin A. Killian - Music Teacher Parker Middle School Donna M. Pappalardo - Math Teacher Reading Memorial High School Richard, Kristin, and Donna will be officially recognized at the opening of Town Meeting on April 10, 1995. OLD BUSINESS: Joshua Eaton School Project Update and Construction Changes: Dr. Munnelly announced that the Joshua Eaton transition was a massive one but was pulled off without a hitch. He congratulated Principal Jennifer Page on a job well done. He mentioned all the organizing and planning that had to be done to have a successful move. Every one worked together with a great result. There was conversation concerning: 1. Changes to the Principal's Office 2. Bulkhead 3. Second Access to the Courtyard 4. Backdrop Curtains for the stage Dr. Munnelly did not recommend the bulkhead or the second access to the courtyard. He did recommend the changes to the Principal's Office and the backdrop curtains. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MARCH 13 1995 OLD BUSINESS CONTINUED: The conversation shifted to a $ 14,600 Change Order for excavation work to install a second pump in the boiler room floor at the Joshua Eaton School. ( David Finney explained that there was no handout on this subject.) The second pump would pump boiler room floor water and reroute it into a sanitary drain. The existing pump is doing two jobs. All the storm water & boiler room floor water cannot be pumped by the same pump into the storm drain as it currently is. This is not an elective cost. There is an urgency to proceed with this project. The contractor would do the work on a Time & Materials basis. The clerk of the works, Mr. William Capone, would monitor the work and certify the time and materials. Mr. Shannon commented that we cannot afford any other changes. The pump and the excavation work has to be done to code. The window of opportunity to install an additional door in the Principal's office may have past. It takes 6 - 8 weeks to order and receive the door. Mr. Twomey asked if the door issue could be revisited at a later time. Tim feels the roof is most important. Mrs. D'Antona asked if postponing the door and frame will cost more later. Mr. Finney stated that maybe the door issue cannot be revisited at a later date. Tim asked if it was just a door frame or a reconfiguration of space. Mr. Finney said it was not that simple. Tim stated the roof would be going out to bid in two weeks or so. Mr. Cummings stated that we do not have money to make changes. Mr. Shannon commented that changes are nice but costly. The changes to the principal's office and the stage curtains are items of convenience not safety issues. Matt Cummings moved to approve the sump pump and pit. Mr. Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 6 - 0. Tim Twomey suggested that the "old business" stop at this time because there were visitors scheduled for 9:30 P.M. and it was 10:05. Matt Cummings moved to disapprove the changes to the principal's office. (B -1) George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 3 -2 Matt Cummings, Mrs. D'Antona, Mr. Strohlman, voted for. Mr. Twomey and Mrs. Cavicchi voted against. Mr. Cummings moved to disapprove the replacement of the stage curtains. Mr. Stohlman seconded it. The vote was 5 - 1 - 0. Mr. Stohlman voted against. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MARCH 13 1995 NEW BUSINESS VISITOR BILL MacDONALD OF WINCHESTER ASSOCIATES Mr. MacDonald reviewed the planned time table. It was crucial that the ad be placed in The Boston Globe and the Mass Association Newsletter by March 26, 1995. He wanted approval of the ad. He was having a brochure printed. He needed a Town of Reading Logo. He encourage everyone for their input on the brochure and time table. He also noted that June 1 -14 was crucial for site visits. Mr. Stohlman wanted the winning of three Science Olympiads at Coolidge Middle School mentioned in the brochure. Mr. MacDonald explained that there was a direct relationship between the quality and pool of candidates and the salary offered. He gave an overview of salaries in surrounding towns. There was discussion of a one year contract versus a three year contract. Mr. MacDonald explained the importance of a three year contract. Anything less than a three year contract would decrease the pool of candidates. Candidates would not relocate for a one year deal. It would also be tough to gauge a performance in one year. Mr. Stohlman moved to elect a three year contract for the position of the Superintendent. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0. Mr. Stohlman moved that the salary for the incoming Superintendent be between $ 75,000 and $ 85,000. Mrs. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Shannon stated that he could not support the maximum salary. The vote was 4 -2. Mr. Cummings and Mr. Shannon voting against. Budget FY1996 - Review of Tom Stohlman's Revenue Analysis Mr. Stohlman explained his Revenue Analysis. Mr. Hechenbleikner stated that the revenue figures have been updated twice since Mr. Stohlman obtained his data. Peter will give Dr. Munnelly updated revenue sheets on March 14, 1995. ADJOURN At 11:15 P.M. Mr. Stolman moved that they moved to Executive Session for the purpose of union negotiations. The committee intended to return to open session after their executive session meeting. Mr. Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matt Cummings Robin D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey The committee did return from executive session to open session. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MARCH 13. 1995 NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED RTSF. rRRR Dr. Munnelly recommended that the Rise tuition be raised from $ 900 to $ 1,000 per year. This increase would make the tuition comparable with tuition at surrounding preschools. Mr. Shannon had a conflict with the tuition being comparable. When space is rented, it is rented out below the market rate. Mr. Twomey stated that Rise is just trying to generate enough revenue to run itself. MR. SHANNON MOVED TO INCREASE THE RISE TUITION FROM $ 900 PER YEAR TO _$ 1,000 PER YEAR. MR. CUMMINGS SECONDED THE MOTION. THE VOTE WAS 5 -0 -1 WITH MRS. D'ANTONA ABSTAINING. CLASSROOM PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AGE SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS Dr. Munnelly explained that we are in need of a Middle School Special Needs Program for four youngsters. The existing middle school inclusion program has been in place for two years. There will be two more children of middle school age this fall. There is no room at present for a substantially separate classroom program. The existing middle school students are spending time in one -to -one instruction in a separate room that was once a book storage room. Even an inclusion program needs a room with proper lighting and ventilation. Dr. Munnelly has a plan that, with work, may suit the needs of the students. The plan would be to start a substantially separate class at Coolidge Middle School for the Reading students who need the program and three SEEM students. The program could probably move to the new Parker when it opens. It would require the purchase or lease of portable classrooms from a Maine firm which refurbishes them. We would set up the substantially separate classroom in a regular classroom and place whatever was in the classroom in the portable classrooms. The Developmentally Disabled students would not be isolated from the rest of the students. They could participate in physical education, plays, assemblies, lunch periods etc. with the student body. If we had a program, SEEM would some of the cost. Some of this leasing the portable. Mr. Cummings asked what classroc indicated that it will be a Math Cummings noted that the portables smaller than a regular classroom. sent three student thus sharing money would offset the cost of n would be moved. Dr. Munnelly classroom or any other one. Mr. are about one hundred square feet REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MARCH 13 1995 NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Mr. Cummings remarked that four students who were integrated into the current program would now be substantially separate. He did not know if that was right. Dr. Munnelly stated that the students currently spend a lot of time in their current space which was once a book closet. It has poor lighting and could have ventilation problems. The total cost of the project would be approximately $ 120,000 not including utilities. Again the program needs more work. This would still be cheaper than outside placements. These costs are not in the FY96 budget. Mr. Cummings explained that he did not have enough information. It is not known if the current IEP's would even allow this. Dr. Munnelly explained that he is still problem solving. There are four middle school age special needs students that are entitled to an education. We have a teacher. We do not have a classroom. The time spent with other children is the high point of their day. If they move to another place, the four students will not have contact with students their own age. Mr. Cummings asked what is wanted from the School Committee at this juncture? Coolidge is bulging at the seams at this time. This is a problem with a cost. There is no expectation that the approved IEP's could be modified to accomplish this. Dr. Munnelly explained that after this briefing he could have the staff, parents and Ted Cohen begin work on this project. To make this come alive we have to go to the drawing board. He is not looking for the School Committee to be wildly excited about his plan just consider it to be a reasonable plan to explore with the staff. Every solution will be expensive. There will be roadblocks. All avenues need to be explored. Mr. Twoomey stated that no other solution will be less expensive. He asked if this cost should be include in the budget for the FinCom. He wanted to know if the parents would go along with such a plan. Dr. Munnelly explained that they would sit down with each parent and see if they agree. He would like to keep things moving forward. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 MARCH 13 1995 NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Mr. Twomey mentioned that it was a lot of money not to be in the budget. Mr. Shannon stated that it is better to have some money put in the budget now than to find out late in the year what the needs are and have no money put aside. He explained that Dr. Munnelly is just trying to let us know that there will be a cost. We won't know the actual cost until we are there. Mrs. D'Antona agreed that it is a lot of money but look at the cost of private placement. Mr. Twomey asked if we could look into it (Dr. Munnelly's plan) a little more. It is a viable alternative. Dr. Munnelly stated that he had to have an answer for SEEM. Dr. Munnelly went on to say that there may be a potential latex - allergy situation at Killam for a particular grade one student. The allergy has life threatening complications. He does not know how it will play out. TRANSITION CLASS - THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM AT BARROWS We have a new need. We have seven children in preschool who, by age, are ready for kindergarten but are not able to be placed in a regular kindergarten class of twenty plus children. Dr. Munnelly went on to propose a transition class for these students using the space and teacher at Barrows. There will be no need this coming year for a .4 substantially separate class serving students grade 1 -5. Dr. Munnelly recommends that the School Committee go this way. Mrs. D'Antona asked why it was a full day program. Dr. Munnelly explained that half the day would be like regular kindergarten and the remaining time would be used for services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy etc. He also stated that this is a program for seriously handicapped and severely developmentally delayed student. There is no time during a regular kindergarten day for services. It is not known if the children could take a whole day. We are still working out the details. We have to change our programs to suit the needs of the students. Mr. Cummings asked about the cost. Dr. Munnelly explained that there is always need for more than we have. We are planning to get by with what we have. There should not be any new costs. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 MARCH 13, 1995 Mr. Richards was asked about the Assistant Superintendent replacement. He will update the committee in two weeks. Mr. Stohlman asked if the selectmen had any suggestions about the budget not connected with an override. Mr. Twomey answered that he did not ask them. ADJOURN MR. CUMMINGS MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 12:35 A.M. THE VOTE WAS 5 -0. MR. SHANNON LEFT AT 12:10. SUSAN CAVICCHI MATT CUMMINGS ROBIN D'ANTONA THOMAS STOHLMAN TIMOTHY TWOMEY R ectful S bmitted, Dennis Richards Interim Superintendent