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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-05-22 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MAY 22, 1995 PRESENTATION Chair Timothy Twomey recognized former School Committee member George Shannon and his family. He asked them to come forward so he could present Mr. Shannon with a plaque honoring George for the years of distinguished service to the Town of Reading as a School Committee member, 1985 -1995; as Chair of the School Committee, 1987 -89; and as a Town Meeting Member. Mr. Shannon was thanked for his many contributions to the community as a School Committee member. CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular session of the School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Staff Center. All members were present. Also present were Interim Superintendent Dennis Richards, Interim Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patsy Baugh, Student Representative Christine Cerratani and a reporter from the Chronicle. BILLS The warrants for bills were as follows: May 8, 1995 - Bills - $106,887.63 May 12, 1995 - Bills - $457,106.78 May 22, 1995 - Bills - $443,687.20 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: April 14, 1995 - Teachers - $459,425.58 April 28, 1995 - Teachers - $460,565.77 April 21, 1995 - Biweekly - $128,358.58 May 5, 1995 - Biweekly - $124,888.83 May 19, 1995 - Biweekly - $138,821.44 MINUTES Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the regular session minutes of April 24 1995. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 22, 1995 Ms. Cavicchi moved to approve the regular session minutes of May 1, 1995 Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked that in the second paragraph under School Choice it be noted that the sentence should read "can accept Reading students." The vote was unanimous. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizen's input this evening. GIFTS Interim Superintendent Richards acknowledged the gift of a Hewlett Packard Vectra VL2PC and Color Display valued at $1,433. He thanked Hewlett Packard for the gift. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Richards publicly thanked the RMHS Boys Soccer families and friends for hosting the 1995 Massachusetts Special Olympics Middlesex North Division 3 and 4 Basketball Qualifying Tournament on March 11. He stated we received a letter of thanks from the Massachusetts Special Olympics Committee. The Interim Superintendent announced that Coolidge Middle School Social Studies Chairperson Ellen Svenson has been named as one of six Bay State Global Education Teachers of the Year. This award is sponsored by the MA Geographical Alliance and Global Center in Worcester. She will be honored on May 25 at the State House. Ms. Svenson is also the recipient of a grant for the 1995 MA Geographical Alliance Summer Institute, Geography in Great Britain to be held at Chester College, England, July 1 -13. Also, Mr. Richards announced, Karen McCormick, Coolidge's Physical Education teacher, has recently become certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Interim Superintendent Richards congratulated the Coolidge Science Olympiad Team for their standing of ninth in the country. Science teacher Mr. Doherty informed the committee that the team received a gold medal, a silver medal, 2 bronze medals and honors in sixth place. VISITORS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL School Committee Student Representative and Student Advisory Council member Christine Cerratani introduced the members who were present from the Student Advisory Council. They REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 22 1995 included Mary VonEuw, Tara Vacarro, Tom Ensminger, Heather Shannon, Kate Chompsky- Higgins, and Marissa Freitas. Some of the issues they discussed were: .Vandalism /graffiti and smoking in the bathrooms Students have initiated that bathrooms be opened 5 minutes between classes and at lunch time. Steps taken by the Safe Homes Committee - parents and a students' contract that states students will not have a house party when parents are not home. Suggested improvements to the Decisions Course Mr. Alterio, head of the class, has informed the students that topics would cover: subjects and concerns relevant to the high school and students students will be able to speak about the good and bad at the school more discussion - less facts . "Safe and Healthy Environment" June 6th is Fly Up Day for eighth graders they will play ice breaker games have a barbecue . ask any questions they want Booklet being designed about sports and clubs at the high school Principal Mirkin stated the high school has received a $1,000 grant from the State titled "Words not Weapons." Ms. Mirkin added that this was the first year that students who received a grade of 83 or better could be exempt from finals. Christine Cerratani requested donations for Senior Week that includes Class Day and the banquet and all night party. Interim Superintendent Richards complimented the group and expressed he is looking forward to next years Student Advisory Council. PEER LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Jane Fiore an advisor to the Peer Leadership Group requested members of this group to speak. Marybeth Maggiore informed the School Committee of the work they have done to make students more aware of AIDS. They provided speakers, shirts and had a candlelight vigil on the common. Elizabeth VonEuw explained the healthy dating contract that over 300 students have signed. Marybeth Keneally spoke about peer pressure. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 22, 1995 Ms. Fiore advised that the group's program has been well supported. She added that next year will be their 10th reunion. She thanked the other advisors, Camille Visconte and Dot Quinn. Mr. Stohlman exclaimed how wonderful the program is and asked about people in the program who may have strayed and how the group deals with that problem. Beth VonEuw advised that the pros and cons of a no use policy will be worked out with all of the students and their advisors. Ms. Fiore advised every Fall the group decides on what mini training they want to partake in. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH SCREENING COMMITTEE Stanley Nissen, Chair of the Superintendent Search Screening Committee announced the other members of the committee: Joan Coco - parent, Bill Cowles - Parker Assistant Principal, Nancy Drexler - education consultant, Dennis LaCroix - parent, Keith Manville - principal of Beverly High School, Joan McKinnon - teacher at Killam, Nancy Stager - parent, Roberta D'Antona and Tom Stohlman - School Committee liaisons. Mr. Nissen outlined the number of decisions the committee followed in selecting the six semi- finalists. The paper screening and interviews of 23 applicants out of 54 that had been recommended to the screening committee were already performed by consultant, William Mac Donald of Winchester Associates. Six of the applicants dropped out leaving 17 to be interviewed by the committee. Mr. Nissen added that each candidate provided a written response as well as a summary at their interview. The interviews consisted of the candidates telling the committee about themselves and why they wanted to work in Reading. They then gave a verbal summary of the written response and then asked them questions and offered them the opportunity to ask the committee their questions. When interviews were completed the committee met May 18th to choose the six semi- finalists. They are as follows: Dr. Harry Harutunian - Assistant Superintendent in Beverly Dr. Gerald Kohn - Superintendent in Millburn, New Jersey Dr. John Krewer - Superintendent in Woodstock, Connecticut Mr. Paul Lengieza - Superintendent in Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts Dr. Malcolm Patterson - Superintendent in Bellingham, Massachusetts Mr. Dennis Richards - Assistant Superintendent & Interim Superintendent in Reading Mr. Nissen stated all six candidates were chosen by consensus vote. The candidates have been notified of their site visits and a decision will be made on June 26th. Audio - Visual teacher Joe Cain video taped the interviews and will put the six candidates' inter- views on one video. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 22, 1995 When asked by Mr. Spadafora what reasons a superintendent would come to Reading, Mr. Nissen replied 3 years was an average stay for a superintendent, want to return to this area and have an interest in Reading schools and the town. Chair Twomey outlined the dates they would be interviewing the candidates and advised site visits would begin on June 5th. READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNCILS Mr. Richards and Dr. Baugh have reviewed the School Improvement Plans and have worked together on the goals. Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin and parent Bruce MacDonald are the RMHS School Council Co- Chairs of the high school's 1995 -96 School Improvement Plan. Ms. Mirkin outlined some of the successes - In -house Professional Development has been developed, The Technology Goal is a concern - needs to be better funded, and The flexible schedule is creating a more effective comprehensive school. Mr. MacDonald added that RMHS is developing a 3 -year plan to eliminate the general track. Parker Middle School Principal Jack Delaney and parent Donna Martinson are the Parker Middle School Improvement Plan Council's Co- Chairs. Principal Delaney explained the goals that were prepared for last year. Political process for new school, Core values process - i.e. respect Technology Creation of an afternoon program for students Principal Delaney introduced a parent member, Steve Conner, who updated the goals for 1995. Mr. Conner stated they focused on qualitative rather than quantitative goals. Goal One - To see that the construction of the new building proceeds smoothly in terms of phasing and the full integration of technology. Goal Two - Implement year two of core values at Parker. Parent Donna Martinson continued with Goal Three - To prepare a learning time implementation plan which ensures quality learning experiences for all students and complies with new State regulations. She added they will have a rotation of members, keeping some older members and adding to size. Ms. Martinson stated there would be workshops for students on the core values - REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MAY 22 1995 respect and responsibility. She added some of the after school programs, 2:30 -4:30 a danger time for middle school students, will include math and computer courses, the school play and intramural sports. When asked by Ms. Cavicchi if the SBAB will fund technology aspects, Dr. Delaney replied anything that goes into that project will be funded by 66 %. Chair Twomey apprised the School Councils, School Administrations and the School Committee for working to make sure everything went in the same direction. COOLIDGE Parent John Carpenter stated the Coolidge Improvement Plan has a rotating chairmanship. Goals 1 -4 were developed in 1994 and Goals 5 and 6 in 1995. He stated Goal I was Core Values. Parent Carol Perletz stated Goal 2 - Meeting Diverse Learning Needs - rubrics terminology not just physical but intellectual needs. Mr. Carpenter continued with Goal 3 - Integration of Technology into the Curriculum, Goal 4 - Professional Development & Allocation of Professional Development Funds, Goal 5 - Student Learning Time Implementation and Goal 6 - Guiding the Effectiveness of Improvement Efforts. Mr. Carpenter stated the School Committee pulls the School Councils together. Ms. Cavicchi requested that the councils meet with the School Committee more than twice a year and that their meetings should have a council representative at their regular meetings. Ms. D'Antona advised that some schools do have a Town Wide Advisory for the purpose of councils and communication. She suggested that the councils exchange their minutes. Chair Twomey stated the principal at each school is the co -chair of the School Improvement Council and also a member of the Administrative Council. He thanked the School Councils for their information. OLD BUSINESS REDISTRICTING DECISIONS Parker Principal Delaney shared new information regarding the zones that could receive the services of a bus. Interim Assistant Principal Doherty stated they are looking at the siblings in Grades 5, 4 and 3. He advised that there are 6 students in Grade 5 with sibblings in lower grades and 15 Grade 6 students with siblings in Grade 5. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MAY 22 1995 Principal Delaney advised that there is a risk that students scheduled to go to Coolidge next year may need to go to a different school. He added if we do this next year families will not be displaced and he recommended that no student would be shifted over. Mr. Cummings added from his perspective this will relieve overcrowding at Coolidge, it will add space, eliminate large class sizes, the building will be state of the art and as a top priority - equalizes class sizes. Ms. Cavicchi expressed her concern about the cost of bussing. Coolidge Interim Principal Lou Adreani stated with nothing done 71 students will still need to be bussed. Mr. Stohlman expressed concernover the educational aspect and wants to be assured that the Grandfathering Rule will guarantee that Coolidge will not be overcrowded. Ms. D'Antona agreed and also encouraged the volunteer program. Mr. Stohlman moved to redistrict the areas depicted as the Blue, Yellow and Red Zones on the map into the Parker Middle School district. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Stohlman moved that we offer the opportunity to Grade 5 students in the new zone the option to attend Grade 6 at Parker with no guarantees that siblings will not follow at Coolidge. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cummings requested that the School Committee be updated as soon as possible noting his concern about splitting up families. Mr. Stohlman moved that a policy be adopted for the current Coolidge Grade 6 students to be given the option to attend Grade 7 at Parker next year with the understanding that whatever they choice they make siblings in those families will go to Parker. In addition to that the Administration aggressively communicate to the Coolidge parent community that we are seeking volunteers to go to Parker. Siblings identified on the enclosure would be given first priority in that kind of a transfer. The Chair suggested that if a parent volunteers their child it will be at no cost to the school system and the school system would be as equitable as they could with its resources. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Cummings opposing_ JOSHUA EATON: ROOF AND CHANGE ORDER Interim Superintendent Richards asked Dave Finney of Design Partnership to summarize his memo dated May 20, 1995. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MAY 22 1995 Mr. Finney advised that the final Birch Meadow budget indicates that a total of only $2,003 needs to be reallocated from the Eaton budget to the Birch Meadow budget. Eaton's budget has a surplus beyond the contingency of only $46,755 - less than previously calculated due to increases in some line items - noting the bonding cost line increased by $22,000. He added the total available for the Eaton roof, including $22,000 made available from the high school roof fund but not including contingency is $66,752. Mr. Finney stated the change order cost for all sections of the Eaton roof are $114,950. He continued by stating of the total construction contingency $170,305, a total of $99,789 has been committed, including pending changes for bow vents, asbestos removal and mechanical work. If we were to proceed with the entire roof project as a change order, we would commit $48,198 of this to the roof, leaving only $23,318 in contingency to complete the project. Mr. Finney noted asbestos would be under $1,000, that the major work is in the toilet areas. Mr. Graham stated if Section C is delayed it would delay closure. That the contractor would not be satisfied with an agreement to do the roof next summer. Mr. Richards advised the School Committee that although he does not want to put anything else on hold in the budget, he felt he needs to recommend that we move forward to replace the roof. Deal with contingency by putting other things on hold. Mr. Stohlman moved to accept Change Order Proposal #38 in the amount of $114,950 for the replacement of the existing, roof at Joshua Eaton Elementary School. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings amended the motion for the Administration to identify $35,000 to put on hold. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Stohlman moved to accept Change Order Proposal #39A in the amount of $7,523 for the installation of bow vents at Joshua Eaton Elementary School. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Richards added as an update that the Town does not supply water meters. FY 1995 BUDGET UPDATE PROPOSAL The Interim Superintendent reported that we have uncovered a potential shortfall of $250,000 in this fiscal year's budget. He added that he is working on developing answers to questions the School Committee might have. He noted that he sent a memo on May 1 st to principals, Mr. O'Connell and Mr. Lombardo to hold on all but essential purchase orders. Mr. Richards stated because of this situation he could see no way to avoid having a special Town Meeting. Mr. Richards continued with a draft proposal for addressing budgetary controls in the school budgets. He stated some of the reasons for the FY95 shortfall and outlined that the special needs REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 MAY 22 1995 budget is projected to be overdrawn by $225,000. He added that the overage in other budgets such as METCO and building maintenance did not materialize. Mr. Richards suggested possible methods for covering future shortfall as follows: 1. Use of revolving funds 2. Use of grant funds 3. Delay of bills and expenditures 4. Eliminate projects 5. Use of Town's reserve funds 6. Reduction of payments to staff 7. Transfer fi-om free cash at a special Town meeting Mr. Richards explained that this information was not known until Tuesday, May 16th, and he sent the information out on Friday. Chair asked Mr. Hechenbleikner about the $827,000 available free cash. The amount for next years budget, FY96, Town Accountant Mr. Foley said $95,000 was voted in as free cash. Mr. Cummings said last year moneys were deferred for $60,000 electric and track. This year transfers do not exist. Mr. Richards stated most of everything is SPED related. He added that some of the coding has not been done to the right accounts and that this will take time to track. Responding to Mr. Cummings, Mr. Richards stated the $50,000 in the early retirement account shows that the savings is more in the order of $10,000. Mr. Cummings presented additional comments as his response to a draft on budgetary control. Mr. Cummings stated he and Mr. Stohlman have been looking over expenditures and were reassured that the budget was in good standing. Mr. Richards noted trust has been lost and it will take time to gain it back. Mr. Stohlman moved that the School Committee go to the Selectmen to seek a Special Town Meeting for $250,000 from free cash. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. It was suggested that the School Committee ask the Selectmen to reserve the RMHS Auditorium for June 13th. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 MAY 22 1995 TIME AND LEARNING Interim Superintendent Richards presented the Time and Learning Proposals for the 1995 -96 School Year. Mr. Cummings moved on the recommendation of the Administration and the recommendation of the elementary principals of a 25 minute increase on Monday Tuesday Thursday and Friday leaving Wednesday as outlined on enclosure D -4. Ms D'Antona seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. Mr. Stohlman moved on the recommendation of the Administration and the Coolidge /Parker Advisory Committee to approve the schedule and to later come back with the content of the home room time. Noting it should be active learning time not passive learning time Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Cummings opposed Mr. Cummings moved that the high school day begin at 7-.45 a m and close at 2:21 p.m. as outlined on the enclosure. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NATURAL GAS Ms. Cavicchi left the School Committee meeting while Mr. Richards explained that the gas company is looking for the committee's recommendation to extend the gas line to the high school and Coolidge and Birch Meadow at no charge to the Town. Mr. Stohlman advised that the committee is studying the proposal. Mr. Hechenbleikner added that the Town would like to get all the oil tanks out of the ground and stated whatever was developed for Parker would be valid. He also requested the schools install gas boilers. Mr. Cummings asked to have that information at the next meeting. NEW BUSINESS LABOR COUNSEL Ms. D'Antona moved to continue with Attorney Drachman and his firm Deutsch Williams as labor counsel for the Reading School Committee at the current arrangement for FY96 at the current hourly rates. $135 for senior attorneys and $130 for associates, respectively. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. MILK AND ICE CREAM BEDS Mr. Cummings moved to award Crowley Foods as the aggregate low bidder for milk and straws for the school year 1995 -96. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion The vote was unanimous REGULAR SESSION MINUTES tl MAY 22 1995 Mr. Cummings moved to award New England Frozen Foods Company as the aggregate low bidder for ice cream for the school year 1995 -96. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. COOLIDGE PRINCIPAL SEARCH - FINALISTS Mr. Richards announced the Coolidge candidates under consideration - Jeff Cryan, John Doherty, Joseph Finigan, and Bob Quinn. ADJOURN At 12:37 a.m. Ms. D'Antona moved to adjourn to executive session for the purposes of bargaining with union and non union personnel. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Thomas Stohlman Robert Spadafora Timothy Twomey Respectfully submitted, Dennis Richards Interim Superintendent