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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-12 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 12, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular school committee session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Birch Meadow Cafetorium. All members were present. Also present were Interim Superinten- dent Dennis Richards, Interim Assistant Superintendent Patsy Baugh, Student Council Represent- ative to the School Committee Christine Cerratani, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Chair Twomey passed the gavel to Ms. Cerratani to chair the meeting. ROUTINE MATTERS BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: May 30, 1995 - Bills - $146,540.64 June 5, 1995 - Bills - $ 10,421.11 June 12, 1995 - Bills - $ 3,264.23 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: June 2, 1995 - Biweekly - $125,704.32 May 26, 1995 - Teachers - $454,621.56 June 9, 1995 - Teachers - $451,912.24 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizen input. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL INTERINI-SUPERINTENDENT- COOLIDGE PRINCIPAL Interim Superintendent Richards announced the name of Jeffrey L. Cryan as the next principal of the Coolidge Middle School. He welcomed Mr. Cryan back to Reading and stated he will be an outstanding principal. He informed School Committee members that Mr. Cryan worked as a teacher at Parker Middle School, a department head at Coolidge Middle School and then at Parker Middle School from 1976 to 1992. He received the Berger Exemplary Teacher Award in 1991. Currently he is Assistant Principal at Mansfield Middle School in Storrs, Connecticut. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 12 1995 Mr. Cryan graduated with high honors in 1973 from the University of Connecticut with his B.A. and has a Master of Arts in Teaching degree fi-om Brown University and a Master of Arts in English degree from the University of Massachusetts/Boston. In 1987 he received a Certificate in Advanced Study from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Administration. OTHER Mr. Spadafora reported as the Teen Center liaison that they are networking for options for a home center. Approximately 125 students have been meeting with other towns in the area and have attended social events together. PERSONNEL (out of order) Mr. Richards reviewed the Personnel Report 95 -5 dated June 12, 1995. He outlined the certified teachers who will be taking a leave of absence - Barrows SEEM /LD Primary teacher Kathleen Gregory, RMHS Science teacher Sherrill Cook and Birch Meadow Grade One teacher Deborah O'Leary a one year (1995 -96) child rearing leave, and Catherine Giles and Martha Krauch who are on Family Leave. Resignations were accepted from RNIHS Science teacher Tirrell Elliott - Hart and Birch Meadow Speech and Language pathologist Patricia Herrington effective at the close of the 1994 -95 school year. Mr. Richards advised that resignations were accepted from non - certified personnel also - Jan MacKay, a RMHS Basketball Cheerleading Advisor and Deborah O'Connor an Instructional Aide at Parker. VISITORS: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS DISCUSSION Interim Assistant Superintendent Dr. Baugh prefaced the Elementary School Improvement Plans stating the goals are the same as last year. Education Reform requirements for Time and Learning, the elimination of the general track and what we teach are the changes made in the improvement plans. Barrows Principal Charles Papandreou and School Council Parent Theresa Campbell presented the School Improvement Plan for Barrows. Mr. Papandreou highlighted three areas School Culture, Curriculum, and Professional Development. He noted one of the goals under School Culture will be that Barrows will monitor existing plans, complete unmet goals, and address future safety concerns in order to provide a safe environment for learning and personal well - being. He added that the Barrows community envisions creating a learning environment that celebrates diversity and tolerance and emphasizes perseverance, consistent effort, and personal responsibility REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 12 1995 to achieve one's best, and to close the gap between the school's espoused values and the individual's actions. Their goal will be to help develop in children the self discipline and skills necessary to behave responsibly and get along with others in their daily lives. Mr. Papandreou went on to explain the vision of Professional Development: All children are capable of learning and, in order to meet the diverse learning needs of these students, Barrows aims to develop an awareness of what is meant by an inclusive environment, improve confidence in accommodating a varied population, and acquire competence in a variety of instructional strategies. The goal would have the staff at Barrows continue to implement the model outlined in The Barrows School Inclusion Profile: 1993 by including students in a safe, secure, age - appropriate environment where their educational and related needs can be satisfactorily addressed. Principal Papandreou outlined the vision of alternative assessment stating the Barrows staff aims to establish an assessment culture in which curriculum and instructional practices respond to individual differences in abilities and interests. Therefore, there is a need to explore options which provide alternative forms of assessment, and are supported by classroom practices in which students reflect on the quality of their own work. Their goal for the staff will be to assist in developing standards, documenting teaching strategies and instructional practices which allow for the utilization of alternative methods of assessment. He provided the progress of staff members who participated in Richard Strong's summer work- shop and two subsequent teacher training days that focused their efforts on developing standards for the assessment of reading, writing, and communication skills, as well as the development of a variety of thinking strategies. These staff members are giving informative overviews to the teaching staff, and sharing the results of their pilot applications of rubrics. Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson welcomed the Administration and the School Committee to Birch Meadow School. He introduced two parents from the School Council, Denise Gallagher and Anthony Fisher. Mr. Davidson stated as a result of the Birch Meadow Community's input and assistance this past year, the School Council accomplished the following: - Installed telephones in all classrooms - Initiated After School Activities Program (ASAP) - Surveyed parents regarding curriculum night format - Formed new safety committee (stressed full time nurse needed) - Developed guidelines for homework expectations (included in parent handbook) - Provided professional development opportunities for the staff in the areas of Inclusion, Writing Process, and Technology - Discussed alternative student assessment tools and approaches -Gave focus to student transition from first to second grade REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 12 1995 - Surveyed needs and choices for parent workshops and provided appropriate workshop: Carol Darcy presented workshop on children's literacy and writing. Mr. Fisher spoke about Goal 1, School Environment. He stated the Birch Meadow School will provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for the personal well being of students, staly, parents, and community members. Mr. Fisher said there is a continuing need to monitor automobile traffic flow at the front and rear of the building during arrival and dismissal times. He reviewed the action steps of Goal 1 and advocated a full time nurse. Mr. Fisher highlighted Goal 2, Communication - The Birch Meadow School will continue to communicate its expectations and standards, regarding curriculum and programming in a more effective manner and explained their action steps. He continued with Goal 3, Meet Individual Learning Needs - The Birch Meadow School will strive to meet the learning needs of its individual students effectively and finished with their action steps. Principal Davidson informed the School Committee that his staff is committed to Professional Development and have attended over 35 workshops. Next year they will do the following- -set goals with teachers - continue workshops around technology - continue focus on process writing - continue focus on inclusion -staff wants to do more with Gifted and Talented - parent education - communication between staff members - provide training to meet individual students needs within the classroom Mr. Davidson told the audience the students raised $700 for the victims of Oklahoma. When asked about the parent responses to the surveys, Ms. Gallagher stated two similar surveys have been done and it is time to change the format and have more verbal response. Mr. Cummings asked how gifted and talented students are being handled. Mr. Davidson stated when the program left there was a void. Training and resources need to be made available. Eaton Principal Jennifer Page introduced School Advisory Council Members parent and co -chair James O'Leary and Community Representative Andrew Connolly. Mr. O'Leary discussed Target Area II with the 1994 -95 desired outcome for technology: The school incorporated information technology within the appropriate subject area. He explained REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 12 1995 the progress that was made in that area: Faculty Work Group, Parent Advisory Committee on Technology, Staff Development, and Creation of a PTO Computer Fund. He addressed the Target Area III: Before and After School Activities and the desired outcome to address the needs of both children and parents before and after school activities. Mr. O'Leary noted in 1994 -95 the JEEP (Joshua Eaton Enrichment Program) was conducted after - school for children four days a week. He stated in 1995 -96 they will assess whether there are on -going unmet needs in activities for children before and after school. Regarding Target Area IV: Communications, Mr. O'Leary stated the desired outcome for 1994 - 95 was to achieve the optimal level of communications sufficient to inform parents, staff members, students, and the community at large of school /home processes, events, and issues which affect these constituencies. He noted that the Principal invited parent input in the student placement process in the spring. For 1995 -96 Mr. O'Leary stated they will provide a level of communication between the various school constituencies sufficient to ensure a community informed about curriculum, events, and processes which affect the school community and sufficient to ensure feedback and participation in appropriate decision- making processes. Mr. O'Leary addressed the 1995 -96 desired outcome for Technology stating the staff will incorporate information technology within the appropriate subject areas and in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices. Principal Page advised that the PTO is supplying staff development as a major thrust for next year. Mr. O'Leary responded to the Interim Superintendent's question about the communication link stating there was a fair amount of interest generated by the surveys but this year the council will hold more open meetings to encourage parents' concerns and needs. Killam Principal Paul Guerrette introduced Co -Chair Karen Macari and parent Robert Landsvik. He also introduced parent Ellen Mounteer who will be on the School Council next school year. Ms. Macari reviewed Goals 1 and 2. Goal 1: Alignment of the instructional practices and expectations of Killam's literacy program. Goal 2: To better meet the needs of all children including those who are academically advanced. Principal Guerrette spoke about Goal 3 and Goal 4. Goal 3: To evaluate and make recommendations regarding issues related to school safety. Goal 4.. To develop recommendations for the use of technology in the classroom. He stated technology is a major goal. He said staff needs to understand how technology can make a difference in the classroom and added parent training will continue. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 12 1995 Interim Superintendent Richards asked about Odessy of the Mind? Mr. Guerrette replied it is to involve students into a problem solving community and then demonstrate a way each child may shine. The Administration thanked participants for this presentation and all of the School Council for their hard work to establish the goals and plans for their particular School Improvement Plans. PRESENTATION OF NEXT STEP PROGRAM Mr. Richards stated the Next Step Program is for Preschoolers with needs going to kindergarten. The Director of Pupil Personnel, Bill O'Connell stated the needs include a full day program, integration with regular education students, small grouping, developmental curriculum, and ancillary set-vices (OT, PT, SP &L, Vision Therapy, Behaviorist, Mobility). He went on to explain the structure - - -RISE next step children would spend roughly 1/2 day in Kindergarten and 1/2 day in a .4 setting. Students with substantial needs may spend more than 1/2 day in the .4 setting. - -Class size would be limited to 12 regular students and 6 RISE students in 2 Kindergarten classes. -- Classes would rotate -- Therapies would be delivered from the .4 and inclusionary Kindergarten setting -- Typical Kindergarten students would be assigned to the Next Step Program based on the prerogative of the Principal Mr. O'Connell explained the conceptual understanding: a.m. Kindergarten 1 full -time regular Kindergarten teacher and regular Kindergarten Aide the .4 a.m. setting would include 1 full -time SPED teacher, SPED tutor, and SPED aide. He stated the tutor position is of the greatest interest. Mr. O'Connell did a cost comparison of the NEXT Step program of $35,183 as opposed to Without NEXT Step of $79,302. RISE teacher Vickie Griffin stated there are 7 children in her program now, and if each of these children were in separate schools with an aide their cost would add up to a substantial amount. Mr. Twomey asked about the budgetary costs for FY96. He added for the larger picture the School Committee needs more information for the budget. He asked that School Committee direct the Administration to come back with more information - to see about relocating Next Step to Killam- to see what the Kindergarten size would be at Barrows and to look into the large class sizes in Grade 2 at Barrows for aide time. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 12 1995 A parent asked the School Committee to look at last years commitment that assured them that there would not be another year of 27 students in a class room. Another parent stated Barrows is the only elementary school not handicap accessible. A parent requested FinCom and Selectmen to look at the growing numbers in the kindergarten class and to provide money for portables. OLD BUSINESS PARKER STATUS REPORT Interim Superintendent stated Parker's plans have been submitted to SBAB and presented a pro- gress report so we can go out to bid. Design Partnership's Dave Finney stated we are approximately $6,000 below the budget. He added that the bid market is better than estimated. He agreed that handicapped accessible was not given a varience. He asked that it be reconsidered and School Committee give a statement. Mr. Twomey asked Mr. Finney to prepare a draft statement for the School Committee chair to support a varience on the access to the balcony at Parker. Mr. Stohlman moved to support that draft. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion The vote was 5 -0 (Mr. Cummings was not present for the motion.) Mr. Stohlman moved to proceed with the bids on the Parker Project Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 (Mr. Cummings was not present for the motion.) JOSHUA EATON CHANGE ORDER #8 Mr. Stohlman moved to approve Change Order #8 for the amount and work described on enclosure D -2 for Change Proposals # 14A #14B and 15 Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion The vote was 6 -0. FY96 BUDGET HOLD LIST DISCUSSION Interim Superintendent Richards outlined his prioritized list for FY96 budget items to place on hold. Staff as outlined totaled $226,000 and Services totaled $134,900 a total of $360,900. Dis- cussion followed with Mr. Richards saying he would keep all of this on hold and develop a more indepth analysis to come back with later. Mr. Cummings moved to put a hold on the amount of $360,900, as identified in the memorandum dated June 12, 1995, until we can come back with a recapitulation. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 12 1995 ADJOURN Christine Cerratani expressed that she was happy to have been involved with the school com- mittee and enjoyed acting as chair this evening. Mr. Cummings moved to adjourn from regular session to executive session for discussions related to negotiations with union and non -union personnel. He stated the school committee would return to open session. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous Susan Cavicchi, Matthew Cummings, Roberta D'Antona, Robert Spadafora Thomas Stohlman and Timothy Twomey CALL BACK TO ORDER Chair- Twomey called the regular session back to order at 11:15 p.m. in the Birch Meadow Cafetorium with all members present. Interim Superintendent Richards and Interim Assistant Superintendent Baugh retired for the evening. SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION PROCESS UPDATE Members of the School Committee reported on the site visits they had with Town officials, principals, and staff of each of the candidates for the position of Superintendency. The adjectives that were used for Dr. Malcolm Patterson included a good listener, respects staff, curriculum guru, quiet leader, inspirational, high standards, careful records of problems with staff, handles himself well with the Town Manager, has elementary school experience, spouse is involved with the Bellingham community, introduced an alternative high school computer program through the Oracle connection, adaptable, visionary and noted that Bellingham spends less on each student than Reading does. A concern was expressed that Dr. Patterson was not a budget person. It was quick to note that similar adjectives were used for Dr. Harry Harutunian. Confident, quick, understands quality information, prefers collaboration, concensus maker, conservative, under- stands fiscal problems, kids are #1, masterful, articulate, follows up with thank you notes to principals and teachers, no ego problem, excellent communicator, has a gift for faces and names, avoids grievances and is an excellent negotiator. One negative is that he works too hard. Speaking about Dennis Richards it was noted that he is agressive, accessible, action business minded, clear, collegial relationships, consistent, emotionally healthy, encouraging, excellent rapore with parents, gentle, gentleman, human, inspirational leader, likeable, logical, no ego, open minded, problem solver, good sense of humor, trustworthy, works very hard, unassuming, one of us, calm demeanor, very perceptive, very well respected, inspirational, and brings people together. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 1221995 Comparisons were discussed. It was noted that Dr. John Krewer will not be having on site visits and the members felt they would not be able to judge clearly. Chair Twomey requested School Committee members to consider all three candidates and to come back for further discussion on the 20th of June at 7:30 p.m. NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL COMMITTEE REORGANIZATION Chair Twomey passed the gavel to the secretary so all members could participate in the election of the chair and co -chair positions of the School Committee for 1995 -96. For the chair position, Ms. D'Antona placed Matthew Cummings' name on the ballot and Mr. Spadafora placed Thomas Stohlman's name on the ballot. Nominations were closed. Mr. Twomey moved on the nominations and the 4 -0 -2 (Thomas Stohlman and Robert Spadafora) vote in favor of Matthew Cummings who was then unanimously elected as the School Committee's new Chair for 1995 -96. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cummings thanked Mr. Twomey for his work as Chair. Ms. D'Antona moved to nominate Susan Cavicchi as the 1995 -96 Co -Chair for the School Committee. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous ADJOURN At 1:35 a.m. Mr. Twomey moved to adjourn from regular session Ms D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Robert Spadafora Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey espectful ubmitted, f. ry Har kun&n�h D. Superi tendent of Schools