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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-06-20 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 20, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session of the School Committee to order at T30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of March 20, 1995. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion_ An addition was made and acknowledged. The vote was 5 -0 -1 with Mr. Spadafora kstainin& Mr. Twomey moved to approve the minutes of March 27, 1995. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Changes were made and acknowledged. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of May 8, 1995. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT Chair Cummings stated that the Interim Superintendent Richards reported that Town Meeting approved the School Committee's request for $250,000 for the closure of the School Department's FY95 budget. Mr. Twomey, on behalf of the School Committee, complimented Peter Hechenbleikner, Richard Foley, Beth Klepeis, Dennis Richards and Matthew Cummings for their help and support. Mr. Cummings reminded the committee that a second vote will need to be taken regarding a policy vote and procedures to be put in place for the budget as soon as possible. Mr. Twomey asked that it be put on the next agenda. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 20 1995 Chair Cummings requested the School Committee to provide guidance to the Interim Superin- tendent for the Coolidge Middle School's new principal's salary range. Mr. Twomey moved that the Interim Superintendent be given the discretion to give a salary cap not to exceed $65,000. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Chair Cummings read into the record Dennis Richards' letter to withdraw his name from the Superintendent position. He noted that Mr. Richards stated he would return to his position as Assistant Superintendent when the new Superintendent comes on board. Several members of the School Committee expressed their disappointment of his withdrawal. Chair Cummings requested members to come to a closure on the contract and salary arrangements for the next Superintendent. The consensus was $80,000 for the first year, ending .June 30, 1997. Vacation time was discussed and the consensus was four (4) weeks per year, after tenure one (I) day per year would be added on, not to exceed five (5) days. It was also noted that auto expenses for business use would need to be spelled out. Regarding Compensatory Leave it was decided to take this out of the contract. Mr. Stohlman moved to offer the successful candidate for the Superintendent position a letter of agreement. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Chair Cummings stated School Committee members had to focus in on the two remaining can- didates, Dr. Harutunian and Dr. Patterson. Although Dr. Krewer has not been eliminated it is unlikely that he be considered without a site visit. It was noted that we have two excellent candidates to choose from - that we are in a win win situation. Ms. Cavicchi reported on a phone call that she received that left a question in her mind regarding Dr. Harutunian. Other members related that they were most impressed with the working rela- tionship Dr. Harutunian has with teachers and members of the school system in Beverly. Mr. Twomey moved that the School Committee offer a conditional contract on the terms that were set forth earlier this evening, to Dr. Harry Harutunian for the Reading Public School Superintendent's position. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Discussion followed with the procedure as a. convention. The vote was 4 -2. (Roberta D'Antona and Susan Cavicchi Mr. Twomey- moved to make the vote unanimous in favor of Dr. Harry Harutunian__ Mr. Stladafora seconded the motion_The vote was unanimous. Chair Cummings stated lie would call Bill McDonald for his advice with the contract ready to be faxed in the morning and he would also call Dr. Harutuman. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 20 1995 School Committee members decided to cancel the planned meeting on Saturday, June 24th. Mr. Twomey stated if Dr. Harutunian was not prepared to accept the contract that the School Committee would work out an agreement with him in person. School Committee members suggested having an executive meeting first and earlier than the 7:30 p.m. scheduled regular meetings. The consensus was to try this arrangement on July I Oth. ADJOURN At-10;05 p.m. Mr. Stohlman moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of approving minutes and to review some of the fact finding; information for today. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona _Robert Spadafora Thomas Stohlman TmothXTwomey Respectfully submitted, Dennis Richards Interim Superintendent