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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-0-07 School Committee Minutes READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Cummings called the regular School Committee meeting to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 6:30 p.ni. All members were present with the exception of Ms. D'Antona, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Harry K. Harutunian and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards. ADJOURN Mr_ Spadafora moved to adjourn to executive session at 6:35 p.m. for the purpose of strategy discussion with respect to bargaining with union and nonunion personnel. Ms. Cavicchi second ed the motion. The motion was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings, Mr. SpadaforaMr. Stohlman and Mr. Twomey CALL TO ORDER Chair Cummings reconvened the School Committee meeting at 7:35 p.m. and welcomed the audience. All members were present with the exception of Ms. D'Antona, who was expected to arrive later and the new School Committee student representative Tom Dulong. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Assistant Superintendent Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: September 5, 1995 - Bills - $152,926.32 August 28, 1995 - Bills - 70,321.65 August 21, 1995 - Bills - 383,512.81 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: September I, 1995 - Teachers - $479,310.78 August 25, 1995 - Biweekly - 48,169.31 August 18, 1995 - Biweekly - 174,323.79 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 LIAISON REPORTS There were no liaison reports. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Superintendent Harutunian reported the Administrative Council has asked School Committee members to visit the school of their choice during the first week in October and May. Members thought this was a good idea. Dr. Harutunian requested that they call the office and advise what school they would prefer. PERSONNEL INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS FOR 1995 - 1996 Dr. Harutunian welcomed the principals and the new hires to the School Committee meeting. He introduced the new principal of Coolidge Middle School John Doherty and the new Interim Pupil Personnel Director Joann Testaverde. He continued by introducing the new teachers at Birch Meadow Elementary: Doreen Bentubo Grade 3 Tracy Carter Resource Room K-3 Moderate Special Needs Tiffany Poor Grade 5 I3arrows Principal Papandreou came forward and introduced the new teachers at his school: Marsha Durbano Kindergarten Jennifer DellaPietra. Grade I Karen Cooper SEEM Next Step Killam Principal Guerrette introduced the new teachers at his school: Catherine Doherty Grade 1 Stacy Grayton Grade 1 Craig Kunker .5 Physical Education Anita Petrocelli Grade 1 Stacey Hartwell Grade 1 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 Principal Page of the Eaton Elementary School introduced the new teachers in her school: Julie Valiton Grade 1 Kimberly Glendon Grade 2 William Lewis Grade 5 Margaret Marcus Resource Room Carla Ricci-Piper Guidance Psychologist Parker Principal Delaney introduced the new teachers in his school: Amy Ropple Art Rhea Orion Consumer Science Principal Doherty introduced the new teachers he hired for the Coolidge Middle School: Elizabeth Nielson Science Toni Rogan Science Reading Memorial 1 ligh School Principal Mirkin introduced the new teachers in her school: Tracy Rellemare Guidance Department Sheila Clapp Mathematics Amy Swenbeck-Fedele Special Education Michael Ganshirt Science Nancy Geljokian Nurse Mary Ann Lynn 4/5 Science Wendy Sirk English Chair Cummings welcomed the new staff. OLD BUSINESS LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM Assistant Superintendent Richards explained how the time element has been developed with teachers from Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools. He noted that they wanted to be sure the homeroom periods, that meet once in the 6 day cycle, relate to The Common Core of Learning. Principal Doherty introduced the teachers from Coolidge Middle School who have worked together on this. On overheads, Louise DiCarlo, Mary Fuller and Mark Burton explained some of the materials that were used for discussion purposes. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 Ms. Fuller highlighted materials used to help students understand better - "The Golden Buddha" that explored reasons why people build walls around themselves, "The King and His Hawk" that looked into misplaced anger, and "The Miracle Worker" that explained choices. Mr. Burton noted everyone became involved in the Politeness Campaign. There were slogan banners in homerooms that highlighted kindness and common courtesies. He also explained the SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) and added how there were students who discovered it a pleasure to read. There were also assemblies. Ms. DiCarlo explained how the life skills period relates to The Common Core. 1. Read, write and communicate effectively 2. Define, Analyze and solve complex problems 3. Study and work effectively 4. Demonstrate personal, social and civic responsibility 5. Acquire, integrate and apply essential knowledge G. Use mathematics, the arts, computer and other technologies effectively Parker Principal Delaney invited teachers from his school who also were involved in The Common Core to come forward. They included Kathy Jacobitz, Diane Ketlak, Pat Zona and Kathy Daly. Ms. Jacobitz reviewed the goals of the Common Core and the middle school philosophy. She added they looked objectively at the program they had and then developed the Success Oriented Strategies (S.O.S.). Ms. Ketlak stated the Parker community recognizes the fact that middle school students have special physical, cognitive, affective and social needs. She added that they have developed the Success Oriented Strategies program which reflects their commitment to both the Common Core and the unique needs of the middle school student. Ms. Daly outlined the objectives of the S.O.S. Program as follows: to provide school orientation to facilitate communication regarding school-related issues to develop organizational and time management skills as they relate to academic success to promote camaraderie and a sense of group belonging by providing situations which teach students to work cooperatively in a nonacademic setting to develop in students a sense of responsibility as individuals and as members of a group to provide a forum in which students explore adolescent issues and develop interpersonal skills to promote the school's core values REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 Ms. Iona explained the scope and sequence of the program and demonstrated the binder that has the S.O.S. information and resources for each class room and guide books. Ms. Ketlak stated the organized focus for teachers with a plan for Grades 6, 7, and 8. She added that this is an ongoing process and that staff has been overwhelmingly responsive. Questions from the School Committee were then entertained. In response: Principal Doherty stated something will need to be published to explain the program to parents. Students become involved through a representative from each homeroom. Assistant Superintendent Richards ended by thanking the people who worked on this throughout the summer. BUSSING Superintendent Harutunian explained that Suburban Transportation has made arrangements to continue as the Reading Schools carrier. NEW BUSINESS CHANGE ORDERS FOR PARKER PROJECT The Superintendent stated the classrooms at Parker Middle School must be ready by August 2, 1996. I le asked Russ Graham to speak about his concerns. Mr. Graham expressed concern over the $5,000 cap and asked for a cap of$20,000 or $25,000 on the Change Orders for Parker Middle School. Rich Radville, the architect who will oversee the Parker Project, along with the Clerk of the Works, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, the Principal, and the contractor, stated he will continue to report on the Change Orders that will not need a formal vote. He added that TLT construction can drive a program hard and fast. Chair Cummings expressed concern about architectural omissions and errors and stated he wants to approve the Change Orders. He asked for the detail and back up to the $500,000 contingency. Dr. Harutunian asked that in the case of errors and omissions on the part of the architect he would bring them to the Chair for approval. Ms. D'Antona on the recommendation of the Administration, moved the cap for non- discretionary within the scope of the project for Change Orders up to $25,000 to be approved by the Superintendent. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 ENROLLMENT REPORT The preliminary school enrollment figures for grades K-12 and the breakdown of class size in the four elementary schools were provided. The Superintendent noted that there was a slight increase from 3,843 as of October I, 1994 to 3,958 for September 5, 1995. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SEPTEMBER 8, 9, 1995 RETREAT Dr. Harutunian stated the School Committee retreat would be held at the Senior Center on September 8 and 9 at 1 p.m. BUDGET FY 1996 Dr. Flarutunian stated that the six accounts, Administration, Regular Day, Special Needs, Support Services, Athletics, Custodial/Maintenance, were reconciled to the best of our ability. He asked School Committee to note that the large increase under Administration reflects the $208,000 that had been placed there for salary adjustments for FY96. He added that on pages 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15 on the far right-hand column there is a column entitled Notes. He asked to have the opportunity to discuss with the Committee how we should handle the position that is a recom- mended cut, Technology Coordinator. The Superintendent stated in the area of tuition-private has been under funded by approximately $301,000, and in the area of public-tuition it has been under funded by $85,000. It appears that $489,440 additional dollars needs to be added to the Special Education account to get us through the FY96 year. By adding from these accounts In the negative column: Administration $77,489 Special Needs $489,440 Regular Day $75,230 Support Services $ 2,636 Athletics $12,500 Custodial/Maintenance $49 329 Total $492,076 Total $214,548 Negative Column $492,076 Adding Column -$214548 (any more than that would have an effect on our children) Total $277,528 Therefore, after making every reasonable attempt to offset the additional cost in Special Needs and Support Services by utilizing Administration, Regular Day, Athletics and Custodial/Mainten- ance there appears to be a shortfall of almost $280,000. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 Ile asked that we seek more money if needed in the Spring and inform Town Meeting of the $277,528 in the Fall. in response to a School Committee question, Dr. Harutunian replied the Special Education en- rollment increased and there may be 4 students that have to be placed out. He expressed his dis- appointment with the SEEM Collaborative, stating we are not getting everything we need from them. The Superintendent added reports will come monthly so we will know where the free cash is. Chair Cummings remarked on the increased enrollment and requested projections be done more frequently. The Superintendent commented on the major void in the elementary schools of a Technological Coordinator. He presented his recommendation Task Force representative Jim Biller presented the Technology "Nuts & Bolts" recommendations dated October 13, 1994 as follows: 1. Hire a Technology Coordinator 2. Hire a technology technician/trainer 3. Allocate an additional $50,000 to $100,000 for FY96. This would invite any stall member or group within the school system to submit grant requests for specific technology programs. 4. Beginning in FY96 to provide a comprehensive program of staff development in technolo- gical issues. 5. As soon as possible, the School Department and Town of Reading should enter into an agreement with any potential cable system providers to provide data pathways within and between all schools and town government buildings, and make plans for eventual connection of these pathways to outside networks. 6. As soon as possible, provide a significant number of desktop workstations in every school, as well as in other Town of Reading facilities such as the Public Library, town government offices and the senior center. 7. A portion of the network of desktop systems would be located in the various school Library/Media Centers. Mr. Biller suggested getting some companies to support this innovation in the schools. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 SEPTEMBER 7, 1995 Mr. Spadafora moved that the School Committee recommend support to fund a $30 000. K-5_ confuter Coordinator. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion followed with Mr. Stohl- man suggesting an addendum that it should be a computer teacher who would coordinate our elementary schools. Mr. Spadafora added and when needed in the grades 6-12. The Superinten- dent stated the individual would report to him. Mr. Stohlman continued asking that the School Committee makes sure the FinCom understands that we know where the money is coming from. Dr. Harutunian said he is very sensitive to that and would assure the FinCom Chair that none of the $214,000 would be used for this. Chair Cummings stated he would not be supporting this effort. He added the school principals do not support having this position at this time. Ms. Cavicchi believes the position is needed but felt we should wait until the Spring Town Meeting. Mr. Stohlman agreed with Mr. Cummings and said he would like the money in hand before we spend it. Mr moved tout the motion on the table until we find a way to fund it. Ms, Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and Ms. D'Antona and Mr. Cummings voting against the motion. Mr. Cummings suggested putting this on the agenda for the next meeting. ADJOURN At 11 :30 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn from regular session. Ms._D'Antona seconded_ the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey Respectfully submitted, (4( '6 Harry Harutunian, Ph.D Superintendent of Schools