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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-12-11 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11 1995 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Lecture Hall at Reading Memorial High School. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Student Representative to the School Committee Thomas DuLong, and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS VISITORS Dr. Harutunian invited Reading Memorial High School students Christine Vaccaro, who ranks #9 and Michael Thompson, who ranks #11 in the 1996 graduating class of 243, along with their families to come forward. The Superintendent highlighted several of the accomplishments these students have distinguished themselves with during their high school careers. He presented them with the 1995 Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent's Award. The Superintendent proudly announced that Reading Memorial High School's band was a runner up to play in the Rose Bowl Parade. Music Director Dave Bunten presented photographs of the band and football team to the Superintendent, Principal Mirkin, Athletic Director Vaccaro and Coach Kasprzak. Superintendent Harutunian stated a reception was held earlier this evening in the Reading Memorial High School Cafeteria by the School Committee for the football players, leaders of the band and the cheerleader co- captains. Athletic Director Phil Vaccaro recognized the football team's head coach, Tom Kasprzak and assistant coaches John Boughner, Bill Drummy, Jim Mogauro, John Fiore and Duane Sigsbury. He also congratulated the football team's captains Dave Pizzoti, Bill Robichaud and Chris Smith. On behalf of the football team and their coaches, Mr. Vaccaro thanked the Boosters and their president Chuck Schena, the Press Box people, Superintendent Dr. Harutunian and Principal Mirkin, and the use of the Weight and Training Room. Coach Kasprzak read the names of the twenty -five football players who will be graduating this year. On behalf of the football program, Coach Kasprzak presented the trophy of the Super Bowl to Athletic Director Vaccaro and Principal Mirkin. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 11, 1995 MINUTES Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of August 7 1995 Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1, Mr. Twomey abstained. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the minutes of October 2, 1995. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1, Mr. Twomey abstained. Ms Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of November 20, 1995. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of November 27 1995. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1, Mr. Cummings abstained. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: November 27, 1995 - Bills - $100,122.61 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: November 22, 1995 - Teachers - $495,206.66 LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Twomey reported School Committee members were unable to make the Police Site Committee meeting last week and stated the Administration and School Committee hopefully will be represented at the next Police Site Committee meeting. GIFTS Dr. Harutunian thanked the people at Hewlitt Packard Company and the Coolidge Middle School parents of students who work for the Hewlitt Packard Company for their generous gift of a computer. CITIZENS' REPORT There was no citizens' report this evening. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 11 1995 NEW BUSINESS RETREAT: AGENDA (DRAFT) AND DIRECTIONS Superintendent Harutunian advised the School Committee that their retreat would be held at Endicott College on December 16, 1995 beginning at 8:00 a.m. He outlined the agenda for the retreat that will include the following: • Superintendent's Entry Plan • A summary of comments of questions asked by those interviewed • School Committee Ground Rules • Superintendent's Goals and School Committee Goals from a dozen Superinten- dents and fifteen School Committees Chair Cummings stated he is compiling the information from the members of the School Committee regarding the Superintendent's evaluation. SET DATE FOR STUDENT ADVISORY MEETING Chair Cummings asked the Student Representative if an hour would be long enough for the Student Advisory discussion. It was determined the meeting should begin at 7:00 p.m. on January 22, 1996. INFORMATION AND PROPOSAL (out of order) Dr. Harutunian stated he would like to draft an article for the shortfall for the FY96 budget. Chair Cummings suggested he work with the Town Manager. The Superintendent reviewed the important dates that School Committee members should mark on their calendars. He noted that the Three Boards meeting for January 10, 1996 has been canceled and rescheduled for January 27th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Discussion continued regarding the Public Hearing meetings and Dr. Harutunian advised that he would get a copy of that meeting for any member who is unable to attend. CAPITAL OUTLAY Superintendent Harutunian presented the revised matrix of Capital Outlay for the School Depart- ment for the next ten years. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 11, 1995 The following changes were voted on by the School Committee on November 27: • the $216,000 for the high school roof has been delayed until 1998; • the $50,000 for classroom technology equipment for FY97 has been increased for FY97 to $500,000 and from FY98 to FY05 a $100,000 has been placed in the classroom technology equipment category for each year; • the $150,000 for classroom technology grant does not exist and should be removed all the way through the ten year plan; • the Coolidge Middle School should be moved from FY02 to FY98 and increased from $120,000 to $250,000; • the category of portable classrooms should be added for next year, FY97 at $100,000. LETTER TO PARENTS /GUARDIANS Dr. Harutunian stated a letter was sent to parents and guardians of students at Reading Memorial High School by the administration that referenced cancellation of school dances until January. Mr. Spadafora stated he is organizing a summit, possible date in March, with 25 students regarding substance abuse, dances and safer and healthy life styles. OLD BUSINESS UPDATE ON PARKER PROJECT The Superintendent reported on information he received from Parker Principal Dr. Delaney that outlined the asbestos removal to be done by Universal Engineering Corporation. Also present at the meeting was Vinnie Pelleriti from Design Partnership and Ammar Dieb who represents the consulting firm that will be taking care of the asbestos removal. Mr. Dieb stated the work will be done after school hours and air samples will be taken every day. The area will be encapsulated, they will then read the samples, take down the containment and leave. The area will be safe by morning. Dr. Harutunian stated the committee will be kept informed. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 DECEMBER 11, 1995 FINANCIAL REPORT - BUDGET UPDATE FY 1996 - TOWN TREASURER & TOWN ACCOUNTANT Dr. Harutunian acknowledged the Town Accountant Richard Foley and the Town Treasurer Beth Klepeis. Mr. Twomey asked for monthly status reports that explains what we've spent and how the remaining balance will be spent. Mr. Foley replied that the end of January will report on the end figures for the month of December. He stated the salaries to be paid will be included. Ms. Klepeis advised that up until now it was difficult to project salaries as we did not have all of the information. Dr. Harutunian advised the Fiscal Year 1996 Budget Analysis as of December 11, 1995 is exactly what will be provided each month. He stated as we get nearer spring town meeting it could be provided every two weeks. ADJOURN At 8:45 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn Ms D'Antona seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi Mr. Cummins Ms D'Antona Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman Mr. Twomey Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph. D. Superintendent of Schools