Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-22 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 22, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Administration Office. All members were present with the exception of Susan Cavicchi. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superinten- dent Dennis Richards. ADJOURN At 7:17 p.m. Ms. D'Antona moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing bargaining strategy. trategy. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cummings, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey CALL TO ORDER At 7:43 p.m. Chair Cummings reconvened the regular session to order. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: November 27, 1995 - Bills - $100,122.61 December 11, 1995 - Bills - $ 26,301.95 December 18, 1995 - Bills - $162,907.00 December 26, 1995 - Bills - $546,686.33 January 2, 1996 - Bills - $115,593.93 January 8, 1996 - Bills - $ 15,930.28 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 20, 1996 The warrants for payrolls were as follows November 22, 1995 - Teachers - $495,206.66 December 8, 1995 - Teachers - $589,847.85 December 21, 1995 - Teachers - $489,049.74 January 4, 1996 - Teachers - $490,456.20 December 1, 1995 - Biweekly - $216,550.34 December 15, 1995 - Biweekly - $139,233.64 December 29, 1995 - Biweekly - $140,958.81 LIAISON REPORT Mr. Stohlman reported that he attended the meeting with the Selectmen on the Police Department site. He stated there are two new site alternatives, one on Salem Street and one adjacent to the existing site. He added the School Building Committee is reviewing the high school location information and would not have that decision ready until Fall Town Meeting. Ms. D'Antona added the School Building Committee will be meeting at Town Hall on January 30 and February 8. Mr. Twomey received a letter from the Police Department Site Committee stating the meeting with the Selectmen was to discuss their floor plan. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input reported this evening. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Harutunian informed the School Committee that we are establishing a District Wide Calendar and if they are interested in activating their voice mail it then would be listed. He added we will be purchasing bid items through the North Shore Education Consortium along with 19 other school districts. The Superintendent stated due to the recent snow storm the Building Inspector closed our schools on Friday the 12th of January at 4 p.m. All week end activities were canceled in the schools and REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 22 1996 in the High School Field House. The following recommendations were adhered before all schools were declared safe: 1. Remove all snow drifts in excess of 2 1/2 feet. 2. Keep all roof areas away from drifts to a maximum of 2 1/2 feet. 3. At portable classrooms keep snow depths to a maximum of 1 1/2 feet. 4. Clear all roof drains and roof scuppers of snow and ice to restore proper drainage. Dr. Harutunian sent notes of appreciation to all who were involved in bringing the schools and field house back to full occupation when schools opened on Tuesday morning, January 16th. He informed the audience that there were over 2,000 punctures on the Killam roof, MIAA insures for $26,000, and the Town put in $12,000 for overtime. The Superintendent added a list of the Students of the First Quarter who were selected by the faculty of Reading Memorial High School was in their packet. PERSONNEL There was no personnel reported this evening. NEW BUSINESS TO RECEIVE BID PROPOSAL FOR ASBESTOS REMOVAL FOR PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Mr. Stolman moved to award the Asbestos Abatement Project to Suburban Middlesex Insulation at $226,500. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous TO REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION Chair Cummings advised that the evaluation of the Superintendent has been completed by the members of the School Committee. He said it was too early in the Superintendent's employment for long range strategic goals to be developed. Because the Superintendent began August 1, 1995 some of the comments on how he works with the committee were marked N/A (not applicable). Regarding leadership in education, Mr. Cummings noted the Superintendent involves staff in decision making process and has undertaken new formats, i.e. budget. Personal characteristics were marked high on his ability to write and speak. The committee stated they are impressed with how quickly Dr. Harutunian has become involved with Associate Superintendent Richards, Town Manager Hechenbleikner, Town Treasurer Klepeis and Town Accountant Foley. They also were pleased that he is willing to make a stand for the school department and are receptive REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JANUARY 22. 1996 to his communication level. Mr. Cummings commented on how well the Superintendent plans and organizes the School Committee meetings and their appreciation to receive the information well in advance. Mr. Cummings stated Dr. Harutunian got a handle on the FY96 budget and has set up good ground work with the FinCom for the FY97 budget. In all, the School Committee is pleased with the performance of the Superintendent. Mr. Spadafora stated he has not heard a bad comment. People have commented to him that the Superintendent is a good listener, a budget wizard and a community leader. Dr. Harutunian declared his appreciation to the School Committee, parents, teachers and the com- munity. He added that he would work harder to get material to them even earlier and thanked them again for their comments. TO RECEIVE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT THE RESULTS OF HIS ENTRY PLAN Chair Cummings requested the Superintendent outline his entry plan. Dr. Harutunian stated he has interviewed over 950 Reading people. He asked each of them the same four basic questions. 1. What are your problems? 2. What do you want to preserve? 3. What are you proud of? 4. What are the expectations of the Superintendent? The Superintendent advised that copies of his entry plan are available at the Public Library, at each school, PAC, and site councils. The members of the School Committee commented on the Superintendent's entry plan as an excellent vehicle to move the system forward. The Superintendent stated his goals for 1995 -96 will be put on paper soon. OLD BUSINESS TO DISCUSS AND TAKE NECESSARY ACTION ON FY97 BUDGET Dr. Harutunian stated supplementary answers to the questions that were raised by the School Committee members at each of the meetings to review the Superintendent's FY97 Recommended Budget were enclosed. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JANUARY 22, 1996 Chair Cummings asked if anyone has any modifications to the FY97 budget. Mr. Twomey raised the nurse issue again. Dr. Harutunian stated the Department of Public Health's information is not clear as to the numbers per ratio with the inclusion students. He still stands on his recommendation. Mr. Twomey asked that we look again within the year at our school district and other data we may receive. The Superintendent added that we have heard from nurses that may volunteer within our schools. Mr. Stohlman commented that the School Committee will vote a budget between now and Town Meeting, that there may be small changes that won't effect the bottom line. He added that years from now, based on previous experience, FinCom may need to put more money in the Reserve Fund, Dr. Harutunian explained during the snow emergency the Town Manager put $12,000 for overtime on the roofs all in same pot. Several members expressed their support to the Superintendent for the FY97 budget. The Superintendent advised the committee they would have the updated version no later than Thurs- day. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the FY97 recommended budget in the amount of $19,697,916. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey then asked if the total of December 13, 1995 for FY97 has changed since other changes have been made. Dr. Harutunian advised the adjustment made to the salaries of Special Education and Regular Education budget changes the bottom figure to $19,683,006. Mr. Spadafora modified his motion to $1.9,683,006. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cummings, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS On February 1 Dr. Harutunian stated they would meet at 7:30 p.m. at Coolidge Middle School relevant to the Capitol Improvements. He said FinCom Chair Steve Blewitt will change the meeting date of February 14th. The Superintendent stated invitations will be sent out for Eaton's Open House on March 16th from 9 a.m. to noon. He requested that we reschedule the School Committee meeting of January 29 to February 5. Mr. Stohlman stated he would not be able to make the February 5th meeting so plans were made REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JANUARY 22, 1996 to have the Student Advisory meeting at 7 p.m. and the Regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. that evening and the Strategic Planning meeting on February 12 when all members would be present. Dr. Harutunian advised that a presentation of the FY97 School Department Budget will be made at the Senior Center on January 27, 1996. The Town will make their presentation after on the same day. ADJOURN Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cummings Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey ectfully mitted, Harry Harutunian, .D. Superintendent of Schools