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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-05 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 5, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Thomas Stohlman and Timothy Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards, Student Representative to the School Committee Mike Thompson and a reporter from the Chronicle. Chair Cummings welcomed Mike Thompson to his first night as the RMHS Student Representa- tive. STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL OF READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Student Representative Mike Thompson introduced the members of the Student Advisory Council to the School Committee. Under the direction of RMHS Principal Mirkin, Mike Thompson, Marissa Freitas, Charlie Haverty, Scott Given, Jared Ranere, Tom Capasso, Heather Shannon, Tom DuLong, Adam Lanthier and Tom Ensminger established the agenda items for discussion tonight. Mike Thompson stated they have set an Orientation Program for the Freshmen students every year. Marissa Freitas added that the Freshmen would be welcomed and an upper classman would walk with them to their classes for the first week of school. Principal Mirkin added that the parents of the class of 2000 will meet on Wednesday night. Mike Thompson related the Dance Rules and Guidelines that have been created and the contract that states the rules and the consequences to be followed at all school sponsored dances. They will be given to students, who plan to attend the dances, to sign. Scott Given described some of the student survey questions. Tom Ensminger explained the rule and consequence regarding the consumption of alcohol or any controlled substance before or during a school dance. Ms. Cavicchi asked who administers the consequence and are the police involved. Princi- pal Mirkin stated the administration would call a parent and it would be to their discretion if the police are called. Chair Cummings stated if too much is left to discretion it may not be completely addressed. Ms. D'Antona added the consequences should be clear and stated to all. Dr. Harutunian asked about other events. Principal Mirkin stated the MIAA rules apply. She will set up a meeting with the police for their next Student Advisory Council Meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 5, 1996 Regarding Time and Learning, Mike Thompson informed the audience that teachers, department heads and students have been evaluating where they stand this year and are planning a program for next year. Scott Given said they have been visiting other schools to look for new ideas for next year and will be sending a survey to the students and teachers for their reaction to the Time and Learning. Dr. Harutunian added they will be meeting this week to see how the administration can support the long block. Ms. Mirkin added they need more technology and professional development. Tom DuLong spoke in regard to the workshop with three other Middlesex League Schools. Some of their discussion included smoking, school spirit and dances. He added they want to improve the RMHS courtyard and find other ways to improve the school spirit Heather Shannon stated Spirit Week in Reading is unique. Springfest 96 is being targeted for Saturday, May 18th. They hope to get the community involved in improving the appearance of the school. Principal Mirkin added that RMHS acknowledges the school's problems and problems are dealt with swiftly and justly. She reiterated that RMHS is not sponsoring a ski trip. Dr. Harutunian noted that incidents have occurred and that stiff penalties have been implemented. Central Office and RMHS are committed to a safe environment. Chair Cummings commented on the great job the Student Advisory Council is doing. There was a five minute recess. NEW BUSINESS (OUT OF ORDER) TO RECEIVE REQUESTS FOR TECHNOLOGY AT PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Dr. Harutunian explained his memo to the School Committee dated February 1, 1996. He stated he has met with Principal Delaney, Rich Radville and Russ Graham relevant to the furnishing/ equipment and the technology budget for the Parker School. The Superintendent noted that the estimate for the project was projected at approximately $11,472,747. The actual bid by T.L.T. came in at $9,907,770. This leaves $1,565,047 difference between the estimated cost for Parker Middle School and the actual bid. He noted that in addition to the $1,565,047 there is another $573,637 built into contingency. The amount of money presently allocated for furnishings /equipment is $279,014 and for technology REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 5, 1996 $174,000. The Superintendent explained that above these two amounts, Dr. Delaney is requesting $625,605 in these two areas. Noted on the attachments, Dr. Delaney is requesting $290,830 in Phase One and $334,775 in Phase Two. Parker Principal Delaney explained the time problem for the Furniture/Equipment and Technology Proposal. He added if Phase One could be funded we would be left with a comfortable cushion to open up in August. Ms. D'Antona replied it is an owner plan change order. Priority for technology belongs to this committee. Chair Cummings asked what the $174,000 in Appendix B of the revised technology budget would purchase. He stressed he is looking for equal education among all of Reading's schools. Dave Finney of Design Partnership stated this work has to be out by early February - now! If delayed it could mean it would not be ready for an August opening. Russ Graham advised that Town Meeting has authorized this money for Parker Middle School. Dr. Harutunian asked to have the issue tabled for 15 minutes while Dr. Delaney, Associate Superintendent Richards, and Dave Finney filled in the dollar amounts on Appendix B to the $174,000. TO RECEIVE BIDS FOR COMPUTERS FOR READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Harutuman explained the request for the bids for eight Images PCs as needed by RMHS. Chair Cummings stated he has a major problem expending any more funds. Mike Thompson informed the committee that 1 computer is shared on a 4 day cycle between 5 students and many times 1 day a week is spent fixing computers. Dr. Harutunian advised that he could go into the Administrative Budget and freeze the Profes- sional Development in Central Office. Chair Cummings suggested to table the issue until Monday night and Dr. Harutunian can report on what else will be put on hold. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 5, 1996 ROUTINE MATTERS (OUT OF ORDER) APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of December 11 19 21 January 2, 4, and 9, 1996. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mike Thompson made a correction to the Student Represent- ative's name on December 11. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills was as follows: January 16, 1996 - Bills - $82,998.65 January 22, 1996 - Bills - $55,677.31 The warrant for payrolls was as follows: January 12, 1996 - Biweekly - $119,633.42 January 18, 1996 - Teachers - $487,986.01 LIAISON REPORT Mr. Spadafora shared a letter that he sent to Board of Selectmen Representative Camille Anthony who had expressed questions about a volunteer clearing house for K -12 students. Ms. D'Antona announced that Governor Weld has a proposal to abolish School Committees. She asked for permission to draft a letter to the legislature in support of School Committees. Dr. Harutunian added once the Capital Plan is approved at Coolidge, he will come to the School Committee for approval of a feasibility study. Ms Cavicchi moved to approve the Ten Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 1997 through 2006 as presented to the School Committee on February 5, 1996 and dated January 23 1996 Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings asked about the dip in FY99 for boiler replacement. Dr. Harutunian explained that it as an adjustment to spread out. Ms. D'Antona stated the Subtotal for Schools, $2,401,000 is a place holder on time and money for FY99. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 5 1996 NEW BUSINESS (REVISITED) TO RECEIVE REQUESTS FOR TECHNOLOGY AT PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Delaney explained the Revised Technology Budget, Appendix B, dated 1/25/96 with the items that are budgeted for $174,084. Mr. Spadafora advised the State will support 66% - that we owe it to tax payers and students. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the revised furnishings /technology budget as outlined on Appendix B and a portion of Appendix D for $290,830. Ms D'Antona seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. There was a 1 minute recess. GIFTS (OUT OF ORDER) Dr. Harutunian recognized the donation of $1,000 to the Birch Meadow Technology Committee from Stephen and Paula Koppel. He thanked them for their generous gift. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input this evening. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT • Chair Cummings asked for School Committee representatives for the Spelling Bee the Young Women's League of Reading is sponsoring on March 26 in the Reading Memorial High School. Ms. Cavicchi volunteered. • Dr. Harutunian presented the Reading Public Schools District Wide Calendar for February and March. He explained art work or a poem will be on the face of the calendar. • The Superintendent announced that Donna Pappalardo and Christine Redford have been selected by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education to serve on the Math Assessment Committee for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, a major state Education Reform initiative. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 FEBRUARY 5, 1996 • The Superintendent presented the eight -year summary of enrollment in the Reading Public Schools as of October 1, 1995. He also presented an updated enrollment as of January 2, 1996 which shows the dis- tribution of 3,939 students in the Reading Public Schools. Dr. Harutunian, per Mr. Twomey's earlier request, put together a chart representing Per Pupil Spending from 1988 -1994. The chart includes cost per pupil in Regular Education, Special Education as well as, the integrated average from the towns we used in comparing contractual agreements with our bargaining units. Also included is the State Average. • The Superintendent outlined a RMHS Band Trip Proposal to the North American Music Festival in Virginia Beach. He added that students will be surveyed as to their interest. They will be told in advance that it will be of a voluntary nature. He advised that the Chairs and Vice Chairs from the School Committee, Selectmen, Fin Com, Peter Hechenbleikner and himself will meet at 7:00 p.m. on February 12 to develop an agenda for March 2nd. Vice Chair Ms. Cavicchi announced that she will not be able to make that meeting. Ms. D'Antona volunteered to be a representative for the School Committee along with Chair Cummings. • Dr. Harutunian added that CCR will assist him with the presentation to the FinCom how we plan to spend the $500,000 for technology funding. • The revised School Committee Meeting Calendar was discussed. • The invitation to the dedication of renovations and additions ceremony at the Joshua Eaton Elementary School on March 16, 1996 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon was supported. PERSONNEL Associate Superintendent Richards presented the personnel changes. ADJOURN At 10:00 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of conducting La stratesty session in preparation for negotiations with union personnel. Ms Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora ectfu mitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools