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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-26 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION FEBRUARY 26, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superin- tendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona who was expected to arrive later. Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian was also present and Student Representative Michael Thompson. Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards was not present. V Ial1Ii1 M At 7:01 p.m. Mr. Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session to conduct stratey'y sessions in preparation for negotiations with union and non -union personnel and noted they would be returning to regular session Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms Cavicchi Mr. Cummings Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman Mr. Twomey CALL TO ORDER Chair Cummings reconvened the regular meeting back to order at 8:10 p.m. All committee members were present as well as Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian. NEW BUSINESS (out of order TO RECEIVE BIDS FOR COMPUTERS FOR READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Harutunian explained that he strongly supported the high school's attempt to acquire eight additional computers for the Images Program at Reading Memorial High School. He presented two scenarios where that money would come from in the present budget. One of those scenarios included the $8,559.39 balance under the fire alarms and the remainder to come out of the professional development account. Mr. Twomey moved that we hold in abeyance $8,559.39 from the Capital Outlay School Alarms & Fire Alarm account and $5,440.61 from the Administration Professional Development account to purchase the eight computers (from C & J Consulting) for the Images Program at Reading Memorial High School Ms D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Cummings in opposition. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 26 1996 FOLLOW UP FROM STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCM Dr. Harutunian requested Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) students Marissa Freitas and Scott Given explain the revised RMHS Student Contract, Rules and Consequences for Item #3. They noted, parents and police will be notified in all occasions involving the consumption of alcohol at student dances. RMHS Principal Mirkin recently met with Tom Rielly and Chief Marchand and expanded the rule on how to follow -up on the consequences of the rules for dances and students arrested outside of the school. Dr. Harutunian stated restitution and /or service time would be expected from the student. Mr. Spadafora added prevention as well as enforcement needs to be focused on. Mr. Twomey asked if counseling would be provided and who would pay. The Superintendent advised that both the family and student would receive counseling. The district attorney will need to approve first. The counseling would be covered by the family insurance. Student representative Michael Thompson stated peer leadership is working to help students as issues change. He added that they try to stay ahead of the issues. PRESENTATION ON ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WHO MISUSE CHEMICALS Jane Fiore, Prevention Education Coordinator, advised that they are reaching out to the parent community through the schools, students, churches, women's clubs, and enforcement agencies. An alternative program for students suspended at RMHS for a chemical misuse offense is being developed. Ms. Fiore stressed strengthening listening skills; understand that a parents job is 24 hours /7 days a week; realize what is important to your family; seek help when a mistake is made and realize that punishment is not forever. Dr. Harutunian stated we need to be more proactive with middle school students and become more sensitive to issues of the school and community. Ms. Cavicchi added that it seems students are not taking responsibility for themselves. She asked if peer pressure could work to have students help each other in the school atmosphere as well as behind the scenes. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 26, 1996 Some of the ways success may be measured, Ms. Fiore stated, are with the grants that have been written, services being met and more students are finishing school. She stated people are now discussing denial. DRUG ABUSE RESISTANCE EDUCATION (D.A.R.E.) Dr. Harutunian invited Dave Stamatis from the D.A.R.E. program to come forward. Mr. Stamatis stated a program for fifth graders has been developed this year. He added that he sought a position that he felt could bridge some gaps in the community. Mr. Stamatis stressed, "It takes all of us." He read his letter that was sent to parents to help guide them to teach their child refusal skills and shared the D.A.R.E. Program lessons for grades 5 and 6. Mr. Spadafora asked what kind of feedback is he getting from the parents since police have become pro- active. Officer Stamatis explained it is a different story from each parent and as the program strengthens more people will become involved. Ms. Cavicchi asked how home issues are handled. Officer Stamatis stated confidentiality rules, though it may become necessary to bring to the attention of the school principal and the student's teacher and they would need to make the decision if the police should be contacted School Committee encouraged Officer Stamatis's enthusiasm. ROUTINE MATTERS REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Harutunian congratulated Hal Croft and his boys' track team and Ken Feit and his girls' track team for scoring highest this past weekend in the State Class B Track Meet. The Superintendent asked the School Committee if he could waive the fees for use of our facilities by organizations that use them each year. He presented the minutes of November 28, 1994 regarding food in a designated area by the Boosters and also the School Committee Policy. Consensus of the School Committee members was that he could proceed with this change and advise them what the change was in a memorandum. Dr. Harutunian explained that a letter was sent to The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education, to the attention of Darlene Lynch and Carole Thomson, who did an on- site visit of the Reading Memorial High School Special Education Department, assuring them that all proposed corrective action plan activities will be implemented. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 26,199 He included a letter composed by Legislative Liaison Roberta D'Antona to Governor Weld, Representative Jones and Casey, and Senator Tisei requesting them to recognize the need for the School Committee members to articulate the needs of the schools to town officials, town meeting and to the community at large. The Superintendent informed the School Committee members of a press release stating the Coolidge students who competed in the National History Day Regional Contest on February 10 at Salem State College. Several of our students received first place, second place or honorable mention. Ms. Svenson, Mr. Vogler and Mr. McQuillen were the Coolidge teachers involved in working with the students. Dr. Harutunian referenced middle school teachers Joan Clifford and Laura Peterson's recognition from the University of New Mexico where they had trained at a workshop last summer. It was noted that they are using culture studies to give meaning to skills development. Also included in the School Committee packet for information purposes was a summary of the legislation entitled An Act To Achieve The Integration of And Improve The Quality of Education and Job Training In the Commonwealth. The Superintendent reminded the School Committee of the Three Boards Meeting to be held on Saturday, March 5. ROUTINE MATTERS (OUT OF ORDER) MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills was as follows: January 29, 1996 - Bills - $199,953.26 February 5, 1996 - Bills - $ 15,675.88 February 12, 1996 - Bills - $ 86,229.20 February 20, 1996 - Bills - $123,258.40 February 25, 1996 - Bills - $ 19,377.48 The warrant for payrolls was: February 1, 1996 - Teachers - $489,907.89 February 15, 1996 - Teachers - $492,191.69 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 26, 1996 January 26, 1996 - Biweekly - $138,608.97 February 9, 1996 - Biweekly - $148,400.61 February 23, 1996 - Biweekly - $124,879.19 LIAISON REPORT Mr. Spadafora reported that there will be a Teen Center Dance on March 1, a discussion with students who have had trouble with drugs and a Health Fair to be held on March 6, and on March 7 there will be a Senior Citizen Ham & Bean Supper. On March 9 the Colonial Chorus will present a free performance at the RMHS from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. There will be free Sunday Night Family skating at the Burbank Arena from 6 - 7:50 p.m. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input this evening. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Superintendent Harutunian questioned how to present the deficit at the April Town Meeting. Chair Cummings suggested finding out if Technology is going to be incorporated into the Capital Budget. Then Budget Appropriations, the deficit and its consequences, and the presentation of the Technology Budget can be discussed. The Superintendent proposed sending out a copy of the Technology Plan to Town Meeting members. Mr. Twomey asked for questions and answers from Town Meeting members. Principal Mirken stated there would be a site meeting at the high school on March 28. Dr. Harutunian advised that Kendra Cooper's complaint, regarding the Superintendent's vote, will not be responded to again by the District Attorney. ADJOURN At 10:45 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi moved to adjourn from regular session to executive session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with union and non -union personnel. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous Ms Cavicchi Mr. Cummings Ms D'Antona Mr. Stohlman Mr. Spadafora Mr. Twomey pectful ubmitted, K, Harutunian, Ph.D. Supe intendent of Schools