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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-04-30 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 30, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular session to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Stohlman who was expected to arrive later. Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian was also present. Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards was not present. ADJOURN Mr. Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session for labor discussion regarding union and non -union personnel. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CALL BACK TO ORDER Chair Cummings reconvened the regular session to order at 8:07 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. WELCOME Dr. Harutunian introduced the new Special Education Director, Valerie Ardi, to the School Com- mittee and the audience. He added Ms. Ardi will be in the district one day per week and that he is looking forward to her plan. The Superintendent also recognized Jean McGah who has been carrying out the Special Education position. OLD BUSINESS PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT - CARPETING Dr. Harutunian explained that the Parker carpeting was already in the plans when he came on board. He said a parent, Michelle Carrick, expressed her concerns to Design Partnership. Design Partnership sent more information about the carpeting. After reviewing this information and documents he received from Dr. Mary Beth Smuts, Head of the E.P.A. Division Pesticides, Toxics and Radiation, Dr. Harutunian decided to move forward with the installation of carpet at the Parker Middle School. Dr. Harutunian reported that Dr. Smuts did not have all of the pertinent information to render a final determination. He said Ms. Carrick is here tonight to ask the School Committee to reconsider this position. He also included a memo from Dr. Delaney and an article from the Maryland State Department of Education. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 30, 1996 Dr. Harutuman said that Dr. Smuts' information stated as long as the carpeting is cleaned in the manner suggested by the Maryland State Department of Education there should not be a problem. Dr. Harutunian said a cost of a change order would be $70,000 - $100,000. Ms. Carrick thanked Dr. Harutuman for walking through this situation with her. She commented that every child should be considered and added that there was no indoor air quality to meet the standards. She said she was most concerned about the classroom for children affected with asthma and allergies. Ms. Carrick stated that Asthma is the 41 health issue among children and the leading cause of absences. She noted the chemicals used in the manufacturing and installation of carpeting (VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds) may also cause health problems. Parent Mary Williams explained the higher cost of carpet installation and the added expense of maintaining carpeting compared with VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile). Dr. Harutunian stated that the installation cost of carpeting and tile are almost the same because of the large amount of carpet being ordered by the contractor on various jobs. Design Partnership representative, Vincent Pelleriti, advised that we would need 6 vacuum cleaners. Dr. Harutunian added that the filters are $100 each and last for a 100 hours. Mr. Pelleriti explained that the carpet installation on concrete with a vapor barrier should prevent mold formation under the carpet. The Superintendent stated that Dr. Smuts was pleased with the way the cement floor was installed. When asked about the custodian staff, Dr. Harutunian explained it will stay the same at Parker Middle School next year. The square footage of buildings will indicate where more custo- dians will be needed. Ms. Williams expressed concern that years from now the decison to carpet will be an expensive one. She noted that a child with carpet- related health problems may have to be bussed to the Coolidge Middle School. School Building Committee member Russ Graham said Dr. Delaney was originally looking at tile and after investigating other schools he made the decision to go to carpeting. He stated the School Building Committee's concern that a change order at this time will be expensive and could delay the opening of school in the fall. Dr. Delaney said he does not want to install a product that would be a health risk and that he had investigated installations at several other schools and had spoken with the custodians at the schools and was satisfied carpeting is safe. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 APRIL 30 1996 Mr. Stohlman concurred that there should not be a mold problem with a carpet installed on an adequate vapor barrier and asked for the proposed carpeting layout. Dr. Delaney said that carpet was being installed in the desk areas of classrooms and tile would be installed in the high traffic areas of the rooms. Tile was also being installed in all the hallways. Mr. Stohlman asked about other noise reductions and the daily maintenance schedule. Mr. Pelleriti replied an acoustical ceiling and shades would reduce noise and that the carpeting has to be vacuumed once a day. He added the carpeting should last 15 - 20 years and explained installation procedure from the Maryland report states airing prior to installation of 48 hours in a location other than the school and 72 hours after installation is completed for vapors to release. Dr. Delaney informed the School Committee that it would be 3 or 4 weeks after the installation that school would be opening. He added that ventilation was a concern and that 4 operable windows were in every classroom. Ms. D'Antona said the paramount issue is the maintenance. The Superintendent added the furniture will be moved every day and the floors will be dry moped, the carpeting vacuumed and four times a year the carpeting will be cleaned. Dr. Smut had noted that she has never know a school system that has shown so much concern. Dr. Delaney stated there would be 22 classrooms with carpeting and the library and the teacher's lounge area, approximately 60,000 to 90,000 sq. ft. The labs will not have carpeting. He added that the wear warranty is for 10 years and with proper maintenance 10 -20 years. Ms. D'Antona asked Ms. Carrick about other sources of allergies. Ms. Carrick noted that undusted books can also be a source of dust mites, which can migrate to the carpet. Mr. Pelleriti stated if we changed to the it could effect the opening of school and that more tile would have to be ordered. Mr. Twomey added that indoor air quality is a concern. He noted that carpeting has been the number one issue for his architect company and that he is unaware of any health issues. Main- tenance has been their biggest issue. Mr. Cummings asked about the guarantee on tile. Mr. Pelleriti answered 5 years. In response to a question about the timeliness of discussion on the carpet issue, Dr. Harutunian advised he moved as fast as possible. There was no time for a quorum since it was during school vacation and town meetings. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 APRIL 30, 1996 Chair Cummings advised the original carpeting in the Killam high density area is still in use. He added that air quality testing should be done three times a year at Parker and asked for some kind of a maintenance schedule at Parker. Ms. Williams questioned whether proper maintenance could be done during the winter with students tracking snow and sand into the classrooms. Parker School Council parent Donna Selger explained that students with auditory problems do much better with carpeting. Another parent stated she is sympathetic to all medical problems both sides have been well researched and noted that students with auditory problems cannot sit at the front of a room as teaching styles have changed, i.e, teachers teach around the room. Ms. Kendra Cooper explained that teaching from the tile floor is very uncomfortable but indicated that carpeting on top of concrete is uncomforable too. Asked about how many audiology cases we have. She expressed concern over the cost of the vacuums, the pesticides, and the deadline Shaw Carpeting Co. gave the Superintendent for his response. She added her concern for the indoor air quality in the classrooms and the area close to the construction. Another Parker parent with four children with asthma asked about the following: Can we find a middle ground What about the people that may develop allergies The number of nurses in the system and noted that opening the windows is not advisable this time of year due to the pollen count Everyone should be able to hear Due to allergy to dust mites she had to remove the carpeting in her child's room She added that all children are exposed to a certain amount of allergens Auditory discrimination that tennis balls on the bottom of chairs will not solve Ms. Carrick stated that building- related asthma problems are sometimes not identified correctly. Several other parents expressed their concern over the carpet installation. Mr. Spadafora said that maintenance has been placed at a lower priority in the district in recent years and that he was very concerned with future maintenance. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve a change order to replace carpeting with vinyl tile in the classroom areas with the cost not to exceed $100,000. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 APRIL 30 1996 Mr. Stohlman then presented a chart which showed the costs of various options over thirty years: Additional notes Opening delay is Maintenance is Maintenance is possible. better, but more better, but more costly for carpet. costly for carpet. Assumptions: #1: $70,000 change order, less 2/3 reimbursement, less additional vacuum cleaners. #2: Normal cost as per architect, replacement every 30 years. #3: Normal cost as per architect, replacement every 15 years. Mr. Stohlman expressed concern with the lack of VOC data from the manufacturer. He noted that if the contractor or manufacturer did not meet applicable standards for carpeting that they should be liable if problems occur. He expressed concerns over the additional time and effort required to maintain the carpets, but stated that all the data presented showed a properly maintained carpet posed no health risk to children. Dr. Harutunian added we would have to have inservice training of the equipment. Mr. Twomey agreed with Mr. Stohlman and added again that education is for all kids. He said we must commit to a maintenance program. Mr. Stohlman said we need to implement a testing program and that he needs the VOC data. There was a consensus by the committee that the school system commit to maintaining the carpets as per the Maryland report and Dr. Smut's recommendations and that air quality testing be done prior to and after the opening of school. The motion failed with a vote of 1 -4 -1, Mr. Spadafora voting in favor and Mr. Stohlman abstaining. There was a ten minute recess. VCT Now VCT Later Carpet Now Initial Cost $20,000 t None None Year 15 None $30,0002 $50,0003 Year 30 $30,000 None $50,0003 Total $50,000 $30,000 $100,000 Additional notes Opening delay is Maintenance is Maintenance is possible. better, but more better, but more costly for carpet. costly for carpet. Assumptions: #1: $70,000 change order, less 2/3 reimbursement, less additional vacuum cleaners. #2: Normal cost as per architect, replacement every 30 years. #3: Normal cost as per architect, replacement every 15 years. Mr. Stohlman expressed concern with the lack of VOC data from the manufacturer. He noted that if the contractor or manufacturer did not meet applicable standards for carpeting that they should be liable if problems occur. He expressed concerns over the additional time and effort required to maintain the carpets, but stated that all the data presented showed a properly maintained carpet posed no health risk to children. Dr. Harutunian added we would have to have inservice training of the equipment. Mr. Twomey agreed with Mr. Stohlman and added again that education is for all kids. He said we must commit to a maintenance program. Mr. Stohlman said we need to implement a testing program and that he needs the VOC data. There was a consensus by the committee that the school system commit to maintaining the carpets as per the Maryland report and Dr. Smut's recommendations and that air quality testing be done prior to and after the opening of school. The motion failed with a vote of 1 -4 -1, Mr. Spadafora voting in favor and Mr. Stohlman abstaining. There was a ten minute recess. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 APRIL 30, 1996 PARKER GAS LINE Ms. Cavicchi left the Conference Room for this discussion. Dr. Harutunian updated the real estate appraisal that did not reflect Boston Gas as willing to move the gas line. A change order on the gas situation would run about $100,000 - $150,000. He recommended that we continue with gas. Fifteen hundred dollars paid for an appraisal by the Building Project. We were not made aware that it is not private land to private land and never made aware of Boston Gas moving the line. The Superintendent added that the Town Manager has indicated that the committee not pay the $15,000 that we need to get an agreement with the Reading Housing Authority. Chair Cummings asked for a more definitive amount by Thursday, May 2nd. Mr. Radville stated May 1 st is the scheduled date. COLLINS FIELD The Superintendent noted that reconditioning the Collins Soccer Field will cost $90,000; $60,000 would be returned to the Town by the SBAB. Chair Cummings asked for updated contingency and would like a running balance from now on. The Superintendent advised that the property is maintained by the Town and we will be reimbursed by the SBAB if used by the schools. Dr. Harutunian stated all projects will be done over a 2 year period. Dr. Delaney noted that they need the field because they will not have a gym. The Superintendent stated the Parker Project is $320,000 - $330,000 and to remove a $90,000 project would have a major impact. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the $90,000 from the bond issued for the Parker Middle School Project to recondition the Collins Soccer Field. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 APRIL 30, 1996 NEW BUSINESS HOME ECONOMICS Dr. Harutunian said both middle school principals explained their recommendation for eliminating the home economics program. He stated with the addition of new technology throughout the system the change to a technology education program will enhance the curriculum at the middle school. He added this will require us to make a change order on the Parker project, but will provide a middle school environment more appropriate for preparing students for the twenty -first century. Mr. Spadafora continued that we need to think about how much technology we need and the need to mix in other programs. The Superintendent noted that home economics is a very expensive initiative. Dr. Delaney added he would have more definitive answers about where we are going by late May. He said that home economics was not that competitive with the students and that we need to go to more technology options. Mr. Spadafora suggested specifically to the Administration that Health Education, Decisions and Family Issues be moved from freshmen level to middle school level in lieu of home economics. Mr. Spadafora moved to remove home economics from the middle school curriculum. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Ms. D'Antona abstaining. ROUTINE MATTERS LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Spadafora, a liaison with the Health Advisory Committee, will write a letter to the Selectmen noting that the School Committee is not in favor of the decision against eliminating the Dare officer and Mrs. Knowlton. He added we could be in jeopardy of losing grant money. Ms. D'Antona informed the audience that Ms. Cavicchi, Dr. Harutunian and herself would be going to the State House tomorrow representing the Reading School Committee and would report back later. Chair Cummings added that he met with Reading Public Librarian Dee Hanley, two Library Board of Trustees, Cherrie Dubois and Maria Silbaggi to discuss collaboration between the schools, town and the public library. Dr. Harutunian and Ms. Hanley need to put together a REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 APRIL 30, 1996 proposal of a pilot program. They will meet with the School Committee and the Library Board of Trustees on May 16. The Town Manager and Steve Blewitt are also invited. NEW BUSINESS JOSHUA EATON SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SEARCH Dr. Harutunian explained the creation of a Screening Committee that will help him in the process of screening the principal candidates for the Eaton School: • four parents of Joshua Eaton students presently in grades K -5 selected by the Eaton PTO • four teachers selected by the Eaton faculty • two administrators - Beth Klepeis and Paul Guerrette • two community members, who currently do not have children in school, selected by the Eaton School Council. ADJOURN At 11:45 p.m. Mr. Twomey moved to adjourn Ms Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REOPEN MEETING At 11.47 o.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to reopen the Open Session of School Committee. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. At 11:48 p.m. Mr Stohlman moved to approve the policy for the recommendation of the principalship of the Joshua Eaton School Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURN At 11.50 12.m.. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ms Cavicchi Mr. Cummings Ms D'Antona Mr. Spadafora Mr. Stohlman, Mr. Twomey Respectfully submitted, Harry �. Harutunian, Ph.D Superintendent of Schools Secretary to the School Committee