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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-06 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 6, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings reconvened the regular session to order at 8:10 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards. SCREENING COMMITTEE FOR THE JOSHUA EATON PRINCIPAL Associate Superintendent Richards reported that the Screening Committee for the Eaton Principal met earlier this eveningto hear what Eaton's parents and School Council are looking for in the future Eaton Principal. Grade 5 Eaton teacher Bill Lewis stated this was the second of four meetings the Screening Committee plan to have. He said he is a teacher representative as well as Anne Coneeney, Marcia Gibbons, and Fran Akell. Representing the administrators are Beth Klepeis and Killam Principal Paul Guerrette and parent representatives are Robin Hamilton, Juidi Casey and Lynn McCoy. There will be two community people added. He asked the School Committee to advise the Screening Committee of the qualities they want in the new principal. Mr. Stohlman said the principal should have the ability to create a budget and negotiate with the superintendent and keep to that budget. He added that the principal should have experience as an elementary principal. Ms. D'Antona outlined educational leader, full understanding of district curriculum, know what is happening on the State level with elementary schools, be aware of each school's own uniqueness, have a connection with the community, and experience - someone who can hit the ground running and be part of the administration team. Ms. Cavicchi added he /she should be a good listener to both parents and teachers, love children and talk to them in the hallways. Chair Cummings continued by adding an advocate for individual building needs, understand each constituency, an experienced school principal, someone used to accountability, a visionary, able to cope and deal with transition. Mr. Lewis stated the new principal should be able to work with the other elementary schools. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 6, 1996 The Associate Superintendent informed the audience if they were unable to attend a session they should mail or call in their qualifications for a principal. OLD BUSINESS (out of order) PARKER PROJECT - GAS LINE Ms. Cavicchi left the room. Dr. Harutunian spoke about the appraisal from T.H.Reenstierna & Sons relative to the Loss in Value resulting from taking a portion of the property at Frank D. Tanner Drive for a ten foot wide easement as proposed by the Boston Gas Company. The results of this appraisal show that the Loss in Value resulting from the taking is $15,000 based on Mr. Reenstierna's calculations. Dr. Harutunian indicated that the Houseing Authority may be willing to waive charging the School Department for this $15,000 loss in value. BUDGET MODIFICATION - FY1996 Dr. Harutunian asked the school committee to review his recommended distribution of the $248,000 that was approved by Town Meeting to balance our FYI 996 Budget. He noted that both Richard Foley and Beth Klepeis were present to answer any questions. Chair Cummings asked about the $7,500 shown in the Medicaid program and stated $75,000 will be coming back into our general fund. He also questioned the fuel and gas amount. Mr. Foley stated unless it snows or if we need heat in June the amounts shown are correct. PERSONNEL (out of order) Associate Superintendent asked the school committee if they had any questions regarding the enclosed outline of retirements, resignations, leaves of absence, transfers and replacements. There were no further comments. ROUTINE MATTERS (out of order) MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 6, 1996 BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS February 26, 1996 - Bills - $ 19,377.48 March 4, 1996 - Bills - $ 288,377.23 March 11, 1996 - Bills - $ 163,325.77 March 18, 1996 - Bills - $ 97,642.84 March 25, 1996 - Bills - $1,109,209.27 April 1, 1996 - Bills - $ 96,314.00 April 8, 1996 - Bills - $ 277,332.03 April 16, 1996 - Bills - $ 31,092.44 April 22, 1996 - Bills - $ 699,337.88 May 6, 1996 - Bills - $ 30,649.20 PAYROLLS February 29, 1996 - Teachers - $489,044.84 March 14, 1996 - Teachers - $491,211.01 March 28, 1996 - Teachers - $489,751.81 April 11, 1996 - Teachers - $489,563.58 April 25, 1996 - Teachers - $493,211.81 March 8, 1996 - Biweekly - $129,812.15 March 22, 1996 - Biweekly - $122,870.92 April 5, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 131,437.74 April 19, 1996 - Biweekly - $129,498.84 May 3, 1996 - Biweekly - $125,653.50 REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT *Dr. Harutunian with pleasure announced that there were 32 applicants for the high school principal. He announced that he would have 4 -6 names for the principal and would have public interviews on the 21st and 22nd of May. They will go to sites for interviews on June l5th and would announce the new principal by the close of school. *The Superintendent asked the school committee for direction in drafting a policy to name a facility after an individual. Mr. Stohlman advised in the past it has been suggested to the school committee and then voted on. It should be kept simple. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 6, 1996 It was the consensus of the school committee to see a draft. Mr. Cummings suggested going back in the 1970's school committee minutes regarding the Hawks Field House. •Mr. Stohlman asked, on behalf of Mr. Spadafora who was not present this evening, that the Board of Selectmen reconsider their decision on the Conflict of Interest law and grant the necessary variances for Grade four teacher Gaynell Knowlton and DARE officer Dave Stamatis to continue working on our local Substance Abuse Program. Their concern was the loss of grant money. Dr. Harutunian said he was waiting for further confirmation on this from our lawyer, Ted Cohen. *The Superintendent congratulated the RMHS Physics Olympiad team, under the guidance of Science teacher Eleanor Withe, that came in third out of 18 schools. He also acknowledged the accomplishments of RMHS teachers Leo Kenney, Phil Vaccaro, Harold Croft, Killam Principal Guerrette and teacher Karen Rickershauser, students and the parents who coached the team, the Coolidge Middle School cast and crew of Romeo and Juliet that was directed by Coolidge art teacher and RMHS drama coach Bill Endslow and the Booster Club initiation of a "Rocket of the Week" award. CITIZEN'S INPUT (out of order) Chair Cummings asked if there was any citizen's input. Ms. Hardin stated they needed more input regarding the change in programs at Parker from Home Economics to Technology Education. PERSONNEL (out of order) Dr. Harutunian discussed reorganization of the Superintendent's Office Staff for FY97 and the possibility of adding a new secretarial position at the Central Office. He pointed out that the receptionist, Lois Savage will be retiring in June and he would like to transfer the 50% of facilities use to Darlene Porter and have her become a full -time secretary in maintenance. He would then like to replace the half of facilities in Central Office with secretarial responsibility to the new Technology Coordinator. Therefore that replacement would be 50% receptionist for the Central Office and 50% secretarial duties for the Technology Coordinator. He added he would like to elevate Maureen Hanifan's position from a general secretary to an Administrative Assistant for Finance and outlined the duties entailed in that position. The Superintendent suggested changing Carol Angelo's position from a confidential secretary to an Administrative Assistant for Curriculum. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 6, 1996 He stated he would like to create a new position of Administrative Assistant for Personnel and have this person be a liaison to Beth Klepeis's office. He added because of the responsibility added to Diane Williamson, the Secretary to the Superintendent, she should be elevated in monetary compensation. He addressed the Athletic Director and Director of Health Services secretary, Helen Pelley, because of the confidential issues of her responsibilities be elevated from a Grade 4 to a Grade 5. Mr. Stohlman stated that would mean 4 higher level positions, Finance, Curriculum, Personnel and the Superintendent's Secretary and asked if this could be handled by 3? Dr. Harutunian outlined the breakdown of the cost for this plan at about $52,000. He added that a person is necessary in the office who can delegate responsibilities and also handle the open door arrangement in Central Office. Chair Cummings stated there was a demonstrated need for more staff - that a finance person should be moved on. He added the problem is timing and said he could see this for the FY98 budget. The Superintendent said we are moving fast and if we have to wait another year, so be it. We cannot upgrade just one position. Ms. Cavicchi added she could support the recommendation if the Superintendent could find money in other areas. Ms. D'Antona said the plan makes sense, but repeated the timing is the pivital issue. Adding that it should be done in a 2 step phase, so as not to seriously effect the budget. Chair Cummings applauded the Superintendent for bringing this information to the School Committee and asked to look at the restructure again. NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC HEARING - PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS Dr. Harutunian stated under the new Education Reform Bill all districts must submit by September 1, 1996 new standards for evaluating teachers in the school district. One of the requirements of this legislation is that a hearing be held. Therefore he will be holding a public hearing for the purpose of receiving input on teaching standards on May 23, 1996, at 6:00 p.m. in REGULAR SESSION MINUTE 6 MAY 6, 1996 the School Committee Room that will be conducted by the Administration and the Reading Teacher Association. He added School Committee members need not to attend. SCHOOL DAY PROPOSAL Dr. Harutunian advised that he would have an adjustment of 17 minutes to the time the high school and the middle school would open up to the RTA by mid -May. INSERVICE DAY ON TECHNOLOGY: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 1996 The Superintendent stated the first day of school for students be postponed from Wednesday, August 28 to Thursday, August 29 and that rather than have an Inservice Day on March 25, 1997 that August 28, 1996 will be used as a full day of training for all school professionals on the new technology that will be purchased in the next few months. Ms D'Antona moved that the Superintendent adjust the school calendar for Teacher Inservice Days, August 27 and August 28 and for students to report to school for a full day on August 29 1996 and to eliminate the Inservice Day on March 25, 1997. Ms. Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0. HOME ECONOMICS Dr. Harutuman asked Coolidge Middle School Principal John Doherty to come forward and explain and answer questions that the School Committee may have regarding the elimination of Home Economics. Mr. Doherty explained that the types of skills in technology education will be needed more in the 21 st century. The reasons for the proposed program change is that the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks recommends all students take technology education based courses. Under this proposal students would have to take at least a two period elective in grade 8, and would have technology education 2/3 of the school year in grade 7. He added by providing an additional course like this it would be right in line with the PALMS initiative that we have begun in this district. He stated there would be no additional cost in personnel and students would use existing computers with the possibility of adding 2 new ones. Mr. Stohlman expressed concern over students being given other choices, i.e. writing. Chair Cummings asked why we were not looking at a more comprehensive program? Dr. Harutunian explained that the problem with home economics is that it does not make a commitment to where we want to go. We do not want to spend the money on supplies, stoves, and refrigerators. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MAY 6, 1996 A parent stated we need to bring technology education into the 90's. The task force in 1985 recommended foreign language at an earlier age. She requested parent input from site councils. Dr. Harutunian replied foreign language teachers are not ready to do that yet. He has met with the foreign language teachers and feels that we need to approach foreign language as a 4 year commitment. He would like to get a K -12 long term proposal by October 1. Finance Committee member Nate White quoted Raytheon President Philips by saying, that if you don't learn anything else learn how to write and express yourself. For parents, Mr. Doherty stated, direction needs to be decided within the next two weeks. Dr. Harutunian added that we will try to put something together before the end of May and then meet with parents to discuss alternatives. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Dr. Harutunian asked to have the school committee goals set aside. He added he would like to complete the goals at their retreat at Endicott College on June 22nd. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLANS The Superintendent asked the School Committee to write and send him how the assessment of the 1996 -97 has worked. SCHOOL COMMITTEE CALENDAR Dr. Harutunian added the site meetings for Parker and Barrows for June 10 and l lth, June 13th to meet with the 3 boards - Budget Council, and the Library Board on June 18th. He asked the School Committee to also note the Public Interviews of the Reading Memorial High School candidates on May 21 st and May 22nd and their retreat on June 22nd. ADJOURN At 1025 p.m. Ms Cavicchi moved to adjourn to executive session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with union and non -union personnel. Ms D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0. Ms Cavicchi Mr. Cummings Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman e- �pectfully s fitted, ar Haru Super' tendent of Schools