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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-26 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 26, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference room. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona and Thomas Stohlma.n who were expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards, and a reporter from the Chronicle. ADJOURN At 7:01 p.m. Mr. Cummings moved to executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with union and non -union personnel. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Twomey RECONVENE TO ORDER AT 7:45 P.M. Mr. Stohlman was now present. Dr. Harutunian introduced the new administrators as follows: Reading Memorial High School Principal Frank Orlando Eaton Elementary Principal William McSheehy Director of Special Education Valerie Ardi Director of Technology Cynthia Conti Reading Memorial High School Assistant Principal Joseph Finigan He noted the new administrators round out the fine group of Reading administrators who believe that children come first. Chair Cavicchi stated the positive excitement from the Administrators is a contageous and a strong encouragement for all teachers and students. There was a five minute break. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 AUGUST 26, 1996 NEW BUSINESS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARDING CONTRACTS CEILING TILE AT COOLIDGE Dr. Harutunian stated the health issue concerns have been addressed and we have made sure all of the good health qualities that we base our new RFPs on are being implemented. This information was passed on to Parker Middle School. The ceiling tile will be completed over the next seven weekends. On the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the lowest bidder for the ceiling tile le improvements at the Coolidge Middle School to B & B Acoustical Contractors at $46,900. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. In response to Ms. Cooper's concerns about air quality in the schools, Dr. Harutunian stated he met with the H. L. Turner Group a few weeks ago and they informed him that they do not do air quality testing unless there are specific problems. He said he would like to get both people in, Environmental Engineer Thomas Trayers and Director Paul Aboody, to speak to the public and School Committee. Ms. Cooper stressed the importance of maintenance of the ventilation system. The vote was unanimous. DISTRICT BUS CONTRACT On the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Twomey moved to award a three year contract to North Suburban Transportation Company. Ms. D'Antona seconded the motion. When asked if their equipment is current, the Superintendent stated the safety and quality of North Suburban are of the highest caliber. Dr. Harutunian also responded to the figures as a daily rate for three years. Ms. Cooper asked about having our own transportation. The Superintendent said we would have to have a transportation director, maintenance staff etc. He added the surrounding towns are thinking about collaboration for our special education transportation. For the FY98 budget, he stated this may be advantageous. He noted that there won't be a field trip collaboration as the bus companies make their money off athletics. The vote was unanimous. ENERGY MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEM AT RMHS On the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Stohlman moved that if the $40,000 was encumbered in the FY96 budget for the Energy Management Control System at RMHS that the bid contract be awarded to the Johnson Energy Control as the lowest bidder at $32,300. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Harutunian said he would report back to the School Committee on September 16th if the $40,000 was encumbered in the FY96 budget. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 AUGUST 26, 1996 PERSONNEL Dr. Harutunian explained that in keeping with the inclusionary model 5 students have been moved from Barrows Elementary School to Eaton Elementary School. He advised that the money for additional educational assistant hours will be coming out of the amount allotted for new hires. On the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Twomey moved to provide $5,200 for 14 Special Education Assistant hours to Eaton. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. By notifying the School Committee the Superintendent stated it keeps them in the process. Mr. Cummings expressed that he wants to know about these kind of changes. Dr. Harutunian said it was conceivable that we may come back each year for an assistant adding the assistant usually follows their student. Mr. Spadafora suggested that the committee does not have to take action as long as there is money in that line item. Ms. D'Antona said it is well within purview to follow these recommendations and know the decisions and why we are making them. She asked that in the future comparative information of the educational assistants and where they are working be provided. Mr. Stohlman advised that School Committee has a responsibility to know where the money is coming from. Dr. Harutunian said he would report back to the School Committee at the next meeting. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Spadafora abstained. REQUEST FOR A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT PARKER Dr. Harutunian stated, if approved, he would be using money from the out -of- district account plus the transportation account to cover the approximate $35,000 additional special education teacher to Parker Middle School. Mr. Stohlman moved to approve the cost ($35,000) of an additional special education teacher at the Parker Middle School to be paid from out -of- district and the transportation accounts. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings stated there is a higher increase of students at Parker, 200 as opposed to 150 last year. He asked how much of this time is co- teaching and how much will be special education. Dr. Harutunian said he would provide this information. Mr. Spadafora stated if this money is being micro managed, transferred from one line to another then we need to make a motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Cummings abstaining_ REQUEST FOR AN ADDITIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT EATON Mr. Stohlman moved to hire a new Eaton Special Education teacher for approximately $35,000 to come from the transportation and out of district account for three 502.4 program students. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Harutunian stated there is space available at Eaton Elementary School. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 AUGUST 26, 1996 NEW BUSINESS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOME SCHOOLING The Superintendent informed the School Committee about the parents of two students, Erica and Samuel Highband be allowed to provide home schooling education for the 1996 -97 school year and the parents of Peter Botzko be allowed to continue home schooling instruction for the 1996 -98 school years. Mr. Twomey moved on the recommendation of the Superintendent to move forward on the August 21, 1996 memo regarding Home Schooling. Mr. Spadafora seconded the motion. The motion was unanimous. TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Mr. Spadafora moved to accept the Professional Development System: Teacher and Administrator Standards as outlined on the April 26, 1996 draft as minimum standard for teachers and administrators. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0. Mr. Cummings was not present for this vote. OLD BUSINESS END OF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT FY96 Dr. Harutunian explained to the School Committee members how the money was moved to balance out the FY96 budget. He noted the approximate $5,800 left in Support Services, $21,650 in Building Maintenance, $11,510 in Regular Day and $38,576 in Special Needs. A combined total of $77,584 was returned to the Town of Reading. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS JOINT MEETING WITH LIBRARY BOARD Dr. Harutunian suggested that School Committee members mark their calendars for a joint meeting with the Library Board on September 19th and September 26th as an alternative date. Other dates suggested for School Committee meetings are: September 30, October 7 to discuss budget items, October 15, 28, November 18 or 25 as a place holder, December 2, 16 and the 23rd as the date to see the budget. January 7 through January 16 the School Committee will hold meetings with the Central Administration on the FY98 Budget and will hold a Public Hearing on January 21. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 AUGUST 26, 1996 GOAL SETTING MEETING It was agreed to set September 14, 8:00 a.m. for the Goal Setting Meeting. ROUTINE MATTERS CITIZENS' INPUT Michelle Carrick asked when the H. L. Turner Group will be used and what does the school department have in place on how to identify a problem. Dr. Harutunian stated the FY98 budget will reflect maintenance costs. H. L.Turner Group has indicated to him that you don't use spot reports or checking or air quality. His intent is to hire a consultant that we can work with on certain issues. The Superintendent stated any decisions he would make now would be premature regarding the major renovations to. the high school and a monitoring system. LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Stohlman along with Mr. Cummings and Ms. Cavicchi, reported that they met with the Finance Committee (FinCom) representatives last week. The FinCom representatives expressed concerns about the Superintendent's contract and the School Committee policy regarding school department employees to who want to send their students to the Reading school system and the reorganization of the Superintendent's office. At the full FinCom meeting they went through these concerns again and were satisfied with the School Committee's explanation. Mr. Stohlman said he would attend all of the FinCom meetings. Ms. D'Antona advised that she met with the School Building Committee (SBC) to discuss the high school project to prepare for Town Meeting with the SBC recommendations. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Harutunian informed the School Committee members of the response to Peat Marwick's Management Letter as outlined on the memorandum July 12, 1996 from Peter Hechenbleikner. He shared information relevant to the statistics of the Class of 1996 where 78% of Reading Memorial High School's graduating class have gone on to four year institutions. He noted the July 11, 1996 Oakland Road Site memorandum from Peter Hechenbleikner that noted the consideration the Board of Selectmen for the new Police Station. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 AUGUST 26, 1996 The Superintendent shared RMHS Principal Orlando's memorandum, dated August 14, 1996, that informed the high school staff of his goals, plans and his appreciation to being their principal. Mr. Spadafora asked for the amount of technology money that has been spent on hardware and software. Chair Cavicchi stated there will be a plaque for the Eaton school with the names of the School Building Committee, School Committee that will include George Shannon, and School Administrators who have retired former Superintendent Munnelly and Principals Page and Farnham. Ms. D'Antona said this should have been paid by the School Building Committee but they no longer have any money and it will now have to come from the maintenance account. Mr. Spadafora asked about the Eaton clock. Dr. Harutunian advised that they are working at getting it fixed. The Superintendent advised that he would put the Subcommittee to Review School Committee Policy Handbook and the Subcommittee to Review the Process for Evaluation of the Superintendent in abeyance. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of October 23, 1995. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman amended the minutes on page 1 under ADJOURN to read for the purpose of union and nonunion bargaining negotiations, on page 2 under LIAISON REPORT the spelling of Connelly and the last line on page 2 to read from the high school to be transferred to the Town, the last line on page 3 to read Supported $10 for each student solely for the purpose of text books, and the third paragraph on page 4 to read Principals will be handed a disket with a blank spread sheet to plug in their items for the FY97 budget. The vote was unanimous on the amended minutes. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of November 1, 1995. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January 11, 1996. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman amended the minutes on page 1, second paragraph to read Dr. Harutunian stated the structural firm connected with the Eaton project and the MIAA have asked that we evaluate the snow on our buildings for safety purposes. The vote was unanimous on the amended minutes. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 AUGUST 26, 1996 Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January 18 1996 Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of January 22 1996 Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of February 5 1996 Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Mr. Stohlman abstained. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of February 12, 1996. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of February 26, 1996. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman amended the minutes on page 5, last sentence under REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT to read complaint, regarding the Superintendent's selection vote, will not. The vote was unanimous on the amended minutes. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of March 2, 1996. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Spadafora moved to approve the minutes of March 11, 1996. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman amended the minutes on page 1 under REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT third paragraph that May 1st will be MASC Day on Beacon Hill. The vote was unanimous on the amended minutes. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills were as follows: June 30, 1996 - Bills - $ 5,411.45 June 30, 1996 - Bills - $ 3,381.13 June 30, 1996 - Bills - $ 93,638.85 June 30, 1996 - Bills - $ 49,648.96 July 8, 1996 - Bills - $ 961.53 July 15, 1996 - Bills - $ 1,799.28 July 22, 1996 - Bills - $ 86,582.77 July 29, 1996 - Bills - $ 34,641.32 August 5, 1996 - Bills - $ 1,144,442.57 August 12, 1996 - Bills - $ 199,419.71 August 14, 1996 - Bills - $ 44,236.83 August 26, 1996 - Bills - $ 5,180.88 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES S AUGUST 26, 1996 The warrants for payrolls were as follows: June 28, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 81,711.79 June 30, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 2,255.13 July 12, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 43,896.08 July 26, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 48,179.38 August 9, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 49,189.38 August 23, 1996 - Biweekly - $ 47,803.90 June 30, 1996 - Teachers - $ 27,737.89 June 30, 1996 - Teachers - $ 18,015.10 July 3, 1996 - Teachers - $146,879.22 July 18, 1996 - Teachers - $179,781.37 July 31, 1996 - Teachers - $186,177.09 August 15, 1996 - Teachers - $186,044.01 ADJOURN Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn at 11:05 p.m. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion The vote was 5 -1 -0. Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Cummings, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Twomey for the motion Mr. Stohlman voted against adjourning Respectfull ubmitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools