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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-09-16 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts School Committee Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Chair Susan Cavicchi called the regular session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Library. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Dennis Richards and a Chronicle reporter. Ms. Cavicchi introduced and welcomed the Reading Memorial High School representative to the School Committee, Marissa Frietas. INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS FOR 1996 -1997 Dr. Harutunian welcomed the principals and the new hires to the School Committee meeting. Killam Principal Guerrette introduced the new teachers at his school: Joyce Caras Art Jo -Ellen McGinnity Grade 2 Barrows Principal Papandreou came forward and introduced the new teachers at his school: Kathryn Bresnahan Grade 2 Kelley Browne Grade 5 Cecile Rieley NEXT Step Nancy Walcott Grade 1 Michelle Wlodyka Grade 5 Birch Meadow Principal Davidson introduced the new teacher at his school: Laura Donovan Grade 1 Eaton Principal McSheehy introduced the new teacher at his school: Maureen Lynch Grade Kindergarten Coolidge Principal Delaney introduced the new teachers at his school: Ann Abel Social Studies Diane Blume Foreign Language REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 Andrea Bruno Mathematics /Science Andrea George Special Education Sean Lynch Mathematics Rene Sbaschnig Social Studies Jeanne Thomases Music (she arrived later) Parker Principal Delaney introduced the members of his new staff: Janice DeChiaro John Fiore Gerald Gomes Peter Imhoff Lorraine Jordan Patricia Mondello Janet Trevor English Social Studies Mathematics Social Studies Science Foreign Language Special Education Reading Memorial High School Principal Orlando introduced the teachers he hired: Alexander Ballantyne Gary d'Entremont Denise Metzroth David Steeves Jill Turnbull Kent Werst Physics Social Studies English/Reading Science Biology Mathematics The Special Education Director Ardi also introduced the people she hired for the District: David Learner Psychologist David Williams Speech Language Chair Cavicchi welcomed the new hires and expressed her appreciation to the Administrators. There was a five minute break. NETGUIDE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION Dr. Harutunian stated the Reading Public Schools have collaborated with the Reading Public Library to develop an internet training program for our students. He introduced Lorraine Barry, Young Adult Librarian who then introduced the other adults who were involved with this program, Kimberly Lynn and Susan Beauregard. She noted that Deirdre Hanley was unable to make this presentation tonight. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 Ms. Barry requested Dr. Harutunian to come forward and present the Certified Internet Experts awards. These students are: Neeta Barisal, Adam Bejtlich, Sandra DiPillo, Marissa Frietas, Josh Green and Neil Richardson. Dr. Harutunian noted that these students know how to use the Internet and now will be able to share that knowledge with other young adults. PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL The Superintendent recognized everyone that worked on the Parker project. He thanked and gave praise to Principal Delaney, Design Partnership of Cambridge's architects Vinnie Pelleriti and David Finney and TLT Construction Company President Tom Kostinden and Project Manager Joe Bondi. Mr. Finney then introduced Daryl McLean. Dr. Harutunian thanked Reading citizen and volunteer Rich Radville, who is an architect by trade, and personally thanked Russ Graham, Chair of the School Building Committee. Ms. D'Antona who is on the School Building Committee commented as a School Committee person that this has been an exciting time and also extended her appreciation to everyone involved in the project. Ms D'Antona moved that the School Committee direct the Administration to have a thank you letter written to TLT Construction Corporation, Design Partnership, Rich Radville and a letter of appreciation for the personnel file of Principal Delaney. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Principal Delaney expressed his extreme gratitude to TLT Construction Corporation and Design Partnership. He stated that Dr. Harutunian has been a great support. He also thanked those that worked on this project. Mr. Cummings reviewed the Parker Middle School expenses and noted where we were with the construction contingency. He advised that only the approved change orders are shown it does not include the $409,000 for pending increases. Mr. Spadafora asked if the $255,000 represented all of the line items on page 2 of the enclosed spread sheet. He was told it did. Dr. Harutunian expressed a thank you to the Parker's Clerk of the Works William DeBartolomeo. The Superintendent informed the School Committee about the Parker Indoor Air Quality Survey that was prepared for TLT Construction Corporation by the Yee Consulting Group Inc. He added on September 30 they will meet with the people who have been recommended. Dr. Harutuman handed out an informational article from HEALTH, that stated the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology sees insufficient evidence for a cause and effect relationship between symptoms and environmental exposure. The American Medical REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 16, 1996 Association's Council on Scientific Affairs does not recognize multiple chemical sensitivity as a syndrome. ROUTINE MATTERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms D'Antona moved to table the enclosed minutes of March 18, 1996 to July 2, 1996. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and Ms. Cavicchi and Mr. Cummings voting against. Mr. Twomey moved to approve the August 26 1996 minutes. Mr. Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman proceeded with his amendments to the minutes. He asked that his name be recorded as being present under RECONVENE TO ORDER AT 7:45 P.M., on page 2 in the first motion to note In response to Ms. Cooper's concerns about air quality in the schools, on page 4 under TEACHER AND ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS second sentence on the April 26, 1996 draft as a minimum .standard for administrators and teachers, on page 5 under LIAISON REPORTS next to the last sentence to replace the word decisions with explanation and to identify the five members who voted for the motion. The vote was unanimous. LIAISON REPORTS Ms. D'Antona stated she will receive a report from the School Building Committee this week. Ms. Cavicchi advised that the Recreation Committee has not received their minutes yet. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen input. REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Harutunian informed the School Committee members that Mr. Foley has assured him that the $40,000 remains in the account for use at RMHS for an Energy Management Control System. He shared a letter he received from RMHS advanced placement calculus teacher Gene Kaczowka informing him that out of the twenty -eight students in his calculus class, twenty -seven received scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP Exam. Dr. Harutunian added that many universities recognize a 3, 4 or 5 as reason for students to be waived in their freshman year of college for math. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 SEPTEMBER 16,199 The Superintendent advised in response to their request about the new SPED position that 60% will be direct services, 30% will be co- teaching and 10% will be other. Dr. Harutunian explained the consolidation of custodians. He stated that we presently have two part-time positions of approximately 19 hours. He will be replacing them with one full -time custodian for the Parker School. Money for this account will come from the same account that the two part-time custodians are being funded from. As agreed last year, Dr. Harutunian informed the School Committee that Band Director Mr. Bunten will be taking the RMHS Band to Disney World during April vacation. The Superintendent requested permission to continue working with the fifth and possibly fourth grade students at the Birch Meadow School on the Savings Makes "Cents" Program. Chair Cavicchi reported on the School Committee retreat held on Saturday, September 14th. She noted that they discussed their goals and their presentation on Strategic Planning for the evening of October 9th. He presented the student enrollment draft of students that was done in September. He added that we would have a better idea of the numbers when the enrollment is complete on the first of October. Dr. Harutunian announced that twenty one of Reading's teachers and residents have been accepted into the Masters Degree in Education program through Endicott College. He passed out a draft of the directory to the School Committee for their review. The Superintendent noted that in the NorthWest Weekly section of the September 15th Boston Sunday Globe regarding Time & Learning that Reading teachers have the highest elementary and middle school top hours. PERSONNEL Associate Superintendent Richards referenced the personnel changes on the enclosed report 96 -01 dated September 16, 1996. Mr. Spadafora asked what percent of the replacements were from Reading. Mr. Richards replied approximately 10 %. Dr. Harutunian stated RMHS Principal Orlando is requesting a 24.5 hours /week Educational Assistant. He explained there is only one educational assistant supporting the two Assistant Principals. He added the money to fund this position will come from an account that we will be unable to use this year for renovation of the high school intercom's system. The $12,000 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 16 1996 originally budgeted for the intercom system will not be enough to cover the cost therefore he asked for $7,000 from the $12,000 to fund the position. Mr. Stohlman moved to transfer $7,000 from the maintenance line to the educational assistant account to fund the part -time attendance assistant at RMHS Ms D'Antona seconded the motion Dr. Harutunian responded to Mr. Cumming's question regarding how this was done in the past and he stated by having one person doing this job it would allow the assistant principal to become more proactive. Mr. Spadafora expressed concern that this is a capital expenditure. Dr. Harutunian stated it is not in the Capital Plan and that the amount budgeted for that project is way below quotes we have received. He noted this is a modest request that he is asking School Committee to support it. The vote was 3 - 3. Mr. Cummings Ms D'Antona Mr. Spadafora voted against the motion HOME SCHOOL Mr. Spadafora moved to approve home schooling for Grade 1 student Eric King Turvell for the 1996 -97 school year. Mr. Twomey seconded the motion Mr. Cummings asked if the education plan was submitted. Mr. Richards added it was. The vote was 6 -0. CALENDAR Dr. Harutunian explained a change in the school calendar that must be made. He noted November 5 should be changed to a TIS day for grades 6 -12 and November 22 a TIS for K -5 only. Mr. Stohlman moved to amend the 1996 -97 school calendar to November 5 as a TIS day for grades 6 -12 and November 22 as a TIS day for K -S Mr. Twomey seconded the motion Dr. Harutunian said parents will be informed by a letter. He noted the November 5 TIS day is a voting day and November 22 TIS is to accommodate parents in the elementary schools for a parent teacher conference day. The vote was 5 -1. Mr. Cummings voted against the motion ADJOURN At 9:10 p.m. Mr. Spadafora moved to adjourn Mr. Twomey seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. Mr. Cavicchi Mr. Cummings, Ms D'Antona Mr. Spadafora, Mr. Stohlman Mr. Twomey llesp cztfully s itted, el Harry Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools