Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-09 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN HEARING MINUTES FEBRUARY 9, 1994 Prior to the open hearing meeting tours of Parker Middle school were conducted for the School Committee and interested parents and citizens. CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the open hearing to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Parker Middle School Auditorium. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards, School Building Committee Representative Russell Graham, Architect David Finney, a reporter from the Chronicle, and several com- munity members. WELCOME Principal Delaney thanked everyone for coming out on such a snowy evening. He introduced JoAnn Rulison, PTO President, who welcomed parents and others in the audience. HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Delaney went on to introduce the Research Skills Sequence, a formal program at Parker Middle School that is used to teach students research skills through investigation and writing. Social Studies teacher Anne Robleski discussed the sixth grade program in which students learn about target questions and note taking. This involves a major social studies project and culminates in the writing of a research paper. English teacher Patricia Zona explained that seventh graders continue learning about research using the I - search technique, a unique approach to research in that students are not allowed to use print materials in their research. Science Department Head Bill Carne stated the eighth grade research project is organized by the science department. He added that students use traditional research skills, CD -ROM resources and telecommunications. Chair D'Antona thanked the teachers for their presentation. PUBLIC COMMENT AND QUESTIONS Ms. D'Antona then opened discussion regarding the Parker school construction project. She pointed out the deplorable OPEN HEARING MEETING 2 FEBRUARY 9, 1994 physical condition of the school and indicated that now is the time to correct the problem. Dr. Munnelly, Russell Graham, Steve Connor, a representative of the Parker School Council, each spoke about the increasing middle school enrollments and the need to rectify the problems with the Parker School's physical condition. They indicated that the decisions of the past are now catching up with us. Noting the community must make the decision to move forward with plans to address the problems that future increases in the middle school enrollments bring with them in a school building that is outmoded. When the audience asked how long the construction project would last, they were told between 18 -27 months. It was also noted that Coolidge would not be able to accommodate the increase in enrollments during this time and there does not appear to be space in another school to accommodate all of the students. The time line calls for a decision no later than the Spring 1996 Town Meeting authorizing construction. Pre- dictions were made for two years of construction, 1996 -1998, with completion expected in the summer of 1998. Chair D'Antona mentioned she and the Superintendent had dis- cussed the possibility of a task force to consider how to accommodate the increased middle school enrollments before the school construction is finished and during the process of construction. School Committee member George Shannon emphasized the impor- tance of presenting the proposal for a new school to Town Meeting as soon as possible. Mr. Graham and Mr. Finney pointed out the cost of a new building and a renovated one is very close because new regulations will add about one million dollars to the renovation plan in order to secure the building against earthquake damage. A letter from a Department of Education School Building Assistance Bureau representative indicated that the state will not reimburse the cost of a renovated building when it is almost the same as the cost of a new building. ADJOURN At 10:30 p.m. Susan Cavicchi moved to adjourn. George Shan- non seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Sha " Thomas Stohlman Timothy TyOby� y A E!? T