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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-02-28 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the Regular School Committee Meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Superintendent's Confer- ence Room. All members were present. Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards, and a reporter from the Chronicle were also present. School Committee Student Representative Rob Bennett was expected to arrive later. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Timothy Twomey moved to approve the February 9, 1994 School Committee Minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the February 14, 1994 School Committee Minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the February 16, 1994 School Committee minutes. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: February 22, 1994 - Bills - February 28, 1994 - Bills - PAYROLLS The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: February 18, 1994 - Teachers - March 4, 1994 - Teachers - February 25, 1994 - Biweekly - CITIZENS' INPUT $130,542.81 $ 26,653.90 $435,843.50 $470,623.16 $ 93,013.92 Speaking as a "man on the street ", School Committee member Thomas Stohlman posed a question from a Barrows Elementary School parent regarding the sidewalks that were not cleared around the school. Dr. Munnelly was unaware of this situa- tion and told Mr. Stohlman he would look into this. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 GIFTS The Superintendent thanked the Knights of Columbus for their donation of funds that provided a hearing aid for a preschool Killam student. SUPERINTENDENT'S AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR'S REPORTS There were no reports this evening. VISITORS Dr. Munnelly presented Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin and Faculty Accreditation Co- Chairs Peter Moscariello and Tom Darrin and asked them to report on the commendations and recommendations received from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Mr. Darrin explained the self -study process and the four day study by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges ( NEASC). He noted there continues to be a follow -up on their recommendations and suggestions for improvement. An overview from the Visiting Committee on the standards was highlighted by Mr. Moscariello. He noted NEASC made comments on the excellent job the self -study committee had performed and that Reading Memorial High School is a good school with a strong curriculum and a dedicated faculty. He added that they expressed concerns about maintenance, inservice programs for teachers, and the funding for a proper education for students. Mr. Darrin gave a brief report on the Philosophy standard's commendations and recommendations and that on Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Moscariello highlighted the Educational Media Services standard and those regarding the Administration, Faculty and Staff standard. Principal Mirkin informed the School Committee that the full report would be available to the public tomorrow. Comments were entertained by the School Committee. Mr. Shannon along with Mr. Twomey stated the only negative recommendation is the lack of funds. Mr. Cummings asked about the automation of collections in the media center. Ms. Mirkin replied that Joan Morse, Library /Media Coordinator, has been in contact with the public library and there may be a chance to cooperate with them. Dr. Munnelly stated they are looking for a grant to help the high REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 school library connect electronically to the public library system. Other information the School Committee heard included recommendations for the alternative program for dropout prevention, Project Achieve: describing a student referral process; writing a learning area description for the Reading High course selection booklet; defining the program in relation to other support services within the school; presenting evaluation procedures to regularly monitor and assess the program's effectiveness; more group counseling and stronger communication with the guidance counselors on a regular basis. Regarding Special Education, the NEASC recommended aligning the various school philosophies to be consistent with the adopted Reading Memorial High School philosophy and goals statement. It was also noted that the population of students most adversely affected by the restricted electives are those in the special education program and those who are not college bound. Ms. Cavicchi suggested a follow -up survey of high school graduate students every five years. Ms. Mirkin stated they are looking to School Council to help fund such a survey. Chair D'Antona stated one area highlighted throughout was to continue to increase articulation between the middle schools and high school, and between the special education faculty and regular education faculty, administration and families. Ms. Mirkin advised that concerns are discussed with the Assistant Superintendent, herself and the middle school principals once a month. Mr. Darrin noted that middle school and high school department heads meet as time permits and Mr. Moscariello stated more inconsistencies can happen between grades K -12. Assistant Superintendent Richards explained how the plans for assessment will help bridge the gap for K -12 and reinforce articulation. He also thanked the members of the Steering Committee for their fine report. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 PERSONNEL Mr. Richards informed the School Committee of personnel changes: Carolyn Howard's resignation as a science teacher at Coolidge Middle School was effective February 7, 1994. Christina Copeland, a physical education teacher at Parker Middle School, will be on maternity leave of absence beginning May 31, 1994. Reading Memorial High School Educational Assistant Janice MacDonald has made a transfer and Reading Memorial High School Tutor Pearl Glass along with Coolidge Middle School SPED Aide Janice Henry have resigned. OLD BUSINESS Dr. Munnelly briefed the School Committee on meetings about a balanced budget with Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner. The meeting grew out of the need to explain the School Committee budget in detail when other discussions at FinCom Meeting diverted the attention away. From the real needs of schools, Dr. Munnelly noted that the gap between proposed budgets and projected revenue turned out to be $400,000 without any new programs for Townside, but more realistic revenue estimates brought that gap number down considerably. The money management goals of the FinCom were reviewed. Snow removal expenses won't deplete the coffer for 1995. In addition, the Town Manager built $150,000 into his budget for a Reserve Account for Finance Committee use. He added that with our effort to address only the imbalance in the budget it continues to protect the FinCom goal of being $500,000 below the levy limit. The Superintendent presented his proposal for School Committee revenue raising: Make use of School Choice 1. The Reading School Committee adopt School Choice by identifying fifteen openings in Grade 9 and fifteen in Grade 10. He noted if we depend on receiving money for twenty students, we could plan on 75% of $5,000, or about $75,000. These funds as they come in would reduce the teacher line of the budget without Town Meeting appropriation. Use Earlv Retirement Monies 2. The Superintendent stated if we agree to Early Retirement an amount exceeding $50,000 could be REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 realized. School Committee could use some modest part to fund programs or salaries. As for Town position, Dr. Munnelly noted that the Town Manager feels a crime wave needs to be addressed with the under 25 age group. Police officers would cost about $65,000. The Superintendent concluded that we could probably balance the budget and keep everything on the school side except the $44,000 for boiler /burner repairs. The Superintendent advised that with good instructions from the full committee Chair D'Antona and Mr. Twomey could represent School Committee thinking at the joint meeting with the Town Manager, Fin Com and Selectmen chairs with a put back list. Mr. Stohlman noted if there is a proposal to change the budget he would like to vote on it, stating that our budget should properly fund our school system. He questioned where did the policy spring from that the Town should not be levying $500,000 from property tax? Mr. Shannon commended the Superintendent for trying to work with FinCom and the Town Manager. He stated the School Committee needs to identify what citizens are going to lose if our budget were not funded and asked the committee to support Dr. Munnelly's recommendations. Mr. Twomey suggested if Early Retirement was voted in it would still leave approximately $100,000. He emphasized the need for the four teachers and maintenance. We need to cooperate with Townside and if the choice is to take a vote to reduce the budget Reading citizens would then understand what they are losing. Mr. Cummings stated we need to prioritize to give FinCom the direction we want to go in. Matthew Cummings moved to begin to establish a priority/ putback list. George Shannon seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the spirit the motion was made to start at the top and work down - not looking at the final total of the budget but at what is important for the operation of the system. The vote was unanimous. The list was created with items for the Status Quo /Level Standards Priority / Putback beginning with the least offensive cut. Computer Modems $ 5,000 Building Maintenance (up to) $110,000 School Council Improvement Activities $ 18,500 Per -Pupil Supplies & Staff Development $ 25,000 School Council Improvement Activities $ 18,500 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 Per -Pupil Supplies & Staff Development $ 25,000 The consensus of the committee was to stop at this point. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the priority /putback list as shown beginning with the least offensive cut at the top. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. APPROVAL OF EARLY RETIREMENT FOR TEACHERS (out of order) Mr. Twomey read Dr. Munnelly's suggested motion for Early Retirement for Teachers. "That the Reading School Committee endorse the Superintendent's recommendation to accept the provisions of Section 83 of Chapter 71 of the Acts of 1993, as amended, known as the "Education Reform Act of 1993," to provide for an Early Retirement Incentive Program for the members of the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement system employed by the Reading Public Schools, with said program to include a five -year additional credit for age, service, or a combination thereof and payback amortized on a five year rather than fifteen year basis." George Shannon moved to approve the Early Retirement for Teachers as read and outlined on the Superintendent's Memo. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved that Town Meeting accept any proceeds garnered by the Early Retirement Program acceptance be accrued to the School Committee budget to fund any priorities put forth at any particular point in time. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. School Committee suggested public discussion on School Choice be held at the March 28, 1994 meeting. EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT Chair D'Antona commented on the favorable School Committee's evaluation of the Superintendent. She stated in the area of Educational Leadership the Superintendent was given above average. He also was recognized for his leadership in seeking grants and developing resources that benefit the system. In the area of Personal Characteristics the School Committee saw the Superintendent as outstanding in the domain of being a presenter of a positive image for the schools. It was noted that he has a very positive overall relationship with the members of the School Committee. The Superintendent was given commendation for the excellent manner in which certain complaints were handled and acknowledged the excellent work he did during the contract negotiations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 Dr. Munnelly was pleased with School Committee support and stated he will continue to work on his shortcomings. NEW BUSINESS BIRCH MEADOW CONSTRUCTION CHANGE ORDERS Dr. Munnelly explained the Birch Meadow construction change orders. Change Order #01 Incorporating the decision 01 to exclude security services and 02R to use fixtures like the ones in other Birch Meadow rooms. Change Order #02 Incorporating several small changes - one with no costs was asked for by me 03 - the others are construction based 04A, 05, 06, 07, and 08. Change Order #03 Incorporating a change in the kitchen responsive to the needs of our food service program. A new piece of equipment adds $5,527 to the costs. A major expense - dollars yet to be determined - will relate to the finding of appropriate soil under one big section of the planned foundation. George Shannon moved to approve Change Orders 01, 02 and 03 as out -lined in the enclosure E -1. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Strateqic Plannin Dr. Munnelly explained that now may be the time to lay out the School Committee's vision for the school system with a long range plan as the major way to carry out their responsibili- ties. It was noted that under Education Reform systemwide goals need to be established and then carried forward to the Town. Dr. Munnelly suggested October /November as a time line for plans to be merged with other community groups for one vision of how School Committee plans for education to be conducted. The consensus of the School Committee is to move ahead and to plan a Saturday morning meeting. Y.M.C.A. WAIVER Dr. Munnelly explained the arrangement made with the YMCA and Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson to alleviate the parking shortage for the Birch Meadow teachers during REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 FEBRUARY 28, 1994 construction. He noted their request for a reduction in the rental fee of the Birch Meadow Gymnasium during this transition period. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to instruct the Superintendent to negotiate a reduction in the rental fee in the Birch Meadow gymnasium with the YMCA for this calendar year, taking into account the parking spaces. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 abstention. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS ANNUAL REPORTS FOR THE TOWN The Administration and Chair D'Antona thanked Thomas Stohlman for an excellent School Committee Town Report. ADJOURN At 11:20 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn. Geor Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey RespecM*.Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. �. Superinterulent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee