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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-03-28 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MARCH 28, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present. Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle were also present. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the February 28, 1994 School Committee minutes. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked to remove the notation (Enrollment 4 teachers $120,000) from the putback list on page 5. Ms. D'Antona asked that information regarding guidance and school population needs and the concerns expressed for Project Achieve be added to the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The vote was unanimous for the minutes as corrected. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the March 14, 1994 School Com- mittee minutes. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman requested that he be identified as the volunteer architect under Citizen Input and on page 4 to note that money from this year's unused tax levy could help achieve an early start and lessen the need for another Proposal 2 1/2 override. On page 4 Ms. D'Antona asked to correct the second paragraph from SBAB to SFSB (School Facilities Service Bureau) . The vote for the minutes was unanimous with noted corrections. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the Open Hearing minutes of March 15, 1994. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and George Shannon abstainina. BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: March 21, 1994 - Bills - $83,189.88 March 28, 1994 - Bills - $41,319.05 PAVPOT.T.-q The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: March 18, 1994 - Teachers - $441,526.90 March 25, 1994 - Biweekly - $116,353.79 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 28, 1994 CITIZEN INPUT Dr. Munnelly reported on the news from Coolidge Middle School's Science Olympiad Team announcing that they have won their second consecutive State Science Olympiad Title and now along with their coaches /teachers John Doherty, Debbie Reine- mann and John McCarthy (Austin Prep) they have the opportunity to compete in the National Science Olympiad to be held in May at the University of Arizona. VISITORS: SCHOOL COMMITTEE'S STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE School Committee's Student Representative Rob Bennett had the members of the Student Advisory Committee introduce them- selves. Michael Thompson announced that the School Council has finished the School Improvement Plan and will have it ready for review in a couple of weeks. He added seniors, department heads and teachers have been discussing that if an 85 average is maintained in the third and fourth quarters, seniors would then not have to take finals in the last quarter. He stated that this information would be brought to School Committee in late May or early June. Allison Bastiani announced that the Senior Citizen Prom at the Senior Citizen Center was a success. She stated beginning on March 29 the students will be collecting money for the Pine Street Inn. Marissa Freitas announced that she and Chris Cerratani attend- ed a student conference at Wellesley College where school issues were discussed. Some of these issues included student rights, training for peer advisors and school service. Jill Rickershauser advised the theme for a diversity meeting on April 14th will be for groups to get to know each other, make new friends and break down barriers. Sean Daly presented a proposal for requirements so drama stu- dents could receive a letter in dramatics. Dr. Munnelly said he will discuss this topic with Principal Mirkin. Principal Mirkin stated facilitator training for conflict resolution has been taking place for months. Over 700 stu- dents have chosen to be in the discussion groups. Rob Bennett outlined activities for April 1994 as S.A.D.D. Month. He stated safe ride cards have been assembled for the Junior Prom and will post safe ride posters around the school. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 28, 1994 For a fund raiser SADD safety kits will be sold at Atlantic on April 16th and on April 28th a Motivational Media Assembly re- lated to peer pressure will be held. School Committee asked for information regarding smoking in school. The students replied there still is a smoking pro- blem but the Smoking Cessation representative is continuing to conduct a program for interested participants. OPEN HEARING ON SCHOOL CHOICE Dr. Munnelly explained that a statewide school choice program has been laid out in the 1993 Education Reform Law and under that law we must notify them by June 1 if we do not want to be in the program or we will automatically become involved. For the School Committee's information, he recommended a limited school choice program of 15 students each in the 9th and 10th grades for next year. The Superintendent noted that a student would stay until they graduate and the sending community would reimburse the receiving community approximately 75 percent of the average per -pupil cost of educating students in the receiving school. He stated if the student was in a special education class reimbursement would be at a higher rate. The School Committee had questions regarding transportation costs, and special education and the need to provide programs parents may desire. Nate White, FinCom member, cautioned that the average per - pupil cost of education at the high school was probably higher than the K -12 average per pupil cost, on which the reimburse- ment is based. Mr. White also expressed concern over Readings' anticipated enrollment figures. RTA representative Peter Green read a response from polled teachers, who expressed opposition to the school choice program. He noted their concerns included that the process could create an elitist school system, other concerns about the interpretation of the legislation, and possible difficulty with out -of -town parental involvement and communication. An out -of -town parent expressed an interest in the school choice program and cited the extracurricular activities along with the strong academic program Reading provides. A Reading parent was against our involvement in the school choice program, noting the impact of overcrowded schools as her reasons. School Committee member Mr. Stohlman stated the middle school population could affect a decision for Reading. Dr. Munnelly REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MARCH 28, 1994 stated although decision to remain in the school choice program is made yearly anyone who is accepted will be allowed to graduate. Another committee member acknowledged educational decisions always consider the financial implications. He suggested that the program could increase diversity among the students. Dr. Munnelly read a letter from Stoneham's Superintendent of Schools that stated they were still deliberating the issue of school choice and would prefer a regional collaborative de- cision. Chair D'Antona encouraged the Reading community to send their school choice questions and information in writing to the Superintendent's office. OLD BUSINESS UNDERSTANDING HANDICAPS Dr. Munnelly honored Understanding Handicaps President Judy LeBlanc and past - presidents Rachel Baumgartner, Jeanne Selfridge and Director Nancy Radville with flowers. Chair D'Antona presented Judy LeBlanc with a certificate commem- orating the 10th anniversary of the volunteer contributions to Understanding Handicaps and thanked Garry Cormier and John Upton for putting together the Understanding Handicaps video. Ms. LeBlanc played the video that demonstrated the blindness, deafness and physical disabilities units that teach all of Reading's third and fourth graders about human needs and human handicaps. Ms. LeBlanc commented that these units breakdown the fears young people may have and help them to get to know the person. Ms. Radville explained that 150 volunteers dpmated 1200 hours to the program, in and out of the classroom and that the program's budget is $6500 annually. Since its inception, Ms. LeBlanc stated 3500 students have been reached. Dr. Munnelly suggested for the future School Committee explore ways we can assist to help fund raise for Understanding Handicaps. Student Advisory members Sean Daly and Rob Bennett stated there would be students willing to volunteer and members of the Understanding Handicaps should contact the Peer Group at Reading Memorial High School. Principal Mirkin stated these are the things that give Reading that special quality. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MARCH 28, 1994 BUDGET FY95 Chair D'Antona stated that the Finance Committee voted on the FY95 School Budget on March 18th. Dr. Munnelly corrected the word "transportation" to "trans- position" in the outline of monies for the FY95 School Budget. The transposition error changed the figures downwards by $20,800. He noted depending on School Committee vote, there is an understanding with the Town Boards to reduce the amount needed by $100,000 through Early Retirement and School Choice. This makes the difference between the amount of money voted by the Finance Committee, $16,364,325 and the $16,390,657 voted by School Committee of $26,322. The Superintendent asked School Committee members how they react to this. The Superintendent stated FinCom decided to add money to the Town snow and ice portion of the Town budget. Dr. Munnelly added that $110,000 would come from bussing money and go to free cash. He noted that FinCom did not acknowledge that amount for the Town budget. The Superintendent noted that an error was made on the Cherry Sheet of a return of $10,000 in bussing. The Town Manager will now need to adjust the free cash portion of the budget. School Committee members suggested scenarios for the shortfall of $26,322. It was noted that Reading citizens need to be aware of our boiler situation. School Committee members stated the shortfall amount should include the figures for Early Retirement and School Choice, $126,000, then if any money is leftover School Committee's stand would be to return that money to free cash. Thomas Stohlman moved to amend the FY95 budget previously voted by School Committee by the reduction of $20,800 due to a transposition error, making the total amount $16,490,657. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Thomas Stohlman moved should Town Meeting consider making up the difference of the voted FY95 School Budget and FinCom's recommended budget that we commit to giving back to free cash up to $126,322 from Early Retirement and School Choice, and only those two. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly discussed the Capital Plan of $172,000 for the boiler items at Coolidge and Reading Memorial High School that the FinCom voted against because of a consideration for a Central Power System. School Committee stated a Central Power System was a last hour suggestion and that there is nothing that supports this being discussed. In the future, they hope REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MARCH 28, 1994 suggestions from FinCom come through in writing well in advance of the time for making decisions. . He continued by stating a power plant company visited Reading today and will provide us with a quote. If a power plant is not an option then the question would be if Town Meeting would support a warrant of $172,000 for boilers. For School Committee's information, Dr. Munnelly advised that someone would have to maintain a power plant 24 hours per day. The Superintendent advised that the School Building Committee Chair Russell Graham will give a presentation to Town Meeting and a School Committee member will also discuss the Parker Middle School project. Another member stated the Town Manager and boards need to talk of Town priorities as a whole. School Committee member Thomas Stohlman suggested some amount of money be put into a stabilization fund. He noted that the Town Manager asked that this suggestion be held until the November Town Meeting so there would be more time to look over the figures. Chair D'Antona said it is imperative that a preliminary report be given to the April Town Meeting so Reading citizens will be aware of a stabilization fund being discussed in November. Dr. Munnelly stated Paul Dustin should be asked at what point the line item for a stabilization fund can be brought up during Town Meeting. RAND TRTP Dr. Munnelly noted in the January 25, 1994 Between Minute Notes and a January 28, 1994 memo from Principal Mirkin refer- ence was made to the band trip request to go to the Shanan- doah Apple Blossom Festival Trip. He added that 100 students would be out of school for 3 days, that students will be paying for their own transportation and band parents have set up the use of some scholarship money. School Committee member George Shannon stated the itinerary material was just recently received and that the administra- tion should have presented this to School Committee for dis- cussion long before the event was planned. Music Director David Bunten advised that the cost of $200 was voted at the Band Parents Meeting this evening. He noted that the last band trip was 3 years ago. During this time they were busy raising funds for uniforms and equipment. He con- tinued, stating they had checked into church and other school events to be sure there was not a conflict in dates. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MARCH 28, 1994 Mr. Shannon requested the Administration provide timely infor- mation for the baseball team's trip. Dr. Munnelly replied that this trip is being planned for April school vacation. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS PROGRESS ON JOSHUA EATON SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT The Superintendent advised that an Eaton School neighbor has withdrawn his appeal from the Department of Environmental Protection to stop progress with that building project. A request for another School Committee meeting before Town Meeting to award the bids for Eaton was noted. SUPERINTENDENT'S GOALS Dr. Munnelly asked School Committee members to review the goals he presented for January 1994 - January 1995. The Superintendent went on to explain his goals, rationale, action steps and outcomes. Goal I: To further the spirit of educational improvements imbedded in the Education Reform Act of 1993 by agress- ively leading the school district to understand and respond positively to the changes. Rationale: It has been to Reading's advantage in the past to anticipate statutory changes and to turn the changes into positive opportunities for Reading students. From our past experience, this has proved a good strategy so that Reading will not be bowled over by "mandated" change. Goal II: To provide administrative and advisory support for the School Committee as it develops a "new" role for itself featured in the Education Reform Law. Rationale and Significance: The Education Reform Act of 1993 can be viewed as legislative action which removed the School Committee from several traditional functions - such as appointments of teachers and coaches, dismissal of professional and support staff and created new groups such as School Councils to exercise responsibilities and authority previously part of the School Committee duties. On the other, more positive side, the legislature gave the School Committee the mandate to lead the school im- provement process in the district by setting policy and translating policies into budget support. What is needed is vigorous action to make this key role central to the improvement of our schools. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MARCH 28, 1994 Chair D'Antona expressed appreciation for the detailed outline of the Superintendent's goals. STRATEGIC PLANNING Chair D'Antona stated that she and Susan Cavicchi just completed Session III of the training for School Committees. Several small groups were developed, she said, to discuss development of goals. Ms. D'Antona suggested to School Committee members that they have two retreats to discuss goals for Reading. The con - census of opinion was for Thursday evening, May 5th and Satur- day, May 14th. DRUG TASK FORCE - DRUG FREE WEEKEND Dr. Munnelly stated Reading will have its First Annual Drug Free Weekend on April 8 and April 9. The weekend demonstrates how our attitude as a community can change for the better and how life can be enjoyed and celebrated without the need for chemical assistance. He added that the Reading Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Council invites the community to enjoy any or all of the activities planned as well as To Take The Pledge. Assistant Superintendent Richards informed the School Commit- tee that designer grocery bags have been created by Reading's 3 -5 graders and will be used at the Atlantic Food Mart. ADJOURN At 10:25 p.m. George Shannon moved to go into Executive Session for the purpose of bargaining and negotiation discussion and grievance discussion. Timothy_ Twomey_ seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothv Twomev ReepeCt�UNy Srbadtled Roberti M neflyl Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee