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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-05-23 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 23, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of May 6, 1994, the Strategic Planning Retreat meeting. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the May 9, 1994 Regular Session School Committee minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the minutes of May 14, 1994, the Long Range Planning Retreat meeting. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: May 9, 1994 - Bills - $ 63,550.27 May 16, 1994 - Bills - $218,284.48 May 23, 1994 - Bills - $ 39,770.04 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: May 6, 1994 - Biweekly - $112,032.08 May 13, 1994 - Teachers - $434,380.44 CITIZENS' INPUT Chair D'Antona acknowledged the letter from the Reading Teachers' Association regarding the opening statement made at the first strategic planning meeting. Ms. D'Antona stated she will respond to their letter promptly. School Committee members commented that they will continue to set educational goals in a public forum and continue to treat everyone in a respectful manner. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 23, 1994 SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENTS' REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated several of Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) professional staff and students for their accomplishments: RMHS Freshman Adam Musto recently entered a paper completely in French about Le Marquis de Lafayette in a competition sponsored by the Lafayette Committee. Adam won an award which will be presented to him by a descendant of the Marquis de Lafayette in a ceremony at the State House in Boston on May 20th. RMHS science teacher Leo Kenney and two or three of his students will testify on the importance of the endangered species act at the senate hearings in Washington, D.C. this summer. On May 20th a film crew will film our students who are involved in vernal pool activities for the June 8th program at the Busch theme park. Yee Li Sun has won a Merit Scholarship. RMHS senior Erica Baumgartner will be featured as 1 of 10 outstanding graduates in the June 5th edition of the Globe Northwest Weekly section. Barbara McLean, Library /Media specialist at Eaton has earned recognition for her idea of travelling mascots. State Farm Insurance will feature a Good Neighbor Award ad in the September issues of major magazines and will present a gift of $5,000 for global education in her name to the school. Barrows' Grade 2 teacher, Eileen Litterio, is 1 of 12 finalists for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. After all of the candidates have been interviewed a final decision will be made by the end of June. Dr. Munnelly announced that a one topic Open Hearing discussion re- garding the METCO program will be held on June 6th in the School Committee Conference Room. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting. VISITORS STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL The Superintendent congratulated School Committee Student Advisory Council representative Rob Bennett for being selected to give the Kick -off address for the 350th celebration. Though Rob was not present, Dr. Munnelly thanked him for the 6 months he served with the School Committee. Principal Rena Mirkin introduced the students from the Advisory Council that were present. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 23, 1994 Marisa Frietas announced that the Shawmut Bank matched money raised by students participating in the AIDS walk -a -thon on Sunday, June 5th. School Advisory and School Council Representatives Heather McDonald and Michael Thompson advised they finished working on the minutes for School Improvement Plan. They informed the School Committee that a survey has gone out to students, teachers and the community on how they would like to become involved. Michael announced that the Co -Chair of RMHS School Council, Stanley Nissen is planning to become a parent representative next year. Michael went on to explain the process made in the research for graduation requirements. They have given all the information to Principal Mirkin, teachers and the Department Heads for their review. Ms. Mirkin complimented Michael for the terrific job he has done and stated when the information is complete it will be brought to Dr. Munnelly and the School Committee for information purposes. Megan O'Connell stated in the Fall a survey will go out to the students regarding curriculum, school activities and any other sug- gestions they may make. Thomas Dulong informed the audience that 13 students are partici- pating in National History Day in Washington, D.C. On June 7th the students' projects will be presented at the high school in several of the rooms. The public is invited to attend. Sarah Mehan announced $200 was raised in the Pennies for Pine Street Inn fund raiser. The money was counted by Bay Bank and brought to Pine Street Inn. She noted that the Student Council will be presenting 5 seniors scholarships of $300 each on graduation day. A School Committee member congratulated the members of the Student Advisory Council for the initiative used to raise the additional money for a fifth scholarship. Ms. Mirkin complimented the Drama Club and Coolidge Middle School Drama Coach Bill Endslow for the presentation of Aladdin. Ms. Mirkin spoke about the in -depth year of discussions on diversity. INFORMATION TASK FORCE Assistant Superintendent Richards turned this portion of the meeting over to Reading's Information Technology Task Force Members. Nancy Ziemlak, Eaton parent and a Systems Training Manager, began the presentation with the Mission Statement: .To assess the Current State of Information Technology .To investigate the Educational Implications REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 23, 1994 .To develop a Vision of Information Technology .To develop Recommendations .Offer a Plan of action .Provide public forums for the Exchange of Information Ms. Ziemlack stated some of the Educational Tools available for resources are ERIC, EnviroNet, and LearnNet. She continued by discussing the Current Status of Information Technology, the General Findings and some Preliminary Conclusions from all schools. Ms. Ziemlack listed the goals the Task Force have developed: . To create more effective & diverse learning opportunities by applying technological tools. To develop human resources to take full advantage of the new technologies in the learning process. . To exploit technologies to provide communication & collabora- tion among learners & educators. To modernize school & community buildings to facilitate com- munication & learning with technology. . To promote research, evaluation, & innovation. . To provide funding to establish technologically integrated learning environments. Coolidge and Killam parent and Product Developer Lawrence Chomsky, spoke about the Educational Implications, a change in how children learn and in how teachers teach. He noted we cannot simply expect that teachers will somehow learn how to teach with these new technologies without necessary and significant professional devel- opment and support. Mr. Chomsky added we need to move toward "Flexibility ", there is a need for going "Outside" the confines of the school for learning activities. Ms. Ziemlak reported on the impact the National and State Initia- tives are having on Reading. Mr. Chomsky presented some of the National Information Infrastruc- ture (NII) requirements from the National Coordinating Committee for Technology in Education and Training: Ensure that all Americans have affordable access to the NII. . Ensure that the NII is accessible in a variety of learning environments. Promote training, professional development, and technical assistance for educators as an integral part of the develop- ment of the NII. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 23, 1994 . Ensure that the NII is easy to use. Learning opportunities using technology in Reading, Mr. Chomsky added, might include a French I student reading authentic press dispatches from the French wire service obtained via the Internet. Mr. Chomsky noted the solutions and how we find them. They include access to the technology - the technical components and the infra- structure to support them, such as, equipment, network access, support personnel to maintain the physical plant, support personnel to develop and facilitate appropriate usage of the media, funding from multiple sources to support technology requirements, and agreements with service vendors to provide free, inexpensive or funded access. Understanding the technology and uses. He added, "changes will not occur simply by bringing new technology into existing curriculum and instructional processes. Reconceptualizing curriculum and instruction and, in turn, the organization and man- agement of schooling need to be accomplished ... with the design and implementation of an information management system." In conclusion Ms. Ziemlak outlined what Reading can do to make this a reality, she stated it is most important for Reading to submit an Information Technology Plan by November 1994. The Assistant Superintendent acknowledged other members of the Technology Task Force who were present: Committee Chair and teacher Laura Peterson, parents James Biller, Brian Colozi, Roy Welsch, teachers Joe Cain, Joan Clifford, Mary Hichborn, Elaine Hondorf, Joan Morse and Principal Charles Papandreou. Teacher Joe Buckley and parents Chuck Wayne and Jim Keigley were not present. A School Committee member stated funding is the most critical of the goals. Mr. Richards advised they are already in discussion with the Town regarding efforts that may provide money for planning. The Task Force invited each school council and other interested stakeholders to communicate their suggestions for the Reading Information Technology Plan which the Task Force will submit to the School Committee in the fall. OTHER Chair D'Antona asked Mr. Biller, a parent who accompanied the Coolidge Science Olympiad team to Arizona, how they ranked. He stated that the team took 24th place in the National Science Olympiad. He thanked the community for their donations. Mr. Chomsky, who also accompanied the team, acknowledged and thanked teachers Deborah Reineman and John Doherty for the time they donated to this effort. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MAY 23, 1994 TEACHING STAFF FROM REGULAR EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ABOUT PROGRESS ON INCLUSION GOAL Dr. Munnelly stated we could celebrate the progress Reading has made since 1992 when the Task Force Report on Inclusion was accepted and how we will progress on into the future. This is the long range plan to link students together as more effective learners. Pupil Personnel Director Dr. Alexanian identified staff who reported on activities and examples of inclusion that are going on in the system. Coolidge Middle School teachers Mary Fuller and Marie Tomascello advised that many modifications are helping all of the students. The special education personnel work with the students in note taking, test taking for knowledge - not for time, sometimes tests are even taken orally. Special education personnel are asked to help pick out text books and reading material. Homework assignments are checked every morning and afternoon. It was noted that after school for one hour a student may get homework assistance from a special education person. There is a TAT, Teacher Assistant Team, who work as a bridge with any child having behavorial or educational problems. Ms. Tomascello stated that currently 17 teachers are taking advantage of Special Education help in the classroom with all students. There are 75 classes a week, many with special education teachers working as a team with regular education teachers. Ms. Fuller added that the stigma is minimized, SPED people are very helpful, and academic material is more easily understood. Ms. Tomascello continued that Professional Development needs to be continued, technical skills upgraded, additional preparation time and additional support staff for inclusion are also needed. Parker personnel Sheila Richardson and Bill Carne spoke about their experience as co- teachers in the 8th grade earth science class with 8 special education students. Ms. Richardson emphasized that special education students are spending more time in the classroom than in the Learning Center. Special Education students are more involved in the regular education procedures. With the help of a grant, Ms. Richardson said she wrote a co- teaching guide line. Mr. Carne began by informing the School Committee that co- teaching is the best thing he has done in his 28 years of teaching. The class is made up of one third special education and two thirds regular education students. The principles emphasize the class is a safe haven for everyone and that everyone has an equal chance in REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MAY 23, 1994 the classroom. Mr. Carne stated he is the content specialist and Ms. Richardson is the SPED specialist. He added that students understand the most used term, "we" refers to both teachers. Everyone gets the same assignments. Ms. Richardson helps to get students started with homework and studying for tests. For some of the SPED students more time is needed inthe Learning Center. Mr. Carne added they are looking forward to continuing the co- teaching arrangement. He stated more planning time is needed and is looking forward to expanding the technology of 8th grade earth science. Ms. Richardson noted that 8th grade regular education students are teaching 6th grade students in Homework Haven. Mr. Carne felt co- teaching brings out the best in teaching and will be able to tell over the years if this system works. A parent, Jim Riley, stated his child is progressing much better than he felt he was capable of. RMHS Resource Room Special Education specialist Susan Robison spoke about modifying curriculum with the three SPED teachers at the high school. She addressed the strategies for skills, creatively thinking for students, behavorial issues resolved during the classroom when there are 2 teachers in a classroom. She noted that there are 2 staff members in the Learning Center every period. Ms. Robison stated 35 teachers attended a workshop on assessment this past summer. An Orbit article on diversity, although it was not a SPED initiative, Ms. Robison noted broadens the climate and changes attitudes for all teachers and students. Killam's Resource Room Special Education specialist Marty Pressey and Principal Paul Guerrette spoke about Inclusion in their school. Ms. Pressey stated many things have evolved because of teacher teaming. She added that 11 teachers met for 2 days to put together individual profiles so all children can learn. Principal Guerrette continued with support for the: . results of dedicated people on inclusion time needed . demands - behind the scenes of the educational plans . training/ support to put teams together to work collaboratively change in population - resources to keep children in mainstream . realized cost savings with some students coming back into the system Mr. Guerrette stated in order to be more effective many areas for support staff need to be trained. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MAY 23, 1994 School Committee members added more staff, not less, with a new way, not a cheaper way to provide services. Parents in the audience supported the inclusion program. NEW BUSINESS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CLASS SIZE Dr. Munnelly presented his recommendations for the projected elementary enrollments for 1994 -95 school year. Mr. Twomey expressed concern over the additional .5 Kindergarten position. Dr. Munnelly stated if we do not get student transfer volunteers a lottery may need to be done. Ms. Cavicchi wanted to go on record as to her concern over the large classes for Grade 1 and Grade 4 at Killam. The Superintendent advised there are many situations that are not good. We are seriously overloaded with 24 more students. There will be problems managing music, art, physical education and special needs. We are up above the projected enrollment report of Dan Ensiminger. When asked by a School Committee member about the bussing expense, Dr. Munnelly replied that the current 2 buses were not additional to our budget. He added he would develop a plan to cut back /or hold in small amounts money for a .5 Kindergarten teacher. Mr. Shannon advised that the kids are there and we need to go forward. He added it would be appropriate to go to Town Meeting for an additional $30,000 in an emergency situation. He asked that School Committee again reconsider the alternative of School Choice for funds. Principal Guerrette suggested a portable for the impact on Kinder- garten students and asked for more educational assistants in the classrooms. Chair D'Antona stated that although Killam is suffering with large numbers the quality of education there is outstanding. Mr. Guerrette suggested he does not want teachers to suffer with the large classes. Several parents expressed their concerns about the large class sizes and asked if the new intown construction was included in the REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 MAY 23. 1994 enrollment projections. Dr. Munnelly stated this information has been factored in. School Committee member Mr. Twomey advised that when the request for parents to volunteer their child to attend another school was presented in the past, it was done so in a confusing manner. Assistant Superintendent Richards shared his memo dated May 19, 1994 to Dr. Munnelly that was corrected to read 80.5 Grade K -5 teachers. The consensus of opinion from all School Committee members was to add a .5 kindergarten teacher. Dr. Munnelly advised that the METCO program for Grade 1 will be discussed on June 6, 1994. PARENT RIGHT POLICY (DRAFT School Committee member Mr. Stohlman advised that the parental rights policy grew out of contact with parents. He added it would provide a simple format for parents to refer to and a copy of the policy would be given to parents at the beginning of each school year. Mr. Shannon asked that this policy be presented earlier at the next School Committee meeting for further discussion. RENEWAL OF LABOR COUNSEL CONTRACT On the recommendation of the Administration, Timothy Twomey moved to continue the arrangement for Deutsch Williams to represent the Reading School Committee in FY95 at the current hourly rates, $135 for senior attorneys and $130 for associates. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TEACHER RECERTIFICATION: DISCUSSION (out of order) Mr. Twomey asked that the professional development and teacher recertification discussion be moved to another School Committee meeting. OTHER In reply to a question, Dr. Munnelly stated School Improvement Plans needed to be reviewed within 30 days and a decision made and voted on by the School Committee. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 MAY 23, 1994 REPORT TO THE PUBLIC ON STRATEGIC PLANNING RETREAT It was noted the retreat closure meeting has been set for May 31, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Office. MIDDLESEX DISTRICT ATTORNEY BOOKLET ON OPEN MEETING Dr. Munnelly shared a letter dated April 26, 1994 from Catherine Sullivan, Assistant District Attorney addressed to Chair D'Antona regarding the Open Meeting Law. It stated that they have offered to send an assistant district attorney to present an educational seminar at the invitation of the school committee, with other town officials and the public invited to learn about recent developments in the law. School Committee members decided to invite Ms. Sullivan for an edu- cational seminar. ADJOURN At 11:50 p.m. Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussion of negotiations with non -union per- sonnel. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unan- imous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothv Twomev SUbnlMW Robert i MOWN, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee