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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-13 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superin- tendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. Approximately 80 citizens were in attendance. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the regular session minutes of May 23, 1994. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the long range retreat minutes of May 31, 1994. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Matthew Cummings abstaining. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: May 31, 1994 - Bills - $84,061.53 June 6, 1994 - Bills - $46,276.44 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: May 20, 1994 - Biweekly - $115,618.82 June 3, 1994 - Biweekly - $120,435.28 May 27, 1994 - Teachers - $436,522.75 CITIZENS' INPUT Mr. Cummings referenced the recent Band Parent Letter that was sent to parents, he informed them that if the Band Parents have concerns or questions they are welcome to contact him. Mr. Shannon stated if concerns were about the Band Parent Organization itself then parents should address those concerns to the organization. Ms. Cavicchi received a call from the president of the organi- zation to assure the committee that in no way did she imply in REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 13, 1994 the Band Parent Letter that citizens should not call School Committee members. As liaison to the Recreation Committee, Ms. Cavicchi congrat- ulated the Barrows' parents for the newly installed play- ground. Ms. Cavicchi reported that there have been requests to have the weight room open during the summer at the high school from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a qualified person in charge of 39 par- ticipants at a cost of $30 each. Ms. Cavicchi advised that the private party being organized by a Parker Middle School parent has not been endorsed by the Parker staff, PTO or the Administration. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated the Reading Memorial High School Vernal Pool group along with Science teacher Leo Kenney who were awarded first place in the high school division from Busch Gardens. This award includes funds for the science department. The Superintendent went on to congratulate the Coolidge Math Team for a very successful year of competition in the Intermediate Math League. They ended the session with a first place finish in their division and ranked in the top third in a league of 39 schools. Coolidge also received the league's "Most Improved School" award. Scott Given earned the team's top score amongst eighth graders and Scott Strandberg captured the seventh grade high score's award. Dr. Munnelly also congratulated the other members of the team. The Superintendent shared the American Libraries publica- tion that had an article in it by Renee Olson, head of information services at the Reading Public Library. The article was about the cooperation between the Coolidge and Parker libraries and the public library and the activities around the Twenty Plus Club, an incentive - filled reading program; the Electronic Bookshelf; and a summer reading program in which readers earn "cash" to use at an auction at summer's end. PERSONNEL Assistant Superintendent Richards presented the personnel report that included the resignations of: Alexander Alexanian, Director of Pupil Services REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 13, 1994 Donald Farnham, Principal of Eaton Elementary School Kevin O'Brien, RMHS Learning Center Coordinator Anthony Crupi, Killam Elementary School Custodian Dorothy Miller, Birch Meadow Elementary School Cafeteria The appointment of Thomas Zaya as the Reading Memorial High School Assistant Soccer Coach. Assistant Superintendent Richards announced the recommended coach appointments for the 1994 -95 school year. Mr. Cummings asked if Department Heads and Extra Curricular listings would be available at the next scheduled school com- mittee meeting and asked that the Band Director's duties be outlined. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET 1995 UPDATE: THE NEED FOR ADJUSTMENTS HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Munnelly stated additional science classes are needed at the high school. He explained that Principal Mirkin worked out a scheme with him that calls for the use of turnover money (Sampson, Moore) , the cutting back of a part -time English teacher, the service of an attendance aide, and the elimina- tion this year of several planned building repair expendi- tures so an additional science teacher could be hired. HALF -TIME KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT KILLAM Also in that scenario, Dr. Munnelly proposed plans would include using the remaining ($17,000) teacher turnover money to fund a half-time Kindergarten teacher at Killam. $100,000 BUDGET SHORTAGE The Superintendent suggested a hold on FY95 expenditure items as we proceed into the school year $100,000 short on revenue. Building Maintenance Major Boiler Repairs $44,000 Telephone Lines (FAX) 5,500 Electrician 30,000 - -- Basic Building Maintenance Cafeteria Tables 3,000 Parker Cafeteria Tables 2,256 Coolidge Choral Cabinet 500 Coolidge Cafeteria Tables 2,661 Killam - —__ Lexan 3,000 Barrows Cafeteria Tables 4,000 Barrows Painting (outdoor) 5,000 Barrows REGULAR SESSION_ MINUTES 4 JUNE 13, 1994 During the budget presentations on the Early Retirement Program, the School Department relied on actuarial data from Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement Board to calculate costs and savings. Because the Board recently changed the way it calculates the cost to the town from Early Retirement and that has changed the cost and savings estimates to the school department. Discussion regarding the electrician followed, noting we would be spending more than the budgeted $30,000 if we had to pay for outside electrician services. George Shannon withdrew a motion he made to go to FinCom for $50,000. Matthew Cummings moved to direct the Administration to request from FinCom, as an emergency measure to cover the short fall, $56,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Thomas Stohlman moved to request FinCom for an increase to the budget of an additional $50,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion followed with a member stating when priorities were made $50,000 of the maintenance budget was cut and that they made an educationally sound decision when they chose not to have School Choice. The vote was 5 in favor and George Shannon abstaining. Mr. Cummings requested to see all high school areas of class sizes. ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE 1994 -95 Dr. Munnelly apologized to the community for not returning all the calls made about elementary class sizes for 1994 -95. He proposed to deal with the grade 1 issues at Killam, we ask for one grade 1 teacher ($30,000 plus $5,000 health benefits) from the Finance Committee. For space, he proposed moving the RISE program from the two classrooms of RISE preschool special education and regular education program at Killam. This would make available a room for the kindergarten class we are squeezing into Killam and for an additional grade 1 class. Thus, the RISE program would fit into the PPS office space at RMHS and PPS would move to an administrative area using the classroom space on the floor above us for offices and confer- ence space. He added counseling may have to take place in the Superintendent's office area. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 13 1994 Killam Principal Paul Guerrette offered another idea: 1. Transfer 8 Barrows fifth graders to Birch Meadow for the 94 -95 school year. There is a precedent for this action when 4 Barrows fourth graders came to Killam this year to help reduce numbers at Barrows. 2. Run 2 fifth grades at Barrows (24 -24). 3. Use the Barrows space for the kindergarten overflow at Eaton and Barrows. This would be a half time teacher. 4. Request 15 hours of teacher aide time for each of the Killam first grade classrooms. Cost $14,478.75 Advantages: . You'd disrupt only 8 students . Pre - school stays at Killam . Provide some relief for the first grades at Killam for 3 hours per day Save renovation and moving cost for the pre - school program . Save 1 teacher's salary less cost of aides All Barrows kindergarten students stay in their district for 94 -95 school year -only 12 kindergarten students move from Eaton to Barrows Additional information: For the 95 -96 school year he would request another first and second grade teacher (total 2) plus space at Killam. Space could be provided by adding portables or moving the pre - school program to Eaton in September 1995 when their addition is complete. A School Committee member stated he did not feel we could get 8 Barrows Grade 5 students to volunteer to go to Birch Meadow. Another stated parents want to keep RISE at Killam and asked if the High D area could be converted to a classroom. Dr. Munnelly and Principal Guerrette stated that suggestion would be unacceptable. Mr. Guerrette wanted to go on record if space is available at Killam he would like another teacher. He also expressed concerns regarding the PPS space being used for RISE and a kindergarten class. He added the impact on services at Killam need to be looked at. Chair D'Antona asked the Administration to draw up new scenarios. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 13 1994 Several of the parents in the audience expressed their concerns: . Qualified aides in the classroom . Space issue - consideration of a portable . Student transfers . FinCom's support to approve more money The Chair asked Dr. Munnelly if the Assistant Superintendent after meeting with principals could possibly brief the public on June 20th with other suggestions. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN APPROVAL Assistant Superintendent Richards stated that we need to respond to the plans the School Councils have developed. He noted that the School Councils by statute are advisory to the principals and by extension he believes they are advisory to the School Committee. Each school has developed a statement of what they think will improve their school. It is impor- tant for all to realize that acceptance of the plans does not mean that the Committee can or even intends to support each school improvement goal or any budgetary implications of the plan. Dr. Munnelly asked School Committee members to consider how often they want to meet with the School Council representa- tives. School Committee members encouraged School Council representa- tives to participate at School Committee meetings and regular attendance with each school's liaisons at budget meetings. It was noted that the School Improvement Plans need more than approval, that School Committee needs to give them something back. Another member stated School Councils should be aware of School Committee's system wide goals. Chair D'Antona suggested setting time aside at the next School Committee meeting to study School Councils information. She stated information about performance assessment and school climate is needed. George Shannon moved that we conditionally accept the School Council School Improvement Plans. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Ms. D'Antona asked that the School Councils understand there is no commitment to funding by approving their plans. Mr. Stohlman stated acceptance needs to be set out in more detail. Mr. Twomey would approve the plans with comments and asked for a separate meeting to review the plans. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 13 1994 The vote was 4 in favor, Thomas Stohlman against, and Timothy Twomey abstaining. PARENT RIGHTS POLICY Matthew Cummings moved to approve for a first vote the Parent Rights Policy. George Shannon seconded the motion Mr. Stohlman will make clear what legal rights the Administration and Principals have and in no way imply that School Committee has the final say. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS REVISIONS TO POLICY ON SELECTION OF PRINCIPALS On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to adopt for a first vote the Policy CBB, Selection of Principals and Citizen Screening Committee for Administrative Positions. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey asked that School Council be built into this policy as part of the Screening Committee. The vote was unanimous. CRITERIA SETTING BY READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE ON VACANCIES Dr. Munnelly asked for School Committee's guidance on the selection process as we move forward. He noted a screening committee needs appointment without unnecessary delays as soon as possible. School Committee members responded to the criteria for replacement of Eaton Principal as follows: Staff assessment and performance . Demonstrated leadership and innovation Experienced administrator . Continuity because the school is in transition Demonstrate knowledge of Education Reform and familiarity with the inclusion process Superintendent stated the salary range needs to be set as part of the information packet. School Committee members responded to the criteria for re- placement of the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel as follows: .Have experience with the implementation of the in- clusion process .Demonstrated ability of keeping children in the system .Classroom experience .Someone who can deal with a variety of several different personalities REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 13, 1994 Dr. Munnelly advised that person should be fully certified as a Special Education Director from a system of this size and have advanced degrees. Regarding the 7/10 Athletic Director, 3/10 Teacher position the School Committee responded: .Physical Education not the only way to cover the teaching percentage .Commitment and sensitivity to female athletes .Supervision and evaluation of coaches - more than setting up schedule .Not a full time position expectation .Sensitive to parent issues .Meet with parents /coaches - pre- season meetings Dr. Munnelly stated the Athletic Director's job description could be revised. A School Committee member suggested Boosters, coaches, faculty and a student be on the Screening Committee. Another member asked who makes this appointment? Dr. Munnelly replied that the building principal with the concurrence of the Superinten- dent. He noted this needs to be done early, as the season starts before school begins and there should not be any interruption. Dr. Munnelly stated salaries will be discussed at the next School Committee meeting. PROPOSAL FOR A WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM The Assistant Superintendent advised more than 30 young women have expressed an interest in a varsity volleyball program. He noted that girls' volleyball is comparable to the cost of boys' gymnastics. Mr. Richards stated interest in boys' gym- nastics has dropped off. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to approve the Girls' Volleyball program Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous AWARD OF BIDS On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to approve the low bid for ceiling tile, $28,900.00 to Eugene Ricciardelli. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to approve the low bid for oil tanks overflow device, REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 13 1994 $11,290.00 to Engineered Construction Co., Inc George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CHALKBOARD NEWSLETTER - FALL 1994 The consensus decision was that School Committee will write articles for the September Chalkboard Newsletter. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT SUBMISSION WITH TOWNSIDE DEPARTMENTS Dr. Munnelly asked the School Committee endorsement of our plan to submit a technology support grant with the following resolution: That the Reading School Committee recognizes the need in the Town of Reading to develop a planning and implementation model to reach consensus and achieve common goals, thereby unifying the community and making best use of its resources. The Reading School Committee considers this to be a major priority for the Town. The Reading School Committee desires to see communication improved throughout the Town of Reading through the use of modern technology. Specifically, communication between Town Government Departments and Schools, between the Schools and the Public U e. Parents and Citizens), and between Town Government and the Public (ie. Voters and Citizens) could be improved through greater and better use of technology. The use of technology as a teaching and learning tool should also be expanded. The Reading School Committee supports a Townwide priority effort to develop and implement a joint Town - School technology plan. Shannon ove the resolution for Grant Application for EOCD, Municipal Incentive Grant T Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous ADJOURN At midnight Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of negotiation discussion with Union and Non -Union personnel. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Roberta D'Antona Matthew Cummings George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey era J. Mum & , E. o. sU Vewt a Schools secretary To The School Committee READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the executive session to order. at 12:10 a.m. in the Superintendent's Office. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon. Superin- t.endent: Robert J. Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards were also present. MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the May 23, 1994 executive minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion W llowe,d with suggestions for changes noted. The vote was unanimous. BARGAINING AND NEGOTIATION DISCUSSION TUTORS Dr. Munnelly advised that he would like to keep parity with the S tutors and 7 Chapter I tutors. The consensus of the school set .t.lement_ with the tutors a Assistants this year. NURSES committee is to have the same s we have with the Educational. The Superintendent noted under Educational Reform the niirses need t.o be recertified. He added their present pay scale is near the middle of surrounding towns and should be re- examin- (A . ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT nr.. Munnelly stated Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards responds in a diplomatic way, people like him, works long hours and has good performance. He recommended a 4% base build up raise plus a performance base reward of $2,000. ADJOURN At _I a.m. Thomas Stohlman moved to adjourn from executive session Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D' Ant_oria Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superin- tendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. Approximately 80 citizens were in attendance. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the regular session minutes of May 23, 1994. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the long range retreat minutes of May 31, 1994. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Matthew Cummings abstaining. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: May 31, 1994 - Bills - $84,061.53 June 6, 1994 - Bills - $46,276.44 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: May 20, 1994 - Biweekly - $115,618.82 June 3, 1994 - Biweekly - $120,435.28 May 27, 1994 - Teachers - $436,522.75 CITIZENS' INPUT Mr. Cummings referenced the recent Band Parent Letter that was sent to parents, he informed them that if the Band Parents have concerns or questions they are welcome to contact him. Mr. Shannon stated if concerns were about the Band Parent Organization itself then parents should address those concerns to the organization. Ms. Cavicchi received a call from the president of the organi- zation to assure the committee that in no way did she imply in REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 13, 1994 the Band Parent Letter that citizens should not call School Committee members. As liaison to the Recreation Committee, Ms. Cavicchi congrat- ulated the Barrows' parents for the newly installed play- ground. Ms. Cavicchi reported that there have been requests to have the weight room open during the summer at the high school from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a qualified person in charge of 39 par- ticipants at a cost of $30 each. Ms. Cavicchi advised that the private party being organized by a Parker Middle School parent has not been endorsed by the Parker staff, PTO or the Administration. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated the Reading Memorial High School Vernal Pool group along with Science teacher Leo Kenney who were awarded first place in the high school division from Busch Gardens. This award includes funds for the science department. The Superintendent went on to congratulate the Coolidge Math Team for a very successful year of competition in the Intermediate Math League. They ended the session with a first place finish in their division and ranked in the top third in a league of 39 schools. Coolidge also received the league's "Most Improved School" award. Scott Given earned the team's top score amongst eighth graders and Scott Strandberg captured the seventh grade high score's award. Dr. Munnelly also congratulated the other members of the team. The Superintendent shared the American Libraries publica- tion that had an article in it by Renee Olson, head of information services at the Reading Public Library. The article was about the cooperation between the Coolidge and Parker libraries and the public library and the activities around the Twenty Plus Club, an incentive - filled reading program; the Electronic Bookshelf; and a summer reading program in which readers earn "cash" to use at an auction at summer's end. PERSONNEL Assistant Superintendent Richards presented the personnel report that included the resignations of: Alexander Alexanian, Director of Pupil Services REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 13, 1994 Donald Farnham, Principal of Eaton Elementary School Kevin O'Brien, RMHS Learning Center Coordinator Anthony Crupi, Killam Elementary School Custodian Dorothy Miller, Birch Meadow Elementary School Cafeteria The appointment of Thomas Zaya as the Reading Memorial High School Assistant Soccer Coach. Assistant Superintendent Richards announced the recommended coach appointments for the 1994 -95 school year. Mr. Cummings asked if Department Heads and Extra Curricular listings would be available at the next scheduled school com- mittee meeting and asked that the Band Director's duties be outlined. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET 1995 UPDATE: THE NEED FOR ADJUSTMENTS HIGH SCHOOL Dr. Munnelly stated additional science classes are needed at the high school. He explained that Principal Mirkin worked out a scheme with him that calls for the use of turnover money (Sampson, Moore) , the cutting back of a part -time English teacher, the service of an attendance aide, and the elimina- tion this year of several planned building repair expendi- tures so an additional science teacher could be hired. HALF -TIME KINDERGARTEN TEACHER AT KILLAM Also in that scenario, Dr. Munnelly proposed plans would include using the remaining ($17,000) teacher turnover money to fund a half-time Kindergarten teacher at Killam. $100,000 BUDGET SHORTAGE The Superintendent suggested a hold on FY95 expenditure items as we proceed into the school year $100,000 short on revenue. Building Maintenance Major Boiler Repairs $44,000 Telephone Lines (FAX) 5,500 Electrician 30,000 - -- Basic Building Maintenance Cafeteria Tables 3,000 Parker Cafeteria Tables 2,256 Coolidge Choral Cabinet 500 Coolidge Cafeteria Tables 2,661 Killam - —__ Lexan 3,000 Barrows Cafeteria Tables 4,000 Barrows Painting (outdoor) 5,000 Barrows REGULAR SESSION_ MINUTES 4 JUNE 13, 1994 During the budget presentations on the Early Retirement Program, the School Department relied on actuarial data from Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement Board to calculate costs and savings. Because the Board recently changed the way it calculates the cost to the town from Early Retirement and that has changed the cost and savings estimates to the school department. Discussion regarding the electrician followed, noting we would be spending more than the budgeted $30,000 if we had to pay for outside electrician services. George Shannon withdrew a motion he made to go to FinCom for $50,000. Matthew Cummings moved to direct the Administration to request from FinCom, as an emergency measure to cover the short fall, $56,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Thomas Stohlman moved to request FinCom for an increase to the budget of an additional $50,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion followed with a member stating when priorities were made $50,000 of the maintenance budget was cut and that they made an educationally sound decision when they chose not to have School Choice. The vote was 5 in favor and George Shannon abstaining. Mr. Cummings requested to see all high school areas of class sizes. ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE 1994 -95 Dr. Munnelly apologized to the community for not returning all the calls made about elementary class sizes for 1994 -95. He proposed to deal with the grade 1 issues at Killam, we ask for one grade 1 teacher ($30,000 plus $5,000 health benefits) from the Finance Committee. For space, he proposed moving the RISE program from the two classrooms of RISE preschool special education and regular education program at Killam. This would make available a room for the kindergarten class we are squeezing into Killam and for an additional grade 1 class. Thus, the RISE program would fit into the PPS office space at RMHS and PPS would move to an administrative area using the classroom space on the floor above us for offices and confer- ence space. He added counseling may have to take place in the Superintendent's office area. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 13 1994 Killam Principal Paul Guerrette offered another idea: 1. Transfer 8 Barrows fifth graders to Birch Meadow for the 94 -95 school year. There is a precedent for this action when 4 Barrows fourth graders came to Killam this year to help reduce numbers at Barrows. 2. Run 2 fifth grades at Barrows (24 -24). 3. Use the Barrows space for the kindergarten overflow at Eaton and Barrows. This would be a half time teacher. 4. Request 15 hours of teacher aide time for each of the Killam first grade classrooms. Cost $14,478.75 Advantages: . You'd disrupt only 8 students . Pre - school stays at Killam . Provide some relief for the first grades at Killam for 3 hours per day Save renovation and moving cost for the pre - school program . Save 1 teacher's salary less cost of aides All Barrows kindergarten students stay in their district for 94 -95 school year -only 12 kindergarten students move from Eaton to Barrows Additional information: For the 95 -96 school year he would request another first and second grade teacher (total 2) plus space at Killam. Space could be provided by adding portables or moving the pre - school program to Eaton in September 1995 when their addition is complete. A School Committee member stated he did not feel we could get 8 Barrows Grade 5 students to volunteer to go to Birch Meadow. Another stated parents want to keep RISE at Killam and asked if the High D area could be converted to a classroom. Dr. Munnelly and Principal Guerrette stated that suggestion would be unacceptable. Mr. Guerrette wanted to go on record if space is available at Killam he would like another teacher. He also expressed concerns regarding the PPS space being used for RISE and a kindergarten class. He added the impact on services at Killam need to be looked at. Chair D'Antona asked the Administration to draw up new scenarios. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 13 1994 Several of the parents in the audience expressed their concerns: . Qualified aides in the classroom . Space issue - consideration of a portable . Student transfers . FinCom's support to approve more money The Chair asked Dr. Munnelly if the Assistant Superintendent after meeting with principals could possibly brief the public on June 20th with other suggestions. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN APPROVAL Assistant Superintendent Richards stated that we need to respond to the plans the School Councils have developed. He noted that the School Councils by statute are advisory to the principals and by extension he believes they are advisory to the School Committee. Each school has developed a statement of what they think will improve their school. It is impor- tant for all to realize that acceptance of the plans does not mean that the Committee can or even intends to support each school improvement goal or any budgetary implications of the plan. Dr. Munnelly asked School Committee members to consider how often they want to meet with the School Council representa- tives. School Committee members encouraged School Council representa- tives to participate at School Committee meetings and regular attendance with each school's liaisons at budget meetings. It was noted that the School Improvement Plans need more than approval, that School Committee needs to give them something back. Another member stated School Councils should be aware of School Committee's system wide goals. Chair D'Antona suggested setting time aside at the next School Committee meeting to study School Councils information. She stated information about performance assessment and school climate is needed. George Shannon moved that we conditionally accept the School Council School Improvement Plans. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Ms. D'Antona asked that the School Councils understand there is no commitment to funding by approving their plans. Mr. Stohlman stated acceptance needs to be set out in more detail. Mr. Twomey would approve the plans with comments and asked for a separate meeting to review the plans. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 13 1994 The vote was 4 in favor, Thomas Stohlman against, and Timothy Twomey abstaining. PARENT RIGHTS POLICY Matthew Cummings moved to approve for a first vote the Parent Rights Policy. George Shannon seconded the motion Mr. Stohlman will make clear what legal rights the Administration and Principals have and in no way imply that School Committee has the final say. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS REVISIONS TO POLICY ON SELECTION OF PRINCIPALS On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to adopt for a first vote the Policy CBB, Selection of Principals and Citizen Screening Committee for Administrative Positions. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey asked that School Council be built into this policy as part of the Screening Committee. The vote was unanimous. CRITERIA SETTING BY READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE ON VACANCIES Dr. Munnelly asked for School Committee's guidance on the selection process as we move forward. He noted a screening committee needs appointment without unnecessary delays as soon as possible. School Committee members responded to the criteria for replacement of Eaton Principal as follows: Staff assessment and performance . Demonstrated leadership and innovation Experienced administrator . Continuity because the school is in transition Demonstrate knowledge of Education Reform and familiarity with the inclusion process Superintendent stated the salary range needs to be set as part of the information packet. School Committee members responded to the criteria for re- placement of the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel as follows: .Have experience with the implementation of the in- clusion process .Demonstrated ability of keeping children in the system .Classroom experience .Someone who can deal with a variety of several different personalities REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 13, 1994 Dr. Munnelly advised that person should be fully certified as a Special Education Director from a system of this size and have advanced degrees. Regarding the 7/10 Athletic Director, 3/10 Teacher position the School Committee responded: .Physical Education not the only way to cover the teaching percentage .Commitment and sensitivity to female athletes .Supervision and evaluation of coaches - more than setting up schedule .Not a full time position expectation .Sensitive to parent issues .Meet with parents /coaches - pre- season meetings Dr. Munnelly stated the Athletic Director's job description could be revised. A School Committee member suggested Boosters, coaches, faculty and a student be on the Screening Committee. Another member asked who makes this appointment? Dr. Munnelly replied that the building principal with the concurrence of the Superinten- dent. He noted this needs to be done early, as the season starts before school begins and there should not be any interruption. Dr. Munnelly stated salaries will be discussed at the next School Committee meeting. PROPOSAL FOR A WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM The Assistant Superintendent advised more than 30 young women have expressed an interest in a varsity volleyball program. He noted that girls' volleyball is comparable to the cost of boys' gymnastics. Mr. Richards stated interest in boys' gym- nastics has dropped off. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to approve the Girls' Volleyball program Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous AWARD OF BIDS On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to approve the low bid for ceiling tile, $28,900.00 to Eugene Ricciardelli. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to approve the low bid for oil tanks overflow device, REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 13 1994 $11,290.00 to Engineered Construction Co., Inc George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CHALKBOARD NEWSLETTER - FALL 1994 The consensus decision was that School Committee will write articles for the September Chalkboard Newsletter. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANT SUBMISSION WITH TOWNSIDE DEPARTMENTS Dr. Munnelly asked the School Committee endorsement of our plan to submit a technology support grant with the following resolution: That the Reading School Committee recognizes the need in the Town of Reading to develop a planning and implementation model to reach consensus and achieve common goals, thereby unifying the community and making best use of its resources. The Reading School Committee considers this to be a major priority for the Town. The Reading School Committee desires to see communication improved throughout the Town of Reading through the use of modern technology. Specifically, communication between Town Government Departments and Schools, between the Schools and the Public U e. Parents and Citizens), and between Town Government and the Public (ie. Voters and Citizens) could be improved through greater and better use of technology. The use of technology as a teaching and learning tool should also be expanded. The Reading School Committee supports a Townwide priority effort to develop and implement a joint Town - School technology plan. Shannon ove the resolution for Grant Application for EOCD, Municipal Incentive Grant T Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous ADJOURN At midnight Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of negotiation discussion with Union and Non -Union personnel. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Roberta D'Antona Matthew Cummings George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey era J. Mum & , E. o. sU Vewt a Schools secretary To The School Committee READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES JUNE 13, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the executive session to order. at 12:10 a.m. in the Superintendent's Office. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon. Superin- t.endent: Robert J. Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards were also present. MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the May 23, 1994 executive minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion W llowe,d with suggestions for changes noted. The vote was unanimous. BARGAINING AND NEGOTIATION DISCUSSION TUTORS Dr. Munnelly advised that he would like to keep parity with the S tutors and 7 Chapter I tutors. The consensus of the school set .t.lement_ with the tutors a Assistants this year. NURSES committee is to have the same s we have with the Educational. The Superintendent noted under Educational Reform the niirses need t.o be recertified. He added their present pay scale is near the middle of surrounding towns and should be re- examin- (A . ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT nr.. Munnelly stated Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards responds in a diplomatic way, people like him, works long hours and has good performance. He recommended a 4% base build up raise plus a performance base reward of $2,000. ADJOURN At _I a.m. Thomas Stohlman moved to adjourn from executive session Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D' Ant_oria Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey