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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-23 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES JUNE 23, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the School Committee special session to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey, who was expected to arrive later and Thomas Stohlman. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. REPLACEMENT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Munnelly presented a list of possible candidates of Interim Superintendents from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Inc. The Superintendent then went on to explain the following key issues that are facing the School Committee: 1. Providing leadership for Parker issue - speeding up the bonding for construction. Consider the possibility of an override to gain approval before June 1995 - the point where the Legislature may change the funding formula. 2. Lobbying the FinCom for $100,000 and most likely, one teacher for Grade 1. 3. Establishing the "needs" of the system for texts, professional development, new staff for Eaton, more specialists, computers, supplies. Dr. Munnelly suggested laying these priorities out in 35K increments. 4. Acting on School Improvement Plans. 5. Educate the school community and whole community about retreat goals. Take an active role - visiting P.T.O.s and talking to students and faculty. 6. Educate community about long range school needs. Town may not be able to afford good schools by the turn of the century. The School Committee needs to jump start efforts to expand the Town's tax base. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 2 JUNE 23, 1994 Dr. Munnelly gave an example: Should Reading have a Business and Industrial Authority which has bonding funds to develop sites for commercial building zone or an ECON Development Commission which can travel out -of -state to attract new industry. The Superintendent suggested that the School Committee appoint an Interim Superintendent as soon as possible and to then appoint a Superintendent later. He asked them to discuss some of the key issues he outlined. when asked when a successful candidate would be hired as the superintendent, Ms. D'Antona replied an Interim Superintendent would go through a full school year with the understanding a superintendent would be hired at that time. Mr. Shannon stated School Committee should be looking for a manager with strong interpersonal skills. He expressed concern over the Interim Superintendent being an inhouse candidate who then would apply for the position. Ms. Cavicchi stated it would be unfair not to consider a person who shows initiative. This person should have a paper trail. Mr. Cummings stated it is imperative to hire an Interim Superintendent and then begin the search, otherwise the time will be out of sync with the budget. He added we need someone with central office experience who will understand the budget and the issues of class size. Chair D ' Antona stated the importance to have someone who knows the people within the system, someone who will participate in the hiring, who knows how Reading operates, and that he /she have the same powers as the superintendent and be able to be hired for a one year contract. Dr. Munnelly stated the School Committee would be limiting their choice when they offer a one year contract. He also reminded School Committee members that a retired Super- intendent hired by us as an Interim is limited to how much time /money they can make. School Committee members recognized that someone who could only work on a part-time basis would not be able to handle all of the demands put on the administration. Chair D'Antona stated under the Education Reform Law a Super- intendent and Special Education Director are required at all times. She asked the Superintendent for his personal recom- mendation and other expressions of interest. SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 23, 1994 The Superintendent realized that if someone from within the system was hired then there would be a need to fill that vacant position from staff. Chair D'Antona stated Dr. Munnelly could facilitate the search and the School Committee would then interview as part of another School Committee meeting in July. Chair D'Antona read an opinion Mr. Stohlman left with her. It suggested appointing the Assistant Superintendent as the Interim Superintendent and to then hire someone to help him. It was the consensus of the School Committee members that whoever is hired would be able to appoint personnel to fill other vacated positions within the system, such as the Eaton principal and Director of Special Education spots. The length of the appointment and whether the Interim Superintendent will be considered for the permanent position were discussed. Ms. D'Antona suggested a minimum of one year, noting that we do not want to bring in a new Superintendent in the middle of the budget cycle. In response to when School Committee would meet again, they were asked to telephone their vacation time to the Administra- tion. ADJOURN At 9:05 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Timothy Twomey F. a Secretary To 7W School Committee