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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-27 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 27, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular session of the School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superinten- dent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey. Also present were Superinten- dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS There were no bills for approval. PAYROLLS June 24, 1994 - Teachers - $1,367,647.51 CITIZENS' INPUT Project Achieve teacher Barbara Martin introduced the program parents that were present, Mr. and Mrs. Kiley, Mrs. McGrath, Mrs. Lacey, Mrs. Flynn and Mrs. Powers. Student Lauren Sciortino introduced the students that were present, David Powers, Ryan Kiley, Beth Hurst, Melisa Gonzales, Tim Manchester, Michael Lacey and Ryan McGrath. The students praised both of their teachers, Ms. Martin for her help to students in English and Mr. Hickey for his help with Social Studies and guidance with their study skills. SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT There was no report at this time. P F P gnNTnTFT. Assistant Superintendent Richards informed the School Com- mittee of the Differentials for 1994 -95 department heads and extra - curricular positions. He advised the members that al- though Principal Mirkin recommended 3 new stipend positions be added to the list of extra curricular differential positions, the decision would be made during the negotiation process. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 27, 1994 A School Committee member pointed out a correction to the Foreign Language Department Head position as Tony DiSanzo. OLD BUSINESS ELEMENTARY CLASS SIZE ISSUE Dr. Munnelly suggested a short term plan that would reduce students moving around. He added that the plan gained coherence and clarity when we found that the Killam Grade 1 was 94 pupils and not 104. Assistant Superintendent Richards advised that the latest enrollment, space and teacher information has been reevalu- ated. He added that this recommendation is premised on the understanding that the Eaton construction project will give us additional elementary classroom space in 1995 -96. The follow- ing plan, was developed by the Administrative Council, it creatively addresses space and class size for the 1994 -95 school year: Barrows: First Grade - 2.5 teachers - 2 classrooms 54 students = teacher /student ratio of 1:22 Kindergarten - 12 from Eaton & 12 from Barrows A full time teacher will be assigned to teach the 1/2 kindergarten & 1/2 first grade Killam: First Grade - 4 classes 94 students enrolled (6/24/94)= teacher /student ratio of 1:23.5 RISE Program remains at Killam District: Next year's enrollments will be monitored by Administra- tion on a biweekly basis throughout the summer. Adjust- ments, if necessary, will be offered before school opens. A School Committee member asked how the Barrows teacher will teach both the kindergarten and first grade classes. Dr. Mun- nelly explained three people would form a team and each person would act in a planned way. Barrows Principal Papandreou added that the side by side classes are the largest rooms and they are the rooms to be used. Dr. Munnelly noted that approximately twelve kindergarten students from Eaton would be transported to Barrows. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 27, 1994 When asked about METCO students, Dr. Munnelly replied that youngsters who will not create a space issue problem down the road may be added in. The Administration will have to map out classes with principals and will advise School Committee before these seats are filled. Mr. Shannon stated he wants the METCO student information to be clear and voted on. He is reluctant to add before knowing the impact on the classrooms. Chair D'Antona noted that when school construction is completed we will have five classrooms and next year we will be budgeting for teachers for the new classrooms. She added the elementary building project should have been completed three years ago and tonight's plan is the best we can do at this point in time. Mr. Stohlman expressed concern that class size adjustments show Grade 5 instead of Grade 1. He noted that the principal felt it was a tough decision but had to make that adjustment. Mr. Shannon added this is not just a space concern but a financial situation, noting that there already is a short fall of $100,000 for next year. He added that only one override out seven has passed - - - -we need everyone to be aware of the school department's plight. Chair D'Antona directed the Administration to move forward and to communicate with the Barrows' parents so we can reach a comfort level as soon as possible. CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE: JAMES KEIGLEY AND MEMBERS OF THE CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Keigley introduced members who were present from the Capital Planning Sub - Committee of the FinCom. Mr. Richards introduced Deidre Hanley and Beth Klepeis. Mr. Keigley referenced the letter dated June 1, 1994 he had sent to Dr. Munnelly that asked the School Committee to brief them as to what major school expenditures there may be in the future. Dr. Munnelly responded: the Parker Middle School expenditures will have serious problems over the next two years the School Committee's long range technical component was not built into the budget along with Capital plan that was incorporated into the Town plan REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 27, 1994 Assistant Superintendent Richards spoke briefly about the Information Technology Task Force report issued about a month ago. He added they are working on a grant program with E.O.C. with an eye on November for more detailed information that he hopes will be part of a Townwide Technology plan. Mr. Richards presented an overview of costs associated with upgrading technology in Reading's schools with the Capital and Related Operational Budget Estimates for Phase 1 as follows: 1. CAPITAL 1. Phase 1 target - a new computer for every 10 students 2. 380 computers 3. Average cost per station - $2,500 Includes: Hardware Software Local Area Networking Printers CD -Roms Furniture Electrical Upgrading TOTAL FOR 1 - 3 = $950,000 4. Automate libraries - $55,000 5. Other equipment - $50,000 Includes: Fax Machines VCR's Projection Equipment Large Screen Monitors Scanners TOTAL FOR 1 - 5 = $1,055,000 2. OPERATIONAL 1. Town /School Personnel - $105,000 Coordination Technical Support Schools Municipal Departments Library 2. Professional Development - $15,000 3. Curriculum Development - $15,000 4. Phone Line Charges - $10,000 5. On -Line Services - $10,000 6. Technology Supplies - $10,000 RMHS Audio Visual teacher Joe Cain discussed a proposal for networking computers within the Town to see how we can connect REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 27, 1994 school buildings and others within the town. He added through the light department we may get fiber optics. Mr. Cain noted that Continental Cable has already placed an instructional loop in the town from Bear Hill. The school department could hook up to the Continental loop, wiring buildings to link labs together then in turn to the outside that hooks up to a bank of modems. Mr. Keigley stated it would be beneficial for the School Com- mittee to have periodic meetings with the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (CIAC) . Chair D'Antona explained when asked to put a dollar amount on needs it is difficult. She noted that School Committee does not want to be accountable down the road for the numbers quoted now. Ms. D'Antona advised, though wanting to cooperate with the Improvement Committee, emergencies arise, such as the continued deterioration of Parker Middle School and enrollment figures. Ms. D'Antona expressed her gratitude to the members of the CIAC for their interest and concerns regarding funding of projects and our priorities. Mr. Shannon suggested combining meetings would be a successful tool. The Superintendent stated in planning the FY96 Budget the changes that need to be incorporated have to be taken seriously. Adding we need to see how to expand the tax base and income within the community. PROJECT ACHIEVE Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Assistant Principal Schettini began by speaking about the needs of the current RMHS population of students that were having difficulties. He added that the philosophy of the Project Achieve Program is success through academics and to put together a structure that allows that to happen. He recognized the students and parents that were here earlier and both of the Project Achieve teachers, Ms. Martin and Mr. Hickey. Mr. Schettini stated the brochure given to the audience ex- plains the program's teaching strategies and a student assess- ment, future directions and a comparison chart of student grades for 1993 -1994. It was noted that Ms. Martin teaches English and Mr. Hickey teaches Social Studies. Both teachers provide support to the students who need extra help in study skills. Mr. Hickey reported that the Project Achieve Program is an academic based program for kids at different levels. He stated the students in the program are all doing well. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 27, 1994 The Assistant Principal added that a self -study was done in early September. The guidance department and staff consider- ed students who received D' s and F' s and those who were in the former Focus Program for the Project Achieve program by the guidance department and staff. He added that Ms. Martin has gone to Department meetings as the Project Achieve liaison and they along with guidance department teachers have sat in on classes. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PRESENTER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PAT SCHETTINI Mr. Schettini reported that in the fall Reading Memorial High School signed a Professional Development School (PDS) partnership agreement with Dr. Pearson from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. Mr. Schettini stated this year began with 27 pre - practicum students visiting one day per week working in teams of two with teachers assisting students and teaching lessons through- out the building. Reading's teachers conducted workshops each week for the practicum students in topics such as, teaching strategies and learning styles, assessment, classroom management, self - esteem of students and school law. This entire program was led by RMHS Social Studies teacher Anna O'Brien, who served as the UMA Lowell clinical instructor for the program. By the end of the June, the Assistant Principal advised we will know about a $105,000 grant we applied for. Chair D' Antona added she is impressed with the enthusiasm that has been sustained throughout the year. HEALTH EDUCATION: MARC ALTERIO, E.J. LAINO, JANE FIORE, VIRGINIA QUINN RMHS Physical Education Department Head Marc Alterio informed School Committee members of the health education activities this year. For example they have a latch key program, homework hang out, and chess clubs. At the middle school health instruction included discussions on drugs, smoking and alcohol. Grades 9 -10 have the decisions course and at the high school, and grades 11 and 12 they have health wellness courses. The intervention person, E.J. Laino has met with 30-40 students who smoke, utilizing an education model as well as detention for anyone caught smoking on school grounds. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 _JUNE 27, 1994 Ms. Laino stated she has worked on a 1 -1 bases with students who are visible smokers. She added next years plans in- clude using community resources that include a person who has had a laryngectomy, hypnosis that will help the students become more disciplined. Next year they plan to run a "Tobacco Teens Program ". Ms. Quinn, Elementary Health /Physical Education Committee Chair, informed the audience they have purchased "Great Body Shop" materials for grades K -5. The manuals come monthly in a newsletter format. Ms. Fiore stated in 1992 the Health Protection Act trained a public health nurse and herself for a smoking cessation program. She added they have been instrumental in making 9 of Reading's restaurants non - smoking and that 4 local vending machines have been removed. Ms. Fiore noted that research says if you do not smoke by the age of 20 you will not smoke. Mr. Alterio stated 26 teachers will be attending a workshop for conflict resolution training. Student health behaviors have to be addressed and violence and harassment issues need to be looked at. NEW BUSINESS (out of order) CHANGE ORDERS FOR BIRCH MEADOW CONSTRUCTIONS Design Partnership of Cambridge Inc. David Finney and Joe Miele were present to answer questions raised by the members of the School Committee and the Administration. Mr. Miele stated the major cost is plumbing for Change Order #06, P.C. 16. By directing the plumbing another way it means extending the plumbing an additional expense because a structural wall will have to be a removed, Mr. Miele added. School Committee member Cummings reiterated that the adminis- tration needs to make the School Committee aware of any changes over $5,000 . Mr. Finney updated the committee with a summary of the change order status to date for the Birch Meadow Elementary School. He included the remaining contingency of $35,538. School Committee members asked for further clarification regarding P.C. 16, Male Facility Toilet; P.C. 19, Revise Vestibule Opening; and P.C. 22, Additional Floor Mat Frame. Mr. Finney advised it is necessary to have separate male and female bathrooms. Dr. Munnelly stated because it is adding up to a larger sum than originally planned for, it should be done REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 27, 1994 as the architect originally planned. Mr. Finney stated to keep cost down they could make the male toilet a smaller unit. The consensus from the School Committee was to have the male toilet a low or no cost item. Matthew Cummings moved to reduce Change Order #06 to $1200. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Thomas Stohlman moved Change Order #07 floor finish in the Facility Toilet Rooms and the Boys and Girls Toilet Rooms changed to seamless epoxy with the expectation Design Part- nership will see if the vinyl composition tile can be returned for a refund George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly reviewed the TDPC /Paideia recommendations for the following: Union Office Interiors for $5,105, Cambridge Environmental Design for $15,307.51, Equipment Environments, Inc for $12,193.40, Valley Communications Systems for $3,516, Robert H Lord Co. for $10,684.73, School Furnishings, Inc. for $152.30 and Criteria, Inc. for $3,990.22. Shipping and handling charges are included in the $60,000 that has been set aside, Dr. Munnelly added. George Shannon moved to award contracts to the identified contractors in the amount of $59,000 Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS PARENTS RIGHTS POLICY - 2ND VOTE Matthew Cummings moved to approve the Parental Rights Policy as amended for a second vote. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The consensus of the School Committee members was to wait to vote on the policy CBB, Selection of Principals and Citizen Screening Committee for Administrative Positions until they see a revised version. NEW BUSINESS AWARD OF BIDS Matthew Cummings moved to award the ice cream bid for the school year 1994 -95 to West Lynn Creamery and the bread bid for the school year 1994 -95 to Continental Bakeries and LaRonga Bakery. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 27, 1994 Matthew Cummings moved to award the milk and straws bid to Crowley Foods in the amount of $55,026 with the contingency that the version would be revised downward if the Supreme Court ruling impacts price we could then ask for an adjustment or rebid. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REPORT OF MEETING WITH JOSHUA EATON SCHOOL PARENTS AND WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENTS Dr. Munnelly reported that he met with 30 or so parents at Eaton on Tuesday evening and with 20 special education parents Wednesday evening. He presented the criteria statements for Principalship the School Committee made and stated he would appoint the Screening Committee tomorrow and meet with them during the week of July 4th. Deadline for candidate's appli- cations will be the week of July 15th. He added interviews will be held throughout the summer. George Shannon left the meeting at this time. ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS OF THE READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE - CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Decision to vote on a Chair and Vice Chair would wait until there was a full committee. . Mft ; At 12:25 a.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Thomas Stohlman M---- -JUL -M&_ fj ROM J. I, EdL D. 8 Pal nbe ids nt Of,drools Secretary To The School Committee