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Home My WebLink About1994-08-08 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 8, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:34 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon who was expected to arrive later. Also pre- sent were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Sup- erintendent Dennis Richards and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTER MTT\TTTTF.._q Matthew Cummings moved to approve the regular session minutes of June 20, 1994. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the special session minutes of June 23, 1994. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and Thomas Stohlman abstained. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the regular session minutes of June 27, 1994. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked that a paragraph be added on page 3 expressing his concern that class size adjustments show in Grade 5 in- stead of Grade 1. He also noted the Principal stated this was a tough decision but it was the way he had to go. The addi- tion was noted. The vote was 4 in favor and Timothv Twomev abstained. BILLS AND PAYROLL The warrant for bills was as follows: July 5, 1994 - Bills - $ 25,827.54 July 18, 1994 - Bills - $ 6,075.44 July 22, 1994 - Bills - $155,633.64 July 25, 1994 - Bills - $488,782.35 August 1, 1994 - Bills - $ 77,025.16 August 8, 1994 - Bills - $231,933.49 The warrant for payrolls was as follows: June 30, 1994 - Teachers - $ 67,716.93 July 8, 1994 - Teachers - $158,064.91 August 5, 1994 - Teachers - $164,996.33 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 AUGUST 8, 1994 CITIZENS' INPUT School Committee member Ms. Cavicchi expressed concern about the activities on the track and went on to explain the purpose of the track. Mr. Cummings stated a sign should be posted. Dr. Munnelly said that they will need to replace the one that must have been vandalized. SUPERINTENDENT'S AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR REPORT Dr. Munnelly advised that the School Building Committee re- ceived a letter of resignation from Eaton Principal Donald Farnham. He stated replacement of this person would need to be on an interim basis until the principal is replaced, or he noted, it could be an administrator from another school. The Superintendent publicly commended Joe Lupi, School Building Committee Representative and volunteer who has regularly attended construction meetings at the Birch Meadow School and has been an excellent advisor. Superintendent Munnelly publicly thanked Principal Donald Farnham for his contributions and years of service. PERSONNEL Assistant Superintendent Richards reviewed the personnel report as follows: Hired for 1994 -95: Cara Camedi Instrumental Marcia Grant Computer Martha Krauch Grade 4 John McCarthy Science Kelly McCarthy Grade 1 Kathryn McLaren Science Music Coolidge /Parker Parker Killam Coolidge Birch Meadow Coolidge Child Rearing Leave until January 3, 1995: Diane Ketlak Guidance /Psychologist Parker Child Rearing Leave for 1994 -95 school year: Martha Moore Biology RMHS Retired: Ruth Schubarth Nurse RMHS OLD BUSINESS Mr. Richards informed the School Committee members that he has received limited information from the Massachusetts Teachers REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 AUGUST 8, 1994 Retirement Board. The amount Reading can divide up will be $163,000 with a possibility of additional monies. Dr. Munnelly stated that he has been presented with the finalists' names for the Athletic Director position from the Screening Committee. He added that fall sports are ready to start. Mr. Richards advised that they are ready to interview the four available candidates for the Special Education Director's position. He added that Principal Guerrette, Chair of the Principalship Screening Committee along with other committee members, will interview the last candidate on the 18th. when asked about an Interim Superintendent, Dr. Munnelly re- plied, if the majority of the School Committee choose Dr. Delaney then he could become involved in tandem with himself for the process of the opening of schools. He outlined other key issues the Interim Superintendent would be involved with: .keeping the public informed about budget issues, .strategy to move forward with building issues, .and major appointments that are coming up. Mr. Cummings along with Mr. Shannon expressed support for Mr. Richards. Mr. Shannon stated if Dr. Delaney is named as In- terim Superintendent there will not be an experienced princi- pal at either middle school since Coolidge Principal Lahood is expected to be among the selected early retirees. Mr. Stohlman added we have two very strong assistant princi- pals at the middle schools and that their leadership would be fine. Ms. Cavicchi supported the appointment of Dr. Delaney, noting his many years of service in Reading and the fact that he holds a doctorate. George Shannon moved that the School Committee move now to appoint the Interim Superintendent, conditional on the Super- intendent being accepted as part of the early retirement pro_- cram. Matthew CummincLs seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 AUGUST 8, 1994 Timothy Twomey moved to appoint Dr. Jack Delaney as the Interim Superintendent under the conditions of the previous motion. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion fol- lowed with a School Committee member suggesting to the public that this process is only for an Interim position. The Chair added that she fully supports Dennis Richards as the Assistant Superintendent. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed The Assistant Superintendent expressed appreciation for the kind words he heard from the School Committee members and stated he is looking forward to working with Dr. Delaney. SCHOOL COMMITTEE STRATEGIC PLANNING (moved to a later time) NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION REPORT Dr. Munnelly announced that the Birch Meadow School construc- tion is on schedule with hopes of a building readiness for a school start in August. He stated that the Interim Clerk of the Works for Eaton is John Sarno, who will be moving on to another position soon. BIRCH MEADOW The Superintendent related the information he received from Design Partnerships Project Manager Joe Miele (memorandum July 14, 1995) regarding the Birch Meadow roof. Mr. Miele indicated in his memorandum that existing leaks have saturated the existing roof insulation where the new roof will be attached. Dr. Munnelly advised a new roof for the 1983 roof would cost well beyond $60,000 and added the 10 year warranty on the Birch Meadow roof has run out. The Superintendent reviewed the outline of the contingency fund provided by Design Part- nership on July 29, 1994 and noted that future changes in- cluded P.C. 27 Roof Blocking Existing Tie -In is approximately $2,000. Mr. Miele explained how the roofs would be tied in and Fire- stone could then stand behind their guarantee until the changes are made. Dr. Munnelly stated there is not enough monies in the contin- gency fund to replace the whole roof but enough to make the changes so we can proceed. The importance of Birch Meadow classrooms and the toilet areas, along with a clean up of the administration area will be ready for students Dr. Munnelly stated. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 AUGUST 8, 1994 Timothy Twomey moved to approve Change Order #8, for approx- imately $28,500, for the unsuitable soil at Part "A" and additional blasting of ledge in the upper parkinq lot at Birch Meadow, as outlined in the July 29, 1994 letter from Joe Miele George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 abstention, George Shannon. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the labeled Future Changes from Joe Miele's memorandum dated July 29, 1994 with the exception of P.C. 30 to be deleted with a new P.C. 32 in the amount of $3,000 worth of blasting being added. Changing the total to approximately $25,357 Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion The vote was 5 in favor and 1 abstention, George Shannon. EATON Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the contingency fund for Eaton is $170,000 and added that the present slate roof at Eaton remains a major concern. School Committee members for informational purposes began discussion regarding the Change Proposals #1, #2 and #5 from Castagna Construction Corporation. Proposal #1 for the revisions to the exterior handicapped ramp railings. ($4,161) Proposal #2 for adding four additional fire extinguishers and relocating two fire extinguisher cabinets. ($389) Proposal #5 for jackhammering and removing a concealed concrete pad at the existing building's rear entrance. ($685) OLD BUSINESS SCHOOL COMMITTEE STRATEGIC PLANNING Dr. Munnelly stated the School Committee has had 4 meetings to target actions that needs to be addressed. Chair D'Antona noted that the current welcome pamphlet outlines the School Committee's goals for 1993 -94, and that goals for 1994 -95 will be developed in tandem with a strategic plan and bring those people together for a better public understanding. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS FINANCIAL REPORT Dr. Munnelly briefed the School Committee on the closeout of the 1994 fiscal year. He asked how we should proceed and REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 AUGUST 8, 1994 questioned if we could ask FinCom or free cash to help us to continue on with FY95 and help us make an action plan. School Committee members asked what accounts were truly spent or over spent and requested complete back -up information for things that were not done. Mr. Stohlman questioned if we are $68,000 short. Dr. Munnelly said he would provide this information. Dr. Munnelly stated as he reviewed the FY94 budget several features stand out. Due to the cold winter and other emergencies that led us to exceed budgeted amounts for Building Maintenance by some amounts. For example: Budgeted Actual Electricity $205,000 $243,794 Heating Fuel 200,000 237,110 Maintenance 273,000 330,147 of Buildings He noted that he has used money in other accounts to offset these expenditures using every spare dollar and pushed other expenditures to FY95. These include $23,950 for the running track, $25,677 for electricity and $16,000 for principals 53rd week (not planned for) . Thus, he added, we are $65,627 short. To this, he continued, $106,000 in funds for early retirement and school choice must be added. NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANTS Assistant Superintendent Richards stated he became aware in June that a number of special education assistant positions and time for individual students was being proposed. He noted the gap was not covered by the budget and that a longer report would be available at the next meeting. He is presently trying to identify the budgeted amounts for private and public special education placements. A School Committee member asked what the I.E.P.s say we have to provide for and if we know the problems of the new students coming in. Dr. Munnelly stated description of students will be clearly identified with principals. OTHER INFORMATION Mr. Cummings, for the record, referenced the July 25th memo from Beth Klepeis and Richard Foley and asked if it was REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 AUGUST 8, 1994 right to assume the additional requirement for fiscal year 1994 at $224,813. Our Education Reform Foundation amount will not be increased for FY94 or FY95 but will be recalculated and included for FY96. Dr. Munnelly announced that he accepted the low bid from Titan of $276,000 for the Reading Memorial High School roof. He will have Mr. Lombardo submit to the Department of Educa- tion so we will be in line for 66% reimbursement. He stated more detail will follow. ADJOURN At 10:35 p.m. George Shannon moved to executive session for the purpose of a non -union person discussion and noted they may return to open session. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi George Shannon Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey �r Robert I Whin , H. Q. Superinfiendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Cornmitte(,