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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-17 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OCTOBER 17, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chair Timothy Twomey called the regular School Committee meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Joshua Eaton Elementary School Library. All members were present with the exception of Roberta D'Antona. 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 September 12, 1994. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked that the RMHS FY95 figures be included in the Long Range Capital Plan section of these minutes. The vote was unanimous for the amended version. Susan Cavicchi moved to approve the minutes of September 26, 1994. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and Mr. Stohlman abstained. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills was as follows: October 11, 1994 - Bills - $ 42,071.65 October 17, 1994 - Bills - $429,650.61 The warrant for payrolls was as follows: October 7, 1994 - Biweekly - $134,537.17 October 14, 1994 - Teachers - $473,495.98 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. It PORT OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR AND SUPERINTENDENT The Superintendent asked School Committee members to eliminate the October 31st School Committee meeting from their calendars. Dr. Munnelly reported that the Technet news included an article about exchange keypal messages and used.Coolidge teachers ,roan Clifford and Laura Peterson as an example. They are using the keypal message to provide eighth grade French I students with REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 OCTOBER 17, 1994 opportunities for writing in real and effective ways with peers at the Lycee Romain Rolland in Clichy, France. The Superintendent informed the School Committee members that two of RMHS teachers, Philip Blum and Eleanor Withe, have received a grant award to participate in the Student Oriented Science work- shop at Tufts University on October 21 and 22. Superintendent Munnelly discussed the Reading Public Schools enrollment growth in the last two years. He advised the two-year difference is +149 with a grand total of 3843 for 1994 -95 school year. Along with the Joshua Eaton Staff, the Superintendent acknow- ledged the excellent job Gary Nihan did while filling the role of Interim Principal. He helped everyone cope with the confusion of construction, and was available to parents, children, and Eaton's staff. Dr. Munnelly publicly thanked Mr. Nihan. WELCOME FROM PRINCIPAL PAGE AND P.T.A. PRESIDENT ZIEMLAK Eaton's Principal Jennifer Page began by recognizing the support of staff, administration and parents she has received. She also spoke about the cooperation of the construction workers. Ms. Page demonstrated some construction poems written by students in grade 2, Ms. Gibbon's class and grade 5, Ms. Grinker's class. Art teacher, Mr. Nicklasson, highlighted art work done by grades 1, 3 and 5. He noted how these students interpreted the construction work going on. Part of their art demonstration pro- vided student's impressions of sounds, workers' clothes and colors. Physical Education teacher, Mr. Nihan pointed out the aspects of health related fitness. He explained that Fitnessgram, a pro - <xram developed by Cooper Aerobic and Prudential Insurance, measures students' abilities that they can share with their parents. Mr. Nihan pointed out the key benefits of implementation and the com- ponents for a healthy and well individual. Principal Page introduced P.T.A. President Nancy Ziemlak, who shared the excitement of the construction project. VISITORS: ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS ON 1996 CLASS SIZE OPTIONS - MATHEMATICS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART SPECIALISTS AND OTHER STAFFING OPTIONS Dr. Munnelly welcomed Barrows Principal Mr. Papandreou, Killam Principal Mr. Guerrette and Eaton Principal Ms. Page. Assistant Superintendent Richards stated he met with the elementary principals recently and discussed several options for specialists' assignments and the projected elementary enrollments and various plans for each grade. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES _ 3 OCTOBER 17, 1994 Principal Papandreou stated the specialists, assignments for 1994- 95 are committed to 75 periods in Art, 157 periods in Physical Education and 82 periods in Music. He added the projected increases in classes for the 1995 -96 school year will require additional teaching time in the three areas. The two music staff members would have 38 teachable periods each for a total of 76 classes. A request for an additional 1/2 time music position would allow for a redistribution of scheduled teaching periods and a much - needed flexibility to involve students in productions and studio time. A similar request for an additional 1/2 time art specialist would allow for a redistribution of scheduled teaching periods and to some degree reinstitute studio time for interdisciplinary activities and longer art projects. Mr. Papandreou presented Plan A for the projected 1995 -96 elemen- tary enrollments. Each plan, A through D, is stamped "SUBJECT TO CHANGE ". He noted that Plan A is a good document to work from. Dr. Munnelly added that we need to use every space available with t=he hopes that the budget will allow the necessary teachers. He noted that Dan Ensminger may need to be asked again to look at data that includes house sales and family sizes. Principal Papandreou stated principals have been asked to project from past history how many Grade K and 1 students may be held back. He also noted that Plan A also includes 10 METCO students in Grade 1. The Superintendent informed the School Committee members of the memo he received from RMHS Principal Mirkin regarding personnel. 1. The 2/5 science position needs to be increased to a full 5/5 position 2. The 4/5 English position should be a 5/5 English position 3. The tutor position in special education should be a certified teaching position 4. The 3/5 foreign language position needs to be a 5/5 position Dr. Munnelly stated he would be bringing in an array of back -up to these positions. P F R q CnT\TT\TF. T. Assistant Superintendent Richards presented the resume of Susan Kalmakis, Virginia Collins replacement at Parker Middle School for the Grade 6 Language Arts position. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 OCTOBER 17, 1994 OLD BUSINESS APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION Thomas Stohlman moved to approve the School Administrators Associa- tion s contract. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings explained that changes mirrored the Education Reform Bill guideline. Performance will be evaluated on an annual basis. Salary is 4 1/2% increase for a 1 year contract. He thanked Mr. Schettini and Mr. Cowles for their input and stated the contract includes the high school, middle school assistant principals and the Director of Special Education. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly thanked the Assistant Superintendent along with the negotiating teams. APPROVAL OF EATON CHANGE ORDERS On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to approve the Change Proposal #5 from Castagna Construction Cor- poration for jackhammering and removing a concrete pad and foundation at the entrance to the existing building at classroom member asked schedule. Dr moil s. NEW BUSINESS Cummings seconded the motion. A School Committee if this would require any changes in the final time . Munnelly advised it would not. The vote was unani- EDUCATIONAL REFORM UPDATE 1. Common Core of Learning The Superintendent stated RMHS Principal Mirkin is a member of the Common Core of Learning and highlighted the marching orders for all students. GAINING AND APPLYING KNOWLEDGE Literature and Language Mathematics, Science and Technology Social Studies, History and Geography Visual and Performing Arts Health THINKING AND COMMUNICATING Read, Write and Communicate Effectively Use Mathematics, the Arts, Computers and Other Technologies Effectively Define, Analyze and Solve Complex Problems REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 OCTOBER 17, 1994 WORKING AND CONTRIBUTING Study and Work Effectively Demonstrate Personal, Social and Civic Responsibility 2. Time and Learning Preliminary Report Dr. Munnelly communicated about the Massachusetts Department of Education surveys and information, "Time for Change: Report of the Massachusetts Commission on Time and Learning and Proposed School Year and School Day Regulations (603 CMR 27.00) ". 3. Discussion of Implications Assistant Superintendent Richards affirmed more reports will come out in the Fall. He stated that over 100 people were at the Department of Education meeting today to discuss the changes brought about by the Education Reform Laws. He noted that the Massachusetts Committee on Time and Learning state: .Time is a precious education resource .Time is the last frontier of education reform Mr. Richards presented their recommendations as follows: Recommendation 1 Central purpose of a school day is the core academic subjects Math, Science & Technology, History and Social Studies, English, Foreign Language, Arts Subjects part of an approved vocational- technical education program Recommendation 2 Minimum of 180 days of instruction Elementary minimum of 5 hours of instruction time in core subjects Secondary minimum of 5.5 hours of instruction time in core subjects Define time in core subjects only Recommendation 3 Other categories of instruction are important Extend school day for non -core subjects Little or no additional cost to school district Flexible and differentiated teaching schedule Recommendation 4 Retain recess Recommendation 5 Eliminate scheduled early release days Appreciate the need for professional development REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 OCTOBER 17, 1994 Educators and parents alike are uniform in their belief that such tijw, is not effective for professional development .problematic for both parents' and childrens' schedules .disruptive to learn process Recommendation 6 Implement recommendations 1 -5 by the beginning of 1996 -97 Recommendation 7 Eliminate scheduled early release day Significantly reduce amount of time allowed for early graduation Eliminate release time during exams Discontinue counting study halls as instructional time Schedule additional time to accommodate delayed openings Limit the pullouts from core subjects When asked by a School Committee member if the day would be extend- ed to include health and physical education, Mr. Richards stated that Commission on Time and Learning has proposed that the day be extended. Mr. Richards pointed out that 1995 -96 will be a transition year. A final report is due in December or January. Dr. Munnelly advised that the State is asking that a school calen- dar include 5 snow days. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS PER PUPIL REPORT The Superintendent informed the School Committee of the per pupil expenditures and comparisons of surrounding towns for the years 1988 -89 to 1992 -93. The Chair noted that Reading is the lowest we have ever been, $625 below the State average. Dr. Munnelly added that Reading is 38th in homeowner taxes and that we need to reach out for more commercial and industrial use of buildings. ADJOURNMENT At 10:10 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to executive session for the purpose of bargaining and negotiating and a grievance discussion. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi George Shannon Timothy Twomey Matthew Cummings Thomas Stohlman Sw*m 1b 1M School Committee