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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-03-01 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Y. Wheltle, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Dr. Munnelly asked School Committee to devote a moment of silence for two long -time Reading Public School employees who recently died - Dennis Murphy who served in the Reading schools from 1953 to 1987. From 1962 to his retirement, he was the principal of the Birch Meadow Elementary School and Daisy Castine who was a primary grade teacher at the Highland School in Reading from 1956 to 1972. Dr. Munnelly stated that the flag on the Town Common has been flying at half -mast in their honor today. MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the minutes of February 8, 1993. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the minutes from the Open Hearing of February 10, 1993. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 abstention. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills is as follows: February 16, 1993 - Bills - February 22, 1993 - Bills - March 1, 1993 - Bills - The warrant for Payrolls is as follows: February 12, 1993 - Teachers and Biweekly February 26, 1993 - Biweekly CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. $ 61,026.89 $113,662.47 $ 48,367.64 $519,325.13 $103,809.52 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 2, 1993 GIFTS Dr. Munnelly acknowledged the following gifts given to Reading Public Schools. An I.B.M. compatible computer to Killam Elementary School donated by Mr. and Mrs. John Arena. A donation of $25.00 from Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Downey, in the name of an aunt, Ann Corindin, toward the Twenty Plus Club /Electronic Bookshelf. Barbara Philbrick moved to accept and thank the people who gave the gifts as described on enclosure B -4. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated Reading Memorial High School student, Seth Hoyt, who is a finalist for selection to the appointment to the U.S. Physics Olympiad Team. He noted that a few years ago Steve Worley was a team member and to have a second R.M.H.S. student as a team member in such a brief time span is and honor for the community, the school, and the science department. The Superintendent noted that two art students of R.M.H.S. teacher Jeannie Donovan, Senior Jason Zahlaway and Sophomore Cadence Thomases, won Gold and Silver Keys in the Boston Globe scholastic Art Competition. He added that their work is now on display in Boston and will be sent to New York for the National Exhibition. Dr. Munnelly shared that Ms. Donovan's student Sandra Cyr, Mike Harney's photography students Catherine Hedberg and Jennifer Chalk, and Bill Endslow's Coolidge students Jason Hsu and David Peterson received Honorable Mention awards in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Competition. The Superintendent stated that once again Reading Memorial High School students did very well at the Merrimac Valley History Day Contest. From fourteen entries there were four Third Places, four Second Places and four First Places. As a result of their outstanding projects on the theme "Com- munication in History: The Key to Understanding," the eight first and second place finishers qualified for the State Contest to be held on Saturday, April 3rd at Stonehill College. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 1, 1993 Dr. Munnelly congratulated all the competitors and the following state qualifiers: Lauren Zenewicz - lst place - for her paper "Franklin, Friends, and Fireside Chats" Brad VanMagness - 2nd place - for his project "The Voice of America: Democratization Through Communication" Jeff Doucette - 2nd place - for his performance "James Otis: The Spark that Ignited the Revolution" Greg Goltsov - 2nd place - for his media presentation "Politics Through the Tube: Issues or Images ?" Yee -Li Sun, Kevin Cavicchi, Matt Fleming, Matt Mugherini, and Jay Wilder - 1st place - for their project "The Rosetta Stone: Unlocking the Mystery" Jason Gracilieri, Josh Platt, Andrew D'Agostino, Kris Doucette, and Colin Peterson - 2nd place - for their project "Sacco and Vanzetti: A Case Study of Fear, Pre- judice, and Denial of Rights" Carrie Foley, Nicole Lanthier, Meagan O'Connell, and John Zorobedian - 1st place - for their performance "Conquering Silence with Understanding and Imagination: Anne Sullivan Macy" Chad Farrow and Matt Pothier - 1st place - for their media presentation "Photography: Changing the Face of War" Dr. Munnelly also gave recognition to senior Cindy Zorabedian for her assistance and guidance to the entries from Parker Middle School, who all qualified for the State Contest. He congratulated the following competitors: Marissa Freitas, Jill Rickershauser - 1st place - for their presentation "Media's Affect on Women" Tom Capasso - 1st place - for his table top presentation "History of Media" Heather Shannon, Gretchen Stroman - 1st place - for their table top presentation "Books Banned in Boston" The Superintendent noted that a Special Olympic group wanted to run a Special Olympic basketball game here in Reading. He thanked Soccer Coaches Donald Welford and Phil Vaccaro for arranging the community orientation of the event. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MARCH 1, 1993 PERSONNEL (out of order) RESIGNATIONS George Shannon moved on the recommendation of the Administra- tion to accept with regret Gladys Brown's resignation from the cafeteria staff for purpose of retirement, effective at the close of the 1992 -93 school year. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. APPOINTMENTS George Shannon moved on the recommendation of the Administra- tion to appoint John Doherty as the Director of Summer School for 1992 -93. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. A School Committee member commented on the Administration's excellent choice. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved on the recommendation of the Admini- stration to appoint Jean McGah as Consulting Psychologist at Reading Memorial High School effective April 5, 1993. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. VISITORS: SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE, CHAIRMAN ROGER SANSTAD School Building Committee Chairman Roger Sanstad and School Committee liaison Roberta D'Antona briefed the School Committee and the public about the recent efforts of the Building Committee to arrive at a final cost estimate for the Eaton and Birch Meadow project. He advised that the worse case situation, $6,342,000, includes all contingencies, the removal or replacement of oil tanks and gas conversion. Mr. Sanstad added they are formalizing their presentation for School Committee and will then proceed with the FinCom Sub - Committee, FinCom, Capital Improvement Sub - Committee and then advance on with the Selectmen for approval of the project before Town Meeting. Mr. Sanstad commented that both schools will be identical in size and that their recommendations for the project will take care of the school population for the next 10 years. He noted when the Committee has figures for the removal of oil tanks to gas conversion they will make their presentations to the FinCom and Selectmen. Mr. Sanstad noted that from the 13 proposals received for the Parker project, they narrowed the figure down to 6 finalists all of whom were interviewed. On February 23rd the Committee selected the same firm awarded the elementary school contracts, Design Partnership of Cambridge. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MARCH 1, 1993 He advised that the middle school population projection through the year 2002 will increase by 235 students, peaking in 1998 and 1999. Mr. Sanstad added that the intention is to renovate and expand at the same time and take all future population growth into Parker. He advised that he would return in a few weeks with definitive population numbers and rough dollar figures. Ms. D' Antona noted that the architect has met with both middle school principals to identify the most cost effective results and that SFSB is favorable to the expansion. She added that they will brief Town Meeting in April on the projected costs of expansion and renovation to Parker Middle School. School Committee members raised questions about having one large middle school. Dr. Munnelly advised that two smaller schools have educational advantages there is less difficulty managing them. Dr. Munnelly discussed on the specs the possible locations for the portables at Birch Meadow and noted that he will be working with Principal Davidson regarding the best wing to place the portables. He advised that if we could go out to bid on the proposal now for the second portable, by the time Town Meeting voted, we could award the other half for instal- lation by September 1993. The Superintendent stated he will work with Ted Cohen. He stated the Building Committee will need to come in with a clear perspective on the financial plan so the "formal process" can begin. OLD BUSINESS POLICIES GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS - POLICY IKF - 2ND VOTE School Committee members suggested changes to the last paragraph of Policy IKF to read: Students presently enrolled at RMHS must pass two semester of Fine Arts to complete graduation requirements. Beginning with the class of 1997, students must enroll in one semester of Fine Arts. Barbara Philbrick moved on a second vote for Policy IKF, Graduation Requirements as outlined on enclosure D -1, with the advised change in the last paragraph of page 1. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MARCH 1, 1993 PROHIBITING SEXUAL HARASSMENT - POLICY GDRK - 1ST VOTE School Committee members question the appropriate action that would be taken in the case of sexual harassment. Dr. Munnelly offered a scenario that first there would be a hearing, which may result in a warning, disciplinary action, an evaluation report, then progressive discipline that could result in a dismissal. Chair Cummings suggested it would be more beneficial to the complainant to file a written description or to have the com- plaint written and then signed by the complainant. Roberta D'Antona moved to modifv the procedures for Drohibit- ing sexual harassment in paragraph three of the students' complaint procedures and in paragraph two of the employees' complaint procedures to include a written transcript of the complaint signed by the complaintant. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Roberta D'Antona moved to approve, on a first vote the modified version of Policy GDRK, Prohibiting Sexual Harassment in the Reading Public Schools. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. Dr. Munnelly advised that both the student and employee policy will be placed in the appropriate place of the policy book. Ms. D'Antona stated the need to address gay and lesbian youth issues at the high school in the future. BUDGET FY94 DEVELOPMENT Matthew Cummings advised the audience that School Committee met two evenings this week with the FinCom to go over the proposed school budget. He stated that the FinCom's charge is to bring the budget, presently out of balance by about $600,000, into balance. The amount FinCom was able to reduce the budget by was $188,000. He noted that after the March 23 election is concluded we will need to deliberate with the FinCom over finishing touches to be made to the school budget. Mr. Cummings reported that the Capital Sub - Committee of the FinCom has now completed its tour of all seven schools. He stated that the School Committee is looking forward to working on developing our Capital Plan with them. The Chair informed School Committee members that the average value of a house in Reading is $175,000. With a $2,500,000 increase in the budget, a yearly increase in taxes would be $318.00. He advised that steps on the trash fee amount still need to be made by the Selectmen. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MARCH 1, 1993 A member of the School Committee questioned if the athletic fees and the donations for music make these programs more of a privilege than a right. Mr. Shannon stated that a nominal sports fee could be returned to the budget and be used to maintain and replace athletic equipment. Timothy Twomey moved, if the override passes as structured, that the $65,000 from Athletic Fees be eliminated entirely. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. Timothy Twomey moved, if the override passes as structured, that we take the $60,000 to purchase the second portable. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Timothy Twomey moved, if the override passes as structured, that the $25,000 donations from students be taken from the override monies. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. NEW BUSINESS RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Dr. Munnelly reviewed enclosure E -1 -a, the most recent "Inter- pretative Bulletin" from the Office of Campaign and Political Finance on the issue of Elected Officials actions with regard to a ballot question, as follows: 1. Policy- making officials and or public employees may speak on behalf of a ballot question on an individual basis on their own time. Officials /employees may not use governmental resources to promote or oppose of influence a ballot question. 2. An elected official may, with the aid of staff, respond to inquiries, etc. and create a "position paper" which serves to analyze a ballot question's impact on their particular agencies' operations. This research paper may be given to a newspaper, citizens, etc., as it is a "public document." An official /employee cannot dis- tribute copies of this "position paper"/ "public document" at public expense. Any materials prepared by an elected policy- making board may be obtained, duplicated and dis- tributed at private expense by a political committee formed in order to advocate a particular view on a ballot question. 3. Elected officials may address any matter of public policy which is the subject matter of a ballot question on their own time or during work hours. The elected REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MARCH 1, 1993 official may state his /her position and encourage others to adopt that position. 4. Members of an elected board if they choose to write a letter to the editor must do so as an individual versus in the name of the board /trustees. 5. Public employees, employed for compensation, shall not directly or indirectly solicit or receive any gift, payment, contribution, assessment, or promise of money for a political campaign purpose. Public employees should refrain from any activity which indicates support in a material way for the fund raising efforts of a political committee. For example, public employees may not permit their names to be listed on political committee stationery to be used to solicit funds; public employees are prohibited from hosting or permitting a fundraising party at their homes. 6. The HATCH ACT (Federal Law) prohibits a municipal employee from actively participating in political management or political campaigns, where the employee is employed by a municipality which is financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants. Such employee may, however, express and communicate independent, personal opinions on political issues, provided it is not part of an organized political campaign. Example, such an employee could write his /her opinion in a letter to the editor over their own signature. In reference to the HATCH ACT, the Superintendent advised the Town Manager stated this would include people from Chapter I, SPED teachers, Chapter 94192 and Cafeteria Workers. Chair Cummings added that School Committee members can act as individuals on a platform or through letters but not as a board for the override. The Superintendent urged citizens to attend the Public Meeting being held by YES FOR READING, a group of Reading's citizens that has been meeting to plan for an override victory on March 23, at the high school - Tuesday, March 9th at 7:30 p.m. ELIMINATION OF POLICY BDDE ON SUMMER SALARY DEFERRAL Barbara Philbrick on the recommendation of the Administration moved to delete Policy BDDE, Teacher Summer Salary Deferral Program that has never been utilized. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 MARCH 1, 1993 EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT Chair Cummings stated he would compile evaluation of the Superintendent information he has received. nTHF.R The Superintendent advised that the next School Committee meeting would be held on Tuesday, March 9 with Attorney Drachman at 6:45 p.m. We will adjourn at 7:30 to attend the Open Hearing in the Reading Memorial High School Lecture Hall and return to Central Office for the completion of the School Committee meeting. Dr. Munnelly asked for a few possible dates to work with Diane Cochrane, the mediator for the teachers. School Commit- tee agreed on the tentative dates of March 10 or the 17th, with fall back dates on March 8, 11 or the 24th. The Superintendent noted that negotiations with the principals will be March 10 at 5:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS R.I.S.E. PROGRAM Chair Cummings requested Dr. Alexanian to comment on the R.I.S.E. Program. Dr. Alexanian stated that an open house was scheduled for the R.I.S.E. Program on February 24th. He advised that the program is working well with students paying $90 along with the SPED students. That this program provides a regular education experience for the pre - school special education classes. He added that the program has far exceeded their expectations. ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS VOLUNTEERS FOR SEARCH COMMITTEE TO BE SOUGHT Dr. Munnelly advised that advertisements for the Assistant Superintendent would be placed in the Boston Globe and Educa- tion Weekly this week. He added, while the process of adver- tising is going on, he is writing to universities regarding this vacancy. This week, Dr. Munnelly stated, he would ask the community for volunteers for the search process. ADJOURN Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussing bargaining strategies with non -union and REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 MARCH 1, 1993 union personnel. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Barbara Philbrick George Shannon Timothy Twomey