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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-05-17 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 17, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Super- intendent Susan Y. Wheltle, Student Representative Peter Losinger, and a reporter from the Chronicle. RECOGNITION OF LESLIE YORK BY NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP IN EDUCATION Dr. Munnelly recognized Mr. and Mrs. Leslie York, who were in the audience, for their volunteerism in the Reading school community. He added that students and faculty at Reading Memorial High School, under the leadership of Principal Rena Mirkin, submitted Les York's record for national recognition. Mr. York was then honored with a laudatory letter and certificate from the National Association of Partners in Education. Principal Mirkin and students from the Reading SADD chapter took part in the award ceremony. STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Superintendent requested School Committee Student Repre- sentative Peter Losinger to introduce other members who were present from the Student Advisory Committee. They were Allison Bastiani, Rob Bennett, Jennifer Massa, Sean Murphy, P. J. O'Leary, and Mike Shannon. Allison Bastiani advised that the Activity Staff has held their sign up at lunch time for clubs and activities in the high school. She also noted that over 300 students attended the Junior Prom at the Colonial Hilton. Jennifer Massa stated that members of the Student Advisory Committee have met with eighth grade students at the middle schools to help them with the transition to the high school. She added that the Scholastic Achievement Awards Night inducted the top 40 seniors, 30 juniors, 20 sophomores, and 10 freshmen into the Century Club; the newly inducted members of the National Honor Society were presented with certificates and pins; and College Book Awards were presented. Jennifer, along with Principal Mirkin extended sincere appreciation to the contributors and speakers for the evening. REGULARS SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 17, 1993 Rob Bennett spoke about the SAAD Program and stated that the fire department sent a wrecked car to the high school to remind students of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Mike Shannon shared the anticipated activities for seniors. They include the Senior Prom on June 4th, Class Day on June 9th, the Senior Banquet and All Night Party beginning with a banquet on the Spirit of Boston and climaxing with the remainder of the party continuing at the Field House, Class Day, and Graduation on June 13th. Sean Murphy began by thanking Mr. & Mrs. York again and went on to talk about the great time the teaching staff and students had at Spring Fest and the fantastic job everyone accomplished. Mrs. Mirkin followed -up with comments of how the com- munity came together and previewed some of the activities of the project on Cable Television. She noted that over 1,000 students participated. Principal Mirkin congratulated the Reading High School students who competed against top Massachusetts high schools in the regional T.E.A.M.S. (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Math and Science) competition at UMA /Lowell in March and finished in first place in Massachusetts. She added that this performance qualified the team to compete in the National Com- petition against the finalists in the United States. The Reading team finished third in the nationals. For this extra- ordinary accomplishment she extended congratulations on behalf of the Reading school community to Seth Hoyt, Mark Agami, Emily Marino, Phil Vaccaro, Julia Mark, Michael Shannon, Jane Gillette and Bryan Farrow, and coach Gene Kaczowka. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly reported that Reading Memorial High School (R.M.H.S.) student Renee Becker won second prize and a $200 award from the Boston Society of Civil Engineers at the Massachusetts State Science Fair. He added that Renee is one of several R.M.H.S. students who, under the guidance of science teacher Martha Moore, competed in the State finals. The Superintendent stated that the parent /teacher group raising funds to send the Coolidge team to the Science Olympiad in Colorado on May 20 have reached their goal. He thanked the many local businesses and individuals who gave generous donations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 17, 1993 At the Reading Town Hall, Dr. Munnelly continued, there is evidence of our high school students' work in an art exhibit that was organized by teacher Peter Wood. The Superintendent commented again on the huge success of the Springfest on May 12, and invited Reading citizens to come see the new plantings outside the high school. He noted that the inside walls have been freshly painted and there are murals on several of them. The organizing and clean -up jobs were well done and he thanked Rena and her committee, espe- cially Reading Memorial High School teachers Kathy Montejunas and Janet Burne. Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle commented on the Global Education Fair held recently at Eaton Elementary School. Eaton's PTO provided speakers from Rosie's Place and the Peace Corps. Ms. Wheltle also informed the School Committee that Dr. Munnelly will be the only Superintendent on the Massachusetts' Cultural Council panel at a conference on May 21. VISITORS: ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Munnelly introduced Reading Health Department's Preven- tion Education Coordinator Jane Fiore who explained that the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Council has been existence for 7 years. Ms. Fiore identified its 14 members: Lt. Bob Silva from the Reading Police Department, School Committee Chair Matthew Cummings, Reading Memorial High School student and SADD representative Rob Bennett, citizens Jamie Jamgochian, Stacy Lombardo, Patricia Donnelly, Birch Meadow teacher Gaynell Knowlton, Reading Memorial High School guidance teacher Guy LoConte, Coolidge Middle School Principal Al Lahood, Gordon Richards from the Boston Herald, Phil Dolan, a freshman at Emerson College student who helps with the video and Angela Doughty who also is a freshman at Emerson College, she also praised the work of the Center for Addictive Behaviors. Ms. Fiore advised the School Committee on the various grants supporting the alcohol and drug program. They are the Drug Free Grant, and a grant from Lechmere along with $53,000 in donations from the citizens of Reading that have been earmarked to the alcohol and drug program. She added that these funds have supported training 82.5% of the faculty. There are 67 peer leaders in the high school, 20 of whom are seniors and will be graduating on June 13th. Ms. Fiore added that they have held 6 workshops for Reading citizens and that pamphlets and referral lists are available for the public at Town Hall. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 17, 1993 A peer leader, Sean Murphy, informed the audience that of the 44 captains representing the various high school sports teams 36 have attended a workshop for Athletes for a Healthy Life Style. He related that personal questions were addressed and that another 100 members agreed not to use drugs or alcohol. Another peer leader, Rob Bennett, advised that the new 21 peer leaders were trained at the library and that 2 leaders from the Center for Addictive Behaviors were speakers. Lt. Silva reiterated the positive results he sees in the behavior of students on the streets of Reading. Chair Cummings complimented Ms. Fiore for her strong commitment and dedication to the substance abuse program, Lt. Silva for the time and enthusiasm he represents, the support of the community, peer leaders and athletes who are excellent examples - especially to 5th, 6th and 7th graders. Asked how one measures the success of the program, Ms. Fiore replied, that lives are saved by early intervention. When children are young they are being taught alternatives to drinking and drug use. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SPECIAL EDUCATION - BRIEFING ON INCLUSION PROFILE PROCESS Dr. Munnelly invited Dr. Alexanian and Consultant Terry Trask to provide the School Committee with information about the inclusion procedures and inclusion profile for Reading's in- structional programs. Ms. Trask presented the Profile Goal Statement and Sample Profile Page for each building to set its goals timetable for achieving them over the next five years. Areas to be addressed are: I. STAFF ATTITUDE /BUILDING ATMOSPHERE II. PHYSICAL FACTORS III. CURRICULUM /INSTRUCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY IV. RESOURCE NEEDS V. PARENT INVOLVEMENT Dr. Alexanian was asked by a School Committee member about the status of special education staff reorganization. He replied that parents and teachers are moving forward with plans to brief staff that have not previously dealt with severely handicapped students. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 17, 1993 Dr. Munnelly stated that the self evaluation process will be reviewed twice a year with the profile instrument. He noted that this process makes us more attentive to inclusion process. A School Committee member continued, advising that any change in children's education brings along emotional factors for the parents. When asked about tracking, Ms. Trask stated that tracking will be gradually reduced in the years from 1993 to 1998. She added that not all ability grouping is bad. Another School Committee member stated that the profile does not ask for student comment. Ms. Trask replied that we need to get parents /teachers communicating first and then proceed to student representation. She continued by stating orientation meetings about the severely disabled students who will be going on into the middle schools will be presented via film and discussion to interested parents. Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle noted that the a recent meeting between Coolidge and Killam staff and parents of three severely disabled students was very positive and productive. NEW BUSINESS REVIEW OF MIDDLE SCHOOL ENROLLMENT ISSUES: BUILD ONE LARGE MIDDLE SCHOOL OR KEEP TWO SCHOOLS School Building Committee Chair Roger Sanstad and Design Part- nership Architect David Finney began their discussion on the planning for renovations and additions at the middle school level. Their presentation included drawings for expanding the Coolidge Middle School to house the entire school population - approximately 1020 pupils. School Committee members stated that they were under the impression that if there was to be one middle school, it would be the Parker site. Mr. Sanstad reported that the building committee at its last meeting voted not to recommend the single middle school concept, feeling it would conflict with community needs and desires. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MAY 17, 1993 The negative aspects, Mr. Finney listed for consideration, were namely: Increased traffic and need for more parking space Wetlands encroachment Possible loss of athletic fields. Mr. Sanstad continued, stating that an official at the State Building Assistance Bureau that it could reimburse the town up to two- thirds of the cost of the project, but would not support a single middle school at the Parker site, unless there were a legitimate reason for abandoning the Coolidge site. Mr. Shannon asked about the cost effectiveness of one middle school. Dr. Munnelly replied there would be less administration -one principal, one library, one cafeteria, and fewer custodians. He noted the enrollment projections for the middle school population showed a high of 1,020 students in the 1997 -98 school year as compared to a little over 800 middle school students now. School Committee members guesstimated that construction of a new school at the Parker site to accommodate the 1,020 students would cost upwards of $10 million. It was noted that the SBAB probably would not come through with funding and that the debt for the town would be too much. Another member asked, when and if the renovations were made to Parker would the school go into double session or perhaps move students to the high school. The Superintendent advised that this would put a strain on both the middle and high school programs. He said that hope is to be ready for the growth of the middle school population by 1997 -98 school year, which means that a final project would have to go to Town Meeting sometime in FY95. Chair Cummings asked for additional information regarding costs and educational input. Dr. Munnelly stated he would report back with additional information sometime in mid -June, have figures for a selling price for the resale of Coolidge, and the potential efficiencies for 1 versus 2 middle schools. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MAY 17, 1993 SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE /SCHOOL COMMITTEE ROLES IN CONSTRUCTION OF RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS Mr. Sanstad stated the architects would meet with Birch Meadow and Eaton on May 24 with a schematic design before presenting detailed drawings. He added that the final project has minor revisions that were suggested by faculty. Chair Cummings suggested that there should be two meetings - the first one on May 24 with Birch Meadow. Dr. Munnelly advised that a separate warrant for the funds for the renovations of Eaton and Birch Meadow will have to be signed weekly by the School Committee. ROUTINE MATTER (out of order) MINUTES George Shannon moved to approve the minutes of April 26, 1993. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. EXECUTIVE MINUTES George Shannon moved to release to the general public the executive minutes of 1992. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. GIFTS George Shannon moved to approve gifts and thank donors as outlined on enclosure B -4, that were recently given to the Eaton School. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. PERSONNEL Dr. Munnelly offered condolences to the families of two former Reading Public School teachers and principals who recently passed away. Albert Woodward and Eleanor Skahill, both of whom worked in our school system 32 years before retiring. RESIGNATION On the recommendation of the Administration, Susan Cavicchi moved to accept the resignation with regret of Coolidge Middle School Cafeteria manager Muriel Hall, effective April 26, 1993. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 MAY 17, 1993 REAPPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the Administration, Thomas Stohlman moved to award second contracts to the identified teachers on enclosure C -1. George Shannon seconded the motion. School Committee questioned filling the 3 new elementary positions. After a brief discussion regarding State Aid, Thomas Stohlman withdrew his motion. School Committee then requested Dr. Munnelly to itemize what cuts would be made to meet the $125,000 short fall. RETIREMENT BENEFIT Dr. Munnelly shared a letter he received from Reading Memorial High School English teacher Phyllis Onusseit requesting a 1992 -93 retirement because of circumstances beyond her control and consideration to receive payment for the unused sick leave she has accumulated. The Superintendent also stated that two teachers who are due to retire in June 1994, John Burns and Harold Bond, have both offered to leave in June 1993 if they could have the $5,000+ buyback money. He pointed out that the difference in salary between a teacher on Masters Max and a beginning teacher was significant. Chair Cummings stated the Committee would take Ms. Onusseit's letter under advisement as well as the requests of Mr. Burns and Mr. Bond. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Dr. Munnelly presented the preliminary listing by school for 1993 -94 Kindergarten enrollments by school as follows: Alice M. Barrows School 57 Birch Meadow School 85 Joshua Eaton School 80 J. Warren Killam School 99 Total 321 He noted that in earlier planning for September, we had projected 280 students. The Superintendent stated that we will be able to absorb these additional students into our seven kindergarten classrooms, but there will be high numbers in some places. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 MAY 17, 1993 CAFETERIA PROGRAM REVIEW 1993 -94 Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the cafeteria program is generally holding its own on the traditional operating expenses and that by raising the fees of lunch prices from $1.25 to $1.50 did not bring enough revenue to pay the health benefits for its employees. He noted that there is a reduction in participation close to 20 %. The Superintendent stated the Cafeteria opening balance for September 1, 1992 was $41,489.90 and that we presently owe $46,727 for Health Insurance. When this is paid out there will be no funds left over to buy food and pay start -up salaries for the 1993 -94. In a related matter, Dr. Munnelly shared the enclosed memo from Food Service Director Catherine Cook that recommends Reading's continued participation in direct certification of students for free and reduced price lunch. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to continue participation in the direct certification process for 1993 -94. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CLERGY LETTER ON SUNDAY EVENTS A letter to Chairman Cummings from the President of Reading Clergy Association Dr. David W. Reid expressed appreciation to the School Committee for refusing to allow school sports practices to take place on Sunday mornings. ADJOURN At 11.45 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussion of bargaining strategies Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey