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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-07 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 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 with the exception of George Shannon 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. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES School Committee member Thomas Stohlman advised that a page was missing in the draft minutes of May 17, 1993. This was noted and these minutes will be reviewed at the next School Committee meeting. The warrant for Bills were as follows: May 24, 1993 - Bills - $67,198.69 June 1, 1993 - Bills - $58,755.42 The warrant for Payrolls were as follows: May 14, 1993 r_T V M Q Teachers - $414,367.77 Dr. Munnelly acknowledged the following gifts that were recently given to the Joshua Eaton School: Mr. & Mrs. Mark Masterson an Apple II Computer, disc drive, mouse, blank diskettes, color monitor, and software programs. Mr. & Mrs. Brian Colozzi an I.B.M. Computer, keyboard, color monitor, software programs. Chairman Cummings advised that the vote to accept these gifts will be taken later when there is a quorum. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 7, 1993 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated Eaton Elementary School's Library Specialist Barbara McLean for being selected to receive one of the National Council for Geographic Educa- tion's Distinguished Teaching Achievement Awards for 1993. He noted that thirty -two teachers from North America were chosen to receive the award this year. The Superintendent complimented Reading Memorial High School Social Studies teacher Anna O'Brien and other staff members who received a stipend, $500.00, from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges to be used to run two conferences with University of Massachusetts Lowell mentoring program. He added that Reading Memorial High School has been chosen as a clinical site for a University of Massachusetts Professional Development School. Dr. Munnelly shared the estimate of the State Education Reform Act money voted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. He stated that the new aid monies for Reading in FY94 will be near $366,795. Included in Dr. Munnelly's report was a memo from Town Manager that asked the Chairmen of all Committees, Boards, and Commissions, to reserve the following dates and times for the following: Town Retreat - Friday afternoon, September 17, and all day Saturday, September 18 in the new Senior Citizen Center Volunteer Training Session - Thursday evening, September 23 in the Library Meeting Room, from 7:30 to 10:00 P.M. GIFTS (revisited) With a quorum present a vote was taken on the previously described gifts. Susan Cavicchi moved to accept and thank the donors as described on enclosure B -4. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. School Committee member Mr. Twomey announced that the Massachusetts Association for School Committees (MASC) will be holding their annual meeting on June 15th at the Lawrence Vocational Tech. He added that in order to vote you must attend. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 7, 1993 PERSONNEL Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle advised the recommendations for additional 1993 -94 teacher contracts. On the recommendation of the Administration, Thomas Stohlman moved to appoint Ellen Zermani to the Killam Elementary School to her second contract at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 2 and Cynthia Lewis a full -time special needs teacher at Killam Elementary School to her second contract at the rate of Masters Level, Step 3. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. COACHES On the recommendation of the Administration, Susan Cavicchi moved to appoint the coaches at the sport rate for 1993 -94 as described on enclosure C -2. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman questioned the financing of coaching positions. Dr. Munnelly explained that funding comes from ticket sales. The vote was 5 -0 -1. RETIREMENT Dr. Munnelly requested the School Committee to grant Reading Memorial High School English teacher Phyllis Onusseit retirement effective June 30, 1993 and asked that she be granted the sick -leave buyback payment in the 1994 budget under the provisions of the RTA contract which allows retirement before a teacher's earlier announcement date due to circumstances beyond the control of the teacher. George Shannon moved to accept the retirement of Phyllis Onusseit, with the understanding we grant her sick leave buy back in the 1994 budget. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. VISITORS: MEMBERS OF THE KILLAM ADVISORY TEAM (KAT The Superintendent informed the School Committee that the Carnegie Restructuring Grant, which supported several innovations about school site management at Killam, ended some time ago, but the management team concept remained a workable and active process for engaging parents, teachers and school staff in decisions which affect them. Dr. Munnelly asked the members of the Killam Advisory Team (KAT) to come forward. Killam's Principal Paul Guerrette stated that many of the initiatives that began under the Carnegie Restructuring Grant are still in process. He noted that the KAT group meets every other week from 8 - 9 a.m. and stated there is a better under- standing of conflict resolution and communication. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 7, 1993 Mr. Guerrette introduced the other team members including parents Dora Ottariano, Marina Salenikas, Linda Goodemote, teachers Dawn Greenwood, and Joan McKinnon. He noted that teacher Jean Maloney- Stewart is also a team member, but was unable to attend this evening. Ms. McKinnon stated that as a team member parents shared their concerns with them and they in turn were able to share with the other staff members. She added the partnerships between teachers /parents are working to establish a publishing house for the Killam children such as the one already in progress at Birch Meadow. Ms. Greenwood added that trust between teachers and parents has been instilled and that a consistent base for homework and discipline policy has been established. Parent Dora Ottariano praised the open door policy at Killam. She added there have been several parent workshops. The PTO has helped support the workshops, they included K -5 math and a reading and writing program. Ms. Goodemote invited all Killam families to join the PTO to talk about the activities in the school. Principal Guerrette stated it is extremely valuable to have a structured group setting the stage on policy and focussing their energies. He added that his staff is working on the "Skillful Teacher" and the K.O.A.L.A. after school program. In answer to a School Committee member on how differences of opinion are handled, Mr. Guerrette stated one has to listen before acting. School Committee member Shannon asked if any of this group were part of the original Carnegie Restructuring Group. Mr. Guerrette said that although the KAT had members who had not received the initial training, he felt that the school climate now thoroughly supports collaborative work. School Committee thanked the members of the Killam team for providing information and the background of the Killam Advisory Team. OLD BUSINESS CALENDAR 1993 -94 AND 1994 -95 School Committee members discussed the pros and cons of the newly developed 1993 -94 calendar, that included the February and April vacation periods and the first day of school. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 7, 1993 George Shannon moved to amend the 1993 -94 calendar to specify that the February winter vacation begin on Washington's birthday, February 21 through 23, and spring vacation begin on Patriots Day, April 18 through the 22nd. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 4 -1 -1 vote. Thomas Stohlman moved to start school for teachers on September 3, 1993 and for students on September 9, 1993 with a closing date near June 22, 1994. George Shannon seconded the motion. The motion failed with a 2 -4 vote. Timothy Twomey moved to eliminate the two days vacation in February so school could end earlier. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote failed, 3 -3. George Shannon moved on the 1993 -94 calendar as amended. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -1. School Committee advised that per the teachers' contract for 1994 -95 teachers cannot begin the school year before Labor Day. Thomas Stohlman amended the 1994 -95 calendar to include the full week of April 17 through April 21, 1995 as Spring Vaca- tion. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Timothy Twomey moved to remove February 21, 1995 as a vaca- tion day and to adjust the close of school date accordingly. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -2. George Shannon moved on the 1994 -95 calendar as amended. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. POLICY ON STUDY GROUPS - 2ND VOTE Timothy Twomey moved on a second vote for Policy BB, Task Force Policy Study Groups as outlined on enclosure D -2. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. School Committee members stated that this policy establishes a commitment to the community and another member commended the brevity of the policy. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL ACCREDITATION REPORT The Chair requested Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin, Assistant Principal Pat Schettini and Math Department Head Peter Moscariello to come forward to update the School Committee on the accreditation self -study process. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 7, 1993 Dr. Munnelly stated the high school is going over the process of the self - evaluation portion for visitation and accredita- tion by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NESAC). Peter Moscariello, Co -chair of the Steering Committee with Social Studies Department Head Tom Darrin, began by stating the Steering Committee began in the Spring of 1991. Other members of the Steering Committee were identified as Bob Donovan, Kathy Montejunas, Ruthann Budrewicz, and Dick Gillis who oversee the whole self -study group. He noted that commit- tees for sixteen Learning Areas and eight Standards of Philosophy, and School and Community Profiles have been formed. These committees have worked on their half -days after school. He added that every learning area had a questionnaire that was completed, presented, and approved by the faculty. The Standards, the greater part of the self- study, have already been presented to the faculty and most have been approved - the remaining Standards should be completed and approved by June 17. Mr. Moscariello stated the contract has been set for the Accreditation Committee to stay at the Days Inn and the budget for clerical staff, dinner, etc. has been done. He continued, there will be confidential forms for faculty to complete. These forms will inform the committee of the faculty's educational background along with their individual comments. When they are completed they will be presented to the Chair of the Visiting Committee, Dr. Alan Bookman. Mr. Moscariello advised that the Visiting Committee consists of teachers, administrators from New England and Dr. Bookman, who is a principal in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Dr. Bookman will be coming to the high school on June 23 and will meet with each chair for each committee and with the Steering Com- mittee for an hour. We will continue to mail Dr. Bookman information over the summer. Mr. Moscariello stated that this has been an opportunity for the staff to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. Pat Schettini explained that the sixteen Visiting Committee members will be assigned various committees, will speak with the Superintendent, School Committee, and groups of students and teachers. They will vote on each of the Standards and advise on our self -study during the four days they will be here. Principal Mirkin stated the evaluators will advise how well we are doing and if we are doing what we say we are doing. She added that some things that have already been implemented through the self -study are the graduation requirement, the re- REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 7, 1993 duction of Fine Arts, the eradication of the computer require- ment and the maintenance of the Decisions course in Grade 9. Ms. Mirkin added that other school programs being addressed now are: . Humanities Course Level III Task Force . Restructuring of the Master Schedule Integrating Computer Courses throughout the System Peter Moscariello passed out information that outlined the category of Standards for Accreditation for Public Secondary Schools: . Philosophy . Curriculum and Instruction . Student Services . Educational Media Services Administration, Faculty and Staff School Facilities . Community Support and Involvement . School Climate . Assessment of Educational Progress Chair Cummings asked Mr. Moscariello to explain Community Support and Involvement. Mr. Moscariello replied that it involves more than how the schools are supported financially. It is also the personal involvement of the community and how the schools solicit their support. He added that the Committee will do a facilities report and advise what our 5 -10 year plan for the buildings will be. He noted that the Committee will be looking at our handicapped access. Ms. Mirkin stated the community is being informed through meetings, monthly PTO meetings, newsletter, and Cable TV shows several nights throughout the year. Mr. Schettini stated each standard will be evaluated, then private votes from each of the evaluation committees taken and then the Chair will take the votes to the commission for review and vote for accreditation. The Steering Committee advised that there will be a welcoming dinner for NEASC on Sunday evening, November 10. They will meet with each of the Standards groups on Monday and Tuesday, and present a brief overview of the evaluation on Wednesday. We will receive a written report in approximately six weeks. The School Committee thanked the Steering Committee for their update and stated they look forward to meeting with them again. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 7, 1993 KINDERGARTEN CLASS SIZE REPORT Dr. Munnelly reported on kindergarten enrollments as of June 7, 1993 for 326 students. He advised the following informa- tion: SCHOOL STUDENTS PROJECTED CLASS COMMENTS SIZES Barrows 91 23, 23, 23, 22 61 + 30 from Birch Meadow Birch Meadow 48 24, 24 Eaton 87 22, 22, 22, 21 77 + 10 from Birch Meadow Killam 100 25, 26, 24, 25 When reviewing the projected elementary enrollment for 1993 -94 Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle advised that in the Fall they will be moving some of the Barrows METCO and other 4th graders, therefore reducing the total 4th grade classrooms at Barrows to two, and intend to expand the Barrows 5th grade classrooms to three in the Fall. Dr. Munnelly responded to a question regarding METCO students being moved by saying the least impact would be to METCO children since they are being bussed it would be easiest to move them to another school with a smaller class size. It was noted that Barrows Principal Charles Papandreou is thinking of alternative methods to alleviate the over crowding. A School Committee member requested that Mr. Papandreou solicit voluntary transfers from the parents of Barrows grade 4 students. HOME SCHOOLING On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to approve the home schooling plan for David Kelloway, a grade four student, effective June 7 - June 30, 1993. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to approve the home schooling plans for Susan Botzko a grade 3 student and for Peter Botzko a grade 1 student. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. SET DATE FOR HEARING ON A PUPIL EXCLUSION Dr. Munnelly stated he would be recommending the exclusion of two students from Reading Memorial High School and to do this the School Committee will have to "hear" from the students and their parents. Ms. Mirkin and the Superintendent are readying REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 7, 1993 a statement of the reasons for recommending the exclusion. Dr. Munnelly explained the legal authorization for exclusions. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to set a hearing date for July 12, 1993 and to set the charges for the two students for expulsion. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURN At 10:30 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of Union and Non -Union Bargaining discussion. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey Robert I u Mn lEd. Y, Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee