Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-14 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 14, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Joshua Eaton Elementary School Auditorium. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Y. Wheltle, and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Thomas Stohlman moved to approve the minutes from the May 17, 1993 School Committee meeting. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: June 7, 1993 - Bills - $81,937.05 June 14, 1993 - Bills - $97,920.90 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: May 28, 1993 - Teachers - $414,367.77 June 4, 1993 - Biweekly - $123,855.86 June 11, 1993 - Teachers - $415,357.46 CITIZEN'S INPUT A former teacher, presently a substitute teacher in the Reading Public Schools for the past 10 years, Shirley Osborn, explained reasons why the substitutes should return to the $50 per day level of 3 years ago. A school committee member asked when the proper time was to discuss this issue. He was advised by the Chair that discus- sion should take place at budget time. PERSONNEL Interim Assistant Superintendent made the Administration's re- commendations for the teaching vacancies at Birch Meadow. On the recommendation of the Administration, Thomas Stohlman moved to appoint Jo -Anne Garlick as a first year fourth grade teacher at Birch Meadow Elementary School at the Bachelors +30 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 14, 1993 Level, Step 1, for the 1993 -94 school year. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -2. On the recommendation of the Administration, Thomas Stohlman moved to appoint Anne Marie Calabresi to her second contract as a Grade 1 teacher at Birch Meadow Elementary School at the Masters Level, Step 2, for the 1993 -94 school year. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1. NEW BUSINESS REVIEW OF PRELIMINARY SITE PLANS FOR BIRCH MEADOW AND JOSHUA EATON SCHOOLS (OUT OF ORDER) Dr. Munnelly welcomed Design Partnership of Cambridge architects David Finney and Jennifer Pearson, along with the Building Committee Members Roger Sanstad and Roberta D'Antona, and Community Planning Commission Director Jonathan Edwards, Chairman Jonathan Barnes, Secretary Richard Howard and Thomas Stohlman. Ms. Pearson began additional explanation of the construction and renovation to Birch Meadow School that includes: .extending and moving the entry by the parking lot, .the construction of five new classrooms off of the parking lot, .individual entrances and exits to each new classroom area, .an additional thirty parking spaces. She added that the front of the building will remain the same with a total of six parking spaces that includes two handicapped parking spaces. Members in the audience expressed concern over the wetlands and extension of a fence to Forest Street. Citizen Steven Smith several other abutters offered an alternative plan for a parking lot located on Birch Meadow Drive, explaining that their plan would reduce congestion on Arthur B. Lord Drive and Forest Street in the morning and afternoon. Dr. Munnelly responded by stating the play area would have to be set off by barriers if cars were to use that part of the site. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 14, 1993 Ms. Pearson continued with a discussion of the Eaton Elementary School as follows: .entrance will remain the same with a new side entrance for visitors and a handicapped ramp, .6 or 7 parking spaces, .Administrative offices moved to the corner of building, The architect continued by stating that additions include an area for service and storage, a caution or stop sign for safety purposes and the possibility of one way traffic during peak hours. She noted there would be an island in the middle of the parking lot for school buses and cars to turn around. A parent stated that parking in that area is crowded even on off hours. Mr. Finney stated that there would be continuous paved surface for fire department vehicles. Roberta D'Antona moved to give permission to the Design Part- nership of Cambridge to proceed with the preliminary plans to Eaton and to reexamine the Birch Meadow site plans at a future date. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REVIEW OF JOSHUA EATON SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS AND SCHEMATICS Ms. Pearson pointed out the renovations and additions to Eaton's educational specifications and schematics. She explained the proposed additions to the school total 12,300 square feet and include a new library and computer room, reading room, 2 kindergartens, 3 classrooms, toilets and storage. Ms. Pearson added major alterations to the existing building include conversion of the auditorium to a combined cafeteria - auditorium with a service kitchen, conversion of the library area to an administration, teachers' workroom and health area, and construction of a new entry and ramps for handicapped access. She noted there will be direct access to the kindergarten classes. Mr. Finney stated they will also repair the clock tower, but that fixing the clock was not included in the estimate. George Shannon moved to approve the educational specifications for the Eaton Elementary School. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. COST COMPARISON OF ONE VERSUS TWO MIDDLE SCHOOL SITES Dr. Munnelly addressed the memo he enclosed for tonight's meeting on the cost comparison of one versus two middle school sites. He advised that he had spoken with the school people REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 14, 1993 in Wakefield and Stoneham to root our comparisons and comments in the reality of a nearby middle school district. In either scenario, one versus two middle schools, Dr. Munnelly stated we could expect increases which derive from the need to teach and care for 25% more pupils. The Superin- tendent went on to give examples in the areas of English, Science and Social Studies. If we plan to maintain the class size levels at the present level we will need to add teaching staff to accomodate 200 additional pupils. Guidance, library, custodial and secretarial staffing will also need to be addressed. He stated that our present staffing of two principals and two assistants for 800 pupils is not excessive and that there would be some savings by cutting to one principal and two assistants in the one school scenario. Dr. Munnelly stated that our middle school curriculum, teacher support and supervision is currently carried out by department heads who teach full -time. A major cost increase to a 1000 pupil school, like Reading Memorial High School, would have four department heads teaching 2 or 3 periods and having several periods for supervision. He continued by stating there may be $500 in savings in having one cafeteria head instead of two but we would still need the same number of workers to prepare and serve the food. The Superintendent stated our present per -pupil costs for middle school are $4,320 versus a state average of $4,404. Dr. Munnelly advised that before the architect's plans are drawn up, a decision has to be made as to whether there will be one or two middle schools for the projected middle school population peak of approximately 1,020 students later this decade. School Committee members weighed the pros and cons of one versus two middle schools. Roberta D'Antona moved to direct the Building Committee to support two middle schools, one at Parker and one at Coolidge. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. George Shannon stated he was not convinced that two schools would save costs, and asked the Building Committee to look at the feasibility of putting middle school students at the high school. Dr. Munnelly said that extra space at the high school building is that it is distributed throughout the building. Mr. Sanstad reminded the committee that the State will not support a new school on the Parker site and advised that the School Building Assistance Bureau would reimburse two - thirds for renovation of the Parker REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 14, 1993 site. It was noted that the Building Committee would take a quick look the high school location as an alternative for one middle school and if feasible will ask the School Committee for funds for a full blown feasibility study. The vote was 5- 1. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS (OUT OF ORDER SPECIAL EDUCATION - THE INCLUSION "BIG" PICTURE The Chair requested Dr. Alexanian to update the school committee on the education of the school youngsters with less serious disabilities. Eaton's Special Education Resource Room teacher Barbara Kelley stated the regular and special education teachers work as a team for each child. She added if some students need more instruction than in a regular classroom they receive special services. Regular teachers along with the special education teachers help improve the students self -image taking one step at a time. Principal Farnham gave a brief history of special education before services were mandated under Chapter 766. He added there were child study teams at each building and that 766 set out the goals for the special education students - mainstreaming as they went along. Parker's Psychologist Diane Ketlak stated that co- teaching has been effective in ten different classrooms at Parker. Ms. Ketlak said there is a stronger partnership between the regular education and the special education teachers. She added that the Resource Room teacher is available to all students. Parker's Resource Room teacher Sheila Richardson advised that there are about 58 students in the learning center - 40 are .2 and 14 are .3's needing more service. There are an additional 3 or 4 who will always need a learning center. Ms. Richardson stated that Parker faculty attendinga course offered on Inclusion at Fitchburg State to develop an environment for all students, includes 2 special education teachers, 1 parent and 3 regular education teachers. Ms. Richardson added her group like to develop a handbook for new teachers to advise them on the advantages of co- teaching. A school committee member stated the best part of the whole program is that kids are learning how to get along with all children at all levels. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 14, 1993 Mr. Farnham suggested an organized staff development program for all teachers. Dr. Alexanian said we need to help children build self- esteem early, that adolescents want to be more connected to the schools and community. School Committee members thanked Dr. Alexanian and the teaching staff for this discussion that added balance to what they have been talking about over the last few months. School Committee member Thomas Stohlman excused himself from the remainder of the School Committee meeting. POLICY DRAFT ON NO SMOKING IN SCHOOLS (OUT OF ORDER) Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle stated the proposed draft declaring that Reading Schools become a smoke - free environment would go in effect January 1, 1994. She added that signs would be more prominent and if this action was adopted by the committee it would give six months notice to students, adult workers and renters in the schools to kick the habit. Ms. Wheltle continued by adding that anticipated new anti - tobacco monies will be used to offer no- smoking clinics and medical help to both students and staff. A smoke - enders workshop or a similar program will be offered several times next fall. Our approach to smokers will be sympathetic and supportive, though firm in expecting smoke -free environ- ment in school buildings and school property. Dr. Munnelly added that legislature will soon be changing the "exception" of allowing smoking in special sections of public buildings. George Shannon moved on a first vote of the draft on the policy on Tobacco Prohibition. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Questions were asked about how violators will be handled and if there would be an exception to smoking on the grounds. Ms. Wheltle replied in order to apply for the Grant monies the policy must include the grounds. She added that the policy will be highlighted in the student handbook. The vote was unanimous. SAFETY TASK FORCE School Committee member Roberta D'Antona explained the enclosure E -1, dated May 24, 1993, on the Safety Task Force. She noted that personal safety is a concern that has been voiced by teachers, support staff within the schools, as well as students and adults who spend considerable time each year in our schools. Roberta D'Antona moved that the School Committee adopt the establishment of a Task Force that would include but not be REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 14, 1993 limited to a representative of the teaching staff, support staff, a building administrator, member of PTOs, a member of the police force, and interested community members. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. AWARD OF CAFETERIA BIDS Dr. Munnelly presented the bid information Food Services Director Catherine Cook recommended. George Shannon moved to approve alternate delivery for the milk and ice cream bid to West Lynn Creamery as the responsible bidder for the 1993 -94 school vear. Timothv Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Munnelly stated that he checked with Attorney Drachman and advised that he has the freedom to recommend the second lowest bidder. The vote was unanimous. Georqe Shannon moved to approve Nissen Bakeries for Items 1 -6 and Quinzani Bakeries for Items 7 and 8 as outlined on the Cafeteria Bid Tabulation, enclosure E -4, for the 1993 -94 school year. Timothy Twomev seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CALENDAR School Committee member Mr. Shannon asked if there will be a conflict with the high school graduation date and the 350th Anniversary celebration. Dr. Munnelly replied that graduation could be held on Memorial Day week -end and that he will investigate further to be sure there would not be a conflict. ADJOURN At 11:20 p.m. Susan Cavicchi moved to adjourn from regular session and to go to executive session for the discussion of collective bargaining with non -union and union personnel. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Timothy Twomey REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 14, 1993 Mr. Farnham suggested an organized staff development program for all teachers. Dr. Alexanian said we need to help children build self - esteem early, that adolescents want to be more connected to the schools and community. School Committee members thanked Dr. Alexanian and the teaching staff for this discussion that added balance to what they have been talking about over the last few months. School Committee member Thomas Stohlman excused himself from the remainder of the School Committee meeting. POLICY DRAFT ON NO SMOKING IN SCHOOLS (OUT OF ORDER) Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle stated the proposed draft declaring that Reading Schools become a smoke - free environment would go in effect January 1, 1994. She added that signs would be more prominent and if this action was adopted by the committee it would give six months notice to students, adult workers and renters in the schools to.kick the habit. Ms. Wheltle continued by adding that anticipated new anti - tobacco monies will be used to offer no- smoking clinics and medical help to both students and staff. A smoke - enders workshop or a similar program will be offered several times next fall. Our approach to smokers will be sympathetic and supportive, though firm in expecting smoke -free environ- ment in school buildings and school property. Dr. Munnelly added that legislature will soon be changing the "exception" of allowing smoking in special sections of public buildings. George Shannon moved on a first vote of the draft on the policy on Tobacco Prohibition. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Questions were asked about how violators will be handled and if there would be an exception to smoking on the grounds. Ms. Wheltle replied in order to apply for the Grant monies the policy must include the grounds. She added that the policy will be highlighted in the student handbook. The vote was unanimous. SAFETY TASK FORCE School Committee member Roberta D'Antona explained the enclosure E -1, dated May 24, 1993, on the Safety Task Force. She noted that personal safety is a concern that has been voiced by teachers, support staff within the schools, as well as students and adults who spend considerable time each year in our schools. Roberta D'Antona moved that the School Committee adopt the establishment of a Task Force that would include but not be REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 14, 1993 limited to a representative of the teaching staff, support staff, a building administrator, member of PTOs, a member of the police force, and interested community members. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. AWARD OF CAFETERIA BIDS Dr. Munnelly presented the bid information Food Services Director Catherine Cook recommended. George Shannon moved to approve alternate delivery for the milk and ice cream bid to West Lynn Creamery as the responsible bidder for the 1993 -94 school year. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Munnelly stated that he checked with Attorney Drachman and advised that he has the freedom to recommend the second lowest bidder. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to approve Nissen Bakeries for Items 1 -6 and Quinzani Bakeries for Items 7 and 8 as outlined on the Cafeteria Bid Tabulation, enclosure E -4, for the 1993 -94 school vear. Timothv Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. f'AT.FNTIAR School Committee member Mr. Shannon asked if there will be a conflict with the high school graduation date and the 350th Anniversary celebration. Dr. Munnelly replied that graduation could be held on Memorial Day week -end and that he will investigate further to be sure there would not be a conflict. ADJOURN At 11:20 p.m. Susan Cavicchi moved to adjourn from regular session and to go to executive session for the discussion of collective bargaining with non -union and union personnel. Timothv Twomev seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Timothv Twomev Robert I M6 Ed. D. Superintendent Of SchoolS Secretary To The School committee