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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-06-28 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 28, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Chair Cummings announced that he would need to retire during the meeting for an hour. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Y. Wheltle, and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES George Shannon moved to approve the minutes of May 24 and June 21, 1993. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked that the person be identified on the May 24, 1993 who abstained from the motion to reappoint Janet Quinn. It was noted that it was George Shannon and that the correction would be made. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: June 28, 1993 - Bills - $65,357.77 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: June 25, 1993 - Teachers - $1,313,604.30 CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input to be addressed at this meeting. GIFTS Dr. Munnelly thanked Arnold Berger for the donation of a PV810 Camcorder and tripod to the RISE Program at Killam. Timothv Twomev moved to accept and thank Mr. Berger for his gift to the Killam RISE Program. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 28, 1993 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT The Superintendent informed the School Committee that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Field Center for Teaching and Learning at the University of Massachusetts at Boston awarded Reading Memorial High School teacher David Brett $700 to fund his study group "Technology /Computer Integration Committee ". Dr. Munnelly congratulated the students of the quarter who deserve recognition for their achievements and contribu- tions at Reading Memorial High. The students selected by faculty for recognition in the fourth quarter are: Cheryl Benoit 195 Charles Roumeliotis '96 Elizabeth vonEuw 196 Renee Becker 195 Kristofer Doucette 195 Samantha Solomon 194 Robert Sansom 195 Jamie Jamgochian -'94 Charles Woods '94 Jacqueline Perella 194 Kelly Ryan 195 Lori DeAngelis '96 Nicolle Kelley Robert Bennett '94 PERSONNEL LEAVE OF ABSENCE English Award Social Studies Award Mathematics Award Science Award Foreign Language Award Business Award Visual Arts Award Music Award Service Award Leadership Award Physical Education Award Athletic Award SEEM Award Principal's Award The Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle explained that she had received a letter from Coolidge Science teacher Carolyn Howard asking to extend her leave of absence through the 1993 -94 school year. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to award the continuance of Carolyn Howard's leave of absence through the 1993 -94 school year. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. RECOMMENDATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to appoint Marie T. Pink to her first contract as a teacher of Special Education at the Coolidge Middle School at the rate of Bachelors + 30 Level, Step 1. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, Timothy Twomey moved to appoint Anne D. Saurman to her first contract as a REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 28, 1993 teacher of Special Education at the Parker Middle.School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 2. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman questioned how we derive what step a new Reading Public School teacher is placed on. The Admin- istration explained that their experience and education level were the criteria. The vote was 4 -0 -2. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to appoint Catherine Woods as the 1993 -94 System -wide Integration Specialist Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. It was noted that Susan Cavicchi will be the School Committee's designee to the Recreation Committee for a term beginning July 1, 1993. VOTE ON THE SUPERINTENDENT'S CONTRACT Mr. Twomey stated that a copy of the Superintendent's contract will need to be present in order to take a vote. Dr. Munnelly stated he would have the contract ready for the next School Committee meeting on July 12. APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Munnelly recommended Dennis Richards to fill the Assistant Superintendent position for the Reading Public Schools. He informed the School Committee that Mr. Richards has been an educational supervisor in the Nashua New Hampshire public schools system since January of 1991, a system which consists of 12,000 students. The Superintendent predicted that Mr. Richards will be a strong leader for the community. He added that Mr. Richards has an undergraduate degree from Merrimack College, a Master's in English Language and Literature from Middlebury, and a Master's in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Dr. Munnelly continued saying that Dennis Richards will be available to start the Assistant Superintendency full time in mid - August at an annual salary of $64,000. On the recommendation of the Administration, Timothy Twomey moved to appoint Dennis Richards to the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Reading Public Schools to begin no later than August 23, 1993 at an annual salary of $64,000. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Shannon thanked Susan Wheltle for a job well done and stated it was time to move forward. Mr. Twomey stated he is impressed with the energy Mr. Richards demonstrates. The vote was unanimous. Chair Cummings stated on behalf of the community and the committee he thanked the Interim Assistant Superintendent REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 28, 1993 Susan Wheltle for her contributions to the Reading Public Schools, her input with the negotiation teams and for putting aside her own personal goals during this time. SALARIES OF NON -UNION EMPLOYEES On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to award 2% increase to the salaries of the school nurses, the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, and the Director of Food Service, Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey expressed concern over making this recommendation at this time when other non -union salary structures are not in place as well as other union personnel. Mr. Stohlman asked about previous percentage increases in salary for these people. Dr. Munnelly responded it was 0 %. The vote was 3 -0 -2, Susan Cavicchi and Timothy Twomey abstaining. OLD BUSINESS CALENDAR 1993 -94 ISSUES Dr. Munnelly advised that several School Committee members have received petitions from parents and a grievance from the Reading Teachers Association asking the Committee to reconsider the 1993 -94 school calendar. The Superintendent went on to explain that many parents have made changes in their vacation plans for their children to be able to start school before Labor Day. For the few students who will be in transit on the first day of school, Dr. Munnelly advised their teachers will need to give individual induction to school. After much discussion the School Committee voted. Timothy Twomey moved to restore the February 1994 vacation for the 1993 -94 school year including Washington's Birthday, February 21 through February 25, 1994. Discussion followed regarding how this change would affect graduation day and Reading's 350th celebration. Reading Memorial High School teacher and 1994 class advisor Everett Blodgett stated that an ideal time for graduation would be May 29. He noted this date would be a good kick off to the 350th celebration. RTA president Bob Donovan suggested maintaining the February vacation for both 1993 -94 and 1994 -95 school calendars, noting this time as a rejuvenation period for both students and teachers. The vote was 4 -1. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 28, 1993 Timothy Twomey moved that students start school on September 7, 1993 and Teacher In- Service Day be held on September 3, 1993. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote failed 3- 2. Dr. Munnelly stated he would meet with Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin to replan the graduation date. School Committee decided to discuss a vote on the 1994 -95 school calendar at a later date. SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE BIRCH MEADOW SITE PLAN APPROVAL Dr. Munnelly began discussion of the proposals for the Birch Meadow site plan. The architect, David Finney, presented the modified version that keeps parking at the north side of the school building. He explained that the architects went back to look at the plan after an abutter to the school submitted an alternative plan that would have added a small parking lot on the other side of the school along Birch Meadow Drive. Mr. Finney reported that the alternative plan was not feasible because of excessive ledge in that area. He went on to state the modified version would reduce five parking spaces on the north side and the proposed stockade fence would increase the buffer area by 45 feet. School Building Committee chairman Roger Sanstad advised that his board reviewed the two plans and recommended the modified version by a 7 -0 vote. Concerns for safety and litter in a Birch Meadow Drive parking lot were expressed by the Birch Meadow Elementary School principal Richard Davidson. Traffic conditions and security issues were discussed by other abutters to the Birch Meadow School property. Roberta D'Antona moved to support the School Building Committee's recommendation to adopt the modified Plan A for the Birch Meadow Elementary School Site Plan. George Shannon seconded the motion. Citizen Mary Ann Devlin advised she supports Plan B, that this gives more consideration to abutters. The vote was unanimous. MIDDLE SCHOOL Dr. Munnelly explained the enclosure D -2 -b for the Educational Specifications for a 600 pupil middle school. In REGULAR SESSION MINUTES _ 6 JUNE 28, 1993 response to School Committee's request that the Administration examine the possibility of moving one middle schoot to the high school, the Superintendent along with School Building Committee Chairman Roger Sanstad, Roberta D'Antona, and the high school principal Rena Mirkin, viewed the available space at the high school. He noted that in the central office area and the two floors above are 12 classrooms and 2 special education spaces, freeing up 14 classrooms. Beyond that, he added, the high school space is limited. Dr. Munnelly advised that he had spoken to a former principal, Stan Robinson, who works as a consultant with the New England School Council. Mr. Robinson advised Dr. Munnelly that Reading high school could accommodate 1600 pupils and if 600 middle school students were added, it would make the total school population 1800, a major complication to the high school operation. Dr. Munnelly responded to a question from a School Committee member as to what would happen renovation at Parker begins. He stated that the school cannot be closed down completely - one floor at a time would be worked on - then the use of the high school space could be used on a short -term emergency basis. School Building Committee Chair Mr. Sanstad advised that the committee will be meeting with Parker Principal Delaney and the Architect Mr. Finney regarding classroom numbers and square footage required. SMOKE FREE SCHOOLS POLICY - 2ND VOTE George Shannon moved on a second vote for the draft of Policy EA, Tobacco Prohibition. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Thomas Stohlman pointed out the typographical error in the fourth sentence of the first paragraph, therEfore. He asked about no smoking signs on school property and school grounds, and to amend the last paragraph to remove the word allegedly. Timothy Twomey questioned how we are to deal with repeated/ confirmed violations. Dr. Munnelly responded that we would need to ask for additional staffing after receiving additional tobacco monies. The vote was unanimous. CALENDAR (returned) Senior Class Advisor Mr. Blodgett advised that legally graduation of seniors can be held 12 days before the end of school. Dr. Munnelly stated he will work with Principal Mirkin so that the graduation date can be set as soon as possible. Chair Cummings suggested that they also work with the Department of Education. Dr. Munnelly informed School Committee he would have information by the July 12th meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 28, 1993 NEW BUSINESS CONTRACT RENEWAL WITH LABOR COUNSEL Dr. Munnelly stated it was time to renew Allan Drachman's contract and his firm's legal arrangement with the Reading School Committee. Mr. Drachman has requested a $5 per hour increase, $135 for himself and $125 for associates. On the recommendation of the Administration, Susan Cavicchi moved to renew the contract between the School Committee and Labor Council as outlined on enclosure E -1, effective July 1, 1993. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked how this compares with Town Counsel. Mr. Twomey answered Town Council has a flat rate based on approximately $100 per hour. Another School Committee member advised keeping the same legal counsel for the sense of history. The vote was unanimous. ACTIONS & SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY Ms. D'Antona asked Dr. Munnelly if the revised Search and Seizure, Policy JFG would have impact on the Tobacco Policy. The Superintendent replied that this is primarily a locker search when there is strong suspicion of someone using or selling drugs. Interim Assistant Superintendent Ms. Wheltle stated tobacco is legal and this policy is talking about illegal items. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that this policy draft came from Reading Memorial High School Assistant Principal Patrick Schettini and that he would ask him for further clarification on Item 2. NON -UNION SALARIES (returned) George Shannon moved to award 2% salary increases to the nurses, building and grounds supervisor, and the food service director. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -0 -2. SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY (returned) Dr. Munnelly advised that briefing information will be sent out, and that proper warning will be included in the handbooks. He added that the school standard is not the same as what is set by the police. A School Committee member noted that the school boundaries should be identified. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 28, 1993 EXPANSION OF RISE PRE - SCHOOL PROGRAM The Superintendent reminded School Committee that we are expecting increases in the enrollment of severely disabled 3- year -olds in our pre - school program, adding that we have employed Cynthia Lewis as a full -time teacher next year. We know of six new students and will have only one student moving out. To accommodate the students, Dr. Munnelly continued, we are making several changes at Killam. Special needs teacher Lucille Kaloyanides' classroom will be freed up, and she will work out of the Special Education resource center with her students, all of whom will be enrolled in regular class -rooms in an inclusion model. The start -up of additional equipment will be funded from RISE tuition monies, Dr. Munnelly added. RISE presently has fifteen three and four year old regular students signed up for pre - school. The Superintendent con- tinued that there are about seven youngsters on a waiting list, and fifteen could be accommodated. AWARD OF HIGH SCHOOL ROOF BID On the recommendation of the Administration, Thomas Stohlman moved to award the reroofing and related work to Reading High School's roof to the low bidder of Capeway Roofing at the total bid of $62,194. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Munnelly noted that we are not able to financially able to do the fourth section at this time. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS CLASS SIZE AT BARROWS SCHOOL Dr. Munnelly advised that Barrow's principal Mr. Papandreou informed him two parents have agreed to send their children to Killam Elementary School and one family may be moving from the Barrows district, thus making the two fourth grade classes 27 and 27. Mr. Papandreou expressed that he and his staff feel this arrangement will be successful as long as schedules and staffing are considered carefully. He added that the grade 4 class will have one child with severe special needs and several with learning disabilities. He continued by stating the program will follow an inclusion model with the classroom teachers co- teaching with the reading teacher, school psychologist, special education teachers and integration specialist for a good portion of each day. There will also be REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 28, 1993 educational assistants assigned to this grade level, and the child with severe special needs will have a full -time educational assistant. Discussion continued about the possibilities of transporting METCO students to other elementary schools. A School Commit- tee member stated if we were able to transport other students we would have parents making choices. Another School Commit- tee member asked if concentrating specialists in one area of the school would then have other areas suffering. George Shannon moved not to approve the 1993 -94 plan for Barrows grade four. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. Discussion continued. George Shannon withdrew his motion. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the Enclosure F -1, Planning for Barrows Grade Four. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -2. Thomas Stohlman, Roberta D'Antona, Susan Cavicchi and Timothy Twomey voting in favor and George Shannon and Matthew Cummings voting against the plan. REORGANIZATION OF READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1993 -94 Chair Cummings passed the gavel to the Superintendent so all members could participate in the election of chair positions of the School Committee for 1993 -1994. Timothy Twomey nominated Roberta D'Antona for the Chair position. Thomas Stohlman moved to close the nominations. George Shannon moved by acclamation Roberta D'Antona was elected as the School Committee Boards new Chairperson. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly passed the gavel to the new Chair. Dr. Munnelly thanked Matthew Cummings for a busy year with all of the agenda items that were discussed this year. Susan Cavicchi nominated Timothy Twomey for the Vice -Chair position. Thomas Stohlman moved to close the nominations. Chair D'Antona moved by acclamation that Timothy Twomey was elected as the School Committee Vice - Chair. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 11:20 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn from regular session into executive session for the purpose of bargaining REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 JUNE 28, 1993 strategies. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cumminqs Roberta D'Antona Thomas Stohlman George Shannon Timothy Twomey R�tfuMy Su miffed Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee