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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-07-12 School Committee Minutes READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JULY 12, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7 : 40 p.m. in the Superintendent' s Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon and Thomas Stohlman. Also present were Super- intendent Robert J. Munnelly and Interim Assistant Superinten- dent Susan Y. Wheltle, and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the regular School Committee minutes of June 7, June 14 and June 15, 1993 . Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous . BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills were as follows : June 30, 1993 - Bills - $137,957 .48 June 30, 1993 - Bills - $460,077 . 71 The warrant for Payrolls were as follows : June 30, 1993 - Teachers - $119 , 385 . 33 June 30, 1993 - Teachers - $ 5, 142 . 50 CITIZEN INPUT Boosters ' President Chuck Schena advised it has been brought to his attention by the Building Inspector and the Town Fire Chief that the stands at the High School Field are in the process of being declared unusable. He noted that the reason for this is due to the safety of the "sleepers" which support the stands . He continued by stating if this action proceeds to the point the field cannot be used for the upcoming school athletic year, due to the non repair of the stands, sleeper supports, this action puts the Reading Booster Club in a very difficult financial position. Dr. Munnelly responded by stating all the sleepers would need to be replaced, $10,000 for each side of the field. He added REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JULY 12, 1993 that the school department has not received a written notice regarding the field stands . ' Mr . Donegan, a construction engineer, added that he spoke with • the Building Inspector who described the situation of the sleepers . He stated that if the stands are condemned then athletic events would need to be scheduled outside of town. A School Committee member suggested we find out exactly what the Building Inspector advises we do to fix the situation this year and then plan a long-term fix in next year' s budget, and if it is less than $10 , 000 then we won' t have to go out to bid . Another member questioned if volunteers could be used. Dr . Munnelly replied that they could but that the work will need professional equipment and expertise. A School Committee member advised that an emergency School Committee meeting can be put together with 48 hours notice. FinCom member, Nate White, explained that the Building Inspector Mr. LeClaire is out on partial disability and presently vacationing, therefore someone else in that department will have to advise the Administration what needs to be done . SUPERINTENDENT' S REPORT Dr . Munnelly congratulated Birch Meadow' s Grade One teacher, Sally Mucica, who became a finalist as a Teacher of the Year for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education . The Superintendent asked members of the School Committee to review the enclosed meeting calendar for the Fall 1993 . Mr . Twomey advised that he would like to continue with some meetings at the individual schools . Mr. Cummings suggested waiting for additional Education Reform information to see what the School Committee ' s role will be. Discussion continued regarding the School Committee re- treat meeting with the first week in September as a first option, noting that the next regular meeting is scheduled for August 30 . Dr. Munnelly advised that the School Committee may need to "hear" the expulsion case, presently scheduled for Monday, August 23 . REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JULY 12 , 1993 The Superintendent added that he hoped the State Budget. would be in place by now and that we would have information on funding, but to date, a budget has not been adopted. Mr. Cummings stated the Committee will need to set up time for Education Reform discussion with the other boards, so that Selectmen and FinCom members understand its legal requirements . PERSONNEL RESIGNATIONS The Superintendent explained that the state reform act does not require School Committee vote to hire teachers, but that he would continue to present a brief resume on each of the new teachers and resignations for the 1993-94 school year. Parker Social Studies Department Head Todd Harrison has accepted an Assistant Principal position in the Winthrop Public Schools . His resignation is effective at the end of the 1992-93 school year. Dr. Munnelly stated Mr. Harrison has been a strong contributor in his two years in Reading. Due to illness , Santina Lantz will not be returning in the fall to her cafeteria position at the Birch Meadow Elementary School . Her resignation effective on June 29 , 1993 . APPOINTMENTS for 1993-94 One Year Replacement Moderate Special Needs teacher at Barrows Elementary School, Maureen P. Cavanaugh at the Masters Level , Step One; English teacher at Reading Memorial High School , Gaelen Harrington at the Masters Level , Step One; One Year Replacement Focus Program teacher at Reading Memorial High School , Michael T. Hickey at the Masters Level, Step Three; Grade 6 Math teacher at Parker Middle School , Christine E . Hosmer at the Bachelors Level, Step One; Latin teacher at Reading Memorial High School , Ariane McCoy at the Masters Level , Step One; Special Education teacher at Reading Memorial High School, Kevin O ' Brien at the Masters Level , Step One . REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JULY 12, 1993 The Superintendent addressed other employment issues noting that final budget approval from the Legislature andGovernor has not come as yet. He questioned how we could • rehire teachers , educational assistants and custodians who are on layoff . He suggested we give rehire notices to these people as it would reduce our vulnerability for unemployment costs . A School Committee member asked how we would know the per-pupil allotment, that is in the budget, and the funds for Education Reform will be available. Dr. Munnelly replied that when the Legislature takes its vote it will then go to the Governor to be signed, then as soon as we are aware of this we can call our representative to find out the amount Reading is eligible for. Timothy Twomey moved that the School Committee authorize the Superintendent to notify the teachers , educational assistants and custodians who are on layoff , as listed on the May 24 , 1993 memo, of rehire when assurance from the State ' s per-pupil funding has been identified. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous . The Superintendent asked for a motion regarding the lay off of Susan Sanders from the Secretarial Unit . Matthew Cummings moved to approve the lay off of Susan Sanders from Reading Public Schools Secretarial Unit effective October 1 , 1993 . Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous . SUPERINTENDENT' S CONTRACT Matthew Cummings moved that the School Committee enter into agreement with the Superintendent of Schools Contract, as outlined on Enclosure C-3 . Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding term and automobile allowance language. The vote was unanimous . OLD BUSINESS SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY Dr. Munnelly advised the Reading Memorial High School identifies that lockers are not considered student ' s private property. • Assistant Principal Pat Schettini explained that the handbook would outline the standards of a locker search. He added that lockers are owned by the school department and that the handbook suggests a good balance of the student ' s consti- tutional rights and a safe environment. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JULY 12 , 1993 A School Committee member questioned if automobiles could be searched and Mr. Schettini stated only if they are on school property. He added that at yearly meetings with each class the students are advised orally of any changes in the hand- • book. It was suggested by a School Committee member that when students receive the combination to their locker that they read the section on Search and Seizure in their handbook. When asked about the reasons for search of a locker, Mr. Schettini replied "any other evidence of a school rule or legal violation, i .e. stolen property, sexual harassment. Matthew Cummings moved to approve on a first vote the revised Policy JFG as outlined on enclosure D-1 . Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous . NEW BUSINESS FOOD IN THE FIELD HOUSE Chair D ' Antona stated because Mr. Stohlman, the maker of the proposal for the change in Policy KG-E. 9 , Use of School Facilities for other than Regular School Purposes, was not present tonight discussion will be made at a later date, August 30 , 1993 . BID AWARD ASBESTOS REMOVAL Dr . Munnelly advised that Venture Asbestos was the lowest qualified bidder for removal of asbestos and re-insulation at the Eaton and Birch Meadow Schools . Design Partnership notified Dr. Munnelly in a letter, dated July 12 , 1993 , that the bid of the low base bidder, Environmental Enterprises & Associates , is non-conforming to the bid requirements in several ways . Dr. Munnelly stated that their bid when opened did not contain the required Contractor' s Qualification Statement or Qualification Update Statement, and on this basis, Design Partnership recommended the low bid be considered a non-responsive bid and that the contract be awarded to the second low bidder, Venture Asbestos . School Committee members stated if we go with Venture Asbestos we may have to work out the challenge from Environmental Enterprises . Another member noted the urgency to get the work done before the fall . REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JULY 12 , 1993 Dr. Munnelly recommended that the School Committee not accept this bid and have the architect open bids again. Ms . D'Antona suggested that the bids may come in lower a second time. Matthew Cummings moved to reject all bids and reopen the bid process for Asbestos Removal and Re-insulation at the Eaton and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools . Timothy Twomey seconded the motion . The vote was unanimous . INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SPED REPORT Dr. Munnelly explained his memo dated July 12 , 1993, regarding Special Education Expenditure Request . He advised that restructuring special educational assistant assignments had produced only $15 , 000 and we will need a total of $75,000 to fund the very necessary two and one half special education teachers - one at Killam, one at Eaton and half-time at Birch Meadow. The Superintendent noted that Dr. Alexanian sent cost estimates for public, private, collaborative, and. summer program expenditures for the 1993-94 school year - Fiscal Status Report #1 , July 1 , 1993 . From this report, Dr. Munnelly continued we would need to set aside $50 , 000 for nurses serving out-of-district placement, we have about $85, 000 in transportation and $166 , 000 in tuitions available to use with about two students where placements are still being arranged. He added from this approximately $240 , 000 , he proposed taking $60 , 000 to add the two and one half special education teachers with one year contracts which sunset at the end of June 1994 . Pupil Personnel Director Dr. Alexanian responded to School Committee concerns over unanticipated costs by informing them that we are financially protected for an unplanned student as he/she would be paid for, up to one year, by the former school district . When asked what would happen if we do not hire tow and a half more teachers , Dr. Munnelly stated we are presently stretching our staff with IEP ' s , and conferring with parents regarding education plans for students . Dr. Alexanian stated it was unfortunate that the original funding plan did not work. Chair D ' Antona expressed concern over the unpredictability of the plan and the necessity to work within the fiscal year budget . REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JULY 12 , 1993 The consensus of opinion from the School Committee members was that they are uncomfortable with the Special Education Expen- diture Request and need more information from Dr. Alexanian before they can commit to his request. • SUPERINTENDENT - MID-YEAR GOALS UP-DATE The Superintendent informed the School Committee of his mid- year Goals , Rationale and Significance and Action Steps for "inclusion" and "assessments" as outlined on enclosure F-2 . He added that it has been a busy year and listed some of the issues he has been concerned with: . Grievances . Negotiations . Second Search for an Assistant Superintendent . Financial Reports Audited . Data for the Department of Education . Override . School Building Project . Capitol Gains Chair D' Antona complimented Dr. Munnelly on the super job he has been able to accomplish. Dr . Munnelly stated he will give another mid-year report on his goals in January. CORRESPONDENCE FROM BRYAN FARROW The Superintendent shared a thank you note from graduate Bryan Farrow who was recently honored by the School Committee ' s pre- sentation of the Prize Book Award for "scholarship, character and personality" , three traits he has maintained as the keys to of his success . LIAISON REPORT ON PEARL STREET BUILDING EVALUATION COMMITTEE Matthew Cummings updated the School Committee on issues arising in the Pearl Street bid evaluation advisory committee. He noted that an arts group is negotiating with a potential buyer to contribute to improvements in the high school auditorium. There is currently a dance studio with a 1996 lease at Pearl Street. Dr. Munnelly added that the high school auditorium has been recognized as not having sufficient room back stage, lighting, comfortable seating for community productions, and dance recitals . REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JULY 12, 1993 REPORT OF PROGRESS ON INFO TECH TASK FORCE The Superintendent informed School Committee that the twenty members of the Tech Task Force met on June 28 . He went on to outline the charge they developed: o Investigate the educational implications of the new information technologies, and then carry out an assessment of the School District 's present capabilities . o Develop a vision of Information Technology applicable to the Reading Schools, and then develop a conceptual plan of what must be implemented in Reading to take full educational advantage of soon- to-be nationwide information superhighway. o Develop recommendations for Superintendent, faculty, and School Committee consideration relating to curriculum, staff development, equipment acquisition and staffing . o Offer a plan for consideration by the School Committee and the community of how this would be accomplished over a five to seven year period, keeping in mind the need to work right now with youngsters in the schools . o Provide public forums for the exchange of information about technologies with the aim of broadening public understanding. The Superintendent added that the committee consists of people from the Mitre Corporation, MIT, telephone services, training consultants , computer experts , scientists and groups from the Reading Public Schools . ADJOURN At 10 : 45 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of meeting and discussing collective bargaining with Union and Non-Union personnel . Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous . Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Timothy Twomey Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee