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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-08-30 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AUGUST 30, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly , Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards, and a reporter from the Chronicle. School Committee members and the Administration welcomed Reading Memorial High School's 1993 -94 Student Advisory representative Allison Bastiani to the School Committee meeting. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of June 28, July 12 and August 6, 1993. Thomas Stohlman asked for changes to be made on page 9 of the June 28, 1993. The changes are for the REORGANIZATION OF READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE FOR 1993 -94 to read as motions. Committee agreed to have the changes made to read as follows: "George Shannon moved by acclamation that Roberta D'Antona was elected as the School Committee Boards new Chairperson. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous and that 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." Mr. Stohlman further requested that members who vote against a motion or abstain be identified in the future. It was also noted it would be necessary to approve the minutes of July 12 and August 6, 1993 for a quorum vote at the next School Com- mittee meeting. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of June 28, 1993 as noted and corrected. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 AUGUST 30, 1993 BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: August 16, 1993 - Bills - $ 12,590.01 August 23, 1993 - Bills - $183,452.61 August 30, 1993 - Bills - $234,269.80 The Warrants for Payrolls were as follows: August 6, 1993 - Teachers - $140,004.82 August 20, 1993 - Teachers - $127,666.37 August 13, 1993 - Biweekly - $ 40,369.91 August 27, 1993 - Biweekly - $ 43,875.27 GIFTS The Superintendent thanked Mary Ellen Downey for her donation to be used for the purchase of Coolidge library materials and the Reading Antiquarian Society who made a financial donation in the memory of Mirian Barclay to be used for social studies related materials at Coolidge. George Shannon moved to accept and thank the donators for their gifts to Coolidge Middle School. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CITIZENS INPUT Reading Boosters President Jack Marshall asked School Committee members to look into the problem of sidewalk snow removal. He added that several times last winter children had to walk in the street. Dr. Munnelly noted that the D.P.W. plan priority routes for the sidewalk plow. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT The Superintendent informed the School Committee that at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, August 31, he will be joined by Chair Roberta D'Antona, RTA President Robert Donovan to welcome back the teachers for the 1993 -94 school year. He noted that the portables are coming, roofs are underway, contracts have been settled, and the middle school renovation plans are in process. The custodial staff have been busy readying the schools. Fire permits are in order. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 AUGUST 30, 1993 Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Michael Lombardo has been working towards gas conversion with Boston Gas. The Superintendent added that he will try to get the services of a consultant to give a more complete cost value analysis by November. He complimented Mr. Lombardo, Mr. Stamatis and Mr. Caccia- puoti for their supervision preparing the schools for the 1993 -94 school year. Dr. Munnelly noted that eight part -time students helped the custodians this summer. The Superintendent announced that Silva Gerety of Summer Avenue has agreed to serve on the Cable T.V. Committee as the school representative. Dr. Munnelly explained that under the new Reform Law the chief executive officer of the Town, Peter Hechenbleikner, is now a member of the Reading School Committee for bargaining and negotiating and will attend our executive session this evening. NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL REFORM AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR READING Roberta D'Antona and Dr. Munnelly recently attended a briefing presented by Education Commissioner Antonucci and Education Secretary Robertson. Dr. Munnelly stated for discussion this evening he has included a copy of the Board of Education Newsletter. The Massachusetts School Reform Law was passed by the Governor on June 18th and in addition to the extra $306,000 in school aid the town will realize, the law also brings a host of changes in how public schools go about their business. He added that there will be higher expectations and standards for all. Dr. Munnelly highlighted a few of the mandates of the Educa- tion Reform Law of which there are over 100. A paramount goal of the Commonwealth is to provide a public education system of sufficient quality to extend to all children the opportunity to reach their full potential. . To authorize school committees to hire and fire superintendents, review and approve public education budgets, and establish educational goals and policies for schools consistent with law and REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 AUGUST 30 1993 the statewide goals and standards established by the Board of Education. . That the superintendent must publish district policies pertaining to student and teacher conduct. Tobacco use by anyone on school grounds or buses is prohibited. Student handbooks must provide that any student found in possession of a dangerous weapon or a controlled substance or who assaults a school staff person will be subject to expulsion. . The requirement of school personnel to report incidents involving a student's possession of a dangerous weapon on school premises. . To repeal provisions requiring school committees to vote on hiring and promoting teachers, department chairmen, principals, assistant and deputy superintendents and other positions. It also repeals the authority of school committees to hire instructional and administrative aides. . To provide that teacher performance evaluations are to be performed by the superintendent rather than the school committee, using evaluation principles established by the Board and any supplemental standards a school committee may additionally impose. . Establish a new process by the Board of Education for certifying school personnel. School districts to adopt and implement professional development plans for principals, teachers, and other professional staff. . Provides that a principal may dismiss or demote any teacher or person assigned full -time to the school, subject to review and approval of the superintendent. The superintendent may dismiss any employee of the school district. A teacher with professional teacher status shall not be dismissed except for inefficiency, incompetency, incapacity, conduct unbecoming a teacher, insubordination, failure to satisfy teacher performance standards, or other just cause. . Authorizes superintendents to hire principals, who shall be the educational administrators and managers of their school. This section also establishes school councils in all schools comprised of parents, teachers, students, and REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 AUGUST 30 1993 community representatives and co- chaired by school principals. . Defines the chief executive of the city or town as a voting member of the school committee for school employee collective bargaining. . Makes all communities Proposition mandates. of the bill's provisions binding on all in spite of the provision of 2 1/2 that prohibits unfunded state . Requires all school districts to submit to the Board of Education by September 1994 their plans to eliminate the "general track" in public schools and establish alternative educational opportunities for students. Dr. Munnelly added that the intent is to better prepare every student for the 21st century. He continued by saying that Reading is poised to take advantage of this bill and he looks forward to continuous growth - working together for better results. Dr. Munnelly asked the new assistant superintendent Dennis Richards to talk about one of the major impacts of the reform law, the creation of school councils, made up of teachers, Reading citizens, and in some cases students within each school building. The Assistant Superintendent discussed how the councils will assist the principal in identifying needs and adopting goals, formulate school improvement plans and review school budgets. The school principals were all present and several felt that training was a key element for these councils. They noted that each councils' purpose would be discussed so that the people involved would have an understanding as to why it is being formed. RMHS Principal Mirkin advised that the law states these councils must be ready to go within 40 days from the start of school. Dr. Munnelly noted another part of the law states that each school should have its own professional development plan. He added that each school would have its own budget when the next budget season approaches. A School Committee member asked how they can help. The Super- intendent replied that the School Committee elects the leaders and the School Committee can over see the school system estab- lishing policies and developing an appropriate budget. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 AUGUST 30, 1993 A School Committee member asked if the goals are established by the state and does the school committee have the power to set higher goals. The reply by another school committee member stated we can always go beyond the minimum goals that are set by the state. Another question raised by a school committee member asked how the principals feel about community members on the councils. Principal Farnham said we have had community members in the past and it has always worked out well. Principal Guerrette advised that training will be needed, that in -house resources can be used and with School Committee help Professional Development monies for training can be freed up. Dr. Munnelly noted that schools have learned from each other - such as the KAT group at Killam and Birch Meadow's book writing and publishing experience. He continued that every school will need to have a plan and will report to the School Committee. The Superintendent noted the recertification process of every 5 years and the importance of talking about Professional Development; to know the directions we can tap into such as State inservice grants; and within 22 months, starting in September, student performance will be accessed to state plans, goals and curriculum frame work. The Superintendent announced that Principal Rena Mirkin will be on the Common Core of Learning Committee and Reading Memorial High School Math teacher Donna Paparlardo will be on the Math Committee. FINANCIAL ISSUES Dr. Munnelly requested the Town Treasurer, Beth Klepeis, to come forward and outline the Annual Budget under School Reform. Ms. Klepeis presented overheads that outlined Reading's Annual School Budget for 1992 -93, the School Committee and the Town's portions. The Foundation Budget included Administration, Instructional Services, Pupil Support Services, Student Body Activity, Operations and Maintenance, Employee Benefits, Insurance, Less Revenues with a net school spending of $16,616,344 base to go forward. Not part of the Foundation Budget (other school spending) are Pupil Transportation, Fixed Assets (Capital Spending), Payments to Regional School, Debt Service -Long Term Principal, and Debt Service -Long Term Interest bringing the totals to $17,013,047. Ms. Klepeis stated that this information comes from the School Annual Report filed with the Department of Education and the Department of Revenue. Ms. Klepeis continued by explaining the Fiscal 1994 Foundation Program (School Reform Requirement) that includes the Minimum REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 AUGUST 30, 1993 Local contribution of $15,860,905, Base Aid of $1,474,055 from FY 93 per pupil, Minimum Aid of $140,149, Foundation Aid of $33,341, Overburden Aid of $127,066 and the New Choice Aid equals the net school spending target of $17,641,327. Another overhead outlined Reading's Annual School Budget for 1993 -1994 that include the School Committee's, Town's and the Proposed amounts from the November 1993 Town Meeting and Totals for Administration, Instructional Services, Pupil Support Services, Student Body Activity, Operations and Maintenance, Employee Benefits, Insurance, and Tuition. The net school spending total is $17,717,001. Pupil Transpor- tation (Special Needs and Regular), Fixed Assets (Computers), Payments to Regional School, Debt Service -Long Term Principals, Debt Service -Long Term Interest are the other school spending with totals of $18,547,542. From the Fiscal 1994 Cherry sheet, Ms. Klepeis stated that with the override we have a million dollars to go forward. Dr. Munnelly requested that we get to know more about money and see if we can find money for staff development in the levy limit. He noted that we are asking for $37,000 - based on $10 per student. Mr. Richards added that when asking teacher you need to provide a financial opportunity to carry out plans to develop specific goals. School Committee thanked Beth Klepeis for her informative presentation. OLD BUSINESS REPORT OF CONDITION OF BLEACHERS AND PRESS BOX Chair D'Antona questioned if a permit would be needed to use the bleachers. Dr. Munnelly replied they will be ready at the start of school. Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that the Building Inspector had written him a letter about his concerns for the bleacher skids and asked us to have the conditions of the bleachers assessed by a structural engineer. After the services of the engineer who visited the field, studied the design of the bleachers, and observed the condition of the skids, it was his finding, given in a written report dated August 1, that the bleachers are in good condition although some minor maintenance work is called for. Dr. Munnelly noted that of the approximately 350 six foot wooden skids, which support the bleachers, we will need to replace about 10 and later on we will paint the metal frames with rust inhibiting paint. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 AUGUST 30, 1993 Regarding the press box, the Superintendent added, that the structural engineer advised that some of the telephone poles have weathered badly and will need to be replaced. The Boosters are on a fundraising campaign to build a bigger pressbox, other monies will come from the Light Department and School Department. Presently, the Superintendent continued, the press box has been taken out of service by removing the stairs. The Boosters have informed Dr. Munnelly that they can rent stairs while Mr. Lombardo, the Municipal Light Company and their selves evaluate methods and costs of shoring up the structure to meet the approval of structural engineers and the building inspector. The Superintendent stated the bleachers will be ready for this football season. Booster President Marshall advised that the Boosters long -term goal is to replace the whole press box and would like to make this a joint venture with the town and school department. Dr. Munnelly asked to see plans first and was reassured by Mr. Schena that plans would be forthcoming from Tufts University. PF.RgnNNF.T. ANNOUNCEMENT OF STAFF REPLACEMENTS Dr. Munnelly reported to the School Committee on each new teacher's assignment: Reading Memorial High School Gaelen Harrington English Masters - Step 1 Michael Hickey Project Achieve Masters - Step 3 Ariane McCoy Foreign Language Masters - Step 1 Kevin O'Brien Special Education Masters - Step 1 Marie Pink Amy Warner Christine Hosmer Anne Low Anne Saurman Coolidge Middle School Special Education Science Parker Middle School Math Social Studies Department Head Special Education Barrows Elementary School Bachelors +30 - Step 1 Bachelors - Step 1 Bachelors +15 - Step 1 Masters - Step 7 Masters - Step 2 Barbara Richman Grade 5 Masters - Step 1 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 AUGUST 30, 1993 Birch Meadow Elementary School Jo -Anne Garlick Grade 4 Bachelors +30 - Step 1 Killam Elementary School Deborah Gerrish Kindergarten Masters - Step 1 Sandra Wheaton Grade 5 Bachelors - Step 1 Dr. Munnelly also welcomed the new Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards. RESIGNATIONS The Superintendent announced for purposes of retirement effective October 10, Joseph Nisco, a foreign Language teacher at Reading Memorial High School has tendered his resignation. Mr. Nisco has taught at the high school since 1959. Also retired on August 27, Robert Allen a member of the custodial staff at Coolidge Middle School. He has been with our custodial department since 1965. Killam School's secretary, Marilyn Pacillo, also resigned during the summer. She has worked at Killam since 1985 and was a teacher aide at Highland School and Coolidge Middle School. She has worked a total of fourteen years in the school department. The Superintendent thanked these people for their contributions to their colleagues, students, and their parents. STAFFING FOR ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION Dr. Munnelly reminded the School Committee at the July 12th meeting a discussion of the need for 2.5 additional special education teachers concluded with the request that Alex and he provide more information to support their request. In response to the question School Committee had asked Dr. Munnelly and Dr. Alexanian to answer, "What would happen this school year if the plan for 2.5 additional special education teachers is not implemented ?" The Superintendent added a related question, "What staffing issues and pupil needs led to the proposal being formulated in the first place ?" He answered that the elementary principals along with Dr. Alexanian reviewed staffing needs in March and April, and found in the three schools with the largest enrollments that the special education teachers were overwhelmed by student service and related Individualized Education Plan (IEP) REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 AUGUST 30-1993 requirements such as quarterly reports to parents, and the educational necessity of year -end reviews with revised plans for 1993 -94. In addition to the usual press for mainstreaming and social development, we had created a positive commitment to Inclusion in all phases of school life for each student. Special education teachers were looking forward to spending their instructional time in classrooms and reducing the pull- out aspect of their service delivery. The Superintendent added we will have money. Dr. Alexanian identified $247,000 in tuition and $85,000 in transportation. From this total of $332,000 we have to set aside about $35,000 for out -of- district nurses and an additional $50,000 for two other cases, whose placement has not yet been arranged. Dr. Munnelly recommended the hiring of one special education teacher for Killam, one for Eaton and a .5 for Birch Meadow at a cost of $50,000. Thomas Stohlman moved to support 2.5 Special Education positions, $50,000 from tuitions and $15,000 trade in for aide. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 George Shannon abstaining. STAFFING FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGE Discussion continued regarding a foreign language replacement. High School Principal Mirkin stated there are 4 sections of Spanish and that 75%-80% students take a foreign language. A School Committee member noted that 30 students in a foreign language class are too many. The general consensus of School Committee was to allow the Superintendent to move ahead as he saw fit. REVISION LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PUBLIC WORKS AND RECREATION After reviewing the memorandum of agreement between the School Committee and the Town Manager regarding maintenance and use of recreational facilities a revision to section I. SCHOOL COMMITTEE to read: C. All school out door athletic facilities except high school football field and track will be under the scheduling control of the Recreation Committee exclusive of the time indicated in Items A and B above. Thomas Stohlman moved to ratify the agreement with the change of I. C to read as changed. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and the abstention of Susan Cavicchi. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 11 AUGUST 30, 1993 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS REPORT OF STANDARDIZED TESTING Assistant Superintendent Richards began a report of the 1993 Stanford results in Grades 5, 7, and 10 via overheads. Each overhead demonstrated the percentile rank for each grade in reading, math, language arts, spelling, study skills, and listening. Mr. Richards pointed out that in most instances the results of the schools were near or above the 80 percentile rank. Mr. Richards presented the 1993 ERS Writing Results that until recently were only allowed to be used in Independent and Suburban schools. Now the standards have been broadened to include all schools. A School Committee member commented on Reading Memorial High School higher levels. KEY DATES ON BIRCH MEADOW CONSTRUCTION BIDS Dr. Munnelly advised School Committee that sealed sub -bids for construction for the Birch Meadow School have been advertised as outlined on enclosure F -2. The opening for the sub -bids will be on September 8th and the general contractor bids on September 15th. He stated the completion of the construction for Birch Meadow is anticipated for the summer of 1994. CAFETERIA REPORT 1992 -93 The Superintendent shared the June and Year End Statement of the Cafeteria from Catherine Cook. He added that the $.25 lunch in- crease did not bring in any new revenue. Ms. Cook added in her memo that she hoped the participation rate would increase this year and looks forward to running the lunch program at the same price. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dr. Munnelly outlined the calendar of events for September 1993, noting September 13 and 27 as regular School Committee Meeting dates. On September 7 the meeting will be a Special School Committee Meeting for Rules /Responsibility Planning; on September 14 the meeting will be regarding School Reform Money with the School Committee, Selectmen and Finance Committee; on September 15 bids will be opened for Birch Meadow general construction contract; and the afternoon of September 17 and September 18 there will be an all boards retreat at the Senior Citizen Center. The Superintendent stated Open Hearings and their agenda will be scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesdays or Thursdays with Principals. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 12 AUGUST 30, 1993 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP - RMHS /UMA AT LOWELL UNIVERSITY Reading Memorial High School Assistant Principal Pat Schettini announced that members of the faculty Anna Normand - O'Brien, Peter Greene, Rena Mirkin, himself, along with Dr. Munnelly will sign a partnership with UMA- Lowell. This partnership seeks to better prepare future teachers and to promote professional development. In order to accomplish its goals the partnership will do: .Preparation of future teachers - involve faculty members from both the high school and university to train new teachers. .Professional development - promote collaborative professional development activities which will elevate, stimulate and enhance the professional lives of both faculties. .Collegiality - provide opportunities for discourse among members so they may share ideas collaborate on new projects and reflect on past endeavors. Assistant Superintendent Richards stated veteran teachers need new opportunities to show and demonstrate their abilities. OLD BUSINESS POLICY ON SEARCH AND SEIZURE George Shannon moved to adopt the policy on search and seizure for a second vote. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman expressed concern over using the term "reasonably possible" in paragraphs 5 and 6. Mr. Schettini stated there may be an extenuating circumstance when a second school official cannot be available. Mr. Stohlman asked about the use of items /substances in paragraphs 1 and 2. Mr. Schettini explained that the identification is for the school community. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURN At 11:30 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn from regular session into executive session for the purpose of bargaining discussion. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi George Shannon Matthew Cummings Respeftlly Ubmhomas Stohlman Roberta D'Antona Robert !. Vunnel iy, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee