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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-13 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER EPTEMBER 13, 199 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. 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 Repre- sentative Rob Bennett. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of July 12, 1993. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and George Shannon and Thomas Stohlman abstaining. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of August 6, 1993. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and Susan Cavicchi and George Shannon abstaining. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of August 30, 1993. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and Timothy Twomey abstaining. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of September 8, 1993. George Shannon seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings made a correction on the adjournment motion to read, "Matthew Cum- mings moved that the meeting be adjourned." Mr. Stohlman questioned the ratings for the School Committee performance given to each category. Dr. Munnelly replied that the rating for Evaluation Items is an average. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: September 7, 1993 - Bills - $133,017.94 September 13, 1993 - Bills - $182,251.49 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: September 3, 1993 - Teachers - $440,734.99 September 10, 1993 - Biweekly - $ 96,024.44 CITIZENS INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly began discussion on the Fall 1993 School Committee Meeting Calendar. He pointed out that the Fall calendar has four regular meetings scheduled, other dates for Town meetings have been added, and Columbus Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving have been noted. The Superintendent stated that a brief presentation regarding the Support for Community Arts will be addressed in September. Mr. Cummings suggested scheduling a time with the school coun- cils. Dr. Munnelly stated the Business Education Curriculum and Foreign Language Curriculum reports would be evaluated early in the Fall and that December will be devoted to budget discussions. Mr. Twomey added that School Councils meet in the later part of October or early November and requested another meeting in October be scheduled. Chair D'Antona asked the public to bring other issues to the School Committee members for them to review. Ms. D'Antona added that she received a call from Reading citizen Sandy Trainor promoting the 350th Twenty -four Hour Walk- A -Thon on October 2 and October 3. The Chair announced that Timothy Twomey will be the coordinator for the School Committee. DPP QnATTIJPT. The Superintendent shared the resume of Sally Watt, who was hired as a Killam Elementary School Special Education Generic Resource Room Teacher at the Master Level, Step 1. OLD BUSINESS POLICY OF FOOD IN FIELD HOUSE For discussion purposes Chair D'Antona requested Mr. Stohlman present his proposal to change of Section 9 of the USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES FOR OTHER THAN REGULAR SCHOOL PURPOSES, Policy KG -E.9. Mr. Stohlman proposed that the Superintendent be able to give waivers for extraordinary events and then report the exceptions to School Committee. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 School Committee members discussed the proposal and Dr. Munnelly gave some past history, noting that the School Committee acting on his recommendation, gave the Boosters a waiver. He added that the actions of the Boosters set health standards and control of the food in the Field House as a model. When he gave the waiver to another Town agency it was a last minute decision. The waiver as modified would allow food in designated areas of the Field House. Finance Committee member Nate White asked about Item 12 of this policy. Dr. Munnelly responded that the field house is for school programs only and may restrict other activities. Since this was not the issue at hand, Ms. D'Antona suggested that the School Committee review the policy at another date. Timothy Twomey moved that the School Committee adopt the proposed change of Policy KG -E.9, Enclosure D -1, as modified for a first vote. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was 3 in favor and George Shannon, Matthew Cummings and Roberta D'Antona votinq against the motion. PRESS BOX UPDATE Dr. Munnelly updated the status of the press box repair project. Some of the developments include a 25 ft. portable building with electric heat and lights for a permanent press box from General Electric. The Superintendent stated he would like to have the press box in shape for use within the next two weeks. He added that the Light Company will install some poles along side of the poles that lack strength now and that we could then rent stairs that the Building Inspector would need to approve. Dr. Munnelly noted that we could use the cable TV truck for this weeks game and the press would have to sit in the stands for this Saturday's game and perhaps the next game. Chair D'Antona commented on the cooperation from the community, town government, school department, Boosters, light department and the building inspector to bring long and short range solutions together. NEW BUSINESS RECOMMENDATION OF RAISES FOR SUBSTITUTES AND TUTORS Dr. Munnelly, as discussed in executive session last meeting, recommended that we restore the substitute teacher salary to the $50 per day mark. On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to restore the substitute salary rate from $45 to $50 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 per day mark. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0. George Shannon was not present for the vote. In regard to tutors, the School Committee stated they would like to discuss the Administration's request in executive session. RATIFICATION OF CAFETERIA CONTRACT Dr. Munnelly shared the copy of the contract worked out in negotiations and ratified by the Cafeteria Union employees. He thanked the School Committee Cafeteria Negotiation's Chair Matthew Cummings and Thomas Stohlman who negotiated this economical and very fair agreement. Matthew Cummings moved to ratify the three year agreement, effective July 1, 1992 and expiring June 30, 1995, between the Reading School Committee and the Reading Cafeteria Employees, AFSCME, Council 93, Local 1703. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings explained it is a three year contract that keeps in line with the goals set up by the School Commit- tee. He identified the percentages noting 0% for the first year that concluded on June 30, 1993, 2 1/2% beginning on July 1, 1993 and 2 1/2% beginning on July 1, 1994. Mr. Cummings added there is modification of inservice day and vacation pay language and the language is in line with the practice. He complimented the Cafeteria Union Representative Ann White and two associates. The vote was 5 in favor, with 1 abstention, George Shannon, who was not present for the vote. REPORT ON SCHOOL COMMITTEE RETREAT: SELF EVALUATION AND GOAL SETTING Chair Roberta D'Antona gave an overview of the School Commit- tee session with Joan Rys of Massachusetts Association of School Committees. It was noted that the overall rating for the Evaluation Items - Routine Functioning, School Committee Improvement, Community Relations, Improving Instruction, Edu- cational Policy Development and Educational Planning were high. Ms. D'Antona added that the goals that were set last year by School Committee and printed on the School Committee pamphlet have, for the most part, become an integreal part of the board. Dr. Munnelly congratulated the committee and emphasized that an important goal is to keep the public informed. He added that performance of the School Committee came together by having several informational meetings, call in shows, a public education campaign, and education of the public on the override issues. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 The Chair stated she is looking forward to receiving new goals from members for this year. EDUCATION REFORM LAW SCHOOL COUNCILS Dr. Munnelly announced that a key component of the Reform Law mandates the formation of School Councils at every Massachu- setts public school within 40 days of the start of the school year. The school councils will comprise of each schools prin- cipal, teachers, parents, and at least one student for any school that contains any of the grades 9 through 12, and interested outside community members. The Superintendent advised that anyone interested in serving on a School Council can contact the principals of the schools by note or by phone. Dr. Munnelly noted the duties and responsibilities of the councils and how they would assist the principals: . adopting educational goals for the schools; identifying the educational needs of students attending the school; . reviewing the school building's annual budget; and . formulating a school improvement plan. He added that in addition, school committees may grant Councils additional authority in the area of educational policy except for those areas covered by collective bargaining agreements. The Superintendent pointed out that School Councils represent a shift to site -based decision making, how membership selection is made, their duties and responsibili- ties, elements of the school improvement plan prepared by Councils, their relationship to the School Committee, training for and about Councils and the areas left up to local discretion. He added that other State statutes that are applicable to Councils require prior notice of meetings, public access, the keeping of minutes, and allows for non - disruptive audio and video taping of the meetings. Also "Public Inspection of Records" specifies that any documents produced by the Councils are public records. INVITATION TO STATE WORKERS TO VOLUNTEER Dr. Munnelly stated that the New School Reform Law encourages state employees to help their own local communities specific- ally, citizens of Reading who work for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts can now be released from work assignments up to seven hours per month to help with school improvement. The Superintendent advised that Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards will be the contact person for those who may REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 offer special skills or experiences for school - system wide volunteer assignments. He added that the principals and school councils will welcome the volunteer assistance of state employees on school -based projects. Some ways Dr. Munnelly forsees individual employees of the State being involved is by tutoring students in basic subjects and in mentoring student enrichment projects. STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR FY1994 The Superintendent stated except as required by General Law, each school district may determine how to allocate any funds appropraited for the support of public schools without regard to the categories employed in calculating the foundation budget. He added that school districts shall report each fiscal year to the commissioner of education on the amounts spent for extraordinary maintenance, extended programming, professional development and books and instructional equipment. To the extent that the amounts spent for these purposes fall short of the allotments defined; the superintendent added he would need to explain the shortfall. Dr. Munnelly requested that $10 per student be allocated to School Councils for Professional Development, a total of $37,000 - $29,000 for Training and $8,000 for Substitute Coverage. He stressed that the School Committee would not be seeking additional funds for the School Department, but would be re- allocating funds already appropriated. School Committee members questioned whether or not there was $37,000 flexibility in the budget through the end of the school year and noted that the surplus in the special education account was not a reliable source of funds. Timothy Twomey moved to reallocate $37,000 from the FY94 budget for School Activity for School Councils as outlined in Assistant Superintendent Richards' memo dated September 10, 1993, enclosure E.4 -c. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman stated that we are not asking for anything more than what we have budgeted. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated with the endorsement of the Committee, the funding proposal is now scheduled to go before the Finance Committee and Fall Town Meeting for final approval. He added the Board of Selectmen, FinCom and School Committee will give more attention to this proposal and other aspects of the education reform law tomorrow evening at a meeting in the Senior Center. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES The Superintendent spoke briefly budget /Educational Recommendations September 27, 1993 meeting. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS LOCAL TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT 7 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 of both short -long term that will be part of the Dr. Munnelly announced in the Library Meeting Room on Thursday, September 23rd there will be a training session with the Town Boards and Committees. He outlined the agenda to include an Overview of Reading Town Government; Roles and Re- sponsibilities of Town Boards; Efficient, effective meetings: A How -to 20 minutes; Conflict of Interest Law; and the Open Meeting Law. SCIENCE OLYMPIAD THANK -YOU NOTE Dr. Munnelly shared a letter he received from the proud parents of the Coolidge Middle School Science Olympiad Support Group. He identified each family as follows: The Biller Family The Bansal Family The Carpenter Family The Cassidy Family The Giordani Family The Given Family The Green Family The Hsu Family The Jamgochian Family The Joudrey Family The Logsdon Family The Lucy Family The Perkins Family The Peterson Family The Petkewich Family The Piper Family The Strandberg Family The Stratton Family The Sun Family The Welsch Family and Louis and Patricia Adreani Chair D'Antona congratulated the teachers who served as organizers and coaches for the Coolidge Middle School 1993 State Champion Science Olympiad team. She noted that Mr. John Doherty and Ms. Deborah Reinemann planned and arranged the entire program beginning early last fall. They were then joined along the way by Ms. Connie Cherrington, also from REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 Coolidge, and Mr. John McCarthy of Austin Prep. Ms. D'Antona thanked the parents for their letter of appreciation to each of the teachers. SUMMER SCHOOL 1993 - REPORT OF DIRECTOR The Committee welcomed the Director of the Summer School Program, John Doherty, and noted how involved he has been. Mr. Doherty presented his future goals for the Summer School Program as follows: • To increase enrollment in Skills Maintenance Program. • To increase enrollment in the Enrichment Program, par- ticularly at the K -3 level. • More review courses will have to be offered at the High School level to accomodate the new graduation requirements. • Offer High School Enrichment Courses which will attract sufficient enrollment. • To expand special education summer school program. Mr. Doherty, in response to some of the School Committee ques- tions, reported that receipts of all summer school programs totaled $17,482.50 with expenses bringing the final balance to $2,995.31. He added for the first time in four years, the Skills Maintenance Program saw a substantial increase in students from and average of 55 for four sections, to 76 for five sections. He noted that the biggest increases occured in the Language Arts program which had to have two sections to accomodate all of the students. In the area of Enrichment Courses, Mr. Doherty said{ that this area suffered a decrease of seventy students from the previous year. He added that the late start could have been a contrib- uting factor - students are away on vacation or enrolled in recreation or YMCA classes. Mr. Doherty stated there were 34 students enrolled in the high school review courses. Chair D'Antona stated that the word regarding the summer school program should get out earlier and Assistant Superin- tendent Richards advised that he would be happy to support Mr. Doherty in any way he can. The School Committee and Administration praised John Doherty for the fine work he is managing in all of the various areas he is involved in. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE CALENDAR The Superintendent shared the 1993 -94 Reading Memorial High School Guidance Calendar of Special Events. BIRCH MEADOW SITE PLAN (additional information) On the site plan, Dr. Munnelly pointed out the proposed location of the parking lot at Birch Meadow which will put it into the area of a storm drain. He postponed decision making until the architect makes another presentation at the next School Committee meeting on September 22. ADJOURN At 9:45 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of discussion of bargaining and negotiating with Union and Non -union Personnel. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The School Committee thanked Reading Memorial High School Student Representative Rob Bennett for being present this evening. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey 1 Ea. D. Superinboum Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee