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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-27 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Superintendent's Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards, Student Representative Allison Bastiani and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES Matthew Cummings to approve the minutes of September 13, 1993. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: September 20, 1993 - Bills - September 27, 1993 - Bills - T)T VDr%T T Q The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: September 17, 1993 - Teachers - September 24, 1993 - Biweekly - GIFTS $164,597.35 $ 91,711.88 $441,991.10 $111,030.67 Dr. Munnelly acknowledged the following gifts received by Joshua Eaton Elementary School: The P.T.O. for their support of field trips, enrichment activities, the reading incentive program for students during the 92 -93 school year funded a $10,000 school "Wish List ". REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 The Reading Antiquarian Society, Everett Blodgett, President for the $100 gift to each school library in memory of Mariam Barclay. Mr. Berger for his donation of "School Spirit" pencils to each student. Mrs. Michael Terry for a $50 gift to the library for books. Matthew Cummings moved, on behalf of the Joshua Eaton School to thank and accept the gifts as described. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. CITIZENS INPUT There was no citizen input. SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR & SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Chair D'Antona outlined the subcommittees throughout the town and made the following additions: . Town Substance Abuse Committee Matthew Cummings 766 PAC Susan Cavicchi Finance Committee Liason Matthew Cummings Selectmen's Liason Timothy Twomey Ms. D'Antona stated she would ask Mr. Shannon if he would be interested in volunteering to be a liason to the Legislative Committee. The Superintendent applauded the students who are being honored for their outstanding performance on the 1992 Preliminary SAT /National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. He added that Commended Students have placed among the top five percent of more than one million program entrants; however, their qualifying test scores are slightly below the level required to continue in the competition for Merit Scholarships to be awarded in 1994. The National Merit Scholarship Commended Scholars are Robert Bennett, Kevin Cavicchi, Andrea Cutone, Matthew Fleming, Lindsey Jones, Nancy Lape, Keith Morrison, Adam Pace, Steven Rotondo and James Wilder. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that Reading Memorial High School teacher Peter T. Rittenburg, who was nominated as Reading district's nominee by teacher Hal Croft, has been selected to receive the Sallie Mae First Year Teacher Award. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 Dr. Munnelly shared a letter he received from the Massa- chusetts Migrant Education Program who recognized Birch Meadow teacher Richard Downes for his contributions to the Migrant Education Program at their Lowell /Lawrence Area site. The Superintendent and School Committee congratulated Mr. Rittenburg and Mr. Downes for their outstanding performances. PERSONNEL The Superintendent informed the school committee that Lori Brady, who is completing her Masters program at Salem State College and has received numerous awards and honors in gymnastics, will be the Girls' Gymnastics Coach for 1993 -94 at the Sports Rate Category A - Step 1. Dr. Munnelly presented his recommendation of a 2% salary increase for Reading Public Schools Non -Union Tutors. Matthew Cummings moved to award non -union tutors a 2% salary increase for 1993 -94 school year with benefits as outlined on Enclosure C. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. It was recommended that the ratification of contracts be moved from new business to personnel. Matthew Cummings moved to accept the agreement between the Reading School Committee and Reading Educational Assistants Association for the period beginning July 1, 1992 and ending June 30, 1995. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mr. Cummings detailed the changes made and thanked the Education- al Assistants Representative Jan McDonald for her cooperation along with School Committee member Ms. Cavicchi. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. Timothy Twomey moved to accept the agreement between the Reading School Committee and Reading Secretaries Association for the period beginning July 1, 1992 through June 30, 1995. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Mr. Twomey explained the changes made. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. Matthew Cummings moved to accept the letter of agreement between the Reading School Committee and Reading Administra- tors, that include the 4 Assistant Principals and the Director of Pupil Personnel. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Dr. Munnelly explained Education Reform changed the structure of that bargaining unit. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 vTQTmnnc READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM REPORT Assistant Superintendent Richards asked the Business Depart- ment Head, Richard Gillis to present his report. Mr. Gillis began his discussion with an overhead outlining the department's goals as follows: to acquire general economic skills and understandings which are useful to everyone in today's technology - oriented society; to acquire clerical, financial, and technological business skills for personal use; to acquire sufficient competency in business - related skills to prepare students for occupational placement; and to acquire a business background in preparation for college -level study. Mr. Gillis shared the students' grades achieved in key- boarding, word processing, accounting and honors accounting. He identified the concerns of the department in the following areas: Need for upgrading computer equipment in business classrooms to properly train students on current hardware and software; The lack of emphasis of proper keyboarding technique as an integral part of the students' computer learning experience; Lack of opportunity to introduce other types of support technology to students in business classes. Mr. Gillis added that since Spring, through grant money, two computer labs have been formed, a Macintosh Lab and Office Ad- ministration /Business Lab. Mr. Gillis reported the accuracy and speed of a one semester course in keyboarding, noting that the average speed in 1992 was 42 words per minute. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 On the overhead, Mr. Gillis presented the departments recom- mendations: Continue budget appropriations for new equipment and software to supplement a planned approach to instruction and curriculum enhancement. Continue current plans for the completion of Macintosh and Micro labs for instruction in Keyboarding, Word Pro- cessing, Newspaper Publication, Computer Applications, Accounting /Finance and Advertising /Marketing design. Stress keyboarding as a necessary part of the students' basic computer instruction. Introduce the use of lap top computers, modems, facsimile equipment, electronic mail and other new technology as part of business education instruction. Mr. Gillis continued with the future directions of the busi- ness department. Incorporate technology and communication skills into as many of our courses as possible to address "today's focus" in these areas, thus enabling our students to be more competitive in college and in today's business world. An expansion of the Office Administration courses to include the investigation and areas of study including the legal and medical professions, the global economy and appropriate skills for survival in the corporate marketplace. Introduction of a business management course to include topics relating to economics, legal issues, personnel, etc. with the inclusion of a case study approach. Research, explore and investigate the construction of a publication center as a cooperative venture of Business Education, Graphic Arts and English. Development of a course involving the complete process of creating, developing, advertising, and selling a product (e.g. the school yearbook, school literary magazine and school newspaper). A School Committee member asked if plans are being made to interface with the Tech Task Force. Mr. Gillis explained that the business department is looking into this venture and will report back to the School Committee at a later date. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 Another School Committee member informed the members that the high school P.T.A. Distributive Program, now called the Mar- keting Education Program, with business teacher Mr. Leveque, has a school store. She stated that it has been a model for other schools. Mr. Gillis said, since spring through grant money, two compu- ter labs have been formed, the Macintosh Lab and the Office Administration /Business Lab. He thanked the Administration, School Committee, Principal Rena Mirkin and Assistant Princi- pal Pat Schettini for their support. ASSOCIATION OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS IN READING, INC. Mary Grosvenor, a representative from the Association of Fine and Performing Arts in Reading, asked the School Committee to assist them in the process of developing ideas about theater and gallery space in the Reading community. She explained that they have filed with the state as a corporation and a non - profit organization, and that they have developed several sub - committees who are looking for an area in conjunction with the school department. Chair D'Antona appointed School Committee member Thomas Stohlman, who is also a member of the Association, to be their representative. Dr. Munnelly requested Reading's principals to welcome the members of the Fine and Performing Arts Association as they explore the various schools. OLD BUSINESS GOAL SETTING BY READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Chair D'Antona outlined the four goals as drafted for the 1993 -94 school year: Communication Continue along the direction set forth in the 1992 -93 School Committee Goals - the School Committee outreach communications program and broaden the focus to include a specific vehicle of information dissemination. The focus will be most naturally be school information, but, there will be a clear focus on issues as they relate to the Education Reform Bill. It is important that as we move in new directions of compliance in areas that include - budget development, establishment of School Advisory Councils, examine existing policies and develop new ones that we communicate with the community. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 SEPTEMBER 27. 1993 Student Services That we follow up on the goal of inclusion as we move forward to support this direction both publicly and financially. That we similarly consider the need to sustain the efforts of en- hancing educational materials for all students. Staff Evaluation That we support the efforts of the administration to revita- lize and if necessary revise the process under the dominion of education reform. FinancPG Develop and execute a process that will yield a cost effective budget that will be in concert with education reform as well as meet the educational objectives of the school system. School Committee members stated that we need to focus on the goals, communicated that the school committee is willing to work hard with the Selectmen and the Finance Committee, and identify what we specifically want to do under staff evaluation and how finances will be handled within the context of school reform and the seven school councils. Dr. Munnelly added that a year to date statement of finances might be informative. He noted that the goals should emphasize such areas as math and science. Another School Committee member requested the policy book be updated. Ms. D'Antona asked that action steps be outlined and sent to her by the middle of next week. AWARD OF BIDS - GENERAL CONSTRUCTION BIRCH MEADOW SCHOOL On the recommendation of the Administration, Timothy Twomey moved to award the low bidder, Granger Corporation of Worcester the Birch Meadow School Award of General Contract for one million five hundred ninety eight eight hundred and ten dollars ($1,598,810.00) including Bid Alternate One. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. Building Committee Chair Roger Stansted advised that work will begin within the next couple of weeks and that the committee's liason, Joe Lupi will be meeting with Granger Corporation on a weekly basis. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 Dr. Munnelly advised that he has spoken with Birch Meadow Principal Davidson regarding safety around the construction equipment. He stated that the portables left Pennsylvania today and when they arrive a crane will put them in place on their bases, at that point the Building Inspector will inspect them. He said he expects everything to be ready within a week or so. TRACK On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to award the bid for surfacing of outside track at Reading Memorial High School to Cape and Islands Corporation for $23,920.00. Thomas Stohlman seconded the motion. Mr. Stohlman asked Dr. Munnelly to remind football teams not to walk on the track with cleats on. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. READING BOOSTERS CLUB WAIVER REQUEST On the recommendation of the Administration, Matthew Cummings moved to waive the rule about food on the field house floor for the Reading Memorial High School Boosters so they would be able to sell food in a restricted area and for the Superintendent to be able to renew and inform the School Committee of that waiver. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0, unanimous. EDUCATION REFORM LAW: SCHOOL COUNCILS COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOL COMMITTEE Dr. Munnelly stated we need a dialogue that finds ways to communicate about directions and priorities before the school councils can fully prepare and present a school- improvement plan. A School Committee member stated instead of seven different formats to think of general ideas to focus on for a set of district -wide goals. It was suggested that each school council have a liason to communicate with a school committee liason. Assistant Superintendent Richards noted that since each council will keep minutes, the School Committee will at least know what the councils are discussing and planning. Student Representative Allison Bastiani stated nomination papers for the student council will go out this week at the high school. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 Dr. Munnelly suggested that the student council meetings offer a great opportunity to open up discussion with the School Com- mittee. George Shannon arrived. School Committee suggested tenure of the positions be identi- fied and that site based management be encouraged to enhance parental involvement. NEW BUSINESS BUDGET FY 1995 - PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF BUDGET Dr. Munnelly advised that the Cherry Sheet will be available at the end of February and at that juncture we will be able to estimate what the State will provide for aid. The Superintendent presented his proposal for short -term budget /educational recommendations for FY95. A School Com- mittee member suggested before we look into this proposal contractual requirements need to be in place, along with Special Education needs, new building requirements, Pro- fessional Development needs, and the results of the accreditation process at the high school. Dr. Munnelly alerted the School Committee to long -term educational priorities that will need to be addressed. As priorities he listed Staff Development and Per Pupil School - Based Accounts. The Superintendent continued by listing instructional computer acquisition, Fine Arts teaching staff, leadership directors, substitutes, foreign language, the Industrial Arts program, custodial and maintenance, busing and upgrading of instructional and business practices. OUT OF ORDER Dr. Munnelly recognized Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner in the audience and advised him that the contracts were ratified earlier. Mr. Hechenbleikner added he would have abstained since he has not been involved in the earlier portion of nego- tiations. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS The Superintendent stated both the Secretary of Education Piedad Robertson and the Department of Education have prepared Profiles of School Districts in Massachusetts that are includ- ed in the packet. He rioted that the Reading Schools have good performance in academic comparisons. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 SEPTEMBER 27, 1993 He added that each of Reading's seven schools will be developing an informational profile about school performance. This will be mandated by the School Reform Act for 1995; we will have a one year jump on other districts. SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST RESULTS 1993 Mr. Richards shared an eleven year history of Scholastic Achievement Scores for Reading Memorial High School and noted that Reading's seniors combined score of 970 is the highest score they have ever achieved with the highest percentage of seniors taking the SAT's. A School Committee questioned if there ever was a survey of scores that students who took an SAT preparation course. Dr. Munnelly replied that information is confidential. Reading Memorial High ,School Principal Rena Mirkin added that the new SAT's will be in line with critical thinking and will have longer answers. Dr. Munnelly responded to a question regarding comparisons with surrounding communities, stating that the best single . source would be Boston Magazine. He added he would look into providing this information. ADJOURN At 10:28 p.m. Timothy Twomey moved to go into Executive Session for matters affecting financial interests of the Town and bargaining issues. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was 6 -0, unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothy Twomey Res�� pitted fs Robert I Mu h � Ed. D. Superintendent.01 Schools Secretary b The SchW Committee