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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-11-22 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 22 NOVEMBER 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 82 Oakland Road. All members were present with the exception of Student Representative Allison Bastiani. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards, members of the Reading Boosters' Club, Finance Committee Liaison Nate White and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Timothy Twomey moved to approve the minutes of October 12, 1993. Susan Cavicci seconded the motion. The vote carried 4 -0 -2. Roberta D'Antona and Matthew Cummings abstained. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the minutes of October 18, 1993. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion which carried on a vote of 5 -0 -1. Roberta D'Antona abstained. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the minutes of November 1, 1993. Thomas Stohlman asked to amend the motion to include remarks he had made during the Foreign Language presentation. George Shannon seconded the amended motion which carried on a vote of 6 -0. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of November 4, 1993. The motion was seconded by Timothy Twomey and carried on a vote of 6 -0. - - - - BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: November 8, 1993 - Bills - $ 63,373.82 November 15, 1993 - Bills - $169,758.73 November 22, 1993 - Bills - $ 49,896.34 PA vRnT.T.G The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: November 5, 1993 - Biweekly - $137,690.91 November 12, 1993 - Teachers - $438,825.10 November 19, 1993 - Biweekly - $128,818.03 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -2- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 GIFTS Dr. Munnelly announced that, once again, the Reading Schools will benefit from the generousity of Arnold Berger. A recent contribution from Mr. Berger to the 20+ Club at the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School will enable the Library /Media Center to purchase more books and computer disks to strengthen the reading club program. Roberta D'Antona, on behalf of the Reading School Committee, thanked Mr. Berger. CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input to be addressed at this meeting. LIAISON REPORTS SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the School Building Committee and architect have reviewed the budget for construction costs of Birch Meadow School. Post bid budget changes, and indirect costs will bring the project cost to $2,062,100. The project cost of Joshua Eaton renovations may depend on how the problem of the slate roof is handled. Replacement costs could amount to $160,000. There may be operational or capital budget implications and Dr. Munnelly stated he would keep the School Committee informed. BUDGET COMMITTEE Matthew Cummings, School Committee Liaison to the Budget Committee, reported on recent meetings with members of the Reading Finance Committee and the Board of Selectmen to prepare the FY 1995 Town of Reading and School Budget. Understanding the recently enacted Education Reform Law and its financial implications will be an important issue as budget figures are formalized. Agreement has been made to formulate a budget that will come within the Foundation Budget, after which priorities will be determined. He announced that the calculated net School Spending for FY 1995 is $18,191,144. Mr. Cummings informed the Committee that members of the Finance Committee have agreed to attend the upcoming budget discussions at School Committee meetings in December to gain a clear understanding of programs involved, school needs, and fiscal requirements. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Superintendent Munnelly announced that the Reading Memorial High School Accreditation Committee has given an oral report to be followed shortly by a written report. The general tone of the report by Dr. Alan Bookman, chair of the committee, was very positive. Dr. Bookman complimented the school staff for doing a good job with the resources available during a time of limited financial support to the schools. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -3- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 One of eight "finalists" includes Sally Mucica, a program honors teachers positive contributions of interviewed by the Depa process continues. for Massachusetts Teacher -of -the -Year teacher at Birch Meadow School. This who are worthy of representing the teachers statewide. Mrs. Mucica will be rtment of Education as the selection The Superintendent acknowledged the contributions to Reading Memorial High School by an outstanding group of students. Students selected by the faculty for distinction are: Diane LaMonica '97 Anne Baumgartner '97 Carrie Foley '95 Jeffrey Boucher '94 Genesa Patten '95 Kevin Knowles '94 Lauren Erelli "95 Janice McAllister '94 Steven Rego '94 Allyson Bailey '94 Gretchen Laabs '94 Jennifer Wettergreen 194 Kristen Pulsifer '94 Christine Cerretani 195 Kathleen Pearson '94 Alyson Condon '94 Lisa Vatcher '96 Caitlin Meagher '96 English Award Social Studies Award Mathematics Award Science Award Science Award Science Award Foreign Language Award Business Award Technological Education Award Visual Arts Award Music Award Service Award Service Award Leadership Award Physical Education Award Athletic Award SEEM Award Principal's Award Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee of recent RMHS graduate Philip Vaccaro, Jr's selection as a Boston Globe Scholar Athlete. An impressive writeup appeared in the Sunday Globe and each of the winners was recognized at an awards banquet. Matthew Pothier, an RPIHS sophomore, has been honored for the third year in a row by the Massachusetts School Library Media Association and Massachusetts Educational Television. His award winning video documentary "The Camera Goes to War" will be shown on educational television at a date yet to be determined. VISITORS (OUT OF ORDER Mr. Chuck Schena, president of the Reading Boosters Club was introduced by Dr. Munnelly. Mr. Schena, in turn, introduced Reading Boosters Club Officers George Hines, vice president; Ginny Thompson, treasurer; and Joe Carella. Mr. Schena gave a brief_ overview of the background of the Boosters' Club, their commitment to the academic and athletic programs at Reading flemorial High School, and to the youth of Reading. He stated that due to school department budget cuts the Boosters Club requests School Committee permission to construct a new press box for the athletic field at an estimated cost of $25,000. Mr. Schena's presentation outlined preliminary architectural specifications and was enhanced with a REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 1 -4- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 model of the proposed press box. Extensive research has taken place by the Club to present a high quality structure with low maintenance costs. The Boosters are hopeful that assistance from General Electric may be forthcoming; a bid for four buildings has been submitted to the company. A community -wide fundraising campaign to raise the $25,000 will be underway shortly. Preliminary contributions to date exceed $8.000. During the School Committee discussion that followed, concerns such as support of other community groups using the facility, maintenance, construction and vandalism were addressed and responded to by Mr. Schena. The consensus of the Reading School Committee at this time was to be supportive of the Boosters request to construct the press box. The proposal will be formalized in the future by a vote when all facts and plans are more fully developed. The School Committee thanked the Boosters Club for undertaking the project and praised the organization for their willingness to be among groups in the community offering continuing support to the town and schools. PERSONNEL PROFESSIONAL STAFF Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards updated the School Committee on recent additions to the staff: Birch Meadow School Library /Media Specialist, Bruce R. Glazer, a graduate of U. of Massachusetts /Amherst and Boston State College with a Masters Degree in Education, at Masters Level, Step 5 - appointment effective November 17, 1993. Reading Memorial High School Half -time Prevention /Intervention Smoking Cessation Instructor, Eleanor J. Miller Laino, a graduate of Fitchburg State College with a B.S.E. degree, to be paid through the Smoking Cessation Grant - appointment effective October 28, 1993. REPLACEMENTS Cynthia Bolivar, Reading Memorial High School Attendance Office - appointment effective November 15, 1993. COACHING STAFF Richard Knowles, Boys Head Gymnastics Varsity Coach and Susan Steward Girls Head Basketball Coach, both at Sport Rate Category A - appointments effective November 29, 1993. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -5- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 OLD BUSINESS SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Chair Roberta D'Antona opened discussion pertaining to Reading School Committee goals for 1993 -94. Staff evaluation methods were addressed by committee members. School Committee consensus was apparent in the need to support and encourage agressive efforts on the part of the administration to assure a high performing and top quality staff. In the spirit of the Education Reform Program, revitalizing staff members and obtaining agressive feedback from principals is desirable. It was noted that evaluation should go beyond the administration and a suggestion was made to investigate an evaluation system to encourage student and parent involvement in the evaluation of school employees. Although other draft goals were discussed by the group, there was no clear consensus regarding implementing conflict management into school related activities, support of the building projects, and expanding communication to the community. Goal discussion will continue at a future meeting. POLICY ON ADMINISTRATORS' EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS The policy on Administrators' Employment benefits was presented to the School Committee for a second vote. Timothy Twomey moved to approve the policy by a second vote of the amended draft policy. Matthew Cummings seconded Mr. Twomey's motion which carried unanimously. BUDGET FY 1995 Dr. Munnelly announced that on the evening of November 23, 1993, he will enter into dialogue with parents of youngsters in the SEEM program and members of the Special Education Parents Advisory Council. The meeting will create an opportunity to discuss and evaluate a decision to be made concerning Reading School System proposed withdrawal from the SEEM Collaborative. If any parent is unable to be present at the meeting, an opportunity for discussion with the Superintendent will be afforded at a later time. Results of the study will be presented to the School Committee in December. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to be addressed at this meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -6- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS UPDATE OF READING METCO PROGRAM Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards introduced METCO Coordinator Wilma Fraser. Mrs. Fraser and with Mr. Richards presented the Reading School Committee with a current report on Reading's METCO Program. The presentation that followed included a brief history of the METCO program and the present staff structure - coordinator, three part -time tutors, and two bus monitor /teacher aides - was outlined. Ninety four METCO students are enrolled in Reading schools for the 1993 - 1994 academic year. It was noted that parent /coordinator communication is a strength of the program as is the addition of tutors who take pride in their involvement with students and work to instill a positive attitude for success in the students. Participation is present with Reading families, and more host families have stepped forward enabling METCO students with opportunities for athletic and social enhancement in their daily lives as Reading students. Mrs. Fraser discussed Shared School /Student Responsibility with input gained from students who have previously been involved in the program, and "Get Smart" training, a firm partnership between Teacher /Parent /Student. Avenues for improvement include transportation, which is a large concern due to overcrowding, and the length of the ride from student homes in the Boston area. As many students have been in transit from as early as 5:30 a.m. tension often results among students. Mrs. Fraser is exploring Department of Education support and additional funding for larger busses as well as the possibility of a geographical "pick -up" of students in the Boston neighborhoods. A period of discussion and questions, which were responded to by Mr. Richards and Mrs. Fraser, followed the presentation. Wilma Fraser was thanked for her enthusiam and it was noted that part of the success of the program was due to her positive attitude. Appreciation was extended to Mrs. Fraser and Mr. Richards for their insightful report. OTHER Dr. Munnelly commented that during the next School Committee meeting on December 6, 1993, the Committee will be focusing on the FY 1995 Budget and discussing school building construction as well as Parker Middle School renovations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -7- 22 NOVEMBER 1993 ADJOURNMENT Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn from open session to executive session for purposes of negotiating with non -union personnel. The motion was seconded by Thomas Stohlman and carried 6 -0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Thomas Stohlman Timothv Twomev 47�� "Ab Robert J. Mun k Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committpp