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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-12-06 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES December 6, 1993 CALL TO ORDER Chair Roberta D'Antona called the regular School Committee session to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Central Office Con- ference Room. All members were present with the exception of Timothy Twomey, who arrived later. Also present were Super- intendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Dennis A. Richards, and a reporter from the Chronicle. ROUTINE MATTERS MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS The warrants for Bills were as follows: November 29, 1993 - Bills - nrvnnr r c The warrants for Payrolls were as follows: November 26, 1993 - Teachers - December 3, 1993 - Biweekly - CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. $39,143.36 $450,263.87 $136,634.49 SUPERINTENDENT'S AND SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR'S REPORT LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL REFORM Chair D'Antona reported on the Leadership in School Reform Colloquium, part one of four series, that she and Susan Cavicchi attended this week. She stated that this program was led by Howard O'Cull, Executive Director of the West Virginia School Boards Association and Tom Loveless, Assistant Profes- REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 6, 1993 sor, Kennedy School of Government. Ms. D'Antona advised that the program dealt with the question of school governance by exploring the notion of restructuring school committees. The key to change in this forum is for the school committee to be proactive in policy development. She added that this is referred to as Policy Empowerment. The Chair stated that in a longitudinal model the board is at the center and is subsumed into the process. Information is received from the administration, school councils, teachers, parents and the community at large. Ms. D'Antona explained the role of the school committee: 1. administrative - to marshall resources critical to the task of education and to distribute fairly throughout the system; 2. defining the relationship of the school committee and the community as the educational leaders of the system; and 3. understanding the teaching and learning that happens in the classroom and ultimately evaluating its success. EXEMPLARY TEACHER RECEPTION Dr. Munnelly shared that the 1993 Berger Award Nominees and past award recipients were honored at a succesful Recognition Tea on December 1st. MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION ON THE COMMON CORE OF LEARNING The Superintendent reported a video of typical scenes in a school was made while Robert Antonucci, Commissioner of Education visited classrooms at the Coolidge Middle School and had lunch with some of the school's students. OPEN HEARING Dr. Munnelly reminded the School Committee and the audience of an Open Hearing to be held at the high school on December 9. PFPg0NNFT. Assistant Superintendent Dennis Richards informed the School Committee that Deborah Glazer has been hired at Parker Middle School as the Computer Education Teacher. Ms. Glazer, who has a Master's Degree from Boston State College, will begin teaching on December 13, 1993 at the Master's Level, Step 1. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 6, 1993 17TCTTnPq Dr. Munnelly commented on Parker Middle School options being considered by the Building Committee with the help of Archi- tect David Finney. The Superintendent stated that the pre- liminary educational specifications are for 600 pupils - 200 students beyond present enrollments. Mr. Finney previewed the Parker Middle School plan options for building floor areas and project budgets for Budget Plan Alternate #5 and #6. To enlarge project #5 from 65,056 sq. ft. to new and renovated 92,454 sq. ft. the approximate cost will be $11,023,838 and to enlarge project #6 from 63,733 sq. ft. to new and renovated 96,682 sq. ft. the approximate cost will be $11,552,861. Mr. Finney noted the following: . Costs include new water, sewer and storm to Temple and King Streets. . Costs include full asbestos abatement. . Costs assume replacement of 50% of existing furniture. . Costs for new school assume demolition of the existing Parker. . Budget for structural framing repairs represents an 80% confidence level for unknown conditions. A worst case budget would be 2 times greater. . Costs are based on a 1/94 bid date. Costs should be escalated for a later bid date. For options where the existing gym remains, budget includes cost to re -frame the gym roof. The Architect stated that a new roof and new windows are also included in this summary. Mr. Finney explained the lower level of the Parker Middle School grounds is a water area, therefore preventing building a new school there. He added that the most efficient plan to build a new school would be in the present location. A new school would have 88,500 sq. ft. at a 1994 projected budget of $13,193,512. Mr. Shannon expressed his concern for a new building rather than the renovation. Discussion with School Committee members revolved around the efficiency of having 3 or 4 labs, the disruption in the school during renovations (with the relocation of one class) could include two school years, the possibility of three lunch periods, exploring the Industrial Arts space, and the removal of the oil tank. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 6, 1993 Chair D'Antona thanked Mr. Finney for the opportunity to hear first hand the Building Committee's options. Dr. Munnelly asked Chair of the Building Committee, Roger Sanstad to explain numbers in the Capital plan. Mr. Sanstad said the Town cannot afford bonding until 1997. Dr. Munnelly stated the increased population will be arriving at the middle school before we have a plan worked out. Joshua Eaton Principal and School Building Committee Repre- sentative Donald Farnham stated the cost estimate summary for Reading Elementary Schools that included the following Post - Bid Budget figures: Indirect Costs . Furniture & Equipment $60,000 (new Construction only) . Construction 40,000 construction testing 5,000 . Design'Costs asbestos abatement 22,500 Arch /Eng. 200,400 Food Service Cons. 3,000 Furn. & Equip. Cons. 6,000 . Bidding Bid Sets 7,000 Bond counsel 10,000 . Conservation Comm. approvals 3,150 . Site Exploration Survey 4,890 Borings 1,350 Construction Costs Total Construction Bid $1,598,810 Construction contingency (6 %) 100,000 Total Construction Cost $1,698,810 Total of Birch Meadow Elementary School project costs $2,062,100 with an available surplus of $37,817. A School Committee member requested an itemized list of the costs for the library furniture and equipment. Another member asked about the post -bid budgets for construction costs. Mr. Farnham stated they are coming through the contract. Dr. Munnelly commented that everything that is happening to buildings is out in the open. Mr. Sanstad announced that all issues are discussed at the building site every Monday morning. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 DECEMBER 6, 1993 It was noted by another School Committee member that anything over $5,000 would need to be approved by the School Committee. Chair D'Antona thanked all that were present and welcomed members of the Finance Committee who were in the audience. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY94 REVIEW OF EDUCATION NEEDS OF THE READING SCHOOLS n17VDN7T VU7 Superintendent Munnelly discussed the In -House Budgeting Process for October - November. This includes the Assess Needs (Zero -Base) of Enrollment, Program Gaps & Recommendations, New Mandates, Anticipated Repairs to Schools, Instructional Budget Issues, Capital Budget Needs, Other Staffing Needs, the Review of 1992 -93 Expenditures, the Review of Negotiated Contracts and the Estimates of SPED Costs. Dr. Munnelly shared the information (September 1993 memo) he would be proposing to add or add back for the FY95 short -term budget: • Per pupil monies - -an increase from present $300,000 to $450,000 • Make the director of athletics full -time (cost: more pay and a .3 teacher) o Provide a third maintenance repair person with electrical skills • Make available $100,000 for staff and curriculum development • Reinstate a fine arts director position o Add one music and one art teacher The Superintendent added consideration would need to be made for school growth, space and the hiring of teachers. He continued with the long -term educational needs that he out- lined in September, 1993: • Priority - Staff Development • Priority - Per Pupil School -Based Accounts • Instructional Computer • Teaching Staff • Leadership • Substitutes • Foreign Language • Technology • Custodial and Maintenance $150,000 12,000 30,000 80,000 52,000 60,000 REGULAR SESSION 6 DECEMBER 6, 1993 • Busing • Upgrading of Instructional and Business Practices REVIEW OF ENROLLMENT, CLASS SIZES, AND ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS WITH ELEMENTARY PRINCIPALS Dr. Munnelly stated that the student population has grown by 155 students. He asked Barrows Principal Charles Papandreou to explain the five configurations principals prepared. Mr. Papandreou began with the variations to Plan A noting that the estimates for Kindergarten are low with large first grades at Eaton and Killam. He noted that METCO students are not included in 1st grade figures; 1st grade figures project 5 private kindergarten students in each school; Resource Room at Birch Meadow is not relocated in regular classroom setting; and projects four additional classroom teachers at Birch Meadow: kindergarten, grade 1, 2, and 5. The variations to Plan A are as follows: 1. Open enrollment for 1st grade students - out of Killam to Birch Meadow. 2. Eaton kindergarten to Barrows: Eaton's 1st grades to four classrooms and Barrows 5th grade to two classrooms. 3. Birch Meadow sends one kindergarten class to Barrows - resource room put in regular classroom. Principal Papandreou continued with Plan B noting that 3 additional teachers needed at Birch Meadow: kindergarten, 1st and 5th grade - resource room in regular classroom at Birch Meadow, and Eaton kindergarten to Barrows allowing for 4 first grades at Eaton and 2 fifth grades at Barrows. The variation to Plan B is: 1. Open enrollment at Killam's 1st grade to Birch Meadow. He noted on Plan C that 2 additional teachers would be needed at Birch Meadow: kindergarten and 5th grade - one open classroom at Birch Meadow; resource room in regular classroom; and Eaton kindergarten to Barrows allowing for 4 first grades at Eaton and 2 fifth grades at Barrows. With Plan D, Mr. Papandreou noted 1 additional teacher needed at Birch Meadow: kindergarten - two open classrooms at Birch Meadow; resource room in regular classroom; and Eaton kinder- garten to Barrows allowing for 4 first grades at Eaton and 2 fifth grades at Barrows. Dr. Munnelly advised that there is not enough space to carry out Plan E. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 DECEMBER 6, 1993 Mr. Papandreou explained that the projected higher enrollment of 10 students does not include METCO students. A School Committee member questioned METCO commitment figures and his concern to the over crowding of our schools. School Committee member Thomas Stohlman left at 10:10 p.m. and Timothy Twomey arrived at 10:20 p.m. BUILDING REPAIR AND CAPITAL BUDGET Dr. Munnelly explained the Capital Outlay Plan 1994 -98 for Projects to be funded by Warrant Articles for Townwide Capital Budget. He explained it is expected that building renovation projects at Birch Meadow and Eaton Elementary Schools and at Parker Middle School will take care of all projected capital needs of these schools during this period. Included in the five year plan are roof replacement, school building - renovation and additions two - thirds reimbursed by the state, boiler /burner replacements, gas conversion and oil tank removal, high school ceiling tile replacement, RMHS track renovation, space remodeling (Barrows library), Chapter 504 (chairlifts/ toilets), portable classroom, elevator replace- ment, and the clock tower at Eaton. The Superintendent included in his explanation the Capital Outlay Plan 1994 -98 for Capital Projects Funded from the Operating Budgets appropriated by Town Meeting. They include computer equipment, energy conservation project, vehicle re- placement, floor tile replacement, classroom furniture, door replacement, alarm systems, energy management, stage curtains, gate valves, steam traps and roof top ventilators. ACCREDITATION SUGGESTIONS FOR ACTION Dr. Munnelly presented some of the suggestions from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Committee. RECAP ON PROGRAM PRIORITIES AND BUDGET LIMITATIONS The Superintendent stated priorities must be set before we can put the budget in place. Dr. Munnelly announced there would be a joint meeting with the Finance Committee, Selectmen, Town Manager and the School Committee on December 15, 1993. The Chair thanked the Finance Committee and the Principals for their information. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 DECEMBER 6, 1993 SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Susan Cavicchi presented Mr. Stohlman's suggested change in the Communication School Committee goal draft - Continue along the direction set forth in the 1992 -1993 School Committee goals and broaden the goal to include a specific vehicle of written communication. Adopt a more longitudinal and direct model of communication between the school committee and the administration, school councils, teachers, parents, students, and the community at large. Timothy Twomey moved to adopt the Student Services of School Committee Goals. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Dis- cussion on how school committee would measure this goal and if we are committing financial support. Dr. Munnelly advised School Committee that we need to talk over how far we want to go with these goals. Chair D'Antona stated that the goal, is in concert with the long range goals of education and not measurable. Mr. Cummings stated a Task Force on Inclusion would be an investment, noting that he has had calls from concerned parents. Dr. Munnelly informed members that he would provide amounts being spent on inclusion from all schools. Motion was withdrawn. Matthew Cummings added his suggestion to more clearly define his concerns for the Staff Evaluation goal. Of priority emphasis this year of the various levels of administration is to achieve a "revitalized staff - con- sistent with the high quality level expected in Reading and in keeping with the goals of Education Reform. Aggressive, pro- active evaluations of staff will be used, remediation where necessary will be encouraged and other appropriate action shall be taken. The School Committee will assist in this implementation through review and guidance to Administrators; through the collective bargaining process and through support and encouragement of appropriate professional development programs. Chair D'Antona recommended tabling the motion and asked members to get back to her this week with their suggestions regarding School Committee Goals. NEW BUSINESS (none) REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 6, 1993 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS Dr. Munnelly presented the October Profit and Loss statement from the Director of the Cafeteria, Catherine Cook. Ms. Cook's memo stated she was pleased with the participation increases and the increase in daily participation. Mr. Cummings requested a narrative from last October for comparison purposes. NOVEMBER 30, 1993 ACCOUNT BALANCES Dr. Munnelly stated the November statement of account balances was included for School Committee review. CALENDAR Several changes were suggested for the School Committee meeting calendar for the winter /spring 1994 schedule. Dr. Munnelly informed School Committee that he would make another calendar. ADJOURN At 11:05 p.m. Timothy Twomey moved to adjourn from Regular Session. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Mattnew Cummings Roberta D'Antona George Shannon Timothy Twomey %=. Submitted Ihb�tt I Munnelly, Ed. D. $uppiNA —A ..Of Schools Sew lb The School Committee