HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-13 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Reading, Massachusetts
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
REGULAR SESSION MEETING JUNE 13, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the
Reading School Committee to order at 8:35 a.m. in the
Superintendent's Conference 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 Lynn M. Bak and from the
Reading community citizen Kendra Cooper.
ORIENTATION
Chair Philbrick gave an introduction regarding her approach to
leadership and reminded the School Committee members of the
following:
. Diversity of backgrounds /perspectives on committee
. The need to listen to each other
. The importance of asking probing questions of the
Administration
The value of reading the packet and call the Superin-
tendent if there are questions
. The open meeting law requirement is not to talk with
one another about policy issues prior to the School
Committee meetings
Dr. Munnelly discussed the interfacing of policy and admini-
stration and the need to talk together regularly about policy
versus administrative to avoid negative perceptions such as
"rubberstamping ".
Assistant Superintendent Bak commented that the School
Committee needs to be specific about information it desires,
and to check to identify if questions are being asked by one
member or the whole committee. Both the Administration and
School Committee need to try more recapping.
REVIEW CENTRAL OFFICE WORKLOAD
There was a discussion regarding Central Office workload
triggered by Superintendent Munnelly's report dated June 11,
1992 which is incorporated as an exhibit in these minutes.
The issue of Central Office Workload became intertwined with
the announcement of the resignation of the Assistant Superin-
tendent.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 13, 1992
The School Committee agreed to take the replacement issue up
at Monday's meeting.
The School Committee discussed the placing of a generic ad in
Education Week and the Boston Globe.
REVIEW OF-SCHOOL COMMITTEE SUB COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
Chair Barbara Philbrick began reviewing the sub committee
assignment as follows:
. 350th Anniversary
Recreation
. Substance Abuse
. AIDS Task Force
. School Building Committee
. Negotiating Teams
.Aides
.Teachers
.Secretaries
.Principals
PAC 766
Mary Williams
Matthew Cummings
Sue Cavicchi
Roberta D'Antona
Questions about reliance on Robert's Rules were raised. Ms.
Cavicchi spoke to the orderliness that lead to motions
progress. Mr. Shannon advised that use of Robert's Rules may
politicize meetings.
SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION PROCESS
School Committee discussed the timeline for the Superinten-
dent's evaluation and its appropriateness for School Committee
to tailor a process to address the evaluation of the
Superintendent.
It was recommended that School Committee members volunteer for
a sub - committee to study the issue.
ADJOURNMENT
At 11:05 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Susan Cavicchi
seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.