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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-22 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 22, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, FinCom Member Nathan White, Board of Selectmen Member Sally Hoyt and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to accept the minutes from the June 8, 1992 meeting. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Corrections were noted and made. The vote was unanimous as George Shannon moved to release the executive minutes of April C 6, April 16, April 21 and June 1, 1992 to open session. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: June 22, 1992 - Bills - June 29, 1992 - Bills - The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: June 19, 1992 - Teachers - June 26, 1992 - Teachers - CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. OLD BUSINESS $66,777.29 $95,186.74 $1,521,517.19 $ - 58,078.45 There was no old business being discussed this evening. NEW BUSINESS DISCUSSION OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT POSITION AND PROCESS FOR REPLACEMENT Chair Philbrick began discussion regarding the Assistant Superintendent position and informed School Committee that the REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 22, 1992 Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Personnel ad, as put forth on enclosure D -2, was placed in Education Week on October 21, 1987 and also at that time in the Boston.Globe. The Superintendent read the draft ad, enclosure D -1, he was offering. He added he would like to put this ad in Education Week's issue of August 5, 1992 and also in the Boston Globe. Dr. Munnelly stated a Screening Committee could then begin reviewing candidates' letters of interest. A question was raised if more information should be placed in the ad and the Chair explained that more detail would be provided in the information packets that the Superintendent's office will provide to the interested candidates. Dr. Munnelly advised he was looking toward a July 13th time table to have an open meeting for the public to provide their input. At this time Ms. Philbrick opened discussion regarding the Assistant Superintendent's position. �- A member stated he would like to hear from the Superintendent regarding other possible scenarios, emphasizing if non- educa- tion issues take a substantial portion of that job perhaps a less experienced person could do the job well. By critical education he referred to Curriculum Development being the primary function of the Assistant Superintendent; meetings with Department Heads, teachers, principals; and Grant writing activities that may not require an expert. The Superintendent stated to keep the administrative priori- ties in order they are constantly evaluating. Such as: With the help of Town we were able to move some duties - i.e. Payrolls . Decision making that remains consistent and con- forms with policy Negotiation meetings Staff development . Tuition reimbursement . Administering a sense of fairness across the schools A member questioned how Education Reform, if passed, would effect the Assistant Superintendent position. Dr. Munnelly replied, "Until a reform package happens we need this facilitator." REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 22, 1992 Another member commented that the number two person from a professional stand point needs to be sure all personnel are working to full capacity; that members and the community should realize the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent positions are a commitment beyond the 9 -5 hours; that we need to move quickly for an Assistant or Deputy to the Superinten- dent and; pointed out that members need to rethink who would make decision making if the Superintendent was ill. Additional information from a School Committee member referenced because of the changes in education we are at a crossroad and need to take time to look at the Assistant Superintendent position, what the future direction may be for our community and school system, and to look at other models for more input. She stated we need to reverse the process and have the open hearing first and then ask for direction. It was the consensus of opinion from School Committee members that an open hearing to receive input before making choices about the position is necessary. A suggestion from a member was to get a temporary person in that role. Dr. Munnelly asked members to consider the salary range within the budget guidelines and at what point would you hire if you decided on two administrators. The Chair advised that two people at $32,000 a year may mean a 180 day work schedule and she questioned the authority that these people would have with the professional staff. FinCom member Fred Van Magness stated this was a unique opportunity to conclusively decide whether the position is wanted or needed. Roberta D'Antona moved to schedule a public hearing on June 30th at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School Lecture Hall for the purpose of soliciting public input before the ad is placed in the newspaper. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Selectwoman Sally Hoyt stated the public would like to see in writing the required specifics of the Assistant Superintendent position. The vote was unanimous. FinCom member Nate White commented that this was a critical time and something needs to be done as soon as possible. i REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 22, 1992 Chair Philbrick suggested placing the generic ad sometime this week. She added applications would close on August 22nd, interviews would begin in September, an appointment would be made in October, and after the candidate gave a 30 -60 day notice it may be the end of December or January before the position is filled. The Chair advised School Committee members to inform the Superintendent what specific information they need and what they would like to present to. the public, making clear what the job's specific responsibilities and activities are. Chair Philbrick suggested putting a hold on this discussion and by July 13th have information on how to get an Interim Assistant Superintendent to take us into next Spring. The Superintendent stated an Interim Assistant Superintendent could then start in the Fall and a decision could be made before budget time to fill the position in the Spring. School Committee members and the Superintendent agreed to go ahead with the public hearing on June 30th and to create a new time table after this meeting. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS PRELIMINARY REPORT ON EXPENDITURES FOR FY92 Dr. Munnelly advised he had worked to identify unexpended money in our 1991 -92 budget and figured we have $70,000 from the fuel oil, electric and water /sewage accounts. The Superintendent asked School Committee members to advise how they wanted to spend the available money - if they wanted to split with the FinCom by buying some school needs and returning some money to the free cash fund or return all to the free cash account. Dr. Munnelly noted a decision has to be made by July 10 as the books close on July 14. The Superintendent pointed out that the $8,260 we budget for annual maintenance of outdated computers at Reading Memorial High School would get us closer to new PC's if we added it to available funds. A 20 station computer lab of IBM clone Personal Computers would cost in the vicinity of $35,000. Dr. Munnelly also noted that from the Capital List installation of chair elevators at Coolidge would make it possible for physically handicapped students to use the gym and the art /technical education sections of the building. The Superintendent remarked that the gym stairlift would cost $13,000 and the shop /art lift would cost $18,000. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 22. 1992 A member questioned if we could encumber this money for the Tuition Reimbursement issue. Dr. Munnelly replied that we could not. Chair Philbrick requested that Dr. Munnelly bring in a list of the dollar amounts for text books, supplies, etc. at the next School Committee meeting. It was suggested by a member that critical maintenance items be brought to their attention. Chair Philbrick asked that Dr. Munnelly supply them with a list and dollar amounts of items needed. ADJOURN At 10:35 p.m. Matthew Cummings moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of planning strategy for bargaining with union employees. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.