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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-06-29 School Committee Minutes[Alm F Y �r b READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 29, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of the Student Representative Michael Shannon. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES George Shannon moved to accept the June 15, 1992 minutes. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Matthew Cummings present- ed corrections in the Middle School Redistricting Report and also noted a correction in the last paragraph of Middle School Principals' Report on Grouping. Corrections were noted. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: June 30, 1992 - Bills - $72,747.38 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: June 5, 1992 - Biweekly - $106,052.78 June 30, 1992 - Biweekly - $ 36,151.84 July 2, 1992 - Biweekly - $ 21,402.48 CITIZEN'S INPUT Reading citizen Kendra Cooper presented the School Committee members with a self assessment instrument developed by the Pennsylvania School Board Association on how to evaluate the Administration. GIFTS Matthew Cummings moved to accept the gifts that were given to the Barrows, Eaton, and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools as described on Enclosure B -4. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 29 1992 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly announced that Eaton Elementary School has been designated by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) as one of eleven pilot schools nationwide for the development of a Global Education Curriculum Project. The Superintendent highlighted a paragraph from the ASCD letter that stated Eaton's - application put them head and shoulders above the crowded field of applicants demonstrating not only their deep commitment to global education, but also a creative spark and unique approach to preparing children to become citizens of the world. ASCD added that they anticipate that Eaton's staff will find working with a group of colleagues who share their interest in global education and excellence as educators both stimulating and rewarding. Dr. Munnelly added that he has asked Reading Rotary Interna- tional to become a partner with the Eaton Elementary School noting that as Rotary partners they may be able to tap the wide resources of the organization for the benefit of all of Reading's students. PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the Administration Timothv Twome moved to appoint Robert C. Seely as the Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher for the 1992 -93 school year at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 4. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration George Shannon moved to appoint Thomas J. Zaya as a Physical Education teacher at Parker Middle School at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 1; Peter T. Rittenburg as an English teacher at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; and Erica Everett as a part -time Science teacher at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 2 for the 1992 -1993 school year. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. LEAVE OF ABSENCE On the recommendation of the Administration Georc e Shannon moved to approve a one year leave -of- absence for Pam Chomsk - Higgins a Grade 1 teacher at the Killam Elementary School for the 1992 -93 school year. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 29, 1992 Matthew Cummings question if there was a time frame for teachers to request a leave -of- absence and expressed the importance of knowing this information as early as possible. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. RESIGNATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration George Shannon moved to accept with regret the resignations of Parker Middle_ School English Department Head Jeffrey L. Cryan, Reading_ Memorial High School Foreign Language Department Head Gina M. Healy, and Coolidge Middle School Foreign Language teacher Stacey Katz effective at the end of the 1991 -92 school year. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. George Shannon stated that the community should be aware that because of the budget cuts we are losing key people that will be nearly impossible to replace. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly expressed regret to School Committee members as they consider the resignation of the Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak. The Superintendent noted that Ms. Bak has made solid contributions to the Reading Schools and community and wished her well as she moves on as the Associate Director of the Maine School Managements Association. George Shannon moved on the recommendation to accept with regret the resignation the Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak effective on September 30, 1992. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote is unanimous. VISITORS Dr. Munnelly requested Parker Principal Dr. Delaney and Killam Principal Mr. Guerrette to brief the School Committee about the process by which our professional staff are supervised and evaluated. Paul Guerrette explained the Education By Objectives (EBO) process approach included annual goal setting by everyone, regular and ongoing conferring about observed lessons, and a write -up every two years for tenure staff. Non - tenure staff are written up each year prior to the time for making renewal recommendations. Principal Guerrette demonstrated on an overhead how the EBO process begins and is completed. He shared that this process was developed by Superintendent Dr. Wells in 1976 in conjunction with Dr. Munnelly, the teaching staff and the RTA. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 29, 1992 Mr. Guerrette explained that a teacher meets with the principal for an objective setting conference, the principal then monitors the process and will then proceed to have an interim conference to access the progress being made toward their goals and then a summary conference follows, culminating in a final summative conference before the evaluation is written. This process stresses professional growth and encourages teachers to try to be better, it also works to eliminate ineffective teachers. Mr. Guerrette shared the role and responsibilities of a teacher: 1. Instruction 2. Classroom Relationships 3. Pupil- teacher Relationships 4. School Organization and Administration 5. Professional Development 6. School- Community Relations Parker Middle School Principal Jack Delaney stated this process helps teachers clarify their goals and addresses a certain part of their strategies package. Mr. Guerrette noted that two or three teachers could be working collectively on a goal and if a teacher has difficulty with their goal it can be put on hold for awhile. Both Principals added that a principal will compliment and praise a teacher or look into the problems the teacher may have and make judgements and advise them of their concerns. Dr. Delaney commented that conversation with the teacher and department head gives the teacher the opportunity to give their input. School Committee members thanked the principals for coming and stated it was good to hear teachers are being judged through this process. METCO COORDINATOR REPORT Dr. Munnelly introduced the METCO Coordinator Wilma Fraser and requested she review the Reading METCO Program happenings of the past year. Ms. Fraser stated the METCO concept is a partnership involving students, the schools, the parents, and the State. Ms. Fraser shared the METCO program is comprised of herself - as -a full time coordinator, two full time middle school METCO tutors, one full time bus monitor /teacher aide and one full time secondary school bus monitor. She added currently there are 90 METCO students throughout the Reading Public Schools. Ms. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 29, 1992 Fraser informed School Committee that through the middle school tutors that some students have boosted their grades by one level by the end of this 1992 school year. Ms. Fraser expressed the need for host family parents at the middle school and high school level to ensure the METCO students a place to stay after seasonal school activities, plays, etc., until their parents can pick them up. Ms. Fraser outlined the goals of the METCO Program as follows: .Raise the academic achievement of the METCO student .Parent Involvement .Host Family .Teacher Staff Development .Multicultural Development The METCO Coordinator added that contracts with METCO parents and students outlining the expectations and goals would be re- newed in September, 1992. Members praised Ms. Fraser for the positive manner the program seems to moving in and commented on the enthusiasm Ms. Fraser displayed and how it must be an encouragement to all students. Assistant Superintendent Bak noted that Ms. Fraser and Princi- pals interview METCO parents before they register a student. OLD BUSINESS WEAPONS POLICY - 2ND VOTE A School Committee member pointed out the correction of "may" in the second paragraph to "will" in both places. Roberta D'Antona moved to adopt the WEAPONS IN THE SCHOOL Policy JGA as drafted and with corrections for a second vote. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. FUNDRAISING POLICY - 2ND VOTE School Committee members advised that under #2 of the Solicitation of Funds the third sentence should read - Permission may be granted and under #3 remove - prior approval to. George Shannon moved to adopt the SOLICITATION OF FUNDS Policy KIA as drafted and with corrections for a second vote. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 29 1992 RENEWAL OF LABOR COUNSEL SERVICES CONTRACT On the recommendation of the Administration George Shannon moved to reappoint Allan Drachman to represent the Reading School Committee as labor relations counsel in FY93 at the proposed rate of $130 per hour. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CAFETERIA PROGRAM PRICE INCREASE On the recommendation of the Administration George Shannon moved to establish a school lunch cost for 1992 -93 for a Class A meal from $1.25 to $1.50. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS CUSTODIAL PROGRAM UPDATE The Superintendent reviewed present custodial and maintenance staff array and reminded School Committee members that the FY93 budget called for a staff reduction of $32,000. Dr. Munnelly proposed using an insured taxi transportation service for injured students at a cost of approximately $8.00 per day. A School Committee member expressed concern regarding the cutting of another custodian and its implication of further deterioration. On the recommendation of the Administration Matthew Cummings moved to not fill the Reading Memorial High School Custodian I, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift vacancy and the recent vacancy created by the retirement of the full time driver Maintenance Level 1 be eliminated and to create a position for a 15 hour a week light duty courier position for the purpose of reducinq workmens comp. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. PRINCIPAL SALARY REVIEW Dr. Munnelly explained the Official Salary Record of Principals, Assistant Secondary Principals and the Director of Pupil Personnel. His recommendation would be to increase the lower end of the scale people. A member questioned how appropriate this discussion in open session was before we would need to go into executive session. The Superintendent advised if the committee wanted to discuss strategies then we would need to go into executive session. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 29, 1992 Timothy Twomey moved to postpone this discussion and to continue discussion at an executive session later this evening. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. Mr. Shannon excused himself from the remainder of tonight's meeting. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS CONDITION OF ROOFS (out of order) The Superintendent stated we have a major crisis on the horizon regarding the roofs at Reading Memorial High School. He noted the high school which was built in two projects 20 years apart, has had some of both the 1952 and the 1972 units re- roofed in the past 10 years. He added an aerial photo of the high school building permits us to view what has been completed and what areas need repair. Dr. Munnelly advised major leaks have appeared in two segments of the 1952 original roofing and that both segments will require new roofs. The Superintendent stated Mike Lombardo, Maintenance Coordinator, has preliminary estimates from roofing companies for the two replacement roofs. In the 1952 third story section an estimate of $52,000 and $85,000 for the industrial arts area. The Superintendent suggested together with School Committee members we need to bring this issue to the community, Selectmen and Town fathers. It was advised that School Com- mittee get in contact with the Capital Planning FinCom sub- committee as soon as possible. BUDGET FY92 - EXPENDITURE UPDATE /REVIEW OF CAPITAL PLAN Chair Philbrick looked over the draft FY93 Budget Capital Outlay Plan that outlined the needs of the schools. Dr. Munnelly stated we need to move as quickly as possible to investigate with Town Fathers how we can appropriate $137,000 plus some engineering or architectural plan, so we can get out to bid for early Spring or this Fall if possible. Chair Philbrick advised that the 1994 Roof Replacement needs to be changed to $137,000 or to consider addressing this issue on an emergency basis. Ms. Philbrick other priorities also need to be addressed to present to the Bonding Committee. Dr. Munnelly pointed out that major renovation needs to get underway at Parker Middle School that is over 70 years old. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 29, 1992 Ms. Philbrick questioned the use of the budget unspent funds. The Superintendent stated there would be an access of $80,000 in the Utilities Fund and he would like School Committee to provide help in making decisions on how to spend this money. The needs Dr. Munnelly asked School Committee to consider are: . Textbooks and Supplies . Reading Memorial High School Computer Lab . Chair Lifts at Coolidge . High School Band Uniforms and Equipment School Committee presented several ideas for each of their preferences for spending all this money towards items on next years budget. A suggestion for Chair Lifts to go on as a bond item in two steps was made and further consideration of some of this money being set aside for Tuition Reimbursement. A member pointed out that the $31,000 for the computer lab and the $7,000 for high school band uniforms and equipment was not in next year's budget. Timo moved to expend from the FY92 unex utility fund $33,000 for Computers and all other remaining monies for texts and supplies. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CAFETERIA PENSION ANALYSIS Dr. Munnelly asked if School Committee could determine what the unfunded pension liability of Cafeteria employees in the retirement system is. The Superintendent advised that a required contribution of 5.4 percent of the payroll is made every year into the pension fund. The Town has purchased an annuity to make up its unfunded pension liability which will back up the pension plan. This will be paid out over a 40 year period of time. Presently we are paying $2,000 for those Cafeteria workers who do not belong to town pension fund to Social Security. A question was raised by a School Committee member as to what the pension type liability costs would be if we got out of the Cafeteria business. The Superintendent replied it would remove $16,000 from Town expenses. Dr. Munnelly listed the present core of health workers get health costs of $38,309.40. A School Committee member suggested that in developing the FY94 budget that the Cafeteria fund be brought over for the next two years into an enterprise account and we should also take into account for the FY94 and FY95 budgets the refurbishing of the cafeteria kitchen. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 29, 1992 Chair Philbick stated we will need to have better information frin the Director of the Cafeteria for the FY94 budget. REORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE - ELECTION OF OFFICERS Barbara Philbrick passed the gavel to the Superintendent so all members could participate in the election of chair positions of the School Committee for 1992 - 1993. For the Chair position, Matthew Cummings placed Barbara Philbrick's name back on to the ballot and Timothy Twomey placed Matthew Cumming's name on the ballot. Ms. Philbrick expressed her enjoyment as Chair person for the School Committee and felt that she had made positive contributions to the committee, but declined the nomination. Dr. Munnelly stated by acclamation Matthew Cummings was elected as the School Committee Boards new Chairman and passed the gavel onto Mr. Cummings. Chairman Cummings complimented Ms. Philbrick for the time she has spent and the even - handedness of discussions that have been conducted. Timothy Twomey nominated Roberta D'Antona and Matthew Cummings nominated Barbara Philbrick for the Vice Chair position. Chairman Cummings closed nominations and a paper ballot was taken. A majority of 4 is required. There were 3 votes for Ms. D'Antona and 2 for Ms. Phibrick. Susan Cavicchi moved to postpone the election of Vice Chair until the July 20th meeting. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURN At 11:20 p.m. Barbara Philbrick moved to adjourn to executive session for purpose of bargaining strategies. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.