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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-07-27 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JULY 27, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chair Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Superin- tendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Susan Cavicchi, Roberta D'Antona, and Student Representative Michael Shannon who were all expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: July 27, 1992 - Bills - $46,438.72 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: July 24, 1992 - Teachers - $121,414.87 CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly congratulated Reading Memorial High School student Gary Cormier who was chosen as a finalist in the RespecTeen "Straight to Parents" Public Service Announcement (PSA) Competition. Gary was chosen as one of 30 finalists from among 1,000 students nationwide who entered the contest. The Superintendent shared that Gary's PSA suggested that parents support and encourage their children. Dr. Munnelly added that this was wonderful recognition for Gary's extra- ordinary competency in television production. Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that with the help of Chief Marchand and the Town Manager, our plan to have prisoners at the nearby house of correction do some of the school system's painting will be done this summer. Chair Cummings encouraged Reading citizens to continue to send letters in favor of an override to our State Representa- REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JULY 27, 1992 tives. Mr. Cummings advised that Representative Krekorian has informed him that he is in favor of the override. PERSONNEL RESIGNATION Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that Middle School Instrumental Music Teacher Robert Seely has taken a "permanent" instrumental music job in Danvers. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to accept the resignation of the Middle School Instru- mental Music Teacher Robert Seely. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Dr. Munnelly stated that he anticipated a letter from Susan Wood, a Grade 5 teacher at Killam Elementary School, requesting a one year leave of absence. On the recommendation of the Administration, Georqe Shannon moved to grant a one year leave of absence for the 1992 -93 school year to Coolidge Middle School Cafeteria Employee Muriel Hall. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. RECOMMENDATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to appoint Dr. Anthony DiSanzo for the 1992 -93 school year as the Reading Memorial High School Foreign Language Department Head at the Step One rate. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. APPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the Administration the following appointments were made: Susan Cavicchi moved to appoint Leo Cotter to a half time Focus program position at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 1; Susan Killian as a Foreign Language teacher at Parker /Coolidge Middle Schools at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; Kenneth Lundberg as an English teacher at Parker Middle School at the rate of Masters Level 1, Step 1; and Kim Caverly as a full time Foreign Language teacher at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 2 for the 1992 -93 school year. George Shannon seconded the motion. The discussion that followed stated that a 2 /5ths foreign language position was open for REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JULY 27, 1992 the 1992 -93 school year. A request was also made that the resumes of candidates include the exact year(s) of their work experience. The vote was unanimous. The School Committee agreed to give Dr. Munnelly authority to hire any new school personnel between now and their next meeting on August 31, 1992. Dr. Munnelly reminded School Committee members that even though four signatures are necessary for payment on the warrants for payrolls and bills that, if necessary, the Town Accountant will take action while the Superintendent is on vacation for all payments even without signatures. OLD BUSINESS MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT HEADS PROPOSAL Dr. Munnelly reviewed the putback priority list that was adopted by the School Committee in March. He noted that if the $12,000 expenditure for Middle School Department Heads was reinstated then we could reinstate four department heads in each major subject area at each middle school. Dr. Munnelly added if his recommendation was voted, then this could set a precedent. Some suggestions by members included: The Assistant Principals and Principals filling this need A suggestion that had been made by a citizen to increase the stipend and offer the middle school department head positions to high school department heads Having one middle school department head in each area service both schools The urgency of settling this issue so continuity could continue was addressed by another School Committee member. George Shannon moved to reinstate four additional department head positions for the 1992 -93 academic year at each middle school in the amount of $12,000. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. Mr. Shannon stated if this motion passed that the School Committee direct the Administration to look at alternative ways for next year. Discussion continued regarding what disruptions may present themselves and to pursue more information as to involving the high school department heads. The motion failed with a 3 to 3 vote. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JULY 27, 1992 Reading Memorial High School Principal Mirkin stated that to ask the high school department heads to take over additional duties at the middle school level just 10 days before the start of school was a formidable task. Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that he would be meeting with principals at the end of the month and would come back to School Committee with more information at the August 31st meeting. BAND EQUIPMENT NEEDS Dr. Munnelly shared the revised increased band equipment needs report prepared by Dave Bunten and Rena Mirkin. The Superin- tendent stated the additional equipment and uniforms are necessary due to an expected increase in the size of the band, noting that there will be an additional 39 incoming freshmen bringing the band to a total of 94 playing members. On the recommendation of the Administration, Susan Cavicchi moved to spend $7,000 from the FY92 budget; $4,500 to go to instruments and the remaindinq balance to be spent by the band. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. continued. Discussion Susan Cavicchi amended and moved her motion, on the recommendation of the Administration, to spend $7,000 from the FY92 budget; $4,500 to go to equipment expenses and the remaining $2,500 to be spent for band uniforms that are not color guard related. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The discussion that followed with a School Committee member noting that the band participants receive a total of two credits while the color guard is an extracurricular activity. Another member questioned the number of students in an extra- curricular activity. Dr. Munnelly replied the number of participants for each extra - curricular activity for safety reasons and the nature of the sport are considered. He added that we are running a healthy, strong band program without limits and that band parents have stated they would do what ever was necessary to raise monies. The Superintendent was asked what else would be considered a priority right now, and he replied that this was a priority and he was comfortable making the recommendation. The motion carried with a 4 -2 vote. NEW BUSINESS REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT'S PUBLIC MEETING - ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT POSITION The Superintendent stated only one member of the community came to the open hearing regarding the Assistant Superin- REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JULY 27, 1992 tendent's position so therefore he did of ideas from the public to pass on. member advised that another member o later. not have a full array A School Committee f the public came in Dr. Munnelly offered that he had office hours for the public to speak with him today. He stated that he had a few phone calls that were mostly concerned about the search process. SETTING SCHOOL COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT POSITION A Reading citizen stated that an outline for what the Assistant Superintendent's position involves should be provided and asked if job- sharing with other administrators could be considered. Dr. Munnelly highlighted some of the Assistant Superinten- dent's role to include the following: Provides leadership to make sure learning and instruction are carried out to the highest degree Teacher personnel - standards evaluated . Strong curriculum Strong instruction Use of all resources within the system Preparation of Grants . Management function that includes breaking in new people, working with unions, public relations Prepare information for the public so that they can understand what is going on in the schools Staff development A parent asked if it was the Assistant Superintendent's responsibility to be accountable for curriculum to happen. Dr. Munnelly responded by listing some of Ms. Bak's accomplishments with the Science Lab, Computer training, English, and Math where student performance to problem solve was improved and implemented. A School Committee member added that Ms. Bak participated in developing an Elementary Science Curriculum with hands on kits for each grade level and was instrumental in seeing that the elementary curriculum the School Committee developed was implemented. Another School Committee member shared that the Superintendent evaluates the Assistant Superintendent and informs the School Committee of the goals that have been accomplished. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JULY 27, 1992 The Chair advised the Screening Committee will go through the process of making reports to the Superintendent. He stated all Screening Committee meetings are open to the public and that the meetings have to be posted 48 hours ahead but do not need to have recorded minutes. The School Committee members offered some requirements the Screening Committee should consider for the Assistant Super- intendent: Recent administration experience . Classroom or Curriculum Development within the past five years . Experience with the procurement and administration of Federal and Local Grants . A team player, open and receptive, flexible, sensitive to concerns, and able to handle criticism . Experience at all three levels . Good oral and written communication skills Able to speak with community groups Demonstrated ability to achieve goals An advocate for the system, staff, and school committee An understanding that the education system of the com- munity is deep rooted and that change may come slowly Dr. Munnelly thanked the School Committee for their input and stated he would pass these ideas onto the Search Committee. Mr. Cummings advised the Screening Committee will consist of two faculty members, still to be named; one School Committee member, Barbara Philbrick; three citizens and two parents with education background; Marlene Cohen, Gretchen O'Halloran, Maryanne Higgins, Linda Martin and Jay Dumois; and one Admini- strator, Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin, who was asked to be the Chair pro tem until the committee is organized. Mr. Cummings thanked the people who volunteered and added the appropriate letters will be sent. The Superintendent requested Ms. Mirkin to call the first meeting together at the high school as soon as faculty people have been added. He shared that over 50 informational packets have been sent to applicants and that the ad will be in Educa- tion Week August 5, 1992. The consensus of the School Committee was to leave the salary at the $60's range. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JULY 27, 1992 DISCUSSION OF THE INTERIM ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to direct the Administration to engage Susan Wheltle as the Interim Assistant Superintendent beginning August 24 until a future date. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Discussion regarding Wheltle will be filling Wheltle can be flexible per month o the appropriate monthly time Susan in followed. Dr. Munnelly stated Ms. and will be here approximately 10 days r more it necessary. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to pay a per diem salary rate of $250.00 per day to Ms. Wheltle. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion followed. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS CAPITAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS Dr. Munnelly introduced the Coordinator of Maintenance, Mike Lombardo and then began the explanation of the packet on infrastructure needs of the system. The Superintendent noted that the Capital Budget has been formed and we will need help from the Capital Committee being formed by Selectmen and the FinCom. Dr. Munnelly explained that he had also included in the packet on infrastructure needs the computer hardware inventory of the elementary, middle schools, high school and the following in- formation regarding: A. Capital Budget B. State of School Facilities C. 1988 School Needs Report D. Birch Meadow /Eaton Report E. Roof Report F. Relamping Report The Superintendent advised we have 19 oil burners that are 20- 70 years old, that have been repaired and patched many times. He stated he would like to develop a plan that over the next ten years two burners could be replaced each year. Dr. Munnelly also advised that each of the schools have 20 -70 year old in the ground oil tanks that will need to be replaced. He noted that we will be looking into implementing natural gas. The Superintendent added when we have approval of a plan we will have to get into a queue at S.B.A.B. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JULY 27, 1992 School Committee members stated that each school has capital issues that need to be addressed and this is the opportunity to put together a comprehensive prioritized maintenance, renovation and curriculum issue listing. Another member advised this is two separate issues - expansion of school building needs and renovations and for Town Meeting a heating and roof repair plan as a bond issue. Members stressed that we cannot waste any more time and questioned the time frame the - Superintendent was looking at. Dr. Munnelly replied we need to convince the Capital Planning Committee and then the Town fathers that we should be making a bonded improvement plan on the infrastructure over a 10 -20 year period of time. School Committee advised we need to meld down the list when distinctions as to what is bondable are made and then advise the FinCom. Dr. Munnelly stated there is a possibility of three areas that need to be worked on simultaneously: 1. Recommendation that the Building Committee work on the Birch Meadow and Eaton project and to start on the Parker project 2. To work with the Capital Improvement Committee on the roofs, burners and natural gas conversions 3. The urgency of the two pieces of high school roofs and to try to get this done before this winter School Committee members suggested that an identification of what is needed for the 6chools heating system and for future cost of tanks and roofs needs to be supplied. Members also expressed dismay over spending $7,000 on the band when the critical needs of the schools have been so represented. Dr. Munnelly advised that the band money came from the FY92 budget. The consensus of the Committee is to proceed with getting the infrared done on the high school roof moved up and then based on that information we may have to have an emergency plan re- garding roofs. A School Committee member asked that the Capital Outlay Plan be condensed and prioritized. Another member stated we need to go to Town Meeting with the plan for repair over the next five years and then come back with replacements for the next two years. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JULY 271 1992 The Chair asked that decisions need to be made on what is an annual appropriation that no longer can be postponed as opposed to a Capital Debt Expenditure. Mr. Lombardo added that another expense to be considered in- cludes having architects draw up a plan for the high school roof. Dr. Munnelly asked that the Building Committee study the renovations at Parker Middle School along with their study of Eaton and Birch Meadow schools. He stated the three part plan then would be to get on the warrant for the Fall Town Meeting and ask for one of the Coolidge lifts, to develop with the Capital Committee an action plan for working with the major infrastructure problems and separate out the distinction between annual expenditures and Capital Investment expenditures and thirdly call the Building Committee back to action. A School Committee member noted that the Building Committee was still in operation. The School Committee members then asked that Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Lombardo develop, with the assistance of the School Committee, a draft charge that School Committee could put together an overall plan to go to Town Meeting. ADJOURNMENT At 11:02 p.m. George Shannon moved to go to executive session for the purpose of discussion of non union personnel. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Robert D'Antona Barbara Philbrick George Shannon Timothy Twomey Tb, a 1loltrtt 1111�p Ed. D. Superin Wed Of Schools Secretary To The School CommittPP