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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-05 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OCTOBER 5, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Central y' Office Conference Room. All members were present with the ��" exception of Susan Cavicchi, Student Representative Michael Shannon, and George Shannon, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle, Selectwoman Sally Hoyt, and a reporter from the Chronicle. t MINUTES GIFTS Barbara Philbrick moved to accept and thank SteDhen Hines, a parent at the Barrows School, who donated an Apple IIe computer, dual disk drive, monitor and Imagewriter to Barrows; and Robert Ward for a generous donation to purchase .a educational materials at the Killam School. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly by- passed the Superintendent's report and proceeded to personnel issues. z There were no minutes for approval. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: .: September 28, 1992 - Bills - $56,878.04 >, October 5, 1992 - Bills - $105,367.42 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: • �-� � September 18 1992 - p Teachers - $414,796.16 October 2, 1992 - Teachers - $427,136.44 ' q September 25, 1992 - Biweekly - $108,262.74 CITIZEN'S INPUT 1` There was no citizen's input. Dr. Munnelly took this time to welcome Sally Hoyt, the Selectmen's liaison to the School Committee. GIFTS Barbara Philbrick moved to accept and thank SteDhen Hines, a parent at the Barrows School, who donated an Apple IIe computer, dual disk drive, monitor and Imagewriter to Barrows; and Robert Ward for a generous donation to purchase .a educational materials at the Killam School. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly by- passed the Superintendent's report and proceeded to personnel issues. z REGULAR SESSION MINUTES PERSONNEL OCTOBER 5, 1992 The Superintendent extended a welcome to the newly hired members of the Cafeteria Staff and Custodial Staff: Deborah Drauschke Susan Kramer Joan Stearns Cheryl Bucknam Gloria Cormier William Martin LEAVE OF ABSENCE Reading Memorial High School Parker Middle School Parker Middle School Barrows Elementary School Barrows Elementary School Custodial Staff On the recommendation of the Administration, Barbara Philbrick moved to grant a one year medical leave of absence to Coolidge Middle School clerical aide Estelle LaPerchia. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. RECOMMENDATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration, Barbara Philbrick moved to appoint Department Heads to the Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools for the 1992 -93 school year on the Steps as described on Enclosure C retroactive to September 3, 1992. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. A question regarding how the steps were determined was raised. Dr. Munnelly explained that the steps reflect years of service in the position. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration, Timothy Twomey moved to appoint Susan Redgate to the full -time Reading teacher position at Coolidge at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1 effective October 7, 1992 and Susan Sullivan to the half -time Reading teacher position at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 3 effective October 13, 1992. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Discussion regarding Athletic Director Jack White's position and responsibilities pursued. George Shannon moved, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the Athletic Director's position be recast as 70% directorship time ratio and 30% teaching time as outlined on Enclosure C. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion supported the circumstances with the need to revisit this proposal again before the spring season along with a plan to also revisit other directorships. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 OCTOBER 5, 1992 VISITORS Dr. Munnelly introduced Catherine Hsu from the Chinese Culture Connection (CCC) , who in turn, introduced other representa- tives from the group. Ms. Hsu made the presentation of CCC's hands -on workshops via slides. Some of the slides demonstrated students writing Chinese characters, studying Chinese currency, painting, playing games with yarn and string, making paper ornaments and lanterns. Dr. Munnelly proposed that the Chinese Culture Connection be allowed to use the High School Data Processing area as an office. In return the Reading School Department will receive ten workshops for teachers or students. George Shannon moved to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent for office space for the Chinese Cultural Con- nection. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding how the need for a Custodian on evenings and Saturdays would be handled. Dr. Munnelly explained that the CCC would pay separately for evening custodial time if a custodian was not already on duty. The vote was unanimous. OTHER Chairman Cummings stated that the Superintendent should go on with contract obligations of tuition reimbursements. Barbara Philbrick moved to remove Tuition Reimbursement from the putback list and to take the monies needed from the FY93 budget. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Chairman Cummings reviewed the draft language of the School Committee Goals. Mr. Cummings stated he would meet with three members of the Capital Sub - Committee on November 10th. George Shannon moved to adopt the School Committee Goals for 1992 -93 as outlined on enclosure D -1. Timothv Twomev seconded the motion. A correction to add the word "plan" to the end of the first line in the third paragraph was suggested. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly added that the School Committee Goals will be placed on the back of the Reading School Committee Welcomes You To Its Meetings program. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS OCTOBER 5, 1992 The Superintendent noted enrollment numbers, bringing attention to the two -year increased difference in the elementary schools. ELEMENTARY ENROLLMENT AND CLASS DISTRIBUTIONS 1993 -94 TO 1995 -97 Dr. Munnelly stated the original projections of the Ensminger Report have been reasonably close to actual results and so we will continue to rely on them. The Superintendent noted that there will be a downturn of Kindergarten enrollments in the next couple of years but that it would not significantly change the total number of students in the Reading schools. The largest burden remaining is in the Birch Meadow School. Dr. Munnelly explained the two ways we can create space for elementary classrooms as follows: 1. At Killam, convert the elementary Hi D assembly area to a classroom. He noted that one of the two Hi D areas is already the school's Special Educa- tion Resource Room. 2. Add a new portable /classroom to the Birch Meadow site. Plan A would entail three new portables and Hi D conversion. Plan B calls for two new portables and Hi D conversion. Plan C calls for one new portable at Birch Meadow. Plan D is to stay with present facilities. For short term and long range planning, School Committee members began discussion of the four detailed charts, labelled A to D included in Enclosure D -2, Elementary Enrollment Studies 1993 -1994 to 1996 -1997. Birch Meadow's Principal, Mr. Davidson, advised that the charts demonstrated the impact of adding space and teachers versus doing nothing. The other elementary principals who had participated in this study introduced themselves; Charles Papandreou from Barrows, Don Farnham from Eaton, and Paul Guerrette from Killam. Dr. Munnelly advised that School Committee may not want to consider redistricting - because that would only move the REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 OCTOBER 5, 1992 overcrowding from one area to another. He also added that only kindergarten bussing has been considered in these scenarios. Chairman Cummings asked how the additional facilities would affect peripheral services. Dr. Munnelly replied a major strain is being placed in the areas of library, Chapter I, computer and the cafeteria. Mr. Cummings questioned why we continue to add METCO students into the first grade when we are having a hard time taking care of Reading's children. Dr. Munnelly stated that when older METCO students graduate or leave Reading that it is then wiser educationally, to add students at the primary level. Selectwoman Sally Hoyt noted that the recommended. Ms. Hoyt provided the . Central Kindergarten . Redistricting Capital Sub Committee have a advise of costs and expenses A long range plan of costs - Application for a two thirds State Building Account Bureau band aid approach is not following choices: professional builder to no less than 5 years reimbursement from the School Committee members began discussion of alternatives to the available funds, noting the space needs at Birch Meadow and Eaton, bussing at Killam and Birch Meadow, and the maintenance needs at Parker -all of which impact the entire education system. Members expressed commitment to keep low student /teacher ratios, especially at the elementary level. Margaret Cowell, a member of the School Building Committee (SBC) , stated we could be put into another category with SBAB if we install the portable now. Eaton's Principal Farnham, who also is the Co -chair of the SBC, stated we are currentlyin line with the SBAB updated enrollments for the State and that enrollment figures for the next 10 years need to be projected. George Shannon moved to appropriate $58,000 of the available $96,000 uncommitted funds as from the state education aid monies for a portable at Birch Meadow. Barbara Philbrick_ seconded the motion. The vote failed on a 3 -2 vote. Chairman Cummings asked Principal Farnham if the SBC could provide the School Committee with more information by November 15th. Mr. Farnham replied that a good date would be mid - December in order to formulate a budget and provide a worthwhile plan. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 OCTOBER 5, 1992 Dr. Munnelly added that if the budget is level funded, class sizes will still need to be addressed. School Committee member Ms. Philbrick spoke in regard to the request from high school parents for reduced bus fees. Barbara Philbrick moved to reduce the senior high bus fees by $3,000. George Shannon seconded the motion. The motion passed with a 4 -1 vote. Chairman Cummings suspended discussion on the remaining issues. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS (out -of- order) LEARNING OUTCOMES Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle informed the School Committee that all teachers in the Reading school system have had a hand in the Learning Outcomes project that was initiated by the former Assistant Superintendent, Lynn Bak. It was noted that Ms. Bak wanted to have written curriculum learning outcomes for math, social studies, language arts, science, health, computer education, the arts, physical education, business, home economics and technology education. Ms. Wheltle turned the program over to Dr. Chris Redford, who stated 5 years ago the department heads and curriculum chairs met and designed goals for K -12, and from there they went on into groups to write the student outcomes. Dr. Redford's presentation included the K -5 Math curriculum. She noted that the goals of the outcomes would be carried out throughout the grades, emphasizing consistency among schools. She noted that the focus of the math program was in line with the National Council of Math Teachers and the California Framework. Parker Middle School Department Head for Social Studies Todd Harrison represented work done by Social Study groups at the Parker and Coolidge Schools. Mr. Harrison stated that the outcomes are a valuable tool for new teachers, experienced teachers teaching new courses in the Social Studies area, and as an aid for teachers to provide similar information to each grade area. He added that they are constantly trying to coordinate between both middle schools so that the high school teachers will know what to expect from their students. High School English Department Head Kathryn Montejunas echoed the previous teachers' comments. Ms. Montejunas stated that the philosophy, goals and performance evaluations for each subject area were used as a basis in developing the Outcomes. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 OCTOBER 5, 1992 Ms. Montejunas went on to say that now each department needs to assess what they have produced and before the NEASC evaluation they need to have more self evaluation. She added it is good to have the curriculum outcomes in writing so weaknesses and strengths can be evaluated. Ms. Wheltle advised that one important phase has been completed and now it can be used as a tool to develop our own assessments. She noted the frameworks provide consistency of expectations for everyone. Ms. Wheltle asked that the PTO be made aware that the outcome information is available at the school libraries. NEW BUSINESS (out of order) VOTE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY Dr. Munnelly advised that requirements of the New England Association for Colleges and Schools, our regional accrediting agency, are that the School Committee, by vote accept the Reading Memorial High School philosophy. George Shannon moved approval of the high school philosophy as presented on Enclosure -4. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. CAFETERIA LUNCH PROGRAM POLICY (out of order) George Shannon moved to approve the Cafeteria Lunch Program Policy as shown on Enclosure -2. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS (out of order) REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE Barbara Philbrick reported that the Search Committee met several times last week and that interviews will begin on Thursday, October 8. They will be ready to give the Superin- tendent their list of 6 candidates on schedule and he in turn will narrow the list down to 3 candidates by November 16th. OTHER Dr. Munnelly stated that there would be an Open House at the Cable television studio on October 7th at 7 p.m. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING CALENDAR INCLUDING NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL HEARINGS Dr. Munnelly presented the Fall School Committee meeting calendar that includes open hearings at Birch Meadow, Reading REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 OCTOBER 5, 1992 Memorial High School, Eaton, and Coolidge Middle Schools. He also noted that there would be Cable Call -In shows in October and January, an Open Forum on School Choice is also scheduled in December. The Superintendent also outlined the School Committee Agenda Calendar for 1992 -1993. EXPENDITURE PLAN FOR STATE AID (continued) George Shannon moved to expend $10,000 for the professional staff's development on Curriculum and Assessment. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. There was further discussion regarding projected uses of this money. Dr. Munnelly said that developing assessment strategies would be a prime topic. A question was raise as to the length of the process; Dr. Munnelly replied 5 -6 years. Ms. Philbrick added it is a 3 step process; write the curriculum, implementation, and assessment. Ms. Wheltle stated what is reflected in the outcomes may show some new curriculum that needs to be iincluded. Implementa- tion and assessment go hand in hand. Dr. Munnelly advised lots of work has to be done and as an example $10,000 would provide 20 teachers working one week on various projects. The vote was unanimous. Roberta D' Antona moved to use $25,000 of the uncommitted funds to enable the School Building Committee to proceed with the necessary architectural plan. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion followed that stated professional assessments are needed to move along to make the June 1 deadline of the School Building Assistance Bureau. It was noted that we need to find out what can be eligible for reim- bursement and ask Town Meeting to give us a sense of support before we spend significant money for design. Dr. Munnelly replied that we need to find potential ways to fund the renovations we need. We need to get into the queue and get into agreement with the Town to bond. Eaton's Principal Farnham stated once we are approved by the SBAB we will move up the line with the State and eventually get 2 /3rds reimbursement. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 OCTOBER 5, 1992 School Committee questioned if we should spend the $25,000 now or wait to get a sense of Town Meeting and then come back to School Committee with a program of what the school system needs. The motion failed with a 1 -4 vote. TOWN WARRANT ACTION Dr. Munnelly stressed getting in line for the building program and putting on the Town Warrant the raising of monies in support of revising existing plans for the Birch Meadow and Eaton Schools and including the Parker in the project. George Shannon moved to have an article placed on the warrant to request $35,000 for architectural studies. Robert D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. COMPUTERS FOR SCHOOL OFFICES Chairman Cummings discussed the need for funding the adminis- trative computers for each school. He advised he had attended a meeting of Principals and school secretaries that clearly indicated that our equipment is inadequate for what it is being asked to do. George Shannon moved to appropriate $18,000 for new computers in each of the school offices. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion continued noting that because of cut backs in labor, new computers will help make school systems run more efficiently. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly agreed to plan to spend $62,000 of the uncommitted monies as a Capital expenditure, so we may go ahead and apply for the $363,000 with the State. George Shannon moved that the Superintendent be instructed to place the remaining $62,000 into a Capital Code for expenditure with no allocation at this time for actual dollars. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated for the Town Warrant numbers on the high school roof and architectural fees should be $143,000 and for the chair lifts at Coolidge a total of $31,000. George Shannon moved to confirm that action. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 10 OCTOBER 5, 1992 NEW BUSINESS (continued) REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT EVALUATION SUB - COMMITTEE School Committee member Ms. D'Antona explained revising the time line for the Superintendent's Evaluation, early January with a mid -year evaluation in June, stating this would better serve the purposes of the School Committee. She presented the rationale for this change as follows: 1. The budget is developed in January, and issues of salary need to be considered at this time; 2. There is a current, sitting School Committee that has a history of working with the Superintendent and therefore is in a position to evaluate the Superintendent based on direct experience; 3. The current evaluation and goal setting is not tied to the school calendar; 4. Goals can be accomplished in any given length of time and can be reviewed accordingly; and 5. Goals can be either current or on- going. Ms. D'Antona stated the goals are to be reviewed first in terms of general goal setting, then in terms of specific strategies, activities and benchmarks. Chairman Cummings agreed to place on the next agenda for further discussion and as a first policy vote. ADJOURNMENT At 11:45 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Barbara Philbrick George Shannon Timothy Twomey R tt 1. andyl Ed. D. Superiniaide d Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee