HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-10-14 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Reading, Massachusetts
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
OPEN HEARING
OCTOBER 14, 1992
The meeting opened at 7:30 p.m. at the Birch Meadow Elementary
School. All members of the School Committee were present with
the exception of Barbara Philbrick, who was interviewing
candidates for the position of Assistant Superintendent. Also
present was Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle;
Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly arrived later in the course
of the meeting. There were approximately 50 members of the
community attending this meeting.
HIGHLIGHT
Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson introduced staff,
students, and a parent to present Highlights of Birch Meadow's
new CD ROM videodisc technology. The hardware was donated to
the school by Arnold Berger, who was in attendance.
Mr. Davidson introduced Keith Marsione and Elena Weinreb,
students of Grade Four teacher Gaynell Knowlton. The students
read a letter of appreciation and presented letters and a
plaque to Mr. Berger, thanking him for the donation of the CD
ROM player. Birch Meadow Reading Specialist Paul Graveline
and PTO President Chuck Wayne demonstrated the use of
interactive discs containing an encyclopedia, information on
mammals, and a preschool /primary grades language arts program.
Mr. Graveline noted that plans for the year include wiring the
Grade Four and Five wing of the school for telecommunications.
CITIZEN INPUT
Chair Matt Cummings opened up the meeting to comments from
citizens.
Discussion included:
the need for extra classroom space to alleviate over-
crowding, particularly at the Grade Three level at
Birch Meadow;
the role of the School Building Committee (SBC) in
addressing this need;
the possible use of 1992 extra state aid for education
for the purchase of a portable at Birch Meadow;
the procedures and requirements of the state School
Building Assistance Bureau;
. parents' role in advocacy for long -term solutions to
the elementary schools.
Dr. Munnelly noted that Reading's per -pupil expenditure has
historically been below that of surrounding communities and
OPEN HEARING 2 OCTOBER 14, 1992
often below the state average, and that the priority had
always been on instruction, with relatively little spent on
administration and supervision. He pointed to Reading's use
of progressive instruction strategies, parent involvement, and
the high performance of students K -12 as significant accom-
plishments despite having low expenditures. He observed that
the community's tax base was almost entirely residential, and
that the community needed to find ways to broaden the
industrial tax base and lessen the burden on homeowners.
School Committee member and School Building Committee member
Roberta D'Antona noted that a Warrant article had been filed
for November Town meeting requesting funds to reactivate the
design phase activities for SBC. She explained the timetable
for the Building Committee, and urged parents to be involved
with advocacy to press for comprehensive action to improve
school buildings and facilities.
ADJOURNMENT
School Committee Chair Matt Cummings thanked parents and
community members for attending and expressing their concerns,
and noted that the matter of expenditure of 1992 extra state
aid funds would be readdressed at the School Committee meeting
of October 19.
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