Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-21 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 21, 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Matthew Cummings called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Interim Assistant Superintendent Susan Wheltle, Student Representative Michael Shannon, and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the minutes from the December 7, 1992 meeting. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: December 14, 1992 - Bills - December 21, 1992 - Bills - The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: December 4, 1992 - Teachers - December 18, 1992 - Biweekly - CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT $ 34,179.95 $107,451.56 $417,926.50 $114,340.88 Superintendent Munnelly stated the two students nominated and recommended to him by Reading Memorial High School teachers as outstanding young people are Nathan Meharg and Shannon Rogan. Dr. Munnelly stated that Nathan Meharg, a National Merit Semifinalist, has earned a G.P.A. of 3.51 over his four years at Reading Memorial High School. He added that Nathan, in addition to being a fine student, athlete and artist, is also involved with Athletes for A Healthy Lifestyle, is a Peer Leader and is an usher at his church and member of the youth group there. The Superintendent noted that Nathan also finds time to work, part -time, at Burger King. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 21, 1992 Shannon Rogan, who is also a very excellent student, with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.61, Dr. Munnelly continued, is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, and is on the honor roll every quarter. The Superintendent added that Shannon's busy schedule includes being a member of the varsity cheerleading squad, a peer tutor, a member of the student council and Spanish club. In 1991, she received the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association award for the 1990 -91 MIAA Championship Tennis Tournament and was the recipient of the "Most Spirit Award" for varsity tennis in 1991 -92. Dr. Munnelly noted that Shannon is an accomplished musician and performs with the Community Chamber Orchestra, she is a member of her church youth group, and volunteers her time at the Middlesex Homeless Shelter. The Superintendent stated that these two students are truly the best Reading Memorial High School has to offer. He presented them with a certificate and a small check. The Superintendent advised that the following Reading High School's seniors have been notified of early acceptance: Mike Shannon Phil Vaccaro Owen MacDonald Brian Farrow Aaron D'Antona Greg Smith Julia Mark Kristen Chasse Sean Murphy Debbie Conlan Lauren Pizzotti Shannon Blaney John Paul Lavoie Sarah Thompson Cheryl Wing Emily Marino -Protz Jessica Cook Melanie Nissen GIFTS Harvard Harvard Dartmouth Dartmouth U. Arizona U. Arizona Brown U. Pennsylvania Notre Dame U.R.I., U. Delaware, and Boston College Holy Cross Northeastern U. Earlham College U.N.H. Ithaca College Pennsylvania State Worcester Polytech. University of Hartford Dr. Munnelly thanked Management Solutions President Philip Sanborn for the computer, NEC Power Mate SX Plus that includes a color monitor, mouse, pertinent literature and associated soft -ware, for an approximate retail value of $2,210. Barbara Philbrick moved to thank and accept the computer_ system and software from Management Solutions President Philip Sanborn, for use in the Guidance Programs at Reading REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 21, 1992 Memorial High School. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS (OUT OF ORDER) Timothy Twomey moved to adopt the revisions on Enclosure D -1, Policy CBB, Selection of Principals and Citizen Screening Committee for Administrative Positions for a second vote. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. Chair Cummings thanked the citizens who had contacted him and stated that he believed there is enough responsibilities to safeguard a balance between the School Committee and the Superintendent for the process. The vote was unanimous, 5 -0. SPECIAL EDUCATION TASK FORCE Dr. Munnelly introduced Dr. Alexanian who in turn introduced the other individuals that represent the Special Education Task Force Committee; Ann Saurman, Charles Symonds, Bob McArdle, Sandy Trainor, Robin Hamilton, and Judy LeBlanc. The highlights of the Task Force II Report emphasized: . developing approaches that support learning for all students the importance of the regular classroom teacher . the value of inclusion as a major cornerstone in what drives the special education program . the importance of taking a building level approach to shaping an action plan for creating a professional development plan . the importance of taking action steps After the presentation the School Committee explored and discussed their reactions about the Task Force Report. The School Committee members were positive about the content and direction outlined in the report. One concern focussed on how the priorities identified in the Task Force Report, such as, staff development, central office and school committee involvement, would fit into the existing array of priorities and ongoing initiatives. The consensus of the School Committee members was favorable and they stated they will take the report under advisement. Dr. Alexanian asked for more discussions and hoped they would be followed by action steps. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 21, 1992 A one minute recess was held. OLD BUSINESS (RETURN TO) POLICY ON SELECTION PROCESS FOR ADMINISTRATORS School Committee established that tonight's vote for the policy is technically the first vote. Members stated the original vote, at a previous School Committee meeting, was to begin the process again remains. Dr. Munnelly reiterated the process: . School Committee establish criteria for position A public meeting . New Screening Committee . Advertise the position (Boston Globe, Colleges, and Placement Bureaus) Recommendations by the Screening Committee to the Superintendent by the end of March . Time table for appointment early June Members of the School Committee expressed satisfaction with the Screening Committee and stated that if former members wanted to serve again they would be given that opportunity. Dr. Munnelly reminded the School Committee that the selection process requires a major demand on his time and asked School Committee to keep this in mind, as he has always taken pride in doing things well. OTHER Dr. Munnelly advised that the FY94 Budget needs to be pre- sented to the Town Manager the week of January 18th and stated that another meeting should be scheduled before the Budget Open Hearing on January 11th. School Committee then set up a calendar of dates for their meetings: December 28 School Committee Budget Meeting January 4 Open Hearing at Coolidge January 11 Open Hearing on the Budget January 19 School Committee Meeting with the Reading Memorial High School Student Advisory Committee January 21 Cable Call In Show with the Superintendent and School Committee Members REGULAR SESSION MINUTES BUDGET FY94 DELIBERATIONS DECEMBER 21, 1992 FROM EDUCATION NEEDS TO FINANCIAL PLAN TO MEET NEEDS The Superintendent began with the draft for the Level- Service FY94 Budget and asked School Committee members to study the components tonight and perhaps have further discussion after the Open Hearing on January 4th at Coolidge. Dr. Munnelly stated this draft of the Level- Service Budget includes: Increasing Enrollment Staff (3) $81,000 Portable Classroom (1) 60,000 Retirement Sick Leave Buyback 11,000 (2 teachers) NEASC Accreditation Visit 11,000 Principal "step" increases 5,000 Computer purchases for school programs 50,000 New Electrical Costs for Ballast 12,000 Changeover He noted that there is $21,000 in furniture /classroom and cafeteria to support school programs and added enrollments. Dr. Munnelly continued with FY94 Capital Expenses planned for Warrant Articles, focussing on the $70,000 Roofwork at the high school. He also discussed the $30,000 for the Track Article, $10,000 for each Oil Tank Replacement, the $50,000 for each Gas Conversion Article and $172,000 for the Burner /Boiler Article. The Superintendent pointed out the costs of converting Joshua Eaton as an example and questioned if the Building Committee could include the cost as part of the renovation project with the State paying 2 /3rds. He added the conversion for all schools would total $2,192,800. The Superintendent stated the anticipated revenue for FY94 is $258,000 and proceeded to review the adopted revised FY93 budget of $14,642,427 and the proposed budget $15,705,562 for FY94 for Administration, Regular Day, Special Education, Other Services, Athletics, and Custodial /Maintenance costs. Dr. Munnelly explained the draft budget analysis difference for FY93 and FY94 is a minus $673,135 and that does not include raises. In response to a question about the need for conversion, Dr. Munnelly stated that although the schools have reported that their oil tanks do not have any gasoline leaks, appropriate studies need to be made. The Superintendent added that further discussion on the budget will take place on December 28th and that on the School REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 _ DECEMBER 21, 1992 Committee's recommendation page numbers will be added to the budget. OTHER Dr. Munnelly stated that the final decision on school activities on a Sunday comes down to him. He has asked the band to give him their schedule early this year. He noted that the results of the MEAP exams will be presented on January 19th or 25th. ADJOURNMENT At 10;55 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Roberta D'Antona seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Susan Cavicchi Matthew Cummings Roberta D'Antona Barbara Pnilbricx George Shannon Timothy Twomey