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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-05-11 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OPEN HEARING MINUTES 11 MAY 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Barbara Philbrick opened the meeting at Barrows School at 7:20 p.m. All members of the Reading School Committee were present. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Robert J. I4unnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Principal Charles Papandreou and approximately thirty parents, and P.T.O. members. Mrs. Philbrick introduced Principal Charles Papandreou who in turn, welcomed the School Committee and introduced P.T.O. President Patricia Keane. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION CONTRIBUTIONS Mrs. Keane spoke of the P.T.O. efforts this year in sponsoring a visit of Japanese students to the schools and sponsoring enrichment programs in such topics as the United States Customs Service, Mountain Climbing, Meterology, Folksinging, Star Lab, the National Park Outreach Program, Georges Island, Singers, and Math Workshops. Enrichment programs and field trips for the school classes were supported by $5,000. Other support given to the school by the parents included: A Multicultural Theme this early spring featured displays from all nations, and parent speakers who represented countries of the world. The Parent Teachers Organization installed new playground equipment and conducted a bicycle rodeo. There were also several gifts of books to the school library. Parent volunteerism in the school was high this year as there were approximately fifty parent volunteers on a weekly basis. HIGHLIGHTS An informative Barrows School Highlights was presented by the third grade teachers and selected third grade students. The Problem Solving Strategies approach used in the mathematics curriculum at the school was demonstrated to the School Committee and parents in attendance. The School Committee members praised the students for their performance. OPEN HEARING MINUTES -2 11 MAY 1992 PUBLIC COMMENT AND QUESTIONS A parent opened the Open Hearing part of the meeting by remarking that schools need to be commended for the quality of effort and the very evident success of programs such as the problem - solving program. A parent commended the Barrows staff for handling student issues well - especially the bicycle safety program. Also, the staff responded be by not turning to a "boys will be boys" attitude when opposite -sex issues happen. A parent asked about the goals of the School Committee and prospects for the future of education in Reading. The School Committee responded by noting that the School Committee must restore as much as possible and continue to work on quality education. Another School Committee member called attention to CARE, the Community Action for Reading Education which is working to support the schools. A discussion was triggered by the comment which asked should the School Committee and parents be optimistic about a reform bill or an override, and the fact that the Reading tax rate, without industry to share the cost, is quite high. A question to the School Committee about federal aid for special education led to discussion about little prospect for additional federal help. Several parents called on the School Committee to take the lead in overcoming community apathy about conditions in the school system. Chairman Philbrick explained how the School Committee works with town officials and that the citizens, not the School Committee, were the only ones who could put an override election in motion. A further comment was that there is a need to convince the Town that the administration of the Reading Schools is cost effective. Matthew Cummings expressed the hope that P.T.O. could call on the School Committee members to come to P.T.O. meetings and tell the school story. Another question focussed on what happens if State Aide is less than the present level of funding. In discussion, the 60 - 40 split between School and Municipal was explained. ADJOURNMENT The Hearing adjourned at 9:10 p.m.