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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-04-06 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 APRIL 1992 CALL TO ORDER Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon who was expected to arrive later in the evening. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, several teachers and a reporter from the Daily Times Chronicle. School Committee members Robin D'Antona and Susan Cavicchi were introduced by Mrs. Philbrick. This meeting was the first regular business meeting of the School Committee the two recently elected members have attended. MINUTES Corrections to the minutes of March 23, 1992 were noted and made. In the discussion that followed, a decision was made to table a vote to approve the minutes of March 23, 1992 until full School Committee membership was in attendance. Matthew Cummings moved to approve the minutes of March 30, 1992 with corrections in reference to School Calendar topics. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The motion carried unopposed by a vote of 5 - 0. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: March 30, 1992 Bills $57,273.63 April 6, 1992 Bills $64,317.63 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: March 27, 1992 Biweekly $109,464.40 April 3, 1992 Teachers $411,459.03 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no Citizens' Input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly announced that students from Reading Memorial High School had competed in the Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science, sponsored by the Junior Engineering REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -2- 6 APRIL 1992 Technical Society at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell on March 18th. Both the Junior Varsity and the Varsity teams won first place in the competition. The members of the teams are as follows: Junior Varsity - Mark Agami, Bryon Farrow, Jane Fillette, Seth Hoyt, Julia Mark, Emily Marino- Protz, Michael Shannon, and Phillip Vaccaro. Senior team members include Ben Abbott, David Bastiani, Mark Cafazzo, John Griffith, Hillary Holbrook, Tom Lautzenheiser, Yee Fan Sun, and John Vallancourt. Superintendent Munnelly expressed pride in the accomplishment of the students at the high school. The Superintendent noted that Dr. Paul Properzio, a teacher of Latin and the classics at Reading Memorial High School, was elected president of the Classical Association of New England at a meeting held recently. Dr. Munnelly extended congratulations to Dr. Properzio. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak was a presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Commission of Public Elementary Schools. Her topic, Restructuring: Rhetoric to Reality, was timely and well received by an audience comprised of educators in levels of education ranging from Pre -K through post- secondary. Dr. Munnelly called the School Committee's attention to the newsletter of New England Association of Schools and Colleges which outlined specific goals of the restructuring process. Reading students scored extraordinarily well in the recent National History Day competitions. Dr. Munnelly reported to the School Committee that nine student entries were displayed at the Tsongas Center in Lowell in the contest. All nine of the entries won medals and seven won a trip to Washington D.C. in June to represent Massachusetts in competition. On the middle school level a team from each school has earned the right to go to Washington D.C. with their projects. The students from Reading Memorial High School who will represent the state are: Michael Shannon, Asher Cutter, Joel Mellin, Josh Nolan, Justin Nordstrom, Yee -Li Sun, Jay Wilder, Kevin Cavicchi, Matt Fleming, Sharyn Boornazian, Bill Sumner, Cyndi Zorabedian, Heather Wolsey, Bryan Farrow, Phil Vaccaro, and Gary Cormier. Consideration must be given to the impact of attending the competition with no money budgetted. The possibility of obtaining funds through donations and fundraising will be explored. Dr. Munnelly called the Committee's attention to the Application for Admission and the selection process for the R.I.S.E. program to begin at the J. Warren Killam School in the fall, and to the flyer announcing an Open House to be held on April 29, 1992. Applications and information will be disseminated to the community by the Town Newsletter on May 1st, through students to their homes, and through pre- school organizations. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -3- 6 APRIL 1992 The Superintendent directed the Committee's attention to a letter from Alice Lovely, the home ecomonics teacher at Parker Middle School, received at Central Office and distributed to School Committee members. Mrs. Lovely's letter requests that the home economics program be maintained to at least a minimum state in the schools. OTHER Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the financial part of Town Meeting has been postponed until May. Communication will be forthcoming shortly concerning presentation of the Reading School Committee budget. VISITORS Chair Barbara Philbrick noted that several teachers were in the audience. Assistant Superintendent Bak introduced Susan Fritz, Sally Mucica, Peter Greene, and Bill Carne. Susan Fritz, Chair of the Exemplary Teachers Selection Committee announced that due to the fact the Selection Committee was unable to determine a fair process to select the most appropriate recipients for the award, the Selection Committee advised that no award be given this year. Ms. Fritz read a prepared statement outlining changes in which the process would have allowed teachers from each school to select colleagues considered most worthy of the exemplary teacher awards. The Selection Committee has sought input from fellow teachers as to their recommendations for a selection process. Despite several meetings to clarify criteria, teachers have opted not to confer exemplary awards this year. Ms. Fritz cited the generousity and good will of philanthropist Arnold Berger and extended appreciation on behalf of the Selection Committee. She expressed hope that through a renewed cooperation effort in the future, Reading would continue to recognize exemplary teachers in years to come. PERSONNEL Assistant Superintendent Lynn Bak shared with the Committee a list of eight teachers recommended by the administration to be awarded tenure contracts. She noted that all have survived three years of "pink slips," have received comprehensive evaluations and that their contributions have been assessed. The teachers are: Dawn Avery, Marie Kiley, Katherine Maglio, Jill Mayberry, Elena Rauci, Lauren Singleton, Catherine Woods, and Stacey Katz. Matthew Cummings moved on the recommendation of the administration that the teachers, as listed on the enclosure C - 2 page one, be granted 4th tenure contracts for the 1992 -93 school year. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5 -0. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -4- 6 APRIL 1 -992 A list of teachers recommended for reappointment for the 1992 -93 school year and highly evaluated by the administration was presented to the School Committee. Teachers recommended are: Deborah Colageo, Dawn Greenwood, Susan Hennessy, Alan Mosier, Meredith Benfer, Suzanne Charland, Mary Johnston, Karen Macari, Joan McKinnon, Frances Tully, Paula Cotreau, Jean Ferguson, Todd Harrison, William MacIndewar, Jill Piantedosi, and Deborah Reinemann. Timothy Twomey raised a question whether the School Committee places itself in a predicament if the sixteen teachers are granted reappointment and the School Committee budget is not level funded at Town Meeting. If the budget is not level funded legal complications may be possible. Mr. Twomey suggested it might be advisable not to renew the contracts, but let the teachers know that the reason is uncertainty pending Town Meeting acceptance of the level funded budget. During discussion by School Committee members, a suggestion was made that a letter of non - appointment, accompanied by a letter stating a recommendation for reappointment, when times are certain and the budget is passed, be sent to the sixteen teachers listed on Enclosure C -2, page 2. Dr. Munnelly agreed that the Committee is vulnerable under the circumstances and a more appropriate motion would be for non - renewal with an offer to rehire without delay when the budget is level funded. Matthew Cummings moved not to recommend reappointment of the teacher contracts as listed on enclosure C -2, page 2 for the 1992 -93 school year until a time when the School Committee is more certain that the level funded budget has been accepted. Timothv Twomey seconded the motion. Matthew Cummings recommended to make part of his motion that a letter of non - appointment, accompanied by a letter outlining a recommendation for reappointment was in order, but reappointment would not be made until times are certain and the budget passed. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 - 0. Assistant Superintendent Bak informed the Committee that as a result of reorganization, and although highly regarded by the administration, a motion for non - renewal of contracts for two teachers at Reading Memorial High School, Kimberly Caverly and Erika Everett was in order. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -5- 6 APRIL 1992 The Assistant Superintendent also noted that Robert Seely, middle school instrumental teacher, is also recommended for non - renewal due to budget constraints. Ms. Bak will be meeting shortly with parents in the hope of designing a fee structure to fund the services of the instrumental postion. On the recommendation of the administration, Matthew Cummings moved that contracts for Kimberly Caverly, Erika Everett, and Robert Seely not be renewed for the 1992 -93 school year. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5 - 0. Reduction -in -force action was advised by the administration for three teachers, all tenured, and in all three cases nineteen and more years of teaching experience have been accrued. Although high in seniority, all three are the least senior in their curriculum areas. On the recommendation of the administration, Matthew Cummings moved reduction -in -force action be taken for Ruth Hood, Russell Morris, and Sandra Osborne. Susan Cavicchi seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5 - 0. In further discussion, it was affirmed that a letter of appreciation would be sent to the teachers who have been reduced in force and offers of support in obtaining positions in other school districts would be given by the administration. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET Chair Barbara Philbrick informed the School Committee that budget information would be distributed at Town Meeting. Mrs. Philbrick opened discussion regarding methods of presentation of the budget to Town Meeting members and welcomed directives as to updating the Budget Message as level funded to the monies appropriated for the coming year. In discussion, the consensus of the Committee was that the Budget Message be updated to convey that the budget is level funded, but not level service. The community should be aware that reductions in staff have been necessary to level fund the budget. In the reduction -in -force action, three teachers with extensive service have been non - renewed. Matthew Cummings commended the administration on the preparation of the budget package and stated that the detail was impressive. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -6- 6 APRIL 1992 The Committee agreed to include in the packet which will be made available to Town Meeting members: 1. an updated Staff and Enrollment report with projections for 1992 -93 and clarification of the number of special education students added to this section; 2. the updated sheet "Budget Cuts Since September 1989 "; 3. numbers of reduction in support staff during the past three years to be added to the bottom of the Staff Count ]_ist; 4. revolving accounts itemized to show the projected balance as of June 1992; 5. an updated Capital Outlay list to indicate the schools are not spending in the area of Capital Outlay in the community; 6. the most recently revised "putback" list. OTHER Chair Philbrick informed the School Committee that the Band Parents have included an article (Article 29) on the Town Warrant. The article, not previously shared with the School Committee or the Finance Committee, requests Town Meeting to appropriate $25,000 for Band needs such as uniforms and instruments. If Town Meeting approves the petition article request, the proponents determine where the funds will come from; a transfer from available funds or free cash. Mrs. Philbrick requested suggestions from the School Committee as representation of their views. The School Committee members were displeased that the Band Parents had not approached the Committee with this request. The consensus of opinion was non - support by the School Committee for Article 29 especially in light of the fact that the Committee has had to reduce in force several members of the teaching staff. PER PUPIL EXPENDITURES Preliminary per pupil expenditure comparisons were shared by Dr. Munnelly. He informed the Committee that changes and a more detailed report on state averages will be given at a future date. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -7- INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SCHOOL COMMITTEE SPRING AGENDA CALENDAR 6 APRIL 1992 In a discussion of the School Committee Meeting and agenda calendar, it was noted that it will be necessary to add dates; some based on the schedule of Town Meeting. The Instrumental Music evaluation will take place on June 1, 1992. Also, future meetings will outline a superintendent evaluation process, possibly during the summer. Timothy Twomey suggested informal informational sessions to be held on Saturday mornings as a helpful process to brief the new members. firs. Philbrick will contact the members to talk about dates. An Executive Session breakfast meeting will be held with the School Committee and Attorney Allan Drachman on April 16, 1992 at 7:15 a.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. SCHOOL /BUSINESSS PARTNERSHIP Superintendent Munnelly shared with the Committee an offer made by a local business consultant, Gail Cerra, who has received support from the Reading Chamber of Commerce in an effort to form a School /Business Partnership. Dr. Munnelly added that more information would be available to the ._. School Committee in less than a month. The partnership would link the Reading Schools, students, teachers, parents, and local businesses together for greater productivity. There would be ongoing communication between the groups, enable the school department to tap into a pool of people and resources for career day for students in the schools, assist students with apprenticeships, and serve as an enrichment for students through perspectives shared by the business people. Although the schools have used the resources of the business community through the years, this arrangement would help form more productive ties and establish rappport on a more permanent basis. 350 ANNIVERSARY STEERING COMMITTEE Dr. Munnelly announced that former School Committee member Mary Williams has volunteered to serve as a liaison between the Town of Reading 350th Anniversary Steering Committee and the School Committee. He expressed hope that the schools will be involved as they were in the Bicentennial Celebration as it is an important part of student lives to be part of the celebration in 1994. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -8- OTHER 6 APRIL 1992 Chair Barbara Philbrick informed the School Committee that graduation ceremonies will be held on June 7, 1992. Two members of the School Committee participate annually to assist the Superintendent confer diplomas and awards. Mrs. Philbrick will attend this year and Mr. Shannon has volunteered to serve. OUT OF ORDER MINUTES Matthew Cummings reminded the School Committee the minutes of March 23, 1992 had been tabled for a vote later in the evening. As full School Committee membership was now in attendance, Matthew Cummings moved the minutes of March 23, 1992 be approved as ammended. Georqe Shannon seconded the motion which passed unanimously. George Shannon moved that the meeting be adjourned from Open Session. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned on a vote of 6 -0.