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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-02-10 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER FEBRUARY 10, 1992 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 Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Stanley Nissen moved to approve the minutes of January, 21, 1992 and January 27, 1992. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. There was discussion regarding the privatization of the Cafeteria and Custodians and the correction was acknowledged. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: January 27, 1992 Bills $41,033.10 January 31, 1992 Bills $42,005.47 February 10, 1992 Bills $55,698.67 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: January 24, 1992 Teachers $411,132.60 February 7, 1992 Teachers $408,244.54 January 31, 1992 Biweekly $102,645.34 CITIZEN INPUT Birch Meadow PTO President Denise Gallagher advised the School Committee that approximately 70 surveys concerning standardized testing for students at Birch Meadow Elementary School were returned with 60 -65 parents responding in favor of the testing. Ms. Gallagher stated that Arnold Berger had offered to fund the testing across the town. Dr. Munnelly responded that this was a generous offer from Mr. Berger. The Superintendent stated that the cost figures from Psychological Corporation are within the $6.50 range for each student. The Chair requested that the Administration have more information by the March 10th School Committee meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 10, 1992 GIFTS On the recommendation of the Administration Stanley Nissen moved to accept and thank the Electric Mutual Group of Beverly for the donation of supplies to the Preschool Special Needs class at the Killam School, and to extend thanks to Geraldine McKenna for her efforts in this endeavor. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Chair Philbrick requested that the Administration compile a list of all gifts given to Reading schools during the 1991 -92 school year by the end of June, 1992. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly recognized Reading Memorial High School Students of the Quarter who had been chosen by the faculty for their achievements and contributions to the excellence and quality of the life of the school and its community as follows: Jeremy Piper, '92 Whitney Hodson, '93 Doug Crowley, '92 Renee Becker, '95 Emily Marino - Protz, '93 Tracy Cummings, '92 Patricia Osborne, '95 Sharyn Boornazian, 193 Mark Erelli, '92 Beth Plansky, '92 Carrie Bither, '92 David Zaya, '94 Marianne Malone, '92 Katie LeCain, '92 Patrick Glennon, 194 English Award Social Studies Award Math Award Science Award Foreign Language Award Business Award Physical Education Award Visual Arts Award Principal's Award Leadership Award Service Award Athletic Award Home Economics Award Music Award SEEM Award The Superintendent informed the School Committee and audience that Coolidge Middle School students will be producing "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" on February 13th and 14th. Dr. Munnelly shared information from the Northeast Consortium for Staff Development's, seventh annual Teachers Sharing Conference to be held at the Northeast Metro Vocational High School February 26th. PERSONNEL ACTION There were no personnel issues to be discussed at this meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES OLD BUSINESS REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS FEBRUARY 10, 1992 Chair Philbrick reported that she and Dr. Munnelly have met with the Town Manager, the Chairmen of the Finance Committee and Selectmen to review the Town Budget and discuss ways to address the shortfalls of the Town and School budget. Ms. Philbrick advised that the shortfall for the Town represents considerable loss because of low interest rates. - Dr. Munnelly stated that an additional $650,000 in funding from the Town will level fund the school budget for next year. The budget amounting to $14,842,072 builds in step increases, special education increases, and the deficit of the revolving funds used last year. The Superintendent went on to explain the new budget shortfall for the school budget is $446,645. REVIEW OF PUTBACK PLAN Dr. Munnelly presented the enclosed version of the Putback Plan previously given to the School Committee members. He noted that a minor change in the list moves the middle school technology education teacher higher up on the list. On the recommendation of the Administration, Stanley Nissen moved to approve the following cuts amounting to $322,645: .5 high school home economics teacher, one middle school home economics teacher, uniform allowance, reduction of private tuition special education account by $55,645, 1.5 Director's positions (one fine arts, one -half physical education), one custodial supervisor, a one year moratorium on tuition reimbursement, reduction of special education professional development, and reorganization of grades 6 -12 department heads. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was five in favor and one abstention. Chair Philbrick directed the Administration to take the $45,000 cost of health benefits for cafeteria workers out of the budget since those costs will be supported by cafeteria receipts. Stanley Nissen moved to increase the Activity Fee from $15 to $25 which would bring in approximately $8,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote failed two to four. Discussion followed with Dr. Munnelly stating that the revenue gained from the collection of the current $15 activity was not listed in the budget. This will be added to reduce the deficit by $12,000. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 10, 1992 Discussion continued regarding aide time and the following suggested cut was made: Matthew Cummings moved to cut the high school aide time by $8,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor and 1 opposed. _Matthew Cummings moved to reduce a .5 High School FOCUS Teacher position by $20,000. George Shannon seconded the motion. Dis- cussion followed with School Committee members reiterating that more FOCUS students need to be mainstreamed into rogular class- rooms with more guidance and counseling services provided by the high school. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. Stanley Nissen moved to cut one Physical Education teacher for $35,000. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. There was further discussion noting that Grades 4 and 5 presently have only one physical education period per week. The vote failed with 2 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 abstention. Stanley Nissen moved to delete the Middle School Technology Edu- cation Teacher position for $40,000. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. Stanley Nissen moved to adjust the high school aide cut by adding $2,000 to the original cut, to a new total of $6,000. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS (out -of- order) Dr. Munnelly asked Reading School Committee's Drug and Alcohol Advisory Council Representative Matthew Cummings to highlight information regarding the activities of the Task Force and how grant monies were contributing to the community. Mr. Cummings first introduced and thanked the Prevention Education Coordinator, from the Reading Health Department, Jane Fiore. He gave recognition to other members of the Council, Ben Hartshorn, Reva Kleppel, Gaynell Knowlton, Al LaHood, Patricia Donnelly, Lt. Robert Silva, Camille Visconti, Robert Bennett, Katie Parsons, Jamie Jamgochian, Phil Dolan, Amy Wettergreen, Angela Doughty, Lorraine Salter, Stacy Lombardo and to the subcommittee Patricia Donnelly, Camille Visconti, and Amy Wettergreen. Mr. Cummings acknowledged other Task Force Members, Dr. Robert Munnelly, former School Committee member Carol Lyons, parents Vincent D'Antona, Kathyrn Jones, Christine Mahoney, teachers Ed Bryson, and Dan Barry, Secretary Human Services from Rep. Beckwith's office. Mr. Cummings outlined the booklet, "A Parent's Guide to Substance Abuse Prevention", that not only gives suggestions for parents on recognizing the problem, but police procedure, school policies on substance abuse, referrals and hotlines, Reading High School Peer Leaders and Students Against Drunk Driving goals, and general awareness information about drugs. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 10, 1992 Ms. Fiore stated the Drug Free Grant will expire next year. Ms. Fiore stressed the importance of continuing to keep the com- munity aware; to continue to work as a life net for the students; and to measure rewards through the kids and their enthusiasm. For the community's information, Ms. Fiore shared that the Reading Alcohol and Drug Advisory Council had also prepared a brochure, "A Parents' Guide for a Drug -Free Community ". Members of the School Committee thanked Mr. Cummings and Ms. Fiore for all the hours involved in this effort. CALENDARS The Superintendent advised that school calendars are set this time each year and recommended traditional calendars for school years 1992 -93, 1993 -94 and 1994 -95. Stanley Nissen moved to accept the traditional 1992 -93, 1993 -94, and 1994 -95 calendars as outlined on enclosure E -1 with the Teacher Inservice Day changed to the day following Martin Luther King day. Mary Williams seconded the motion. Discussion continued. Georae Shannon moved to amend the 1992 -93 openina date to September 1 for teachers and September 2 for students, thus adjusting the closing of the school year to June 23 for students and June 24 for teachers. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote carried with 4 in favor and 2 opposed. The vote for the main motion was unanimous. SUMMER SCHOOL Assistant Superintendent Bak shared the memo from the Director of Summer School Jeff Cryan that was sent to all teachers regarding the Reading Public Schools Summer School Enrichment Program. Ms. Bak informed the School Committee that this is the third summer the self supporting enrichment programs have been offered. Ms. Bak shared that last year the "Science is Elementary" course designed by Dave Williams and taught by him, Wendy Small, and Lauren Singleton was very enthusiastically received by students and parents. Ms. Bak stated that to date the staff have offered to teach the following enrichment courses; elementary sketching, study skills for both elementary and middle schools, middle school acting, science lab experiments, history, and foreign language. It is anticipated that additional teachers will offer their services to expand the course selections for the upcoming summer session. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 FEBRUARY 10, 1992 It is hoped that Reading parents take advantage of these wonderful offerings for their children. Registration will be taking place in late spring through a well publicized effort. CAFETERIA REPORT Dr. Munnelly shared that the Director of the Cook has advised that the lunch program is condition than originally anticipated. included the cafeteria statement for Decembe date figures, and each schools participation lunch days in December. Cafeteria Catherine in better financial The Superintendent r 1991, the year to figures for the 14 School Committee requested that Ms. Cook include account balances in the future reports of the lunch program. OTHER Chair Philbrick advised that the Reading Aides Association will be ready to negotiate after March lst. School Committee members stated negotiations should start after the election so time can be given to the School Committee to reorganize and appoint members to serve on various groups. ADJOURNMENT At 10:20 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respecffully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. Q. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee