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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-01-02 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 2, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of School Commit- tee to order in Reading Memorial High School's Lecture Hall at 7:08 p.m. 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, Business Manager Warren Hopkins and a reporter from the rhrnnie-la_ MINUTES Carol Lyons moved to accept the regular session minutes from December 10, 1990. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS There was no warrant for Bills. PAYROLLS The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: January 4, 1991 - Biweekly - $72,480.66 CITIZEN'S INPUT Reading Memorial High School teacher and President of the Coaches Association Harold Croft read a statement regarding the priorities for the FY92 budget he would like made clear to the Selectmen. Chairman Nissen stated that the Board of Selectmen have not re- ceived any calls from Reading citizens regarding the prioritiza- tion of the budget and urged those present to convey their con- cerns regarding education program and instruction cuts to the Selectmen. The Chairman again reminded the audience that a Public Hearing would be held on January 14th, in which citizens will be given the opportunity to speak and on January 22, 1991 there will be a School Committee meeting to make changes in the budget. N REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 2, 1991 OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY92 Dr. Munnelly began with a brief report of the "State and Condition of School Facilities" which summarized the history of the repair and maintenance of the school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Reading School Committee. The Superintendent presented the costs of the FOCUS Program at Reading Memorial High School, which included the salaries of Director Baker, Teacher Ms. Martin, a clerk, and supplies and materials. It was noted that there are presently 22 students in the program. The Superintendent also shared the Reading Public Schools Fresh- man and Junior Varsity Sports Fact Sheet that was developed in June of 1990. Dr. Munnelly shared information regarding the revised F.Y92 budget and changes that were made at the December 17, 1990 School Commit- tee meeting. He then directed attention to an overview in the lecture hall that principals had suggested regarding staff to be cut under the "drastic cut" budget. Reading Memorial High School Principal Dr. Piechota explained the list for the high school as follows: 1 Guidance Counselor 1 Science Teacher 1 Math Teacher .5 Reading Teacher .5 Technical Education Teacher 1 Technical Education Teacher 1 Business Education Teacher Parker Middle School Principal Dr. Delaney shared the middle schools list that included: 1 Computer Teacher 1 Library Media 1 Reading Teacher 1 Computer Teacher On behalf of elementary principals, Killam Principal Paul Guer- rette's suggestions included: 2 Library Media 2 Physical Education Teachers Dr. Munnelly stated these cuts represent 14 teachers for total amount of $507,500. 1 I REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 2, 1991 Chairman Nissen advised that there was a motion on the floor from the December 17, 1990 School Committee meeting made by George Shannon to eliminate the complete Athletic Program. For discussion purposes Stan Nissen seconded the motion and solicited input from School Committee members and the audience. Members of the committee were unable to support this motion and several citizens from the audience urged taking the "level funded budget" to the town. Peter Greene, RTA President stated that sending the budget back to the town out of balance should be explored as an option and would make a statement that the recommended cuts were impossible. Vice President of the Boosters Damon Black read a letter from Representative Beckwith that stated accreditation at Reading's schools could be jeopardized if the athletic program was elimin- ated. Dr. Munnelly spoke on the probable windfall of $110,000 from the Cafeteria Program, but added a large portion of this money is in programs for retired cafeteria people paying for their health benefits and retirement costs. Dr. Munnelly added that this discussion would follow in an upcoming agenda item. At this point Chairman Nissen asked members if there was further discussion of the motion on the floor and asked for a vote. The motion failed 4 -1. A lengthy discussion continued regarding the budget to be submitted to the Selectmen. CAFETERIA Mary Blake, who represented the School Lunch program, read a statement which highlighted the fact that the program is currently operating with a deficit. Director of the Cafeteria Catherine Cook stated that lunch program costs are presently at a saturation point. Ms. Cook also shared that a lunch program is mandated by the state. FinCom member Nathan White explained the rational of the town subsidizing the School Lunch Program and stated that if monies were moved from the municipal funds to the school department it would be for the purpose to more easily identify costs. Chairman Nissen stated that the salary portions of the budget need to be presently discussed. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JANUARY 2, 1991 George Shannon moved to eliminate the Directors of Fine Arts and Physical Education. Mary Williams seconded the motion Discus- sion continued and it was decided for the purpose of voting to separate the Directors positions. George Shannon moved to eliminate the Director of Physical Educa- tion's position. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. - George Shannon moved to elimnate the Director of Fine Arts posi- tion. Mary Williams seconded the motion Discussion continued. The vote was 3 in favor and 3 opposed. The motion failed. James Nally suggested suspending budget proceedings and to invite the Town Manager, Selectmen and the Finance Committee members to the next School Committee meeting on January 7, 1991, for a round table discussion. Members agreed that in the spirit of cooperation it would be good for them to hear and see the problems the School Committee is facing. Athletic fees then became the topic of discussion. George Shannon moved to restore $50,000 to the Athletic Budget James Nally seconded the motion. Further discussion continued. The vote was 4 in favor and 2 opposed. Discussion continued regarding the budget in preparation for the next School Committee meeting. Barbara Philbrick moved to submit as its official bud the Level Service Budget of $15,152,088. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was 5 in favor 1 opposed. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS ADVERTISING OF OPEN HEARING Dr. Munnelly shared the enclosure C -1 a Notice of a Public Hearing on January 14, 1991, at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Reading Memo- rial High School regarding the School FY92 Budget. OTHER School Committee members suggested an executive session be held before Monday, January 7, 1991 School Committee meeting with Attorney Allan Drachman. Dr. Munnelly added part of the agenda for the next School Committee meeting will include students from the high school to discuss the smoking issue and this meeting would be used to finalize the budget. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JANUARY 2, 1991 SUPERINTENDENT'S ANNUAL BUDGET Dr. Munnelly commented on his annual report and pointed out that there had been muchof good accomplished in the schools during a time of diminishing resources. nVDQnMMVT On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to accept Mary Malloy as a replacement nurse for JoAnn McMahon, effective on January 7, 1991 until June 1992, at the Barrows and Eaton Elementary Schools at the rate of Nurses Step 1. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to accept Elizabeth Fader as a grade 6, Language Arts long term substitute at Parker Middle School effective January 7, 1991 through June, 1991 at the rate of $100 per day. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was un- � ADJOURNMENT A motion to adjourn was made by George Shannon at 10:10 p.m. ` Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ty Robert I Munn ft Ed D. Superintendent of &*0k Secretary To The School ftmg ittee