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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-02-25 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 25, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of the School Committee to order in the Central Office Conference Room at 8 :40 p.m. All members were present with the exception of Carol Lyons and James Nally, Student Representative Matt Prudente and Business Manager Warren Hopkins. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the regular session minutes from the February 11, 1991 meeting. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mary Williams abstained from voting. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for bills was as follows: February 25, 1991 - General Expenses March 4, 1991 - General Expenses The warrant for payrolls was as follows: March 1, 1991 CITIZE`1S I'v'PUT Bi- weekly $ 29,406.84 $125,442.79 $84,117.41 Reading citizen Sherman Rogan, who owns land adjacent to the Eaton Elementary School complained of recent vandalism to his property and requested that the fence on the property be repaired and left closed. The committee assured Mr. Rogan that they would investigate the problem and direct his concern to the proper authority. SUPERINTENDENTS REPOR Dr. Munnelly shared that the Director of Fine Arts Susan Wheltle has updated Reading students art work in the Central Office and encouraged members of the community to come in and see the display. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 FEBRUARY 25, 1991 Dr. Munnelly shared a memo from Ms. Wheltle which informed him of a number of accomplishments Reading students have made in the Music and Art competitions as follows: Reading Memorial High School students, Alex Svirsky, Elizabeth McPartlin and Cajsa Holm will be in the Boston Globe Scholastic show at the Transportation Building February 4 through March 3. Representing Reading students at the Northeast Junior District Music Festival are Jaime Jamgochian, Alicia Botticelli, Nancy Lape, Matt Bouchie, Nona Childress, Stefanie Giacalone, Cadence Thomases, Beth Orozco, Todd Griset and Jason Carter. Also in January, Joe Morello was in the Senior District Concert band and on March 14 -16 Kirsten Manville will be performing in Connecticut in the All New England chorus. Ms. Wheltle's memo also reminded the community that the Northeast District Jazz Ensemble Festival will be performing in the high school auditorium on Tuesday, February 26th. Reading performs at 8:30 p.m. and a music theme art show by Reading's students will be on display in the lobby. The Superintendent shared a recent letter to Reading Memorial High School's Assistant Principal Robert Quinn that complimented the administration and faculty as well as the student population for its efforts with a new student. OLD BUSINESS 1989 -1990 PER -PUPIL COST REPORT Dr. Munnelly shared information on Reading's per pupil data expendi- tures in the areas of "All Day" Programs for regular day and special needs compared from 1985 -86 to 1989 -90. Reading expenditures in re- lation to State averages for 198990 are: "Ali Dav" Programs State Average $4,862 R_a0lina Per Pupil. -4,448 $ 414 Regular Day State Average $4,152 Reading Per Pupil 4,092 $ 60 Special Needs State Average $6,755 Reading Per Pupil 5,538 $1,217 WAIVER OF CONTRACT TRAVEL TO NATIONAL CONVENTIONS BY PRINCIPALS ASSOCIATION Dr. Munnelly shared that the Reading Principals' Association in an effort to help with the Reading Public Schools fiscal problems voted at its meeting of Tuesday, January 29th, to waive its contractual REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 FEBRUARY 25, 1991 right to out -of -state travel for the 1991 -92 school year. This is the second consecutive year the Administrator's Group takes such an action. The School Committee expressed their appreciation. ..; BUDGET FY 1992 Dr. Munnelly stated that he has been working with Town Government to reduce the gap of $586,508 between Level Service Budget and Avail - able Funds. A Thursday evening meeting will be held with the FinCom for continued discussions. The Superintendent proceeded to present the list of recommendations to reduce the gap. Discussion followed. Barbara Philbrick moved on the Administration's recommendation to have a teacher early retirement incentive with specifics to be worked out later with an approximate savings of $90,000. Mary Wil- liams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to reduce salary in the administration budget by reducing the services of Business Manager for an approximate savings of $22,000. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion followed.. The motion carried with a 3 -1 vote. At this point, Dr. Munnelly turned the meeting over to Killair. Elementary Principal Paul Guerrette with the intention to continue budget discussion later. .* NEW BUSINESS APPROVAL OF KILLAM SCIENCE ROOM Principal Paul Guerrette outlined the plans for the proposed Science Center which is being sponsored by the Killam PTO and shared that the plans have been approved by the Town's Building Inspector. Killam PTO me niters Al Hamilton, Bob Cormio and Tom Macari shared in- formation regarding construction and financial plans of the 25' x 12' greenhouse for the Science Center in the Killam courtyard. They noted that clean up of the courtyard is scheduled for November. On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to accept the gift of the Science Center from the Killam P'T'O and to en�jcrse �-::e science Center clans as presented. Barbara Philbrick seconded the emotion. '.re vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 FEBRUARY 25. 1991 OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY92 Dr. Munnelly outlined the plan for a merger of the custodial ser- vices with the Town and the elimination of a supervisor on the town side. The Superintendent is recommending that the responsibility of the six town buildings and the supervision of the custodians be taken over by the schools with a savings of $35,000 from the reduc- tion of the town custodial supervisor's position. Other recommendations by the Superintendent were discussed. Based on overall budget discussions and recommendations, Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the Principals Waiver of Travel by $4,000, the Reduction of Physical Exams by $1,000; Reduction of Custodial Uniform Allowance by $2,000, and the SEEM Budget by $2,000. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to reduce the substitute teacher account by $25,000. George Shannon seconded-the motion. Discussion continued with Dr. Munnelly advising substitutes will be paid at a daily rate of $45 and substitute use will be cut back especially in the areas of permanent /long -term substitutes. The motion carried with a 3 -1 vote. George Shannon moved to correct the Elementary Teaching Supplies line in the budget by $11,000. Barbara Philbrick_ seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to increase the expected revenues by $11,500. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL PLANS Assistant Superintendent Bak shared enclosure B -3 -b regarding School Improvement Council Requests. George Shannon moved tc ask Coolidge Middle School to submit su portive information regarding the School Improvement Council proposal to develop a grade 7 Study Skill Program, and the other proposals the council considered for funding. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was 2 -1 -0 with Mary Williams abstain- ing. George Shannon moved to aporcve the School Improvement Council request of the other district schools. Bartara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 FEBRUARY 25, 1991 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS ENERGY SAVINGS INITIATIVE OF READING MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT Dr. Munnelly shared information that the Reading Municipal Light Department has volunteered to replace the non- efficient lights in all buildings for purposes of conservation. MASSACHUSETTS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL COMMITTEES A DAY ON THE HILL The Superintendent informed the School Committee that Wednesday, May 1st from 10 a.m, to 4 p.m. will be the Massachusetts Association of School Committees' 7th Annual Day on the Hill. He added that this is an invaluable opportunity for school committee members and superintendents to take their concerns directly to their new legis- lators and other education policymakers. PRINCIPALS SEARCH Dr. Munnelly shared the public notice requesting for input regarding the Reading Memorial High School principal selection process and added that a Public Hearing will be held at the high school's lecture hall on Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. The Superintendent also informed the public that written communication from citizens in the district who cannot attend the public hearing will be welcomed. DP17gr)MNFT. ACTION FOR REDUCTION -IN -FORCE - BUSINESS MANAGER On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to eliminate the Business Manager's position. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to reduce the school's custodial force by one person effective March 4, 1991. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ACTION ON RESIGNATION On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to accept Mark Piechota's resignation as Principal of Reading Memorial High School effective June 30, 1991. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. School Committee members thanked Dr. Piechota for his service to the faculty and students at the high school over the past five years. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 FEBRUARY 25, 1991 ADJOURNMENT At 10:30 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn from Regular Session and return to Executive Session. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ,..: Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee