HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-04-20 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Reading, Massachusetts
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING
ORIENTATION SESSION MINUTES
20 APRIL 1991
Chairman Stan Nissen called the meeting of the School Committee to
order in the Staff Center of Reading Memorial High School at 9:05
a.m. All members were present as was Dr. Robert J. Munnelly,
Superintendent of Schools.
The meeting opened with a discussion of the needs of the School
Committee relating to COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC. Discussed was
the value of response to letters to the editors, and the need for
regular, ongoing communication with the public. A public relations
plan is a need especially in times of fiscal difficulties - - not to
overcome distrust, but lack of appreciation. The biggest problem is
dealing with misinformation. Among suggestions offered were:
o Newsletter - mailings
o Regular column in newspapers
o Open meetings
o Insert into Suburban News
One member commented that Chalkboard was perceived by the public as
a public relations vehicle and consequently a waste. The School
Committee agreed to put the issue of public relations and communica-
tion on the regular agenda for further discussion and possible
action.
Chairman Stan Nissen reviewed the ROLE OF CHAIRMAN:
• Spokesman for the Committee when the Committee has dealt
with the issue.
• Agenda planning.
• Parliamentary procedure will prevail to resolve disputes.
• Chairman's ruling can be overruled by the vote of the
members.
• Even if a large number of people appear at a meeting, the
Chairman may hear only from a few people in order to move
on to the planned business. A separate meeting can be
arranged (e.g. issues on freshman sports).
• Chairman decides on the degree of public participation,
but the School Committee members speak as often as they
wish on an issue.
• Chairman tries to summarize sessions or segments of
meeting.
ORIENTATION SESSION MINUTES 20 APRIL 1991
THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS' ROLES ON VOTING WERE REVIEWED:
o The Superintendent's role in personnel recommendations.
o Screening commmittee steps in the process of selecting new
administrators.
o Voting on motions and the implications of committee
members not making a motion.
o Chairman does not make motions, but will talk on issues,
usually after most members have spoken. Since the
chairman is the eventual spokesman for the School
Committee, the chairman's role may be to facilitate and
clarify discussion and opinions from other members first
- - then be free to offer views before the School
Committee proceeds to a vote.
The School Committee reviewed HOW TO GET IDEAS AND ISSUES ON THE
SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA. The most convenient way is to speak to the
School Committee Chairman or the Superintendent. The Committee
talked about how to proceed with long range agenda planning and how
and when to discuss and set priorities for the next budget year.
These ideas will be discussed further at an upcoming School
Committee meeting.
o What constitutes an open meeting; posting of subcommittee
meetings.
o How to discuss School Committee leadership and election of
...,,Y, officers in light of the open meeting law.
This orientation and exchange of views for doing School Committee
business was viewed by the School Committee members as helpful and
the School Committee set tentative plans to have another session on
Saturday, June 22nd.
Time being 12:00 noon, the School Committee adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D.
Superintendent Of Schools
Secretary To The School Committee