Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-05-20 School Committee Minutesam READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER MAY 20, 1991 Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of School Commit- tee to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later. George Shannon and Student Repre- sentative Matt Prudente were not present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins and a reporter from the rhrnnirla_ MINUTES There were no minutes to approve. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: May 20, 1991 General Expenses May 28, 1991 - General Expenses The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: May 16, 1991 - Teachers `4 May 17, 1991 - By- weekly May 24, 1991 - By- weekly CITIZEN INPUT $59,931.85 $84,658.32 $417,198.36 $ 1,366.10 - $104,708.90 Chairman Nissen recognized Rob Spadafora, who wished to speak in regard to the condom distribution issue. Mr. Nissen advised Mr. Spadafora that he would be able to speak during that segment of the agenda. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFT The Superintendent once again thanked and commented on Arnold Berger's generous offer to purchase a MacIntosh Computer for the Graphic Arts Department. Dr. Munnelly added that this computer and the printing connector kit will expand the use of desk top publishing. Timothy Twomey on the recommendation of the Administration moved to thank and accept the gift from Arnold Berger as described on enclosure B -1 -d. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 20, 1991 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT (out of order) Dr. Munnelly thanked organizer Joe Nolan, the PTA, the Booster Club and the Band Parents for sponsoring Reading Memorial High Schools first annual Spring Clean -Up held on Saturday, May 18th. The Superintendent saluted the students, parents and neighbors for their assistance. Dr. Munnelly stated that the Town of Reading's Board of Selectmen proclaimed May 21, 1991 as National History Day in Reading in honor of students and teachers and their accomplish- ments and, on behalf of the citizens of Reading, wished them well in the next round of competition in Washington, D.C. Dr. Munnelly added that a fund raiser for the students to travel to Washington would be held on Tuesday, May 21st, from 6 :30 -9:30. The Superintendent also announced that Reading's Board of Selectmen also proclaimed May 7, 1991 as National Teacher Day and the Selectmen urged all citizens to take time to remember and salute the teachers who shape the future of our children, our community, and the community of nations. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee and audience that the All State Art Festival will be held in June and Reading will be represented by three participants. HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly turned this portion of the meeting over to Coolidge Middle School Principal Al Lahood and English Department Chair Peter Hichborn. Mr. Hichborn stated that Coolidge's English Language Arts teachers have restructured the way they wish students to perceive the act of writing. Mr. Hichborn shared that in doing this, students have become mindful of their specific audience; and that students give advice to fellow writers and receive feedback from a variety of sources before their final draft; and that the word processor is used as a writing tool; and that the exemplary writing should be shared so that peer modeling has its persuasive effect in raising student aspirations. Mr. Hichborn displayed snapshots of students works that have appeared in Coolidge classrooms, the lobby, corridor bulletin boards, and the media center and added that this effort is not confined to English- Language Arts classes but also in other areas of the curricula. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 20, 1991 Principal Lahood stated student's writings have also appeared in the school magazine "Coolidge Imagination ", a yearbook and parent communications. School Committee thanked Principal Lahood and Mr. Hichborn for presenting this highlight on "A Community of Writers ". VISITORS: STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Munnelly advised that this is the Student Advisory Team's third visit this year to School Committee and that they would discuss some of the following issues: dances, condom distribution, fine arts graduation requirement, campus clean -up and cafeteria painting. Student Advisory Member Larry Scola opened discussion regarding the drinking problem that has occurred before and after school dances. Suggestions offered that could help diminish this problem were: • lengthening the time for the dances • more parent chaperones random breathelizer advise parents of the time scheduled for the dances a Advisory members hoped that these suggesti School Committee considered cancelling the Shannon Blaney, Class of '93 Advisory condom distribution in the high school and survey opinion for dispensers was divided. students were not comfortable going to the Dns could be used before dances. Member, discussed advised that students Ms. Blaney added that school nurse. Dr. Munnelly thanked all of the students who were involved in the school clean up and commented that students have been keeping the buildings in good clean order. The Chairman and School Committee members thanked the Student Council for their input. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET ELECTION DISCUSSION Chairman Nissen asked School Committee members if they had com- ments or motions on how to react and respond to the Reading Taxpayers Association initiative petition election. Mr. Nissen added that he supports a yes vote for the budget as passed by the Town Meeting members who have spent a great deal of time reviewing material to present a balanced budget. Timothy Twomey moved that the School Committee endorse a vote to recommend to the voters of the Town to vote yes on the Town Bud - get. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion continued. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 20. 1991 OTHER Chairman Nissen commented on the status of the Search Committee for the principal at Reading Memorial High School and stated that there were 47 candidates and 14 have been selected for an interview. Mr. Nissen noted interview sessions have begun and will be narrowed down to six candidates by May 29th for the Superintendent to interview. Mr. Nissen added that a final selection will be made on June 10th. The Chairman stated that it has been a positive experience having two student representatives on the Search Committee and suggested future consideration for a policy to include students as part of the interview process for the high school principal's position. NEW BUSINESS CONDOM AVAILABILITY POLICY: DISCUSSION AND FIRST VOTE Dr. Munnelly requested School Committee members to voice their views on the availability of condoms at Reading Memorial High School. Chairman Nissen - recognized Rob Spadafora, Class of 1990, who in- formed the committee and audience of the statistics of people who have contracted AIDS. Mr. Spadafora's speech was informative. Timothy Twomey moved to vote on the draft #KN, Policy on Condom Availability at Reading Memorial High School. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion continued regarding the importance of education as well as awareness for students. Assistant Superintendent Bak advised that a K -12 health education program is being formulated which includes implementing an AIDS program for Grades 3 -12. Ms. Bak stated there is a definite void at the high school level and the health program now being finalized for all students Grades 9 -12 will be addressing the area of commun- icable and noncommunicable diseases. Ms. Bak encouraged that edu- cation be expanded at all levels. The vote failed, 1 -4. REVIEW OF FUND RAISING POLICY AND ITS INTERPRETATIONS Chairman Nissen began discussion of the Policy KIA 1324, Solicita- tion of Funds and stated that it would be a subject for a Public Hearing in September. Coolidge PTA President, Tom Mehaugh commented on the success of in- house solicitations and the success of the community soliciting time and materials. School Committee members continued discussion and, though agreeing it is a good policy, would like to hear from parents, and building principals and hold off on a vote until an open hearing in the fall. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 20, 1991 RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH LABOR COUNSEL Dr. Munnelly advised that Town Manager recognizes the long history of the School Committee having a special labor counsel and renewal of Allan Drachman as labor relations counsel need not be involved in deliberations of the Town's Law Committee about Town Counsel. Barbara Philbrick moved on the recommendation of the Administration to extend labor relations with Allan Drachman as described on enclosure B3c. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion continued. The vote passed with a 3 -0 -2 vote. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT OF GOALS FOR 1990 -91 Dr. Munnelly shared a brief report on the five goals that he developed in September and the progress made with them in a year dominated by the effects of economic difficulties. The Superintendent also discussed his varied professional activities for 1990 -91, which included a study group on School Assessment for the M.A.S.S.; co- authoring a report entitled "The Case for Local School Indicators" which was recently published by the M.A.S.S. and also the topic he spoke on at the School Committee Conference at the Cape this fall. Dr. Munnelly also shared that he has written on the Killam Carnegie program and has spoken at a regional meeting about the school -based management. Dr. Munnelly stated among his leadership roles are the Chairmanship this year of our SEEM Collaborative Board of Directors. The Superintendent added that he led a fifteen member visiting committee which evaluated Swansea's Case High School for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Chairman Nissen requested that the members of the School Commit- tee complete the evaluation forms by June 3rd to assess the Superintendent and how he meets the standards. TRACK PROGRAM CELEBRATION - MAY 30, 1991 Dr. Munnelly congratulated the track team who have been undefeated for twenty consecutive years as of the end of the season. The Superintendent added that the parents are arranging a celebration to be held on May 30th. SCHOOL COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER School Committee member Timothy Twomey shared that the Town Mana- ger has expressed an interest in a joint effort to further our communication with the public. Members decided that this issue should be discussed further on June 22nd. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 MAY 20, 1991 READING BAND SALUTE Dr. Munnelly advised that the band parents have asked the Select - ..,m men to proclaim a salute to the Reading Memorial High School band for its successes at the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia and that he has helped to plan a Selectmen's procla- mation ceremony on June 11th at 7 :30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall. PERSONNEL Assistant Superintendent Bak recommended reappointment of the head and assistant coaches on enclosure D -1, who have all been evaluated and are giving quality performance as coaches. Barbara Philbrick moved on the recommendation of the Administra- tion to reappoint the individuals and sports rates as scheduled on enclosure D -1, with the exception of two newly vacated assis- tant football positions. Mary Williams seconded the motion. Dis- cussion continued. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 10:20 p.m. Barbara Philbrick moved to adjourn from regular session minutes to executive session. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Roberti. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools Secretary To The School Committee