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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-06-03 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JUNE 3, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of School Commit- tee to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:10 p.m. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later, and Barbara Philbrick. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Georae Shannon moved to accept the minutes from the May 6, 1991 meeting. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The motion passed on a 3 -1 vote. 1991 - Teachers - BILLS AND PAYROLLS May 24, 1991 The warrant for Bills was as follows: 1991 May 20, 1991 - General Expenses - $59,931.85 May 28, 1991 - General Expenses - $84,658.32 June 3, 1991 - General Expenses - $31,952.15 June 10, 1991 - General Expenses - $88,864.88 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: May 16, 1991 - Teachers - $417,198.36 May 30, 1991 - Teachers - $437,124.74 May 24, 1991 - By- weekly - $104,708.90 June 7, 1991 - By- weekly - $104,894.06 CITIZEN INPUT Chairman Nissen recognized a group of Reading Citizen's who wished to discuss the instrumental music program. Due to this issue being related to the budget, Mr. Nissen explained that the House of Representatives had made additional local aid cuts, which means an additional cut of $180,000 to Reading, 60% of that amount ($110,000), would have to be absorbed by the School Department. Mr. Nissen went on to explain that a vote would be taken later in the agenda to accept a leave -of- absence from Arts Director Susan Wheltle, but further instruction to the budget would not be taken this evening. School Committee member Timothy Twomey spoke as a citizen and stated several band parents had met with Dr. Munnelly earlier in the week and were under the understanding the remaining monies, $38,000, left from Ms. Wheltle's leave -of- absence would be dis- cussed under budget or personnel issues this evening. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 3, 1991 Chairman Nissen advised that School Committee was not prepared to discuss restoring the instrumental music position tonight and re- quested the music group enumerate information in written detail to the School Committee. Chairman Nissen suggested that Dr. Munnelly added he must priori- tize the School Department's needs first before making budget recommendations. School Committee member Mr. Twomey asked this issue to be placed on the agenda. Chairman Nissen advised that the School written presentation to be received from will be part of the budget discussion on for the purpose of discussion, requested identify one or two leaders to represent SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS to establish a time for :ommittee would read the parents and the issue June 17th. Mr. Nissen, the music parents to their group. Dr. Munnelly introduced Grade 2 teacher Eileen Litterio, Grade 2 teachers Adele Pekins and Dawn Avery, and Arts Director Susan Wheltle who shared the Barrows School Highlight, "Fairy Tales at Barrowsland ". Ms. Wheltle thanked the Cultural Education Collaborative and the 80 -10 -10 community for their contributions that provided Barrows second graders a creative and imaginative approach to selected ._K fairy tales through movement, mime, character exercises, play writing and plans for a culminating theatrical performance. The Barrows' staff shared their project via slides of students performing and the demonstrated contributions of Co- director Leslie Bannatyne of the Studebaker Movement Theater Company. The teachers explained how Math, Music, Language Arts, Art, Science and Social Science had been integrated into this effort. Ms. Wheltle stated that the students final performance was testi- mony to the creativity, learning, enthusiasm and fun the children derived from this experience. School Committee members thanked the presentors for an imaginative and enjoyable highlight. GIFTS Dr. Munnelly once again extended appreciation to Arnold Berger for the generous gifts he made to the Reading Memorial High School Library Media Center, namely; 31 paperback volumes in the 91/92 Annual Editions basic reference library, 17 new editions and titles in the Taking Sides series, and 7- volume Global Studies series, 1990 -91. Timothy Twomey moved to accept the gift as identified on enclosure B -1 -d for the Reading Memorial High School Library Media Center and thank Mr. Berger for his generosity. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 3, 1991 Business Manager Warren Hopkins expressed appreciation to Marie Houten and Jay Adams for the donation of a large supply of three -ring binders to the school department. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT The Superintendent congratulated Jane Giacalone on her nomination for receiving a certificate as a finalist in the NAPE's Award Program for Outstanding School Volunteers given by the Board of Directors of the National Association of Partners in Education, Inc. Dr. Munnelly added that Ms. Giacalone has made an important contribution to the Birch Meadow and Coolidge communities. Dr. Munnelly congratulated Track Coach Hal Croft and the track team for continuing a twenty year tradition as an undefeated team. The Superintendent shared that the Massachusetts State Depart- ment of Education will videotape the integration of students with special needs from Cathy Woods' class into regular education on Thursday morning, May 30th. This is being recognized as a state model program. Dr. Munnelly stated he is looking forward to seeing the production. Dr. Munnelly announced that Barrows fifth graders, guided by volunteer parent Sandra Strathmeyer, participated in the Continen- tal Cablevision and the MetroParks Zoos education project "Kids for Conservation" competition. Their activity will be previewed along with other competitors and aired on a local cable station. In addition, the Superintendent added, all the students and teachers who participated were guests at a special "Zoo Day" at the Franklin Park Zoo on June 1st, which was recognized as Conservation Day at zoos nationwide. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS LANGUAGE ARTS /ENGLISH CURRICULUM EVALUATION Assistant Superintendent Bak introduced leaders of the teaching staff who have been working together since 1987 -88 school year preparing the Language Arts /English Curriculum Evaluation for grades K -12. Members of the Language Arts /English Evaluation Committee are; Jeff Cryan, Chair, English Language Arts Department at Parker Middle School; Claire Flynn, Co- chair, Elementary Language Arts Curriculum Committee; Peter Hichborn, Chair, English Language Arts Department at Coolidge Middle School; Elia Marnik, Co- chair, Elementary Language Arts Curriculum Committee and Kathryn Montejunas, Chair, English Department at Reading Memorial High School. Elia Marnik began the presentation by explaining the Philosophy of the Language Arts /English program and outlining the goals. Ms. Marnik stated that the aim of the Language Arts /English pro- gram is to help students to learn to communicate to the best of their abilities by fostering the development of their skills and strategies for independent learning in composition, reading, literature, spelling, study /research skills,'speaking and listening. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JUNE 3. 1991 Jeff Cryan continued the presentation with discussion regarding the Composition Commendations and Concerns and stated that the.goal for students is to learn to express their observations, ideas, and stories in a clear manner. They should develop an understanding of the writing process and be able to write effectively for a variety of audiences and purposes. Claire Flynn and Elia Marnick continued with the Reading portion of the document and shared the Commendations and the Concerns for ele- mentary schools. The Co- Chairs of the Elementary English Language Arts Curriculum Committee stated the goal for students is that they are able to get meaning from printed text. This ability requires students to understand and use a decoding system, to understand words and their relationships within and beyond their immediate contexts, and to differentiate among texts so that they can employ the appro- priate skills necessary to acquire meaning from them. Students should develop literal and inferential comprehension skills so that they are able to interpret and evaluate what they read. Kathy Montejunas shared the Commendations and Concerns for the Literary Analysis section of the evaluation and stated the goal for students is that they are able to understand, interpret, and critically analyze literary works. From their experiences with classic and contemporary works in a variety of genres, students should learn to appreciate authors' styles and points of view. Students should become life -long readers, enjoying their engagement in the world of ideas explored in literature. Peter Hichborn outlined the Future Directions of the English /Lan- guage Arts area as follows: o Continued adherence to process writing principles for com- position instruction. o Continued use of high quality contemporary and classic literature. o Continued emphasis on higher order thinking skills in the English /Language Arts curriculum. Mr. Hichborn shared program improvements as follows: o Language skills developed holistically. o Core literature augmented with new titles from all grade levels. o Sufficient computers for word processing be readily available for students during writing sessions. o English /Language Arts classes be limited to twenty students as recommended by the National Council of Teachers of English. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JUNE 3, 1991 o Reading instruction be a mutually- supportive endeavor by reading specialists and English /Language Arts teachers at all levels. o Significant blocks of time and resources be allocated to develop curriculum, formulate instructional strategies, and devise appropriate means of assessment. o Obtain active enlistment of parental and community support in valuing and pursuing literacy. Following discussion and suggestions, Ms. Bak thanked the group for their hundreds of dedicated work hours and their contributions in achieving such a difficult task in a short period of time. School Committee members also thanked the Evaluation Team for an informative and interesting presentation. OTHER Chairman Nissen announced the results of tonight's Special Election on the FY92 budget; 60% voted NO and 40% voted YES. Mr. Nissen stated that the Board of Selectmen have called an Open Hearing for Thursday, June 6th in the Lecture Hall at Reading Memorial High School at 7:30 p.m. MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUPING REPORT Dr. Munnelly welcomed Coolidge Middle School Principal Al Lahood, teacher Peter Hichborn, and Parker Middle School Principal Jack Delaney and Assistant Principal Bill Cowles. Assistant Superinten- dent Bak then briefed the School Committee on the progress the two schools have made toward grouping students for instruction. Principal Lahood reported that a publication of the Carnegie Task Force on Education of Young Adolescents' report, Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st Century (1989) provides an excellent model for school assessment and restructuring. Mr. Lahood stated he has been involved with Parent /Teacher restructur- ing committees, has visited other schools, and has invited other principals to speak on restructuring. Mr. Lahood shared that Coolidge is working toward heterogenous grouping and has progressed well this past year. Principal Delaney also provided an update of this year's progress at Parker Middle School. He reported that teacher and parent survey results indicate a strong support for heterogenous grouping and shared that challenge and rigor still exist in the new struc- ture. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JUNE 3, 1991 School Committee discussed the middle school pilot program and made suggestions to have information nights, orientation nights for' Grade 5, and a Parent Advisory Council to discuss common concerns. Assistant Superintendent Bak shared that it was too early for hard data, that we need to hear what researchers are saying about heterogenous grouping, and that she will continue to provide School Committee with information regarding successes and failures. Chairman Nissen stated that areas of concern would be addressed at a future meeting and thanked the Coolidge and Parker Middle School staffs for being present. OLD BUSINESS EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT In summary of the evaluation of Dr. Munnelly, Chariman Nissen shared that the School Committee ratings for the Superintendent were superior and in each category supportive with no significant concerns. PROGRESS REPORT OF PRINCIPAL SCREENING COMMITTEE Chairman Nissen advised that fourteen semifinalists for the Reading Memorial High School principal position were interviewed and six candidates were recommended to Dr. Munnelly. The Chairman added that the Superintendent is making on site visits and will select three finalists to be interviewed by the School Committee at the June 10th meeting. A final selection will be made at the School Committee meeting on June 17th. NEW BUSINESS AWARD OF BIDS Business Manager Warren Hopkins shared enclosure B3a that described the tabulations for the cafeteria and school supplies. Mary Williams, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to award West Lynn Creamery, Inc. the milk and straws bid as described on enclosure B3a. Matthew Cumminqs seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Georqe Shannon, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to award West Lynn Creamery, Inc. the ice cream bid as described on enclosure B3a. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JUNE 3, 1991 Matthew Cumminqs, on the recommendation of the Admininstration, moved to award J.J. Nissen Bakery the bid for items 1 -6 and LaRonga' Bakery the bid for items 7 and 8 as described on enclosure B3a. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to award the bid for school supplies to the companies and amounts as listed on enclosure B3a. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Timothy Twomey, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to award the bid for roofing to Galego Roofing Systems with the standard warranty. Discussion continued. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S EDUCATIONAL REPORT Assistant Superintendent Bak shared an update of ongoing curricula and instructional activities that.are taking place in the district. Some of the areas Ms. Bak highlighted are as follows: • Designing a student progress reporting system with Kinder- garten teachers that reflects our developmental approach of teaching during these young years. • Working with the seven major curriculum groups to develop ,. for each content area a curriculum guide K -12 with a focus on student learning outcomes and effective evaluation methods. • Relating to evaluative measures, working with elementary curriculum chairs, in conjunction with Dr. Robert Gower, to closely examine the elements of evaluation; its purpose, and function, and its development and need. • Working with the Science Department at the high school to examine the pattern of achievement test scores for the last five years in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. • Analyzing the results of the MEAP tests with the Admini- strative Council to determine patterns of student performance. • In the area of elementary science, 65 pilot teachers and consultant Dr. George Ladd have developed 18 new K -5 units and are in the last stages of implementation. • Continuing to -work in completing curriculum evaluations in English /Language Arts K -12, as was demonstrated earlier in the evening. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JUNE 3. 1991 . Computer In- service Education and sixteen computer workshops with consultant Angie Ferris have been completed and are in the stages of assessment. Developing a senior citizen volunteer program in conjunction with the Town's Council on Ageing. The program will commence September, 1991. Continuing to explore and offer professional development opportunities to staff. Working with elementary principals toward providing School Committee with recommendations for placement of our kinder- garten students beginning in September, 1992. . Relating to grants, the 1991 -92 Metco Grant has been completed and submitted, work is continuing in developing the fifth - year state's Substance Abuse Grant. A Health Education Grant has been completed and submitted. Other grants including Chapter One, Title II.Math and Science, Chapter II, Common- wealth Inservice Grants, are in progress. Ms. Bak is also exploring with the Killam staff the possibility of getting their "Carnegie School" funded through a national restructur- ing project. School Committee extended an appreciation to Assistant Superintendent Bak for providing them with this information and requested that she report regularly on such activities. Dr. Munnelly shared that Sue Wheltle, Director of Fine Arts has requested a part -time leave of absence for educational purposes at Harvard. He added that Ms. Wheltle would work 40 days and earn approximately $10,000 leaving $38,000 to be applied to other bud- get needs. Chairman Nissen requested the Superintendent come back to School Committee with recommendations that include the recent State's cut of $110,000 and the addition of thr $38,000 created by Ms. Wheltle's leave -of- absence. George Shannon, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to grant a part -time leave -of- absence for 1991 -92 school year to the Director of Fine Arts Susan Wheltle effective at the end of the 1990- 91 school year. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion followed. The vote was unanimous. Chairman Nissen advised the instrumental music people that they con - tact Dr. Munnelly to become informed of his intended budget recommen- dation that will be made at the June 17th meeting. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 9 JUNE 3, 1991 Dr. Munnelly shared the applications for voluntary employment termination incentive program. The teaching staff of the Reading Public Schools who applied included: Marian K. Carlyle John J. Fasciano David L. Garland Richard W. Ham Donald J. Lovely John T. McHugh Francis A. Sateriale - Killam Elementary School - Coolidge Middle School - Reading Memorial High School - Reading Memorial High School - Reading Memorial High School - Parker Middle School - Parker Middle School George Shannon moved, on the recommendation of the Administration, to accept and send the appropriate thank you letters to the listed teachers requesting an early retirement. Matthew Cummings second- ed the motion. The vote was unanimous. Chairman Nissen requested that, if available, recommendations for the Department Head openings be presented at the June 17th School Committee meeting. The Chairman also advised that there would be an Open Public Hear- ing regarding the budget on June 6th, a Special Town Meeting on June 18th, and a School Committee meeting on June 10th and a Saturday meeting on June 22nd. ADJOURNMENT At 12:35 a.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee