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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-06-10 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER JUNE 10, 1991 Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of George Shannon and Mary Williams who were expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly and Business Manager Warren Hopkins. OTHER Chairman Nissen reminded the School Committee of the recep- tion on Thursday, June 13th to recognize and honor the 1991 Exemplary Teacher Award recipients and nominees. Mr. Nissen stated the School Committee would be interview- ing the three semifinalists for the vacancy of principal at Reading Memorial High School this evening. He advised that each candidate would make an opening statement and the Committee could then ask their own questions or those used by the Search Committee. The Chairman added that the Superintendent would make his recommendation at the next School Committee meeting on June 17th. Ms. Philbrick congratulated Dr. Piechota and the 1991 graduates for a smooth - running graduation exercise. Ms. Philbrick also addressed the recent vandalism of graf- fiti on the Field House and High School. Dr. Munnelly advised that the 1991 Class paid for the Town's sandblaster to remove the graffiti in areas that could be reached. Ms. Philbrick expressed concern for the cost for removal of the difficult to reach areas and asked that this be placed on a future agenda for further discussion. NEW BUSINESS INTERVIEWS WITH HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FINALISTS Dr. Munnelly announced that most of the Screening Committee were in attendance to listen to the semifinalist's public interviews. Dr. Munnelly stated that the six finalists chosen by the Screening Committee were strong candidates and contributors to their respec- tive schools. Candidate Lawrence Robinson, presently Assistant Principal at Lexington Public Schools, was the first semifinalist interviewed. He reviewed his career and answered questions regarding his strategies on handling the strengths and weaknesses in the high school and how he would handle the school budget in this time of dwindling resources. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JUNE 10, 1991 The second interview began after a short recess with semi- finalist Rena Mirkin, Assistant Principal of Milton Public Schools and a former Chair of the Reading Guidance Department, who outlined skills she felt a principal must demonstrate. The School Committee took a short recess and returned to inter- view candidate Barry Cahill, Principal of Hopedale Junior - Senior High School, who presented his experiences and answered similar questions that were asked of the previous candidates. DISCUSSION AND COMMENTS BY SCHOOL COMMITTEE After a brief recess, the members of School Committee, shared their impressions and observations about the candidates. Each member discussed the skills of the finalists and how they could strengthen and energize the high school staff and student /parent community. Chairman Nissen advised that the Superintendent has listened to the Screening Committee's comments and will make a final deci- sion by Friday, June 15th. OTHER The Superintendent informed the School Committee that METCO would be discussed at the next School Committee meeting. PERSONNEL TEACHER AIDE REDUCTIONS On the recommendation of the Administration, Barbara Philbrick moved to vote, under the Teacher Aide Contract, to notify teacher aides; Roberta Guarciarello, Martha Carrier, and Sandra Sarcone of a reduction in force effective the end of the 1990 -91 school year. Georae Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADDITIONAL SICK TIME Business Manager Warren Hopkins advised the School Committee that Joan Ensmingei, a part -time teacher aide at Birch Meadow School has requested extended paid sick leave for her final work days of this school year. On the recommendation of the Administration, Barbara Philbrick moved to award Joan Ensminger an extended eight days of sick leave, under terms of the Teacher Aide Contract. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion continued. The vote was 4 opposed and 2 abstentions. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JUNE 10, 1991 RESIGNATION On the recommendation of the Administration, Barbara Philbrick r< moved to accept the resignation of Barrows Special Needs teacher Kay Strayer effective the end of the 1990 -91 school year. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 10.40 p m George Shannon moved to adjourn to executive session. for the purpose of discussion of union and non -union matters. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools S?cretary To The School Committee