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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-06-17 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 17 JUNE 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of the Reading School Committee to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:05 p.m. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams who arrived shortly after the meeting commenced. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins, members of the community and a reporter from the Daily Times Chronicle. MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the minutes from the May 20, 1991 meeting. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was 5 -0 -1. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: June 17, 1991 June 24, 1991 General Expense General Expense The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: June 13, 1991 Teachers June 21, 1991 Teachers June 22, 1991 Teachers CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS $ 66,973.22 $ 38,920.16 $ 425,694.98 $1,370,415.95 $ 105,000.00 Appreciation was extended to members of the Joshua Eaton P.T.O. for their generous financial donations during the year, to members of the Marshall family who have established a memorial fund in memory of their mother, and to an anonymous donor. The gifts were accepted on a motion by Timothy Twomey and seconded by Barbara Philbrick. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -2- 17 JUNE 1991 OUT OF ORDER APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL OF RMHS Superintendent Robert Munnelly recommended Rena Mirkin, an assistant principal at Milton High School, a former teacher and Director of Guidance at Reading Memorial High School, be appointed principal of Reading Memorial High School. Dr. Munnelly reviewed the qualities the Search Committee sought in a high school principal and stated he believed that Mrs. Mirkin had every quality the Committee desired. Georae Shannon moved, on Superintendent Munnelly's recommendation, to name Rena Mirkin principal of Reading Memorial High School at a rate listed on the Principal's Salary Schedule of $63,156.30. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The motion carried, unopposed. Dr. Munnelly and Chairman Stan Nissen thanked the members of the Search Committee for their assistance in the evaluation process. Timothy Twomey noted that comments had been made to him by members of the Search Committee that the search process had been a very positive experience. HTGHLIGHT Richard Davidson, principal Gaynelle Knowlton, a teacher system -wide committee, John Strandberg, and Chuck Wayne. of Birch Meadow School, introduced at the school, and members of the Carpenter, Jim Biller, Bonney The committee shared the school's focus on Computer Technology in the classroom and related how the committee has developed and implemented a plan to assure that each classroom, at all grade levels, has a computer, color monitor, and printer available. This enables students to build skills in literature and writing. Volunteerism, and financial support on the part of parents and community members was strong and greatly appreciated by the staff at Birch Meadow. The School Committee thanked Principal Davidson and members of the Computer Committee for their presentation. OUT OF ORDER INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS ELEMENTARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM EVALUATION Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak introduced David Williams, Chairman of Elementary Science. Mr. Williams shared with the members of the Committee his experiences during the past two years working with teachers to revise the science curriculum and developing programs for students in the elementary grades. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -3- 17 JUNE 1991 Goals and objectives were outlined and a video filmed in the elementary schools was shown to the School Committee. The video,_ by Barbara McLean a teacher at Eaton School, captured students motivated by the excitement of learning. The video also showed teacher workshops conducted with the assistance of science consultant George Ladd. Assistant Bak informed the School Committee that outside requests for materials have been made from other systems. This science committee has produced curriculum materials deemed worthy of publication. Assistant Superintendent Bak praised the energy and work of teachers, the leadership of Dave Williams, and staff involvement. The School Committee commended the growth of science in the schools and the commitment teachers have made to develop the program and incorporate science concepts into many other areas of education. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET DEVELOPMENTS LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Dr. Munnelly updated the School Committee on Legislative Local Aid Developments by stating that the Legislature is still in the process of enacting the budget. Even with local aid, there will still be cuts for Reading. An exact dollar amount was not available at the time of the meeting. The House and Senate will begin their conferencing this week and the budget should be completed shortly. Dr. Munnelly informed the Committee that the Finance Committee will recommend the town budget adopted this spring and commented on suggestions by the Reading Taxpayers Association. Among suggestions the Association has made are administrative salary decreases, level funding of teacher aides, the elimination of seven psychologists, the elimination of three full -time secretaries, and a request to reinstate elementary school busing. Dr. Munnelly emphasized the important role teacher aides and school psychologists play in working with students. Special Education, psychological evaluations, behavioral problems and CORE evaluations were cited in addition to the academic guidance by the school psychologists. These services are mandated and if psychologists are eliminated they would have to be contracted. Chairman Nissen discussed the Internal Revenue Service ruling on pensions and stated that the town may be required to pay Social Security, along with town employees, at an amount close to 7 percent. How this will affect the town is not known at this time. Dr. Munnelly noted that there are ten teachers still on hold with appointments to be made after budget clarifications. Under normal circumstances, the teachers would be rehired with the passing of the budget. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -4- 17 JUNE 1991 INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PARENTS Judythe Meagher and Paula Von Euw presented on behalf of a' committee formed to retain the instrumental music program in the middle schools. Using fundraising as a method of implementation of funding a teacher, the Committee would guarantee $12,000; the remaining $18,000 to come from the budgeted salary of the Fine Arts Director, who has been granted a leave -of- absence. The Committee expressed hope that this position could not only be retained for FY 92, but would continue, through an endowment, in future years if the position is not budgeted. Support of the Band Parents to this endeavor was assured by Tony Fisichella, president of the Band Parents organization. The proposal was to be taken under advisement by the School Committee. Chairman Nissen stated that a decision on the expenditure of $18,000 should be made by the July 1st or July 15th meeting. The School Committee should decide on this request for funds to remain in the Fine Arts program as soon as information on resources becomes available. REVIEW OF PRIORITIES Dr. Munnelly reviewed a revised priority cut list of recommenda- tions for professional staff reductions; (B -2 -a) enclosure. Suggested changes for future consideration are: o placing #12 - middle school special education teacher to a lower priority after #17 the half -time physical education director. o moving the salary ($49,000) of the fine arts director to a higher priority after #9 - 3 elementary teacher aides. ELEMENTARY BUSSING PLANS Bus routes have been laid out based on the projected enrollments at each school. Two buses will be needed for the four elementary schools for the opening and closing of school and one will be used for the mid -day run for kindergarten. Due to staffing cuts, individual attention and the merging of bussing may not be possible to the degree that it had in the past. Cooperation will be made to the extent possible. Business Manager Warren Hopkins stated that elementary parents are trying to organize to get paid bussing for students who live within two miles of the schools. He said that the interest is there and that parents will work throughout the summer. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -5- 17 JUNE 1991 NEW BUSINESS AWARD OF BIDS On the recommendation of the Superintendent, the school bus bid for regular day transportation was awarded to low bidder, Michaud Bus Lines of Salem. Michaud will be contracted for three years at a rate of $136.15 per bus, per day. Michaud will provide transportation to kindergarten students at an additional $31.50 per day. A minimum charge to the Athletic Department of $100 will be made. Special Education transportation was awarded to Woburn Cab Company at a cost of $80. per bus, per day. George Shannon made a motion, based on the recommendation by the Superintendent and outlined above, that the contract be awarded to Michaud for regular day transportation and to Woburn Cab Co. for special education transportation as the low bidders. Mr. Shannon's motion was seconded by Barbara Philbrick. In the discussion that followed, a legal question was raised in regard to the authorization of the person who signed the bid. Previous inquiries to Town Counsel Ted Cohen by Dr. Munnelly advised the Committee that all was in order and the bid was legal and binding. Also discussed was the possibility that the number of buses may be cut. - Matthew Cummings made a motion to table the motion until a determination could be made of the number of buses that may be cut. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. At 10:10, the School Committee recessed for five minutes. When they reconvened at 10:15, Chairman Nissen clarified that if a bus is eliminated, the contract can be renegotiated. Based on the information presented, Matthew Cummings withdrew his motion and Barbara Philbrick her second. The original motion carried on a vote of 5 -1. ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTER SYSTEM On a recommendation of the administration to approve a bid to lease, with option to buy, an administrative computer system for Reading Memorial High School and the two middle schools, Barbara Philbrick moved to award the bid to Rediker Software for $71,020.80. The motion was seconded by Matthew Cummings. Discussion followed with High School Assistant Patrick Schettini informing the School Committee that software has been tried in conjunction with the Guidance Department and has proved satisfactory. Also the recommendation for the Rediker Company was based on the ability-to upgrade the equipment, the evaluative history of the equipment, maintenance and service related issues. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -6- 17 JUNE 1991 The amount of $71,020.80 would be for three years at a cost of $23,673.60 per year. In recommending Rediker, the high bidder of the four bids received, Mr. Schettini informed the Committee that it was the only equipment that met the criteria needed in the schools. The motion carried unooAosed. METCO: PROGRAM FUTURE Assistant Superintendent Lynn Bak gave an overview of the benefits and future direction of the METCO program. She outlined the four main points of the METCO Grant: • make sure METCO students achieve; • stress parent involvement; • the benefits of multicultural education; • Staff Development. The present district total is 97 students and expectations are that the program will be revitalized and will have an opportunity for growth. Mr. Peter Shields, father of two children in the Reading schools, offered input on the experiences of his children. In the discussion that followed, School Committee members raised concerns about the program, distribution of enrollment, and space problems. A decision was made to set an agenda for future discussion of the METCO program. Assistant Superintendent Bak reaffirmed that the philosophy and commitment to the program must be endorsed by all for the program to achieve success. PERSONNEL RESIGNATIONS A letter from Susan Wheltle informing the Chairman of Reading's 350th Anniversary Commission of her resignation from the committee was shared with the School Committee. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that due to Susan Wheltle's leave -of- absence, consideration must be given to appointing a replacement to Reading's 350th Anniversary Commission. On the recommendation of the administration: Matthew Cummings moved to accept the resignation of Gregg Beimler, a social studies teacher at the Walter S. Parker Middle School. The motion was seconded by George Shannon. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -7- 17 JUNE 1991 On the recommendation of the administration: George Shannon moved to accept the resignation of Ruth Vogelin, a teacher aide at J. W. Killam School, for purposes of retirement. The motion was seconded by Barbara Philbrick. The motion carried unopposed. APPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the administration the following three appointments were made. George Shannon moved to appoint Wilma Fraser METCO Coordinator/ Academic Counselor at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 1 on the teachers salary schedule. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to appoint Susan Hennessey full -time foreign language teacher at Reading Memorial High School at the rate Masters, Step 7 as listed on the teachers salary schedule. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The motion carried unopposed. Barbara Philbrick moved that Nels Nelson, physical education instructor at Parker Middle School, be recalled and reappointed as a tenure teacher and assigned to teach Decisions /Health /Physical Education at Reading Memorial High School. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NON -UNION PERSONNEL On the recommendation of the administration: George Shannon moved that the two confidential secretaries in the Superintendent's Office be granted a step increase and a 5.5 raise in accordance with secretaries in the bargaining unit who are in their third year of contract. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -2. The motion carried. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR SCHOOL COMMITTEE 1991 - 1992 At this point in the meeting, Chairman Stan Nissen passed the gavel to Dr. Munnelly in order that nominations for chair positions of the School Committee be accepted. Chairman Stan Nissen nominated Barbara Philbrick Chair of the Reading School Committee for 1991 - 1992. George Shannon seconded the motion. George Shannon moved to close nominations. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Barbara Philbrick was named Chair of the Readinq School Committee by acclamation. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -8- 17 JUNE 1991 Mary Williams moved that George Shannon be named Vice Chair for h 1991 - 1992. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. Stan Nissen moved that the nominations be closed and Matthew Cummings seconded his motion. All were in favor and George Shannon was named Vice Chairman. ADJOURNMENT At 11:45 p.m. Stan Nissen moved that the meeting be adjourned. George Shannon seconded. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee