Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-09-09 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 9, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later, and Stanley Nis- sen. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak and a reporter from the Chronicle. NEW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE Dr. Munnelly welcomed Carrie Bither the new Reading Memorial High School Student Representative to the Reading School Committee. Assistant Superintendent Bak then introduced and welcomed METCO Coordinator /Academic Counselor Wilma Fraser to the School Committee. MINUTES Matthew Cummings moved to accept the minutes from the August 26, 1991 meeting. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: September 16, 1991 - Bills - The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: September 9, 1991 September 13, 1991 CITIZENS INPUT Teachers Bi- weekly $119,678.59 $410,233.04 - $ 87,524.66 Reading Citizen David Kinney requested time to discuss a personal problem with School Committee. Chair Barbara Philbrick asked Mr. Kinney to place in written form what his concerns are and what he would like the School Committee to do to help resolve the issue. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 SEPTEMBER 9, 1991 OTHER Dr. Munnelly thanked Betty Philips, Ruth Shehan, and Vera Lasquade who have worked for the Reading Public Schools under the Retired AARP Peoples Grant Program. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly reported that the opening of schools went smoothly in virtually every respect. The elementary bussing situation con- tinues to be a major problem. The Superintendent advised that he will meet with parent groups and the bus company to try to resolve this problem. OLD BUSINESS OTHER Chair Barbara Philbrick stated that Superintendent Munnelly, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Finance Director Beth Klepeis and Town Accountant Richard Foley met on Friday, September 6th to discuss the deferral issue and a "next step" proposal. Dr. Munnelly stated the plan to address the now calculated $241,000 school deficit would have the Town contributing $100,00 from free cash and the School Department making up the difference with the revolving accounting balances. Dr. Munnelly advised that responsibility for any disaster, for which these accounts were originally established, would then be shared by the whole of Town government. Discussion continued with no formal action.. REPORT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL PRIORITIES The Superintendent stated that the Task Force on School Budget Priorities met on September 4th. Dr. Munnelly added that Barbara Philbrick will be attending these meetings as a non - voting chair- person to share information. The committee consists of: Don Allen, former FinCom Chairman Kathy Bonazzi, Teacher Matthew Cummings, Member of Reading School Committee Jack Delaney, Principal of Parker Middle School Paul Guerrette, Principal of Killam Elementary School Maureen McDonald, Teacher George Shannon, Member of the Reading School Committee Molly Ziegler, former Selectman Matthew Cummings shared a preliminary report from the meeting. Mr. Cummings noted that given the charge of the School Committee the REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 SEPTEMBER 9, 1991 following items will be discussed at future meetings in hopes of reporting some definitive areas worth considering by School Com- mittee prior to Town Meeting: • The Superintendent's list of cuts • The position of Assistant Superintendent • School Reorganization • Position of Assistant Principals at all levels • Sharing Principals between K -8 buildings • Consider class sizes • Need of a core program • Revisit the entire Athletics Program • Consider the Fine Arts Requirement at the High School Discussion continued with Dr. Munnelly advising School Committee members that a final report from the Task Force would be available at the September 23rd School Committee meeting. DISCUSSION OF MEETING WITH SELECTMEN AND FINANCE COMMITTEE IN ANTICIPATION OF TOWN MEETING Dr. Munnelly stated that School Committee members would meet with the Selectmen on September 10th at 7:30 p.m. for further FY92 budget discussion. The Superintendent added he would meet with Chair Barbara Philbrick to frame a warrant article for town meeting. Discussion followed regarding the Superintendent and Town Manager's proposal for an alternative to cutting the $241,000 shortfall. The general concensus of the School Committee was not to support the proposal at this time and to maintain their position in teacher salary deferral option. TIMETABLE AND DATES IN PREPARATION FOR SEPTEMBER 26 TOWN MEETING Dr. Munnelly shared the following meeting dates: September 9 School Committee Meeting September 10 School Committee /Selectmen's Meeting Warrant Closes September 16 School Committee Task Force Meeting September 23 School Committee Meeting September 24 Selectmen's Meeting REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 SEPTEMBER 9, 1991 The Superintendent advised that the warrant items to date are: Teacher Summer Salary Deferral By -Law on Clearing Snow from Sidewalks Budget Revision Disposal of Old Ladder Truck Petition for Crossing Guard TEACHER SUMMER SALARY DEFERRAL ISSUE Dr. Munnelly stated that the teacher summer salary deferral issue needs to be explained to the public for their support and under- standing before Town Meeting on September 26th. The Superintendent shared that cuts taken at this point in the school year would cause a disruption to students and staff. The Superintendent advised the possibility of two warrant articles and would request the Town Manager, after meeting with the Selectmen, send out with packets to Town Meeting members a statement in support of the deferral from the School Committee. Dr. Munnelly noted this has to be done nine days prior to Town Meeting. NEW BUSINESS REVIEW OF SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS 1990 -91 AND PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION OF GOALS FOR 1991 -92 Chair Philbrick advised members of the School Committee to have their goals ready for review by September 18th and assembled for discussion by the September 23rd meeting. SUPERINTENDENT'S GOALS FOR 1991 -92 PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION Dr. Munnelly shared a brief draft of his goals for 1991 -92. Chair Philbrick suggested to School Committee members that they make their comments in writing. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS REPORT ON RECENT TEST SCORES MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (1991) (MEAP) Assistant Superintendent Bak shared the 1991 MEAP test results. Ms. Bak stated that overall as a district, Reading's scores indicate a performance level higher than the previous scores of 1988 and 1990. Ms. Bak shared that the State MEAP test is adminis- tered to students in Grades 4, 8, and 12. As indicated on enclo- sure C -1, results had Reading students scoring higher than students in other like communities in 25 out of 28 content categories. The next scheduled administration of the MEAP test will take place in the Spring of 1992. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 ­1 SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TEST (1991) (SAT) SEPTEMBER 9, 1991 The Superintendent advised the School Committee that an analysis of the SAT scores is being prepared by School Principal Rena Mirkin and staff and will be presented at a future meeting. Dr. Munnelly shared that 1991 SAT scores in verbal and math indicated an increase from last year's scores, and Reading students continue to outperform students in the national average. PFRS(1NNF.T. APPOINTMENTS George Shannon, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved_ to appoint Jill Piantedosi as a Reading Specialist at the Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; Suzanne Charland as a Library /Media Specialist at Birch Meadow Elementary School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; Nancy -' Picardi as a long term substitute for Grade 5 at the Killam Ele- mentary School at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step 1, effective immediately. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. LEAVE OF ABSENCE George Shannon, on the recommendation of the Administration, moved to grant William Carroll a one year leave -of- absence as boys head basketball coach. Timothy Twomey seconded the motion. Discussion followed. The vote was unanimous. OTHER Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that meeting information for the town warrant must to mailed by Wednesday, September 11th. ADJOURNMENT At 10.40 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee