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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-10-28 School Committee MinutesI READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER 28 OCTOBER 1991 Chairman Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:10 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. 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, many members of the community, and a reporter from the Daily Times Chronicle. MINUTES The minutes of the meeting of September 23, 1991 were presented to the School Committee for approval. On a motion by Stanley Nissen, and seconded by Matthew Cummings the minutes were approved. The vote was 4 -0 -1. Stanley Nissen also moved to accept the minutes of the meeting of October 1, 1991. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The minutes were approved on a vote of 3 -0 -2. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: October 7, 1991 Bills $81,862.94 October 15, 1991 Bills 81,802.61 October 21, 1991 Bills 17,987.57 October 28, 1991 Bills 32,909.92 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: October 4, 1991 Teachers $428,382.76 October 11, 1991 Biweekly 108,441,52 October 18, 1991 Teachers 412,239.18 October 25, 1991 Biweekly 101,814.49 GIFTS The School Committee acknowledged the receipt of gifts from three members of the Reading community. On the recommendation of the Administration, Stanley Nissen moved to accept gifts from Patricia DiNatale, Stephen Secher, and Diane Parella as described on attachment B -1 -c, 1, 2, and 3. George Shannon seconded the motion The School Committee vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -2- 28 OCTOBER 1991 CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. PERSONNEL ACTION There was no personnel action to be addressed at this meeting. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT SAVE THE BAND COMMITTEE PRESENTATION Members of the Save the Band Committee, Judythe Meagher, Paula VonEuw, Martha Conlan and Tony Fisichella presented Dr. Munnelly a check for $4,000 as part of an agreement to fund $12,000 toward the salary of the Instrumental Music Specialist position in the middle schools. Additional funds will be paid in equal installments in February and in June of 1992. Timothy Twomey made a motion to accept the check to be used toward the salary of the position occupied by Robert Seely. George Shannon seconded the motion. The motion carried. Timothy Twomey expressed appreciation for the efforts of the band parents who have worked diligently throughout the summer to provide funding for the Instrumental Music position. LETTER TO KILLAM SCHOOL PARENTS Dr. Munnelly opened discussion concerning interpretation of language in a letter dated July 11, 1991 to parents of students at the J. Warren Killam School from Principal Paul Guerrette. The letter was sent to parents advising them of class size which is a concern to school administration. To reach a goal at first grade level of twenty -three students per class at the maximum, parents were presented an option to enroll first - graders in smaller classes at either the Barrows or Birch Meadow schools for the 1991 -92 school year. The letter noted that this would be a one year arrangement. School Committee members Matthew Cummings and George Shannon stated that they felt the letter was in direct conflict with School Committee policy and requested guidelines for future correspondence to parents from the administration. Communication by parents to School Committee members indicated that interpretation varied and many were concerned that their child would not be able to return to Killiam for their future education. Other parents would like the option for their child to continue as a student at the transfer school; Barrows or Birch Meadow. Superintendent Munnelly assured the Committee that a strong and honest effort had been made to alert parents and the School Committee of classroom size and options available. Future policy will be to review correspondence as to possibility of interpretation and miscommunication. Dr. Munnelly noted that it was an unusual circumstance and not a direct violation of School Committee policy. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -3- 28 OCTOBER 1991 VISITORS In the absence of Student Advisory Council Member Carrie Bither, Phil Dolan introduced himself and suggested other members of the Council to do the same. Visitors Lauren Bergin, Joshua Latham, _ Alison Bastiani, Kathryn Murphy, Peter Losinger, Sean Murphy, and Greg Pothier reported on their experiences and concerns. Outlined and described by the junior and senior class members were projects that have been undertaken by students including: Television programming, the Fine Arts requirement at Reading Memorial High School, Babysitting as a fundraiser and as a community service, and Athletes for a Healthy Lifestyle. Stanley Nissen thanked the Council Members for an informative presentation and encouraged the students to attend future School Committee meetings. He urged the students to speak out on issues that are important to them. Reading Memorial High School Principal Rena Mirkin and Guidance Director Jane Darveau were introduced. Jane Darveau presented the School Committee with an update of S.A.T. scores. The Verbal Mean Score at Reading Memorial High School is 444 and ranks high on a National average. The Massachusetts Mean Score is 426, and the National Mean is 422. In Mathematics, Reading Memorial High School has an impressive Mean Score of 501; the Massachusetts Mean is 470, and the National Mean is 474. Mrs. Darveau commented that eighty - eight percent of our students take S.A.T. exams at some time during their four years at Reading Memorial High School. Guidance Director Darveau informed the School Committee the High School has been invited by College Board to join in a major field trial of a new S.A.T. to be held in January of 1992. The entire junior class will participate in the field trials. Principal Mirkin directed attention to the fact that 64.2% of R.M.H.S. graduates go on the four year colleges or universities and 14% attend a two year school of higher education. OLD BUSINESS POLICY REVIEW ORDER OF BUSINESS Stanley Nissen noted that the original motion for a first vote on the policy Order of Business: Rules for Conducting Meetings Of The Reading School Committee BDDB requested a change in the lettering sequence following the Call to Order. As the lettering of the attachment _resented to the School Committee in their packets was not as outlined in the motion made at the October 1st meeting, Mr. Nissen moved that attachment B -2 -a (1) be approved for a second policy vote with the condition that lettering be revised. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -4- 28 OCTOBER 1991 Matthew Cummings seconded the motion and the motion carried with all Committee members in agreement. SOLICITATION OF FUNDS Band Parent President Tony Fisichella requested a waiver to the existing School Committee policy on solicitation of funds that would enable student volunteers to conduct a door -to -door fundraising poinsettia sale. Mr. Fisichella outlined conditions of the fundraiser stressing that students would be supervised by parents and would solicit orders in small groups on a low pressure basis. The fundraiser would be conducted for one day only, November 23 and advance publicity would be given. In the discussion that followed, it was a consensus of opinion among the members of the Committee that fundraising and the present School Committee policy governing fundraising needed to be addressed due to financial constraints. Mary Williams cited positive experiences she had in the past with door -to -door fundraising as opposed to telephone solicitation. Timothy Twomey supported the Band Parents request as did Stan Nissen. Stanley Nissen moved to grant a waiver to the Band Parents on a one -time only basis with a public hearing to address the policy and modified with respect to door -to -door solicitation. The motion was seconded by Mary Williams. Mr. Nissen felt it was important to learn of experiences of other towns and gain feedback to write a policy minimally restrictive and regulating conditions of door -to -door solicitation. Mr. Shannon stressed a commitment to the existing policy or a consideration of change. Mr. Shannon stated that a waiver to the request -on -hand would open the door to all organizations and well - deserving interest groups making it difficult to address the issue in a fair manner. He affirmed that the Committee should change the policy or adhere to the present one. The motion did not carry as there were 3 in favor and 3 opposed. Mr. Shannon requested a public hearing to be held in a timely manner. Chairman Philbrick informed the Committee she will discuss the matter with Dr. Munnelly and assured the School Committee members that a meeting to address fund raising would be set up before the end of the calendar year. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -5- 28 OCTOBER 1991 SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND SUPERINTENDENT'S GOALS SUPERINTENDENT'S GOALS Superintendent Munnelly informed the Committee that no goals would .:, be addressed at this meeting. The Superintendent's goals will be presented shortly and will be available to the School Committee for further comment. ;:4 OTHER Dr. Munnelly told the School Committee that long -time employee of the Reading School Department Virginia Stanley died during the past weekend. Town flags will be flown at half mast in her honor. Mrs. Stanley served in the position of Dr. Munnelly's secretary for twenty years. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Chairman Philbrick requested reaction and direction from the School Committee on goals she had suggested for consideration for 1991 -92 and outlined on enclosure B -2 -b. 1. Adoption of a budget which retains as much as possible of the current education system including a strong effort to coordinate with municipal boards and Town Meeting members in the interests of keeping a high priority for educational programs. 2. Find a workable solution to the space and teacher needs for both Kindergarten and elementary grades for 1992 -93. 3. Find a long -range workable solution to the space and teacher needs for K -5 grades for the years 1993 -94 through 1997 -98. 4. Continued outreach, education and dialogue with citizens; continue our open process in reaching educational decisions. Stanley Nissen commented that goals should not be routine matters, but extraordinary items requiring special attention. Mr. Nissen stated that due to time constraints the type of positive goals the Committee desired should not be addressed lightly. George Shannon noted that with the major crisis situation the school system is facing, goals 2 and 3 should be the major focus for adoption. In the discussion that continued, the School Committee agreed that goals should be viable and that goal setting should be an ongoing process. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -6- 28 OCTOBER 1991 Timothy Twomey suggested incorporating goals 1, 2 and 3 into a development of an educational /financial master plan with flexibility to chart a course for the Reading school system for the future. Mr. Twomey affirmed that an effective communication plan to the community as outlined as goal 4 was a concern of his. Matthew Cummings agreed that long range educational /financial blueprints are desirable. He commented we are caught in a Catch 22' situation due to time constraints and resources. Stanley Nissen moved to table discussion of the School Committee goals until February or March at the earliest. He stated he believed it was an undebatable motion according to his understanding of_parlimentary procedure. George Shannon recommended to move forward rather than put goal discussion into abeyance. He stated goals 2 and 3 should be adopted as it sends a message to citizens it is a primary issue that School Committee is focusing on and a statement of its concerns. If the Committee does not agree, it should not be tabled, but agreed that the School Committee is not setting goals for the present year due to restraints. Mr. Shannon moved that the School Committee adopt goals 2 and 3 as outlined on B -2 -b as goals for 1991 -92. Chairman Philbrick reminded the Committee that Mr. Nissen's motion to table School Committee goals was on the floor. Mr. Shannon acknowledged Mr. Nissen's motion and requested his motion be recognized if Mr. Nissen's motion to table goal discussion failed. Mr. Nissen's motion to table goals did not pass on a vote of 2 in favor and 4 opposed. Timothy Twomey seconded George Shannon's motion and amended it to include goals 1 and 4 as critical issues of importance. Mr. Shannon did not oppose the amendment. The amended motion carried on a vote of 3 -2. Mr. Nissen was not present in the taken. A question arose as to the consensus of opinion by the School NEW BUSINESS ICE RINK DISCUSSION Conference Room when the vote was validity of the vote. It was the Committee that majority ruled. George Shannon, the School Committee representative to the Ice Rink Study Committee, presented a report on sites favored for the ice rink, still in preliminary planning stages. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -7- 28 OCTOBER 1991 As three of the favored sites are located in the High School complex area, the discussion that followed concerned the impact of major traffic implications in an already congested area. Safety to students at school closing time, coordination of major events, night lighting, vandalism, and behavior were also addressed. After input ..x by members of the School Committee. Discussion was tabled and the meeting moved on. BUDGET 1993 - BUDGET DEVELOPMENT PLANNING Superintendent Munnelly spoke of his concern of outlining a dynamic budget and asked to hear from the School Committee about development and procedure. At the time of this meeting, a possible $500,000 to $600,000 reduction in budget will be necessary. Bill Burditt, Finance Committee Chairman, was present to make known FinCom concerns of an amount of $500,000 to $1,000,000 to be cut townwide. FinCom is requesting the School Committee to present a budget based on a target figure not available at the time of this meeting, but to be available shortly. Discussion of methods of implementing a budget followed with input from School Committee members and FinCom liaison to School Committee Nathan White. A list of priorities and decisions of major cuts will have to be made. In the event that additional funds or an increase in state aid would be available, the Committee wants flexibility and an itemized list of cuts rather than a bottom line that can not be adjusted. ,. An increase in enrollment, step increases for teachers, special education, and space issues in the elementary schools will have to be a consideration. The Committee expects to address layoffs of teachers as many other options have been taken in the past two years. BUS CONTRACT ADJUSTMENT Superintendent Munnelly advised the Committee that due to the length of the bus routes, an ajustment must be made to the contract. Michaud Bus officials have requested $7.50 per kindergarten bus per day for the additional time required to transport students. The increase will be retroactive to the start of school in September. It was Dr. Munnelly's recommendation that the request be considered by School Committee. He noted that Michaud Bus Company has been extremely flexible in accomodating Reading School needs with the constraints of fewer buses. Stanley Nissen moved on the recommendation of the Superintendent that the additional monies be approved. The motion was seconded b_v George Shannon. The motion carried unanimouslv. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES -8- INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS 28 OCTOBER 1991 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT AND CLASSROOM PLANNING DISCUSSION Superintendent Munnelly, in reference to the Minutes of January 28, 1991, outlined suggestions the School Committee had been given on methods to pursue school space planning. 1. Impact spread equally among the Town 2. The proposal be usable for a minimum of 3 to 5 years 3. Minimum possible education disruption 4. Cost 5. Citizen input Options considered are: 8th grade to Reading memorial High School, 5th grade to middle schools, and redistricting of grades K -4. Dr. Munnelly shared with the Committee the pattern and rationale of redistricting in 1984 to equalize school enrollment at the time of the close of Pearl Street School and formation of the middle schools. Examples of redistricting for the present day, incorporating, in one case, a newly developed area were cited. He stressed that redistricting neighborhood schools is very time consuming both in the sense of work involved and creativity in making the all the "puzzle pieces" come together in an equitable manner. Redistricting would necessitate a large amount of time to be spent by administration. Chairman Philbrick encouraged discussion on Plan A and Plan B and other options. The School Committee was not in agreement with either Plan A (kindergarten center at Reading Memorial High School), or Plan B (using portable classrooms). The Committee felt it is difficult at this time to implement a plan without knowing how many teachers may have to be cut in the budget process, and what the budget figure may be. Elementary Principals Donald Farnham and Charles Papandreou were present to answer questions from the School Committee and a large number of concerned parents who attended the meeting. Assistant Superintendent Lynn Bak informed the School Committee and assembled parents that neither Plans A and B addressed the problem satisfactorily or was cost efficient, but were developed with the necessity of limited finances. BRIEFING ON VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT Chairman Barbara Philbrick suggested that the topic of Senior Citizens volunteering in the schools be addressed at the next meeting. All were in agreement. ADJOURNMENT The School Committee agreed to ajourn from Open Session at 11:30 p.m.