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Home My WebLink About1991-12-02 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER DECEMBER 2, 1991 Chairman Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Superinten- dent's Conference Room. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Stanley Nissen moved to approve the minutes of October 28, 1991. Georae Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: December 2, 1991 Bills $ 71,631.31 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: November 29, 1991 Teachers $421,443.05 CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly presented the Superintendent's Award for Educa- tional Excellence and a small check to help with college application fees to students Mark Erelli and Kerry Stakem. The Superintendent highlighted that both students are well- rounded seniors who have shown top performance in Academics, Athletics, and the Arts. The School Committee congratulated both students and wished them well as they plan their college educations. Dr. Munnelly also noted that Birch meadow Elementary School's program of several years duration, the Just School, has once again been written up in a national publication. The Superintendent stated the school's program is part of a book on the importance of student self - esteem published by the American Association of School Administrators. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 2, 1991 PERSONNEL ACTION Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that the reduction -in- ..,. force for the second half of the school year of Ruth Hood as the part -time home economics teacher at Reading Memorial High School would be invalid due to contract limitations that requires a "notification date of April 15 or as soon as possible thereafter." The Superintendent recommended maintaining Home Economics for the remainder of the 1991 -92 school year, ask FinCom late in the year for a transfer of funds if we need additional monies, and that we notify Ruth Hood before April 15, 1992 of our reduction -in -force action for the 1992 -93 school year. On the recommendation of the Administration, George Shannon moved to rescind the previous vote to notify Ruth Hood of the reduction - in -force action effective January, 1992. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS Dr. Munnelly presented the first draft of the proposed budget for FY93. The Superintendent advised that it includes $129,000 in step increases, Special Education cost increases, and $10,000 for reinstatement of district standardized testing. The Superintendent explained the proposed FY93 budget for the six categories that include Administration, $274,115; Regular Day, $10,363,447; Special Education, $2,351,524; Other Services, $243,374; Athletics, $280,125; and Custodian /Maintenance, $1,609,884 for a total of $15,122,469. Dr. Munnelly added the high school accreditation visit scheduled for four days in November, 1993 will cost several thousand dollars. School Committee commended the Administration for the strong effort made to present this first draft. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES FROM FI14COM AND TOWN MANAGER Chair Barbara Philbrick met with the FinCom on Tuesday, November 26th to discuss budget recommendations. Ms. Philbrick commented that it was a positive meeting and noted that the FinCom wishes to hold $100,000 in free cash and are recommending a $650,000 reduction as the school's target for FY93. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 2, 1991 Finance Committee members Bill Burditt and Nate White requested that Dr. Munnelly provide supportive budget to the FinCom for futher discussion. Dr. Munnelly advised that he would have a strong version of the budget by December 9th, so together with the Town Manager priorities could then be handled. REPORT ON 1991 -92 CLASS SIZE AND PROGRAM OFFERINGS Dr. Munnelly reviewed in detail the 1991 -92 school year en- rollment figures. He noted that the average class size for grades 1 -5 was 22.5 with 2 Art, 2 Music, 3 Physical Education and SPED Speech Therapists who circulate throughout the elementary schools. The Superintendent advised that the average class size for middle school is 24 - 24.5. In the high school class sizes, as noted by the Superintendent is an average for all Art and Graphics courses: 14.3; average for all Business courses at 13.5; for elective English courses: 19.6; for all English courses: 18.0; for all Foreign Language classes: 19.5; for all Home Economics courses: 17.8; for all Mathematics courses: 18.3; for Music courses the largest percentages are in the Jazz Band, Individual Study Band and Singers; an average for all Physical Education classes: 28.8; for all Science courses: 21.9; for elective Social Studies courses: 18.0; for all Social Studies courses: 17.8, and for all Technology courses: 12.7. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the class size report is for the purpose of decision making on class size and their impact on the FY93 budget cuts. SCENARIOS OF DEEP BUDGET CUTS The Superintendent presented the scenarios of the deep budget cuts, stating that a million dollar cut represents a cut of thirty three teachers out of the system or three teachers per grade and eight to ten at the high school. Dr. Munnelly went on to explain the drastic results of cutting back on school administration and added that cutting Department Heads is a recipe for disaster. A consensus of the School Committee members was that class- room teachers and class sizes will feel the impact of next year's cuts because there are no longer big ticket services remaining in the school budget that can be eliminated or reduced. Dr. Munnelly solicited assistance for help from the School Committee to enable him to bring a "straw man" version of FY93 budget to the next School Committee session. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 2, 1991 Timothy Twomey requested a scenario that kept system -wide class sizes low. Mr. Twomey added that it would be beneficial to keep programs intact should funding return. Member Mary Williams questioned contracted services of cus- todians and nurses. Ms. Williams also stated that Administration should look at a pay -as- you -go fee schedule that reflects the true cost of individual sports. Ms. Williams emphasized she did not want psychologists, custodial services, nurses and assistant principals cut. Member George Shannon stated he would not support a move to cut athletics. Mr. Shannon added he would like the Administration to take a look at the high school Focus program, the Fine Arts, and Physical Education classes; to consider increased class sizes at all levels by eliminating teachers; and to reduce or remove the Library program. Stan Nissen's major points included the need for, increased recruitment of volunteers, and the need for larger class sizes at all levels to maintain the art and musicdistrict programs. Matthew Cummings' ideas included the examination of reducing full -time teacher aides to part -time with no benefits; and teacher teaming of basic support programs. Mr. Cummings also raised questions regarding middle school assistant principals. Chair Philbrick looked to the Administration to come to School Committee with an educational plan expecting that it would reflect an increase in class sizes; Professional Development figures; Department Heads teaching more; and maintaining athletics and curriculum programs. Ms. Philbrick added that the reduction of a nurse and library media person should also be a consideration. The Chair, representing the consensus of the Committee, stated that in light of the need to increase class sizes at all levels, space will be created at the elementary level to house projected enrollments, thus it was agreed that a parent survey at this time that identifies preference for student placement will not be necessary. PLANNING OF FUTURE MEETINGS Dr. Munnelly advised the Committee of future meeting agendas. They include the High School Student Advisory Council, .Accreditation Steering Committee, Health Evaluation K -12, Fund Raising Policy, Metco, Elementary Enrollment, and nigh School Guidance Evaluation. Discussion followed with a decision to reschedule issues in a timely fashion to be presented after the School Committee has completed the FY93 Budget deliberations. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business for discussion. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 DECEMBER 2, 1991 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS CAFETERIA UPDATE Dr. Munnelly commented that the October statement from the Director of the Cafeteria, Catherine Cook was self - explanatory and discussion was not necessary. ANNUAL REPORT The Superintendent advised that the deadline for all annual reports town manager's office is December 27, 1991. ?Matthew Cummings volunteered to write this year's annual report. ADJOURNMENT Georae Shannon moved to adjourn from regular session at 10:15 p.m. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee