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Home My WebLink About1991-12-16 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING { REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 1991 CALL TO ORDER Chair Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later. 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 the November 18, and December 2, 1991. Matthew Cummings seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: December 9, 1991 Bills $28,340.16 December 16, 1991 Bills $94,862.46 o The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: December 6, 1991 Biweekly $123,838.14 CITIZEN INPUT There was no citizen input. Chair Philbrick took this opportunity to introduce Finance Commit- tee member Carroll McMillan and to wish Holly Spousta, Chronicle reporter, success in her new position with the Audubon Society. PERSONNEL ACTION There was no personnel action. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY1993 REPORT AND DISCUSSION OF DECEMBER 10, 1991 ALL BOARD MEETING Dr. Munnelly and Chair Philbrick briefed the School Committee on the recent all board meeting. The Superintendent advised that REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 16, 1991 the Town budget is still in its early stages and discussed the following options the Town Manager has offered to deal with the FY93 budget reductions: I. Reduce the various budgets based on priorities established II. As Part of I., or instead of I., eliminate services or pro- grams that the Town currently provides. One example might be the collection and disposal of rubbish III. Increase Revenues: .Place a Proposition 2 112 override question or questions on the ballot for the Spring election. This could be for an overall purpose, for a specific purpose such as rubbish re- moval and disposal, or a menu approach could be used .Seek additional sources of. revenue through State enabling legislation, and or review of local fees IV. Hope for State reform legislation which revises local aid Discussion continued with School Committee realizing that priorities need to be set by the Board of Selectmen, and the Committee also shared the need for them to have priorities and recommendations in terms of "put backs" ready for discussion on January 6, 1992, if further monies become available. There were also suggestions to inform Reading citizens on the need for a recommendation of an override on the ballot. Mr. Carroll advised the School Committee that an override, such as for trash, is for one year only and after that funds go into the Town's levy to use the monies as they see fit. Dr. Munnelly stated he would be meeting with Principals on Tuesday to formulate a draft with cuts and potential putback suggestions. REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUDGET MIDDLE SCHOOL The Superintendent introduced Parker Middle School Principal Dr. Delaney, Assistant Principal Mr. Cowles and Coolidge Middle School Principal Mr. Lahood who shared with the Committee an option for next years middle school program in light of the budget cut we are anticipating. Mr. Lahood advised that the proposal would change the student day from a seven period to six period schedule, eliminate Department Heads and the administrative role of Assistant Princi- pals by 50 %. The lay offs would include two home economic teachers, two industrial technology teachers, one physical education instructor, one reading specialist and one library media specialist. ,,. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 16, 1991 Mr. Cowles added it would be a step back to basics with teachers working with over 100 students per day with less time for support for students having difficulty. Chair Philbrick expressed a schedule concern regarding the 30 -35 students who do not choose to take theforeign language elective and are unable to be scheduled elsewhere. ATRT.RTTrC Dr. Munnelly went onto discuss a memo from the Director of Athle- tics, Jack White who outlined by cutting the Athletic budget by approximately $75,000, freshman and junior varsity sports would virtually be eliminated. School Committee members stated without freshman and junior varsity sports the whole town would be impacted. Citing the public safety effect that would leave 300 athletes with no place to go. Mr. Nissen added if athletics were included on a Proposi- tion 2 1/2 override menu, it would be one of the items that would stand a good chance. BUILDING AND GROUNDS AND CAPITAL BUDGET The Superintendent stated he would have a draft of revisions of the Capital Plan prepared for the January 6, 1991 School Committee meeting. GUIDANCE Dr. Munnelly shared a letter from the Director of the High School Guidance Department Jane Darveau explaining her responsi- bilities. Principal Rena Mirkin commented that Ms. Darveau's letter was factual, yet humble and advised the Committee of the impact of cuts being considered at Reading Memorial High School. LIBRARY MEDIA Reading Memorial High School Library /Media teacher Joan Morse shared the effect of cutting additional aide time in the High School Library Media Center. CONTRIBUTIONS Principal Mirkin shared information regarding the "Adopt a Text Book" program under the auspices of the League of Women Voters. Ms. Mirkin shared that citizens have donated $295 to date in memory and honor of friends and loved ones. FOCUS The Superintendent explained that the Focus Program provides a unique education to approximately 20 students and gave a brief , REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 16, 1991 history of the program. School Committee requested Principal Mirkin profile Focus students past the age of 18. PHYSICAL EDUCATION District Physical Education Director Marc Alterio shared material from the State Department of Education relative to pro- gramming of physical education and the waiver process for grades 11 and 12. Mr. Alterio advised the Physical Education Regulations Waiver Process states the clock hour requirements in grades 11 and 12 are the prerogative of local school districts and that all "instructional physical education must be provided and taken by all students in all public schools" as it applies to students in Grades 11 and 12, students in these grades must be enrolled in and must take physical education classes. FURLOUGH Dr. Munnelly shared a proposal made by a Reading Selectman to furlough school personnel. The Superintendent informed the Com- mittee that while school is in session, substitutes are needed for most of the personnel in the district. To consider those individuals not requiring substitute teachers would affect the supervision and management of the school system during a most difficult time. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS There was no information and proposals. ADJOURNMENT At 10:35 p.m. Stanley Nissen moved to adjourn to executive session for the purpose of developing strategy for bargaining with union employees. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee