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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-01-20 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES CALL TO ORDER JANUARY 20, 1990 Chairman Stan Nissen called the special session meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 9 a.m. in the Superinten- dent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later and student representative, Tom Fuller. Also present were Superinten- dent Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins, and members from the Finance Com- mittee. NEW BUSINESS EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS SPECIAL OLYMPICS A request to waive the rental fee for use of the Reading Memorial High School Field House for an Eastern Massachusetts Special Olym- pics Basketball Tournament was presented by Dr. Munnelly. He introduced William Crowell, who represented the Essex County Mass- achusetts Special Olympics. Mr. Crowell explained that this is not a fund raising event and that the teams will come from the Northeast section of Massachusettes which does include the town-of Reading. On the recommendation of the Superintendent; _Carol Lyons moved to waive the $1800 rental fee of the Reading High School Field House for the Massachusetts Special Olympics Basketball Tournament to be held on February 25, 1990. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was 4 -1. Motion carried. NESBA CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS Dr. Munnelly shared a letter from Dave Bunten requesting permis- sion for the Reading Mgmorial High School Music Department and Band /Colorguard parents'to host the New England Scholastic Band Association Championship Finals for Indoor Colorguard and Percus- sion Ensembles to take place on Sunday, March 25, 1990. Dr. Munnelly recommended to waive the rental fee; other fees would remain the same. He added that income from this event would be placed in the Band Parents Fund, with the recommendation to use these funds for future band activities. SPECIAL SESSION MEETING 2 JANUARY 20, 1990 Chairman Nissen recognized Band Parent Mr. Healey, who stated that it would be an honor for the NSBA event to be held in Reading. George Shannon moved to waive the rental fee of the Reading High School Field House for the New England Scholastic Band Association Championship Finals for Indoor Color guard and Percussion Ensembles on Sunday, March 25, 1990 as described in enclosure Alb Carol Lyons seconded the motion. Discussion continued. The vote was unanimous. ELEMENTARY SPACE CONCERNS Chairman Nissen shared the motion that was made by John E. Carpen- ter at Town Meeting to instruct the Reading School Committee to re- examine other options for obtaining classroom space, giving priority to solutions that minimize the impact on students and families, and that minimize the need for additional support staff. All options recommended in the Report on Elementary School Build- ing Needs for the 1990's dated October 24, 1988 also be re-examin- ed. Dr. Munnelly introduced Elementary School Building Needs Committee Members Don Farnham and Margaret Cowell. Don Farnham reiterated for this year's state aid we need to be in contact with the architect by February 1990. Discussion continued with members stating that Pearl Street School is now a municipal building and is not available as a school. Dr. Munnelly communicated that the short term possibilities for the nex-c couple of years should be addressed. George Shannon stated that discussion should include immediate classroom need options and long term use of buildings. The resources that were discussed included one open room at Killam, four rooms above the Superintendent's office, purchase or lease of portables, rent space from St. Agnes, redistrict, and to explore space that would allow balanced class sizes. School Committee members preferred the idea of Kindergarten overflow classes above the Superintendent's office rather than Grade 5. They also addressed the advantages of leasing or purchasing portables. When examining options, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak shared the Elementary Principal's recommendation that the kindergarten at Birch Meadow Elementary School be bussed to an open classroom at Killam Elementary School for the Fall of 1990. This would allow Birch Meadow the necessary space needed for an additional grade one class. In regards to using the remaining space above the Superintendent's office to house kindergarten classes, Ms. Bak informed the Committee that funds would need to be identified to install bathroom facilities for these young students. SPECIAL SESSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 20, 1990 Discussion continued with School Committee concerns over the cost of portables, purchase or leasing; bussing; boundary lines; expenses and issues regarding the opening of expired public schools. Reading P.T.O. President Paula O'Leary raised the issue of the use of the special education resource room at the Eaton School. Dr. Munnelly informed the audience that the cease and- desist order that was issued is currently under appeal by the School Department. Chairman Nissen encouraged the Elementary School Building Needs Committee to resume the project as soon as possible. The general concensus of the Committee was that the space needs for the Fall of 1990 have been appropriately remedied, and that the Administration would provide the School Committee with information and suggestions for space need solutions for the Fall of 1991. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Due to a lack of a second, the meeting continued. Margaret Cowell made a motion to recognize Reading Citizens' input. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Lengthy discussion followed. Carol Lyons made a motion to move the question. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Mrs. Cowell's motion was voted. The outcome was 4 -2. Motion carried. Reading Citizens were recognized by Chairman Nissen, and further discussion on space needs and budget continued. Chairman Nissen stated that a recommending report will be pre- pared for presentation to the Town Meeting scheduled this spring. ADJOURNMENT At 11:05 a.m., George Shannon made a motion to adjourn. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.