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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-04-18 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 18, 1990 At 7 p.m., Chairman Nissen stated that he could not call the regu- lar School Committee meeting to order until a quorum was present. He suggested that Citizen's Input be recognized at this -time. CITIZEN'S INPUT A Reading citizen asked if we were in the process of redistricting schools. Dr. Munnelly stated that it was too early to know the exact student registration for the school year 1990 -91, but that redistricting has not been discussed. FinCom Member Nate White questioned if any new expenditures for the Special Education budget have been indicated. Dr. Munnelly added that the Special Education budget is running in the red now and if any new students or rate-increases were added it could drive up costs greatly. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly publicly recognized the high school students of the third quarter, who have contributed to the excellence and quality of life of the school and its community, as follows: Margaret Sumner '90 John Lonergan 190 Philip Vaccaro '93 Christina Bozzi 193 Dawn Harrison 190 Jennifer Forest 190 Mark Chetwynd '90 Madelynn Burgess 190 Cheryl Gerraughty '92 Joseph Accardi '92 Lori Czerwonka '91 Michelle Fennelly 190 Colleen Daly '90 and Andrea Morello 190 Thomas Quinn 191 Glenn Dickey '91 STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY English Award Social Studies Award Mathematics Award Science Award Foreign Language Award Business Award Technology Education Award Visual Art- Award Home Economics Award Athletics Award Physical Education Award Music Award Service Award Leadership Award Principal's Award Several students will be participating in Student Government Day on April 25th. Donna Pappalardo, Advisor /Teacher and Cathy Quimby, Student Government Day Co- Ordinator agreed on a schedule for the day for students and staff to meet in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 8:30 a.m. for a general meeting prior to breaking away with their respective "shadow ". The purpose of the program is to allow students a "snapshot" view of the roles of town officials and the responsibilities these officials are charged. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 18, 1990 SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS AND ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS MEETING Dr. Munnelly shared that he and Peter Greene, Reading Teachers' Association President, attended a convocation of superintendents and M.T.A. presidents. These sessions are part of a statewide effort to reduce adversarial tensions by bringing leaders together. Economist Robert Reich, from the Harvard Kennedy School, was one of the speakers, who gave a strong talk on our economy and education's role in it. Dr. Munnelly stated that John Hamill, from Shawmut Bank, who chaired the local aid committee shared legislative recommendations for local aide reform and ex- plained the legislative program. OTHER - BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Dr. Munnelly shared that the Town will be notifying its Blue Cross/ Blue Shield members that their health coverage will be dropped after June 30th, 1990, due to the present active employees enrollment of only three percent. This presents problems to current employees and those retired individuals covered by Blue Cross /Blue Shield. Solutions. to this major problem are yet to be developed. CALL TO ORDER A quorum being present, Chairman Stan Nissen officially called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams and George Shannon, who were expected to arrive later, and Thomas Fuller, Student Representa- tive. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager R. Warren Hopkins, and members of the community. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Nissen shared a question that George Shannon had in re- gard to the PLAN FOR DIRECTORS as stated in the March 26th minutes. It was agreed that Dr. Munnelly will be updating the Committee on the job descriptions for the Athletic and Physical Education Direc- torship. The minutes read correct with the information presented. Barbara Philbrick made a motion to accept the minutes of the March 12th and March 26th meetings. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous with James Nally abstaining from the March 12th minutes and Carol Lyons abstaining from the March 26th minutes. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for bills and payrolls were as follows: BILLS APRIL 9, 1990 GENERAL EXPENSE $110,247.34 APRIL-16, 1990 GENERAL EXPENSE $ 67,260.40 APRIL 23, 1990 GENERAL EXPENSE $130,260.92 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 PAYROLLS APRIL 13, 1990 BI- WEEKLY APRIL 5, 1990 TEACHERS APRIL 12, 1990 TEACHERS SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT (continued VTSTTORS APRIL 18, 1990 $115,560.94 $407,309.75 $405,303.07 Dr. Munnelly introduced volunteer members of the Reading Community Action "80 -10 -10 Foundation ", (RCA), Ron D'Addario and Tim Twomey. Mr. Twomey explained that RCA is a community -wide fund raising ef- fort. It is committed with monies raised to financially assist in the support of the Reading School System, 80 %; the Reading Community Library, 10 %; and the Elder Services Division of the Reading Human Services Department, 10 %. Mr. D'Addario shared a draft that pro- vided further information and a listing of prioritization that School Committee can adjust for future sharing. The Categories 1 and 2 that total $334,000 would incorporate the re- establishing of services in the PUT BACK BUDGET. Mr. D'Addario stated that the RCA has suggested a per household contribution of $200, although greater or lesser amounts will be welcomed. All funds collected will be distributed by August 1, 1990 for 1990 -91 school year planning. Discussion continued, with FinCom Member Nathan White raising a 14 question regarding the distribution of fund - raising monies in the school budget. Dr. Munnelly shared that gifts can be accepted and used. School Committee requested that Administration supply the true figures of cost including benefits of all salaried positions. It was suggested that the public through the Chronicle be advised of the amounts collected and given as a gift to fund teacher(s) back into the system. Barbara Philbrick moved that the committee give full and enthusias- tic support to the Reading Community Action organization. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to waive the rental fee, as it may occur for RCA to have a group information meeting and to only charge for a custodian fee. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OLD BUSINESS READJUST CALENDAR 1989 -90 Dr. Munnelly presented the changes in the School Calendar due to a lack of snow days. Students 181st day will be June 21st and teachers 185th day will be June 22nd. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 APRIL 18, 1990 Carol Lyons moved to adjust the school calendar for the end of the 1989 -90 school year to June 21, 1990 for students and June 22, 1990 for teachers. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimouslv. BUDGET FY 1991 - PREPARATION FOR TOWN MEETING DISCUSSION Superintendent Dr. Munnelly presented plans for several options of reorganization of the custodial and secretarial staffs, which will be considered at length at the next meeting on May 2nd. Chairman Nissen reiterated that it was the last opportunity to change items on the "put back list' if funds become available. Dis- cussion continued with the issue of academics versus athletics. Members agreed to keep listed items in place. Dr. Munnelly stated that the Committee will be reporting about ele- mentary space needs at Town Meeting. It was agreed that the preferred solution could not be achieved at the moment. The School Committee restated the importance of and value of the Long Range Plan presented to Town Meeting in November, and promised to seek Town Meeting's approval. The School Committee reiterated its com- mitment to resume their study of school space as soon as the picture of School Building Assistance Bureau funding from the state is clar- ified by legislative action to fund future building projects and implement the plan to add classrooms and do renovations at Birch Meadow and Eaton Elementary Schools. FinCom Member Nate White added that the three main issues to still be decided on before the budget can be considered are health insurance, trash fee and State Aid. IN -STATE TRAVEL Dr. Munnelly shared information regarding local travel, in -state travel and dues accounts that have been budgeted in FY91. Dr. Munnelly stated that the monies in local travel are to reimburse for using their vehicles for school related business and that $1,000 of the amount of money budgeted for principals dues is used for accreditation in New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. CAPITOL BUDGET PLAN Dr. Munnelly shared that reports are in progress on the percent of cost savings estimated on payback of boilers. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 APRIL 18, 1990 NEW BUSINESS KILLAM Dr. Munnelly shared a correspondence from New England Telephone re- questing that the school committee approve a proposed location for one above ground telephone terminal cabinet on Killam Elementary School property. On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to grant an easement for New England Tele- phone to place an above ground terminal cabinet as shown on enclosure B3a on Killam Elementary School property. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. Discussion followed with the motion carrying unanimously with all members now present. BIDS AWARDS: SCIENCE SUPPLIES Business Manager Warren Hopkins presented the recommended bid awards list for science supplies for the 1990 -91 school year. He shared that in almost every case they represent the lowest bid on each item. Only in a few isolated instances, where our experience has dictated that the superior quality justifies a particular product over another, did the administration select an item with a higher price. They are as follows for Reading Memorial High School, Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools: Chem Scientific Co., Sargent -Welch Scientific Co., Frey Scientific Co., Southern Biological Supply Co., and Carolina Bilogical Supply Co.. The estimated savings realized through bid process for RMHS is $1,342.67; Parker Middle School is $142.07; and Coolidge Middle School is $76.87. On the recommendation of the administration: George Shannon moved to award the bids for Science Supplies to the five companies as described in the corrected enclosure Bab, dated April 18, 1990. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. DRAFT - POLICY ON ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS School Committee discussed the Draft copy for Public Gifts to Schools and agreed to change the following: The word "Any" changed to read "May accept" in the first paragraph. Introduction to the criteria should read: The School Committee may choose to accept gifts that satisfy the following criteria: and to eliminate: o Be offered by a donor acceptable to the School Committee. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 APRIL 18, 1990 George Shannon moved to accept the appropriately modified Draft B3c, Policy #KIC for PUBLIC GIFTS TO SCHOOLS. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. DRAFT - POLICY ON RELEASE OF PUBLIC RECORDS Discussion continued on Draft B3d, Policy #BP, regarding the RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC. It was decided that the policy should be elaborated and include all requests be in writing and that all cost estimates regarding materials and labor should be in writing. Further discussion will continue on this policy at a future school committee meeting. 1990 -91 METCO PROPOSAL Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak shared that the 1990 -91 Metco Grant has been reduced by 5 %, a total of $14,742.00. This reduction incorporates the reduction of one bus monitor /aide and the elimina- tion of late buses for students, presently provided twice per week. Ms. Bak added that the Metco transportation costs have been guaranteed for the next two years and include two new buses being made available to Metco students. On the recommendation of the administration: Carol Lyons moved to approve the plan for Metco 1990 -91 as described in enclosure B3e for the total program cost of $280,114. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SUMMER SCHOOL 1990 Assistant Superintendent Bak explained that Director Jeff Cryan, Principals and herself would like to propose a self- supporting program for Summer School 1990, which will include but not limited to the following: SKILL MAINTENANCE COURSES - Grades 1 -8 totaling 60 students at $35 READING /MATH each with a suggested maximum fee of $70 per family. ENRICHMENT COURSES - Biology totaling 30 students at $60 each and Music totaling 20 students at $75 each. MAKE -UP COURSES - U.S. History and English totaling 60 students at $100 each. On the recommendation of the administration: Carol Lyons moved to approve a self - supporting summer.school program. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. Discussion continued, with Carol Lyons adding to her motion that the program include the fees as described in enclosure C -1 and that further enrichment and make -up courses that might be added do so at the same agreed amount. Barbara Philbrick agreed. The motion was voted unanimously. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 APRIL 18, 1990 ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS Dr. Munnelly shared that Birch Meadow has received a gift of a Model 1035 Xerox copier with collator and an IBM Community Service Grant for $1500 that will specifically be used for purchase of new window treatments and furniture for the staff room. Other gifts received included a video camera, baseball pitching and tennis lobber equipment for the Reading Memorial High School Athletic Department. SEEM Dr. Munnelly shared his review of the Learning Disabilities program of SEEM which is a collaborative of communities to provide students who have low incidence handicapping conditions with appropriate special education classes. He stated that on the advice of Dr. Alexanian and others he notified the SEEM Board that Reading would not participate, but would run the two classes as Reading's Special Education program. Dr. Alexanian had requested that a study group of special education staff and parents meet over the course of the next six months to discuss Reading's active participation in SEEM over the next decade. School Committee Member James Nally was appointed as a liaison between the study team and the School Committee. h TiW,01 -2i0 Dr. Munnelly shared suggestions for the major cuts being consider- ed for secretarial /clerk and custodian /maintenance staffing for 1990 -91. After further discussion with unions, Dr. Munnelly stated he would like to discuss options he has suggested in enclosure D3 at the next School Committee meeting, on May 2, 1990. REAPPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to reappoint Earscelle Wilkerson to his third contract as METCO Coordinator. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. LEAVES OF ABSENCE On the recommendation of the administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to grant Christina Copeland, Physical Education Teacher at Parker Middle School a child rearing leave commencing at the end of her maternity leave until January 2, 1991. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 APRIL 18, 1990 EDUCATION LEAVE ,1 On the recommendation of the administration: George Shannon moved to grant a one year education leave for Marthanne Pressey, Special Needs Teacher at Killam Elementary School, for the 1990 -91 school year. Carol Lyons seconded the ADJOURNMENT At 10:28 p.m. George Shannon made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee