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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-05-15 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 15, 1990 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present, with the exception of James Nally who arrived later; and Student Representative Tom Fuller. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Also present as ob- servers were Boy Scout Leader Mr. Prudente and members of Troop 75. APPROVAL OF MINUTES George Shannon moved to approve the minutes from the May 2, 1990 meeting Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS May 14, 1990 - Total Accounts Payable - $110,026.72 May 21, 1990 - Total Accounts Payable - $ 78,461.66 AA VP0T.T.S May 11, 1990 - Bi- weekly - $113,121.38 May 17, 1990 - Teachers _ $409,714.28 CITIZEN'S INPUT Dr. Munnelly shared a letter he received from Building Inspector Stuart LeClaire stating that the problems at the Joshua Eaton Ele- mentary School regarding the cafeteria /gymnasium have been re- solved. Mr. LeClaire also added that although this is not a code violation it is a safety issue and that precautions should be taken. OLD BUSINESS PUBLIC RECORDS POLICY BP Dr. Munnelly defined the term of "public records" as provided by the Office of the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth and presented the revised Policy #BP for a second vote. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 15, 1990 George Shannon moved on the second vote to approve the revised Policy #BP, Release of Information to the Public. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS Dr. Munnelly recommended that the School Committee ask the Town Meeting for $62,000 in the FY1991 budget for a portable classroom at Eaton to deal with Special Education space crisis. Town Manager has acted to add the $62,000 to the capital outlay plan. The Superin- tendent added that because the situation is not considered an "emergency ", bidding and award procedures could not be by- passed, thus even though planning would start immediately, moving into the structure may not be realized until November. Further discussion continued regarding monies from the trash fee modifications and the recent court decision forcing the state to release promised local aid. Members were in agreement to save as many teaching jobs as possible and to address safety issues. Barbara Philbrick moved to increase the School Department FY91 Bud- get by $62,000 for a portable classroom at the Joshua Eaton Elemen- tary School. James Nally seconded the motion. Discussion continued. The vote was unanimous. ASBESTOS Dr. Munnelly explained the changing regulations regarding asbestos removal at schools, which now indicate that it is better to encapsulate rather than remove the asbestos. Based on this new information from the scientific community, Dr. Munnelly suggested that the present plan be amended. On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to an indefinite time to postpone this Article on Asbestos at Town Meeting. James Nally seconded the mo- tion. Discussion followed. The vote was unanimous. RETURN TO CITIZEN'S INPUT Dr. Munnelly introduced Senior Class President Rob Spadafora, who discussed the health issue of AIDS and its effect on the teenage population. Rob presented the School Committee with a proposal to distribute condoms to students and to increase education of the AIDS disease. Several students, who had accompanied Rob Spadafora, were wearing AIDS Awareness ribbons that were also given to School Commit- tee members. Several of the students expressed concern about AIDS statistics and would like to see preventative measures taken for this year's prom night. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 15, 1990 Dr. Munnelly agreed that there is a strong need to educate students. He added that the disbursement of information regarding preventative measures is a public /community issue. School Committee members added their support in the effort of the students to increase education and suggested to students to respond as young adults in educating the Reading Community. School Committee members thanked the group of students for their con- cern and efforts in developing student awareness. REDUCTION TEACHERS AIDES After consultation with Teacher Aide Union President Jan MacDonald, Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that the reduction in force from the group of teacher aides will be from one category, the Regu- lar Education Aides. On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to terminate under the Reduction In Force language of the Teacher Aides' contract, by failure of Proposition 2 1/2, the following regular teacher aides; Roberta Guarciarello', Sandra Sarcone, Ruth Bova, Martha Carriere, Grace Serratore, Joan Ensminger, Geraldine Pothier, Sheryl Daley, Lynne Graham, and Susan Quirke Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The Superintendent advised School Committee members that he will continue to meet with all the bargaining units to clarify process and determine future direction. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS Dr. Munnelly shared that bookshelving for a Killam Pre School Special Needs Class was offered by the Reading Knights of Columbus. Execu- tive Vice President of Synetics William O'Halloran has offered to donate to Reading Memorial High School's Technology Education Department a used IBM AT computer, S/N 7028414, which includes a 40 meg hard drive and monitor, best suited for Computer Aided Drafting and Robotics in the Technology Drawing Labatory. Carol Lyons moved to accept the gifts for the Pre School Special Needs Class at Killam and the Technical Drawing Lab as described on enclosure B3d James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 15, 1990 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENTS 1990 -91 Dr. Munnelly identified the increase in the Kindergarten enroll - ment for the 1990 -91 school year, from December 5, 1989 of 246 to the actual enrollment on May 11, 1990 to 317. Enrollments will continue to be monitored to ensure manageable class sizes. There may be a future need to add additional staffing. Based on these numbers, approximately 12 Kindergarten students from - Barrows and 35 Kindergarten students from Birch Meadow will attend Killam School in September, 1990. George Shannon moved to authorize the Superintendent to make an exception to the policy in the case of bussing students to schools other than their neighborhood school. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. OTHER School Committee member Barbara Philbrick brought to the attention of the School Committee and the public the profile in the North West section of Sunday's Globe regarding Susan Wheltle and her selection as Massachusetts Art Teacher of the Year. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS SCHOOL SCHEDULING Principal Mark Piechota shared the process of scheduling of High School courses, usually a major issue, it became especially dif- ficult this year due to the failure of the override. In his pre- sentation Dr. Piechota shared that 29 courses have been deleted from the course of study as a result of the budget cutbacks. Dr. Piechota also updated the School Committee on the fine arts courses. Students have responded more vigorously than planned and course offerings are filled very quickly by interested students. PROPOSED CHANGES FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK Dr. Munnelly shared with the School Committee the draft of the 1990 -91 school handbook recommended changes. They included areas of: .Expulsion From School .Conduct of Students Inside of School .Conduct of Students Outside of School .Off Limits - Out of Bounds .Vehicle and Parking Regulations REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 15, 1990 Dr. Munnelly noted that other recommendations for the handbook will be forthcoming including: .Athletic Participation Fee .Extra - Curricular Participation Fee On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to adopt the recommendations for changes and additions to the 1990/91 Student Handbook as described on enclosure B4b, Pages 1, 2, and 3. Carol Lyons seconded the mo- tion. The vote was unanimous. MIDDLE SCHOOL In light of budget cutbacks, Dr. Munnelly provided the School Com- mittee with information regarding the scheduling of Middle School students for the upcoming year. With the elimination of computer education, two reading specialists, and art and music staff, the Middle Schools have faced several scheduling problems. Referring to the Carnegie Council report entitled "Turning Points ", Dr. Munnelly explained how the middle schools are attempting to work toward enhancing the learning of all students, while needing to address the shortfall of resources. After lengthy discussion, Chairman Nissen and the School Committee advised the Administration,to present specifics for further detail at the next School Committee meeting. BUS FEE PROPOSAL For the record, Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that ninety -one students have not paid the bus fee of $25. He added that in fairness to those who have paid a process has been identified that includes sending another notice to families. If the families do not respond, the bills will be placed in the hands of a collection agency. OTHER Chairman Nissen advised that the next School Committee meeting would be May 22, 1990 when a public hearing will be held to receive input regarding participation fees for student activities com- mencing September, 1990. Other scheduled regular School Commit- tee meetings are June 11 and June 18, 1990. ADJOURNMENT At 10.55 p.m. Carol Lyons moved to adjourn. Mary Williams seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Ptary To The School Committee