HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-10-15 School Committee Minutes,'4
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
READING, MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
OCTOBER 15, 1990
Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of School Committee
to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. All
members were present with the exception of Mary Williams who later
arrived. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly,
Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hop-
kins and a reporter from the Chronicle.
MINUTES
Carol Lyons moved to accept the regular session minutes from Sep-
tember 24 and October 1, 1990. Barbara Philbrick seconded the mo-
tion. The vote was unanimous.
BILLS AND PAYROLLS
The warrant for Bills was as follows:
October 22, 1990 - General Expenses
The warrant for Payrolls was as follows:
October 12, 1990 - Biweekly -
October 18, 1990 - Teachers -
CITIZEN'S INPUT
$50,618.55
$103,901.04
$418,168.19
Reading citizen Susan Fiorello requested that the bussing issue be
placed on the next School Committee Meeting Agenda. School Commit-
tee members explained that the bussing schedules had been set for
this school year, but would listen to their concerns at a School
Committee meeting in the future when budget deliberations begin.
An unidentified parent raised concerns regarding the problem of
logistics of pickups and drop -offs of students at the schools. The
School Committee agreed to take time from the next meeting to hear
these problems and attempt resolution for this school year.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Munnelly recognized the eighteen students who were named Com-
mended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Those
so commended are Christopher Agami, Deepak Bansal, Daniel Blodgett,
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 OCTOBER 15, 1990
Philip Braica, Kevin Carroll,
Elissa Dennis, John Fagan, Brian
Ferla, Jeffry Guttadauro, Kirsten
Manville, Catherine Mark, Thomas
McGrath, Zachary Nightingale,
Jeremy Piper, Rebecca Sutherland,
Nicole Wardwell, Stephanie Weafer,
and Marc Willwerth. It was
noted that a Letter of Commendation
from Reading Memorial High
School and National Merit Scholarship
Corporation will be presented
by Dr. Mark Piechota to these outstanding
seniors.
Dr. Munnelly also shared that the
faculty had chosen the following
students who deserve recognition
for their achievements and contri-
butions for the first quarter at
Reading Memorial High School.
Thomas Lautzenheiser '92
English Award
Lauren Pizzotti '93
Social Studies Award
Aurianne Nappi '92
Mathematics Award
Amy Thieme '91
Science Award
Alexander DiFiore 193
Foreign Language Award
Andrea Cashins '91
Business Award
Henry Bardol '91
Technology Education Award
Donna Sansom '91
Visual Art Award
Kimberly Cryan '91
Music Award
Patrick Castaldo '91
Service Award
Kristin Dulong '91
Leadership Award
Teresa Danieli '91
Principal's Award
The Administration and School Committee members congratulated
these outstanding Reading Memorial High School students who contri-
bute to the excellence and quality of life of the school and its
community.
OLD BUSINESS
REPORT OF MEETING WITH THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OVER SCHOOL
CONSTRUCTION ARTICLES FOR FALL TOWN MEETING
Chairman Nissen, George Shannon and Jim Nally shared information
from the FinCom session they attended. Mr. Nissen noted that the
FinCom voted 6 -2 -1 to support the School Committee's article on the
construction projects.
Dr. Munnelly presented wall charts and shared a spread sheet laying
out the impact on tax bills for Reading citizens if the voters
approve of the additions to the Birch Meadow and Eaton Schools.
Discussion continued. It was decided to request that Beth Klepeis
provide a spread sheet of renovation and construction debt figures
as projected for the next twenty years. Dr. Munnelly stated he
would provide dollar figures regarding heat costs, etc. and answers
to questions regarding the Pearl Street School in capsule form. It
was also requested that the $1,000,000 savings be itemized.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3
NEW BUSINESS
Vd.`4 TUITION REDUCTION
OCTOBER 15, 1990
Dr. Munnelly stated a senior who previously attended school in
Reading for many years and is presently living in Tewksbury, wishes
to graduate with her classmates from Reading. After reviewing the
facts including the family financial capability, the Administration
recommended a reduced tuition rate of $100 per month for a twelve
month period.
Carol Lyons moved to reduce tuition for Michele Searle to attend
Reading Memorial High School at the rate of $100 2er month over a
twelve month period. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The
vote was unanimous.
BUDGET FY92 -TOWN MANAGER'S INSTRUCTIONS
Dr. Munnelly shared the October 2, 1990 Memo from Peter Hechenbleik-
ner regarding the FY92 Budget requesting Town departments, boards,
and commissioners to plan budgets with a 3.2% reduction from 1990-
91 level budget in salaries and expenses. Discussion continued.
Chairman Nissen expressed his support of the Superintendent's letter
to the Board of Selectmen which calls for alternative revenue
sources.
U" INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS
BARCLAY MEMORIAL SERVICE
On behalf of the Reading Public Schools, the Reading School Commit-
tee and Dr. Munnelly expressed their sympathy for the loss of Miriam
Barclay. Dr. Munnelly shared a short piece he wrote for her Memor-
ial Service. Ms. Barclay was a teacher who spoke with Reading stu-
dents in our schools and welcomed them to Parker Tavern so they
could learn about the history of Reading. It was noted that a video-
tape of the presentations she offered will be available as a good
teaching tool for many years to come.
OCTOBER 1ST ENROLLMENTS
Dr. Munnelly shared enclosure C -2 the October 1, 1990 enrollment
figures. The Superintendent added that Community Planning and
Development Committee Chairman Dan Ensminger will reanalyze his 1988
enrollment projections and the assumptions on which those projections
were based in order to help project enrollment trends.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4
t
OCTOBER 15, 1990
On the recommendation of the Administration:
Carol Lyons moved to appoint Paula C. Durrance as the SEEM teacher
at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Bachelors Level, Step
1 effective October 16, 1990. Georce Shannon seconded the motion.
ADJOURNMENT
Carol Lyons moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Mary Williams seconded
the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D.
Superintendent Of Schools
Secretary To The School Committee