HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-10-29 School Committee Minutes.:
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
READING, MASSACHUSETTS
SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
OCTOBER 29. 1990
Vice Chair Carol Lyons called the regular session of School Commit-
tee to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:04 p.m.
All members were present with the exception of Chairman Stan Nissen
and Mary Williams who arrived later. Also present were Superinten-
dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak,
Business Manager Warren Hopkins and a reporter from the Chronicle.
MINUTES
George Shannon moved to accept the regular session minutes from
October 15, 1990. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was
unanimous.
BILLS AND PAYROLLS
The warrant for Bills was as follows:
October 29, 1990 - General Expenses
November 5, 1990 - General Expenses
The warrant for Payrolls was as follows:
October 26, 1990 - Biweekly -
November 1, 1990 - Teachers -
CITIZEN'S INPUT
There was no citizen's input.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
$ 56,786.43
$104,310.62
$103,235.29
$420,823.51
Dr. Munnelly shared the Warrant Report for Town Meeting on Novem-
ber 13th with School Committee. It was noted that Article 26 re-
lates to Birch Meadow Elementary School and Joshua Eaton Elementary
School Renovation and Building Projects and Article 27 relates to
the Funding of a Special Election - Debt Exclusion to fund these
additions and renovations.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 OCTOBER 29, 1990
M Dr. Munnelly reported on the NESBA Marching Band Competition that the
Read ing /Lynnfield Band Parents sponsored on Sunday, October 28th.
The Superintendent complimented Director Dave Bunten and the members
of the Reading Memorial High School Marching Band and Color Guard.
VISITORS: READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Vice Chair Carol Lyons recognized the members of the 1990 -91 Reading
Memorial High School Advisory Council. School Committee Student
Representative and Student Advisory Council Co -Chair Jennifer
Gregorio introduced the council members who were present:
Matthew Prudente -
Co -Chair
Michael McSweeney -
Class
of
191
Stefanie Weafer -
Class
of
191
Carrie Bither -
Class
of
192
Lawrence Scola -
Class
of
192
Amy Wettergreen -
Class
of
192
Shannon Blaney -
Class
of
193
Jonathan Cignetti -
Class
of
193
Peter Losinger -
Class
of
193
Gregory Pothier -
Class
of
193
Michael Shannon -
Class
of
193
Other members of the Student Advisory Council who were not
present are:
ri Scott Losinger - Class of '91
Carolyn Dumas - Class of '92
Beth Plansky - Class of '92
Jennifer opened discussion by sharing the Student Advisory Council's
concerns and comments regarding the following issues:
o Increase of smoking in the girl's lavatories
o Speed bumps on the field house roadway
o AIDS Awareness Days
o Extra - Curricula Fees
o Year Book
o Debate Club
o Spirit Week - November 19 -21, 1990
o Class Size
Dr. Piechota stated that peer leaders are focussing on assisting
their fellow high school peers this school year, and that their ad-
visors Camille Visconte and Dottie Wood are effective supporters.
Ms. Lyons, on behalf of the School Committee, thanked the students
for sharing their concerns and looked forward to meeting with them
again through out the school year.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 OCTOBER 29, 1990
OLD BUSINESS
BUSSING DISCUSSION
Vice Chair Lyons clarified the parameters of the bussing issue
discussion with tonight's audience.
Dr. Munnelly stated that the cut back on bussing became a
necessary major stepdown. The Superintendent added that each
school met this past spring with the superintendent's office to
discuss a plan for safety and had formed an expanded safety commit-
tee to work with the principals and the school safety office. Dr.
Munnelly added that the concerns regarding bus turnarounds, lack of
sidewalks, snow plowing problems, and risky auto driver behavior
have been delt with in the past and will continue to do be addressed
in the future.
Several of the parents questions were answered by School Committee
members. Diane Porter asked for creative ways to fill busses to
capacity and Susan Fiorello questioned a winter bus. Discussion and
answers followed. School Bussing Representative Susan Hennessy
noted that the cost of a bus was the same for administration and
parents, and that there is no negotiation with the bus company.
School Committee members added that benefits, drivers, maintenance,
etc., are some of the expenses included in the cost of a bus.
Other parents with concerns were Stacey Smith and Gail Sordevack.
Members of the School Committee recommended that these issues be re-
solved within the parent school districts with building principals.
Parents questioned how they could get a separate vote on the ballot
for just bussing funds. School Committee directed the parents to
present this to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen.
Susan Fiorello presented a petition with over 300 signatures sup-
porting bussing for everyone to the School Committee.
Dr. Munnelly explained that we would be reviewing the budget for
FY92 at December School Committee meetings and that there will be an
open budget hearing on Janury 14th where all issues will be open for
discussion to the public.
TOWN MEETING
Dr. Munnelly shared enclosures B -2 -b that detailed the architect's
cost estimates relating to a $4.6 million building project and a
summary of our rationale for the school construction project. Also
included in this enclosure were totals of long term debt for 10
years at 7.0 and 20 years at 8.0 and the School Building Assistance
for 66% total cost reimbursement.
School Committee members requested a list of items that had been cut
for the elementary schools be prepared for Town Meeting to demon-
strate the dramatic cuts that have been made.
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 OCTOBER 29, 1990
Chairman of the Community Planning and Development Committee Dan
Ensminger questioned if it was the intent of the School Committee
to have the Board of Selectmen present Article 26. Ms. Lyons
gave an affirmative answer. Mr. Ensminger suggested working closer
together and requested that School Committee consider attending the
Selectmen's meeting on November 7th.
NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Munnelly introduced Booster President, Jim Murphy and repre-
sentative Pat Black who requested a waiver of the "Building Use
Policy" for the 1990 -91 Basketball Season. Mr. Murphy explained
that the basketball schedule is incorporating both the boys' and
the girls' varsity games to be played on the same evening and with
this increase in attendance they would like to designate an area of
the Field House to be used for a food cart concession.
On the recommendation of the Administration:
George Shannon moved to waive the Policy KG, "Building Use Policy"
at the Field House for this year's basketball season. Barbara Phil -
brick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS
CITIZEN'S SURVEY
.- Vice Chair Carol Lyons updated the School Committee on the status of
a townwide survey seeking input regarding the negative vote on Pro-
position 2 1/2. Ms. Lyons stated that the advisory committee felt
the timing for a survey at this time was not appropriate. The com-
mittee has met twice in the past month. Assistant Superintendent
Bak stated that one suggestion from the group was a newsletter in-
forming the citizenry of the goals of the School Department, and to
follow -up news on a regular basis to keep citizens informed. The
group will meet again to discuss future direction.
ELEMENTARY SCIENCE CURRICULUM UPDATE
Assistant Superintendent Bak shared the twelve science units that
have been developed by Reading teachers for grades K -5. They in-
cluded the following:
.Kindergarten Bulbs
Seasons
Water
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5
.Grade One
.Grade Two
.Grade Three
.Grade Four
.Grade Five
Plants and Seeds
Weather
Material Objects
Insects
Light
Magnets
Electric Circuits
Simple Machines
Energy /Forces
OCTOBER 29, 1990
Also included in Ms. Bak's presentation was one of the science kits
that provides all of the necessary supplies for an individual unit.
Ms. Bak shared that through the assistance of local monies and a
college grant, these units were developed and are now being piloted
and implemented into our classrooms.
Dr. Munnelly added that through the coordination of efforts from
the Assistant Superintendent, the Science Curriculum Committee, and
consultant Dr. George Ladd, we have been able to develop and ini-
tiate the implementation of a very comprehensive hands -on science
program for our elementary students.
It was added that Reading's program is being recognized as a
"model" science elementary program by other districts.
CURRICULUM /PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Assitant Superintendent Bak shared a comparison sheet of the FY90
and FY91 Professional Development funds (enclosure C -3). Ms. Bak
noted that last year we dedicated $120,440 to the growth of our
professional staff, while this year we are working with $48,352,
representing a 59.9% cut in resources.
School Committee members expressed their disappointment for FY91 cut
in funds and hoped that the future will have more resources for Pro-
fessional Development.
ADJOURNMENT
George Shannon moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:30 p.m..
Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted
Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D.
Superintendent Of Schools
Secretary To The School Committee