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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-11-05 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS READING, MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES REGULAR SESSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 5, 1990 In the absence of a quorum, Chairman Nissen opened the meeting to Citizen's Input at 7:15 p.m.. ROUTINE MATTERS CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no Citizen's Input. HIGHLIGHT Due to illness of two presenters, the Highlight "Math Their Way" was postponed and will be rescheduled for the next School Committee meeting. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS AIDS STRATEGY BOOK Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that Reading Public .. Schools received two copies of a comprehensive reference book on AIDS Education and Policymaking. The Superintendent added this reference book was developed by a state commission, who were look- ing for a significant way to celebrate the discovery of the new world by Christopher Columbus. The School Committee accepted the books and asked that one book be sent to the Reading Public Library as a reference guide for the whole community and that the other text be kept on file in the Superintendent's office. The Committee thanked the Massachusetts Christopher Columbus Quincentennial Commission for their informa- tive and practical gift. KINDERGARTEN PROGRESS REPORTING Assistant Superintendent Lynn Bak discussed ways that kindergarten teachers have been working to improve communications with parents regarding their children's progress. Ms. Bak stated that with the dedication and commitment of all of the kindergarten teachers a new progress reporting system has been developed and is being piloted this current school year. The intent of the new format is to pro- vide parents with more individualized attention to the progress of their children. Meetings are planned throughout the year to review the pilot progress and develop recommendations before the Fall of 1991. READING REGULAR SESSION 2 NOVEMBER 5, 1990 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular session of School Committee to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:25 p.m.. All members were present with the exception of Carol Lyons and Mary Williams who arrived later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak, Business Manager Warren Hopkins and a reporter from the Chronicle. MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the regular session minutes from October 29, 1990. James Nally seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous with one abstention. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrant for Bills was as follows: November 13, 1990 - General Expenses - $83,495.56 The warrant for Payrolls was as follows: November 9, 1990 - Biweekly - $107,034.40 OTHER Chairman Nissen stated that a School Committee member has been in- ,, vited to represent the Committee as the Board of Selectmen evaluate legal services. Barbara Philbrick volunteered as the School Committee representa- tive to participate in this evaluation. NEW BUSINESS ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS TO READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL FROM ARNOLD BERGER Dr. Munnelly shared that Mr. Arnold Berger would like to present the library media center with a set of the 1990 World Book Encyclopedia and a DIALOG on -line reference service. He also will give the graphic arts department a computer chip card which extends the power of the laser printer in the graphics program. George Shannon moved to accept the gifts and thank Arnold Berger for his generosity as described on enclosure Bab. James Nally seconded the motion. Discussion followed. The vote was unanimous. Chairman Nissen stated that citizen's who can contribute to the school system during this time of fiscal need will be very much appreciated. "0 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 5, 1990 MINUTES Carol Lyons arrived at 7 :45 p.m. and requested an addendum to the October 19, 1990 School Committee minutes. Carol Lyons moved that the October 29, 1990 School Committee min- utes identify her title as Vice Chair versus Co -Chair. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS BUDGET 1992: REVIEW OF BUDGET NEEDS AND PRIORITIES Dr. Munnelly began his indepth discussion in preparation of the 1992 Budget deliberations with a display of comparison charts that were prepared in November 1988 and November 1989 highlighting the needs and goals of the Reading Public Schools. The Superintendent then shared the 1992 charts with a focus on Staffing, Professional Development, Curriculum, Building Mainten- ance, Instructional Support Materials, and the Future Direction of the Reading Public Schools. Dr. Munnelly presented the lean situa- tion in the staffing of our schools and appealed to the School Com- mittee to begin a major effort to gain acceptance for an infusion of school support money through a trash fee, and an operational - funds override. Dr. Munnelly stated that even if Question 3 is defeated, the Read - ing Schools will face unbelievable cutbacks. The Superintendent added that the Selectmen would be discussing a trash fee on Wednes- day, November 7th and urged the School Committee to encourage the Selectmen to adopt either a nontax - deductible trash fee or a tax - deductible override to provide needed funds for an already "starving" school system. OTHER Chairman Nissen asked School Committee members to reserve November 20th for the next School Committee meeting. ADJOURNMENT Barbara Philbrick moved to adjourn the regular session at 9:25 .m.. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee