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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-01-09 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 9, 1989 In lieu of Highlights, Donald B. Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School, conducted a tour of the SpEd Area, Auditorium, Teacher's Room with the School Committee, Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Ronald A. Winslow. CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 8:50 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Matt McGee, Student Representative. Also present were Superinten- dent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendents Lynn M. Bak and Ronald A. Winslow, and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the minutes from the December 19, 1988 meeting. Richard Coco seconded the motion The vote was five in favor with Carol Lyons and Margaret Cowell abstaininq. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: BILLS: January 3, 1989 - General Expenses - $101,402.27 January 9, 1989 - General Expenses - $ 86,148.14 January 17, 1989 - General Expenses - $ 61,648.37 PAYROLLS: January 12, 1989 - Teachers - $399,270.86 December 30, 1988 - Weekly - $ 50,674.19 January 6, 1989 - Weekly - $ 34,952.10 January 13, 1989 - Weekly - $ 47,595.96 CITIZEN'S INPUT Reading Citizen Deborah Berndtson thanked Dr. Munnelly for his prompt reply to her recent letter expressing the possible centra- lization of the Reading Kindergartens. Chairman Shannon advised the citizen's attending the School Committee meeting that there will not be a decision made on the early childhood center this year. A representative group of parents offered their support in assisting the School Department in resolving the space needs issues of the District. S_ L'S SION MINUTES 2 JANUARY 9, 1989 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT STUDENT'S OF THE QUARTER Dr. Munnelly shared with the School Committee and the audience the names of the fourteen "Students of the Quarter" who are being recognized for their achievements and contributions at Reading Memorial High School. Tina Dinan '89 English Award Andrea Ferrari '92 Social Studies Award Tina Dinan '89 Mathematics Award Nicholas Marra '89 Science Award Paula Gross '92 Foreign Language Award Penny Alworth '89 Business Award Lynne Pacunas '89 Technology Education Award Kristin Grunzweig '89 Home Economics Award Robert Isbell '89 Visual Arts Award Keith Walsh '89 Athletic Award Karen McKinney '89 Music Award Joseph Cooper '89 Physical Education Award Greg Selvitelli 189 Service Award Robert Spadafora '90 Leadership Award Valerie Matoushek '90 Principal's Award Dr. Munnelly reported on the following: PEER COACHING VIDEO The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development assign- ed a film crew to Reading Memorial High School to create film footage for an upcoming video on Peer Coaching. The successful work of Bob Quinn and Pat Schettini is gaining the interest of a wide audience. ASCD represents over 100,000 professional curriculum workers and is recognized as a leader in developing resources of high quality practices in the field of education. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS COMMUNITY DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION TASK FORCE Jane Fiore, Prevention Education Coordinator, Reading Health Department, shared a report of the activities of the Task Force. Grants from the Governor's Alliance on Drug and Alcohol Education have been received for curriculum work and teacher training. Various groups in the community, Reading Schools, the Board of Health and the Police Department have all been productive and supportive participants in this initiative. The School Committee thanked Jane for her efforts and dedication to the project and for the information she shared with the Committee. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JANUARY 9, 1989 OLD BUSINESS SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION Chairman George Shannon shared the School Committee's Evaluation of Superintendent Munnelly. On the evaluation form, the Superin- tendent was rated as superior or better on most of the performance . responsibilities in the job description. The Superintendent's strengths were in the area of educational leadership. His handling of the budget process was singled out for special com- mendation. The Superintendent thanked the School Committee for the vote of confidence which their ratings represent and briefed the School Committee on progress of the Superintendent's annual objectives. BUDGET FY90 Dr. Munnelly distributed a preliminary draft of the FY90 budget and provided the Committee with a general overview of requests and highlight major areas of needs. A packet included the fiscal studies of the FINCOM property expenditures and revenue with their recommendations. There will be a joint meeting with the Town Manager, Selectmen, FinCom and School Committee on Thursday evening, January 12, 1989. This FY90 budget draft addressed three major budget areas: 1. The estimated Operating Budget Decisions 2. Staffing Needs Decisions 3. Capital and Building Needs Decisions. 1. Operating Budget This budget represents a request list with dollar amounts so you can hear some of the needs as our staff sees it. The principals were told to hold the line at 6% for 2000 and 7000 instructional series items. However, the building and equip- ment needs go well beyond what the Town's financial condition would permit. The Administration will be suggesting cuts for the next meeting. 2. Staffing Needs Decisions The Superintendent's recommendations were as follows: "I am recommending a cutback of the high school staff by 5 1/2 teaching positions. I can assure you that the high school program will be staffed at levels commensurate with staffing loads of recent years because of the effect of declining en- rollment at the High School. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES a JANUARY 9, 1989 We plan on reducing 2 English, 1 Social Studies, 1 Science, 1 Math and 1/2 Foreign Language (Spanish). This will call for a reduction in High School staffing costs of approximately $150,000. `" At elementary, we need to hire 3 more teachers than 1988 -89 -- 1 for Killam, 1 for Eaton and 1 for Birch Meadow. This will take $75,000. After reviewing needs, the administration recommends adding 1 more nurse so that each nurse would serve 2 buildings with the fourth stationed (as has been the case) at RMHS. This will take $20,000. Elementary principals need secretarial help for 2 more weeks during the school year. This would cost approximately $2,000. The Superintendent recommends that the Reading Schcol Commit- tee commit itself to a multi -year plan to get help for elementary principals and at the same time address elementary and systemwide curriculum improvement needs. I will recommend the creation of a new position in each of our schools using, as an illustration, the former position of Director of Reading K -12 and restructuring its responsibilities to be half -time Assistant Principal for one building and half -time Language Arts Coordinator K -12. I recom- mend that we add one other this year -- an assistant principal who serves half -time as Science and Computer Coordinator (Elementary). In another year, I'd look for a 3rd assistant principal who has curriculum coordination responsibilities in Social Studies and Math (Elementary). Our fourth school assistant principal would most likely be a full -time one. I propose to use one assistant principal at Killam in September 1989 and one at Eaton. In year 2, I locate the third assistant at Birch Meadow. In year 3, when we add a full time assistant, I'd rotate the assistants so Birch Meadow, Eaton, and Barrows have half assistants and half coordinators, while Killam has a full -time assistant. This plan addresses two long -term needs real help to our elementary principals -- two with considerably larger enrollments than our have assistants, and secondly, adding science support staff to improve the quality of progr in these two important realms. -- namely, getting of who lead schools middle schools which and computer leader ams and instruction Adding an assistant principal /coordinator.position would cost out at $42,000. To the High School, we need to make a larger presence of staff with extracurricular efforts, such as debating, science clubs, American Field Service, and newspaper. We may want the High School administration and staff to develop particular after school programs; I suggest $5,000 for faculty /supervision stipends and $2,000 for travel and expenses to support the ne,.v extracurricular positions. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JANUARY 9, 1989 In our capital segment, I am recommending a 1/5 Asbestos Control Assistant. This will take about $4,000. The Voke School cannot accomodate swim practices for a new RMHS boys' team. And no other pool site is feasible. So I will not be recommending that we support a new boys' competitive swim team." 3. Capital Issues Elementary Space Issues. The Reading Public Schools need three classrooms for 1989 -90 for positive and fair enrollment loads around the elementary system. The staff has spent considerable time evaluating the suggestion of the SPACE NEEDS TASK FORCE to examine the po- tential of an Early Childhood Center as a way of reducing space pressure. It is clear the Reading Public Schools cannot deliver on such a center in timely fashion for a smooth opening in September, even if the educational plans were sound and advantageous for the Reading children. Our debates have led Lynn, me and the majority of principals to conclude that the educational advantages and space advantages may not be large enough to ask everyone to work overtime to put together a sound and exciting program. At the same time, we are not sure if the economic tradeoffs will give an advantage to the center concept. So, with time as a big consideration, the Administration is recommending that we in Reading drop the idea of an early childhood center as a space need option and proceed to other options. The Superintendent spoke regarding space options; "I do not have a completely - thoughtout plan for meeting the needs for three additional spaces. Two I can offer workable (inexpensive) solutions for. First, for Killam, I suggest adding another teacher who would not have a "home room" or a home class of 20 students, but would form a teaching team with the 3 other teachers to essentially divide the 78 students into 4 instructional groups. The teacher would teach in the High- Density area and we would create visual barriers and adjust the lighting to make a very satisfactory teaching sta- tion -- along the lines of the team teaching for which the building and High- Density areas were originally designed. (We never had enough staff to use the Hi -D areas for team teaching). Second, we have a transportable classroom which would be set up at one of the other schools -- both Eaton and Birch Meadow sites could hold a portable without problems. The third is where the wavering comes in. Should we purchase or lease another portable? Could we think of a class we can relocate elsewhere? I'll have more ideas as we proceed through the month of January." REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JANUARY 9, 1989 Asbestos. The Superintendent offered a plan for Asbestos Control. The costs of the plan must be fitted into the operational school budget. Capital Plan. The Superintendent suggested that a capital plan be voted and sent to the Town Manager and FinCom. A suggested plan was presented. Central Office Relocation. The Administration has investigat- ed the area at RMHS near the entrance to the gym as a potential for a new permanent Superintendent's Office. It is at the front of the building, is easily accessible, and may have sufficient space for all Administration needs. The Administration will have more information shortly. Renovations to Birch Meadow and Eaton. The Superintendent alerted the School Committee to the need to arrive at a plan of action for meeting long -range elementary space needs. A warrant article to fund architectural planning for the project may have to be submitted by the end of this month for April Town Meeting action. NEW BUSINESS BUS TRANSPORTATION FOR ATHLETIC TEAMS Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow informed the Committee of a bus scheduling problem encountered for a scheduled track meet with Burlington. To prevent future mishaps, it has been agreed that Mr. Al Cincotta, Manager of the North Shore Bus Company will confirm with Jack White, Athletic Director the weekly events for bus scheduling. STATE TRACK MEET In reference to a request from the RMHS track team, Barbara Philbrick made a motion to waive the Sundav policy for the State Track Meet on January 15th at the Harvard Field House. Maroaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ROOF AT RMHS FIELD HOUSE Regarding the water problems with the roofing on the field house, Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow stated that he has been assured by Caesar's Roofing that they will take whatever action is necessary to complete the roof installation. NURSES' SALARY Upon the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick made a motion to grant the increases as outlined to the nurses. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 JANUARY 9, 1989 RIGHT OF WAY REQUEST AT RMHS SITE Upon the recommendation of the Administration: Stan Nissen made a motion to grant a revokable license to Paul and Joan Horton to pass over the entrance driveway to the parking lot on the south westerly side of the RMHS to gain access to their home. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. W.G.I. REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT RMHS Upon the recommendation of the Administration: Stan Nissen made a motion to waive the Sundav policv to allow student participation in the Winter Guard International Regional Chamoionshios Event and grant permission for the W.G.I. event to be held at the RMHS field house. The usual rental fees and custodial /police fee will prevail. The Reading Band Parent Fund and the Music Performance Fund of the RMHS will split proceeds from the event. Carol Lvons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS STRATEGIC PLANNING PLANS Dr. Munnelly spoke briefly about the strategic planning meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 28, 1989 from 8:30 -1:00. The focus will be on future direction of the Reading as we move towards developing a better school system. PLANS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE DISCUSSION In pursuing the discussion of foreign language in our curriculum, Dr. Munnelly recommended that the School Committee create a sub- committee to meet with the secondary school principals, the foreign language department chair and a foreign language teacher from each school to develop background information that would be a thoughtful and well planned presentation for the School Commit- tee and public. School Committee representatives George Shannon and Barbara Philbrick volunteered to represent the School Commit- tee. PLANS FOR 1989 -90 CALENDAR The School Committee commented favorably on the Administration's recommendation to develop a two or three year calendar. This item will be placed on the next agenda. PERSONNEL ISSUES COOLIDGE MATH DEPARTMENT HEAD Dr. Munnelly informed the Committee that Assistant Principal Lou Adreani will take responsibility for the Coolidge Math Department for remainder of the school year. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 8 JANUARY 9, 1989 READING DIRECTOR The Superintendent informed the Committee that the position of Reading Director was being reevaluated in light of district needs for coordination of curriculum and that the Director's position will not be filled as is right at this point in time. RESIGNATIONS Upon the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to accept the resignations of Steohanie Vasilos as Speech /Language Pathologist, effective February 27, 1989 and Chervl A. Allen as Instrumental Music Teacher, effective January 13, 1989. The motion was seconded by Marqaret Cowell. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 11:00 p.m., Richard Coco made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Stan Nissen. All of the following members voted in the affirmative: _ George Shannon Barbara Philbrick Richard Coco Stan Nissen Margaret Cowell Carol Lyons