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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-03-06 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE " Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MARCH 6, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Margaret Cowell and Matt McGee, Student Representative. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superin- tendents Lynn M. Bak and Ronald A. Winslow, and a reporter from the Chronicle. At his last meeting as a School Committee member, Richard Coco was honored for his nine years of service. The School Committee pre- sented him a plaque and Town of Reading memorabilia. George Shannon complimented Richard Coco for his openness to discuss issues. The Chronicle took photos for the newspaper. Richard Coco was thankful of the honor and said it was a pleasure serving the Committee. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the minutes from the February 27, 1989 meeting. Stan Nissen seconded the motion. The vote was all in favor with Richard Coco abstaining. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: BILLS: March 13, 1989 - General Expense - $127,927.51 PAYROLLS: March 9, 1989 - Teachers - $385,917.65 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Principal Charles Papandreou accompanied by Music Specialist Jane McKenzie and several students from the Barrows School, presented the Orff music program. Each of the School Committee members and Administration were supplied with a chime tree, soprano /alto /bass xylophones, metallophones, vibra slaps and various drums to ac- company the students in a musical presentation. The staff and students were thanked for an educational, as well as an entertain- ing presentation. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MARCH 6, 1989 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT TUFTS GLOBAL EDUCATION CONSORTIUM A mini -grant awarded in July, 1988 to Reading teachers, Fran Akell, Judith Angus, Pat Herrington, Elaine Hondorf and Carol Livingston was used toward curriculum development with a global perspective. WINTER SPORTS TEAMS The Administration saluted the Winter Track Team for their effort to remain the State Class B Champs for the fifth consecutive year and the Ice Hockey team for qualifying for the playoffs. All of our teams and coaches deserve special thanks. OLD BUSINESS FIELD TRIP POLICY On the recommendation of the Administration: Stan Nissen moved to approve for the second time the Administra- tive Guideline to Accompany Field Trip Policy, IICA as described in section B2a. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. HIGH SCHOOL RULES On the recommendation of the Administration: Richard Coco moved to approve for the second time the Revision of School Rules for Reading Memorial High School's handbook. Stan Nissen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS DRUG -FREE WORKPLACE Dr. Munnelly suggested the adoption on the first reading of the Policy on Drug -Free Workplace: Stan Nissen moved to approve the Policy on Drug -Free Workplace, Policy GDRJ, dated March 3, 1989 and to circulate it to employee groups and unions for comment and changes. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. WAIVE OF SUNDAY POLICY On the recommendation of the Administrtion: Stan Nissen moved to waive the Sunday policy for the AFS members to travel on April 23, 1989, in an exchange trip to Des Moines, Iowa. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MARCH 6, 1989 Stan Nissen moved to waive the Sunday policy for the annual Scholarship Foundation phonathon to be conducted on March 19, 1989. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unaimous. Discussion followed regarding the high school band trip to Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Richard Coco moved to disapprove the music trip as outlined. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was four in favor with George Shannon opposed. Stan Nissen moved that the School Committee modifv the Sunda Policy so the Administration could use its own discretion and advise the School Committee of these actions. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was four in favor with Richard Coco opposed. This motion will be brought back to the committee at a later date for a second vote. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS GIFTED /TALENTED UPDATE Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak outlined the planning for the Gifted /Talented program for the 1989 -90 school year. The two Gifted /Talented teachers, Sue Wood and Karen Rickershauser, briefed the School Committee on program activities and progress. Dr. Munnelly requested the School Committee conduct a Gifted/ Talented program discussion for planning purposes at a future meeting. Both teachers were commended by the Administration and School Committee for their fine work and achievements to date. BERGER AWARD WINNERS Dr. Munnelly was pleased to announce the recipients of the Berger Exemplary Teacher Award for the year. Through a comprehensive nominating and screening process, the review committee represent- ing teachers and administrators recommended Bill Carne of Parker Middle School and Anna Normand O'Brien of Reading Memorial High School as recipients for 1989. The Administration and School Committee applaud these teachers for their outstanding leadership in education. WRITING IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS Dr. Munnelly spoke on the writings being done by our middle school students and included the Coolidge Imagination and the Parker Newsletter for the School Committee's and audience appreciation. 1987 -88 PER PUPIL SPENDING REPORT Dr. Munnelly shared the State per pupil spending charts for all school districts in Massachusetts based on June 1988 financial statements filed with the Department of Education. It was noted that Reading is still well below the State average. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 BUSINESS MANAGER'S REPORT MARcn 0, Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow shared, with the School Committee, Cafeteria statements for the month of January; the Fund 6 account; the work that has been substantially completed under the Advocacy Strategies Grant and the Early Childhood Material Grant; the expense account for February 28th and mention of the ' $11,474 reflected in the 7600 category on the March statement. Mr. Winslow also updated the School Committee on the asbestos removal plan. The proposal made by Richard Coco for increasing the rent for using the school facilities is being reviewed and a recommendation will be made at a future School Committee Meeting. Mr. Winslow advised that the hiring of an Architect to start work this spring on Birch Meadow and Eaton will be placed on a Warrant for Special Town Meeting. At this time Dr. Munnelly spoke in regard to the change in School Committee meeting from April 3, 1989 to March 27, 1989. Everyone agreed to change their calendars to this time. PRR9nNNRT. On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lvons moved to notifv Ellen Howland of a reduction -in -force due to of declining enrollment, and that the provisions of the contract regarding job rights and recall will apply to her, effective August 31, 1989. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was four in favor with Richard Coco abstaining and Stan Nissen opposed. Stan Nissen made a motion on the recommendation of the administration to accept Martha Chappell and Concepcion Fajardo - Hopkins resignations from the Reading Public Schools, effective at the end of the 1988 -89 school vear. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 10:30 p.m., Chairman George Shannon turned the gavel over to Richard Coco who moved to adjourn the meeting. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.