HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-03 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES APRIL 3, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Margaret Cowell and Student Representative Matt McGee. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Ronald A. Winslow. CITIZEN'S INPUT Richard Davidson, Principal of an opportunity to speak during He was advised that citizen's be welcome. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY90 the Birch Meadow School, requested the discussion of the FY90 Budget. input during that discussion would Dr. Munnelly shared the review of the FinCom Recommendations for the FY90 Budget. At the FinCom meeting on March 29, 1989, the Fin Com voted to take out $48,500 from the School FY90 Budget. The new services added in by School Committee deliberations; the nurse, swim team, extra curricula, and the lowering of estimates are the items FinCom would like to remove. A lengthy discussion between School Committee members, Administration and Reading citizens followed; Leslie Lougee, parent, addressed the qualifications of new teachers; Richard Davidson, Principal of the Birch Meadow School and parent Kendra Cooper, supported the need of an additional nurse; and parent Daniel Swollom, encouraged the swim team remain in our budget. The School Committee decided not to make changes at this time. If necessary, the School Committee will amend the FinCom Budget at Town Meeting. TRANSFORMER REPLACEMENT Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow shared the status of the transformer replacement with the School Committee and audience. He stated that the firm, TSI, has not been able to provide a performance bond from a Massachusett's recognized insurance company. It is the Superintendent's suggestion that we write up a new contract, which includes the purchase of the new transformers in the name of the Town. This process would minimize our exposure to performance - completion risks and would permit the installation this summer. The School Committee agreed that we should write a new contract with TSI now so we may proceed with the removal of PCB transformers on school grounds. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 APRIL 3, 1989 Stan Nissen moved that the School Committee agree to accept the bond by TSI contracts for transformer repair and that further contracts with TSI be modified to reflect a payment for work performed, a system that is recommended by the Administration Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ARTICLES BY PARKER STUDENTS Dr. Munnelly shared the Boston Computer Society News Letter he received with the School Committee. The students in Laura Nash's Computer Class, at Parker Middle School, who had essays represented were: Andrea Ferrari, Dan Carrigan, Jon Griffith, Matt Schena, Eryn MacDonald and James McDonald. Dr. Munnelly commended the students and Ms. Nash for their fine representation. ADJOURNMENT At 8:30 p.m. Stan Nissen made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session for purposes of discussing strategies of bargaining with union personnel. The motion was seconded by Carol Lyons All of the following members voted in the affirmative: Stan Nissen Carol Lyons Barbara Philbrick Mary Williams George Shannon