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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-05-02 School Committee Minutes,,,e READING SCHOOL COMIMITTEE Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES MAY 2, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Vice -Chair Stan Nissen 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 George Shannon, Margaret Cowell, who arrived later, and Student Representative Matt McGee. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendents Lynn M. Bak and Ronald A. Winslow, and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Carol Lyons moved to approve the minutes from the January 28, March 27, and April 3, 1989 meetings. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: %0, 4 BILLS: May 8, 1989 - PAYROLL: General Expense - $61,945.61 MAY 4, 1989 - Teachers - $391,362.71 CITIZEN'S INPUT There being no citizen's input, we proceeded. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Coolidge Middle School Principal Al Lahood introduced staff members, Mary Hichborn and Mary Fuller, who participated in the "Future Problem Solvers of America" program. Mrs. Hichborn shared the background information for preparing the team approach; and Mrs. Fuller shared the involvement of activities and the actual events that the team prepared for the Regional Bowl held at Brandeis University on March 4, 1989. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 MAY 2, 1989 Coolidge students, who were involved with the program, were introduced by his. Fuller. They were as follows: Savannah Cutter, who explained the banner and logo the team developed; Jocelyn Gange, shared her role as an alternate; Karen 041-4 Barry, spoke regarding the "Fuzzy" on nutrition the team presented; Alissa Anderson, shared the skit activity and the roles that each of the team members played; and Lauren Erelli, regarding the positive experience the team experienced at Brandeis University. Carol Lyons, on behalf of the School Committee Members and the audience, thanked staff and students of Coolidge Middle School for an interesting and enriching program. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT 1989 NASA EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS Dr. Munnelly congratulated Ruthann Budrewicz, Reading Memorial High School Biology Teacher, for being selected as a national winner in the 1989 NASA Educational Workshops for Math and Science Teachers' (NEWMAST) award program. In June, Ms. Budrewicz will join 24 other outstanding teachers at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. STATE HISTORY DAY COMPETITION Dr. Munnelly congratulated the Reading Memorial High School students who were State Winners at the State History Day Competition in Plymouth on April 8, 1989. They will represent Massachusetts in the Nationals to be held in Washington, D.C. in June. We wish each of the following students good luck as they prepare for the next level of competition: Susan Coco, Kristin Brady, Nancy Drane, Joanna Grabarek, Rachel Tsutsumi, Kirsten Manville, Colleen Sumner, and Amy Stinson. ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS IN MASSACHUSETTS ( ATMIM) Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee and audience that Gregory Agami, a student at Reading Memorial High School, is among the several students to receive an ATMIM Scholarship. Gregory was nominated for this award by Peter Moscarello. Congratulations are extended to Gregory and Reading Public Schools' staff for the fine mathematics program that made this nomination possible. OLD BUSINESS DUPLICATING AND REPRODUCING PLANS FOR THE FY90 BUDGET Dr. Munnelly explained how important it is that the School Committee understand why duplicating is a major teaching concern and how we plan to address, and overcome, the problems of poor quality teaching materials. Duplication and reproduction of documents and teaching materials will take a good deal of money and a multi -year commitment, ,t therefore it is his suggestion that this issue be discussed further with the principals and schools to explore the options of a lease agreement at a contracted agency. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 MAY 2, 1989 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENTS AND CLASS SIZES FOR SEPTEMBER 1989 Dr. Munnelly shared the projected elementary enrollments for the 1989 -90 school year with the School Committee and audience. It was noted that Birch Meadow's kindergarten enrollments were going to exceed the estimate projected last fall. The principals have worked with the Administration on a plan regarding how we should deploy the three new elementary teachers. It was noted that there will be one new kindergarten teacher at Birch Meadow, one new first grade teacher at Eaton, and one new fifth grade teacher at Killam. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS FOR 1988 -89 Dr. Munnelly shared an update of the School Committee 1988 -89 Goals: Goal 1: The policy book will be reviewed by rotation with each School Committee member. It was suggested that past members pass on to new members their policy books for purposes of orientation. Goal 2: The book of minutes is presently being established for location at the public library. Goal 3: Barbara Philbrick and George Shannon plan to share ideas of when and how the School Committee will publicly review the role of Foreign Language in the school district at another School Committee meeting when both are present. Goal 4: The development of short and long term space needs for the district have been addressed by the School Committee and will be put together in a report to the public. Parker Middle School enclosed their suggestions when they were asked for input into the long -range space planning issue. SMOKING RULE AT RMHS On the recommendation of the Administration: On a second vote, Barbara Philbrick moved to adopt the PROPOSED SCHOOL RULE - SMOKING ON CAMPUS, for the School Committee policy book, as described on Enclosure B -2 -d. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS METCO GRANT PROPOSAL FOR FY90 Lynn Bak reported to the School Committee members that the State has advised the Reading Public Schools that the METCO Program will be level funded for the 1989 -90 school year. Ms. Bak delivered to each School Committee member informational sheets outlining the recommendations for the FY90 Budget for carrying out the METCO program for 102 students. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 MAY 2, 1989 Ms. Bak then asked the School Committee for their approval and support of this budget proposal for the transmittal of the.applica- tion to the State Department of Education. Carol Lyons moved to authorize the Budget Proposal for the METCO Program as described on Enclosure B -3 -a for the amount of $294,857 Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. HORACE MANN GRANT PROPOSALS On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the Horace Mann Grant Recommendations as described on Enclosure B -3 -b for the 1988 -89. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. KILLAM SCHOOL CARNEGIE PLANNING DAY A vote on the change in the school calendar year for students at Killam School will be part of the next School Committee meeting, after the Reading Teacher's Association has been notified. STATEMENT OF ASSURANCES On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the Statement of Assurances for State and accompanying Federal Funds for grants submitted in the next year, as described on Enclosure B -3 -d. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC John Giacobbe shared his research and observations regarding his proposed instrumental music program for the Reading Public Schools. A few citizens and the School Committee then participated in a discussion with Mr. Giacobbe. On the recommendation of the Administration: Margaret Cowell moved to approve the instrumental music pro2osal as outlined on Enclosure C -1. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 MAY 2, 1989: On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to approve the elimination of three nart- time instrumental music positions and the restructuring into one- full-time middle school instrumental position. Mary Williams seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to notify Joanne Willis, art -time music instructor that her employment is terminated effective June 30, due to the elimination 'of the position in which she has been working. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. The School Committee thanked John Giacobbe, his presentation and for his response to their questions. FINANCIAL REPORT Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow presented the monthly reports to the School Committee. Dr. Munnelly discussed the bids for Science Supplies and the Fund 6 Accounts as presented. On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to approve the monthly reports as outlined on Enclosure C -2. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. r Ron Winslow shared that he received 17 proposals from architects regarding the move to the high school. The six finalists were interviewed by Dr. Munnelly, Mr. Winslow and Mike Lombardo, and subject to references, L.P.B.A.. Architects, who have worked extensively in the school field, will plan the design of the area for the Superintendent's Office. On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to approve the design fee, subject to the approval of references for architects addressing the Central Office move to the high school. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. - STRATEGIC PLANNING Dr. Munnelly noted that we would discuss the draft for Strategic Planning at an alternative date, depending on Town Meeting. ELEMENTARY CURRICULUM LONG TERM PLANNED Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak shared with Committee members the possiblity of using the past Reading Director's position to address curriculum needs at the elementary level. The position would be used to contract the services of individuals who are respected in the identified content area of need and have a level of expertise that would assist the district in meeting its' curriculum plans. Members will continue the discussion at the next meeting and Lynn will provide additional information regarding long term curriculum planning. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES b GRADUATION DAY MAY 2, 1989 Dr. Munnelly requested names of School Committee members to present diplomas and awards on graduation day, June 11th. Stan Nissen and Margaret Cowell volunteered to make the presentations. RESIGNATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration: Margaret Cowell moved that the School Committee regretfully accept the immediate resignations of Donald Welford, as Computer Specialist at the Coolidge Middle School; Jan Marie MacKay, as Cheerleading Advisor for Soccer /Hockey at the Reading Memorial High School; and to be effective the last day of the 1988 -89 contract year, Debra Murray, as Physical Education Teacher at the Parker Middle School. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. LEAVES OF ABSENCE On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved that the School Committee grant an eight week maternity leave, effective the beginning of the 1989 -90 school year, to Jane Darveau, Reading Memorial High School's Guidance Department Head, and also grant a one year extension for child - rearing purposes, without pay or increment, for the remainder of the 1989 -90 school year. Marqaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to approve a half year extension of child rearing leave for the 1989 -90 school year, for Beth Delforge, Art Specialist at Killam School. Specific contract language regarding the perameters of the position will be arranged with Ms. Delforge and the Administration. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. APPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the Administration: Mary Williams moved to approve Susan Jaworski- Stranc as a half time replacement teacher of Art for the 1989 -90 school year at the Killam and Parker Schools, to be paid at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step 2 Margaret Cowell seconded the vote. The vote was unanimous. Margaret Cowell moved to approve Diane F. Williamson as confidential secretary to the Superintendent, as described in D -3. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 7 MAY 2, 1985 ADJOURNMENT ry At 11-15 p.m. Margaret Cowell made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. All of the followinq members voted in the affirmative. Stan Nissen Mary Williams Barbara Philbrick Carol Lyons Margaret Cowell Respectfully Submitted Robert J. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee