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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-07-10 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS READING, MASSACHUSETTS SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JULY 10, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on July 10, 1989 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Carol Lyons. 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 George Shannon moved to approve the minutes from the June 19th and June 26, 1989 meetings. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS: June 30, 1989 - PAYROLLS: July 13, 1989 - July 14, 1989 - CITIZEN'S INPUT General Expense - $122,200.59 Teachers - $127,310.54 Weekly - $ 22,942.68 Citizen Kendra Cooper questioned when the pupil enrollment issue will be addressed by the Administration. Dr. Munnelly stated that this issue is being monitored on a regular basis. Chairman Nissen thanked Mrs. Cooper for her input and recommended she work through the administration. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT INVITATION FROM AMERICAN SCHOOL OF JEDDA, SAUDI ARABIA Dr. Munnelly shared recent information he received regarding the American School of Jedda, Saudi Arabia to form a partnership. The school is seeking a productive relationship with a district similar to Reading. Some joint ventures would be teacher ex- changes and professional development. Free air travel via Saudi Airlines would allow school staff to interchange with each other. Further information will be available at a later date. Dr. Munnelly thanked Principal Jack Delaney for his participation in this venture. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JULY 10, 1989 ARTS CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL TO NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS (NEA) Dr. Munnelly announced that he and Art Director, Susan Wheltle have been working with the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and the Massachusetts Alliance for the Arts to advance the cause of arts. The Massachusetts State Department of Education has been asking associates to heighten interest in the arts. Reading, as the local district, along with Needham, Wayland and Amherst, filed a proposal with the NEA to support a curriculum effort next year. The NEA will review the proposal and let us know in a few weeks if we have been successful. OLD BUSINESS ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Chairman Stan Nissen asked the School Committee for nominations regarding the Vice Chairman for FY90's School Committee. George Shannon moved to nominate Carol Lyons as Vice Chairman. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly commended the School Committee for its excellent leadership. Mr. Nissen publicly thanked George Shannon for his time and efforts as School Committee Chairman for the past two fiscal years. EVALUATION OF SUPERINTENDENT Chairman Stan Nissen reported that the compiled assessments of Superintendent Munnelly by the Reading School Committee were very positive. Ratings by individual School Committee members were in the "superior" category with a large number of "outstandings ". There were few "average" and no "poor" ratings. Dr. Munnelly, pleased with School Committee evaluation, stated he would continue his growth as a Superintendent who is a communi- cator and listener. He also stated that the School Committee's evaluation of him, twice a year, is an effective way for them to communicate. Discussion continued regarding the School Highlights and the agenda time at future committee meetings. The Committee remarked that the fruits of their efforts are seen through the School Highlights. Several suggestions on saving time during budget season were entertained; limiting School Highlights to once a month and encouraging a definite time table for presentations. Also, in the interest of agenda time, suggestions for added executive meetings and /or extra regular meetings without School Highlights could add to more production. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JULY 10, 1989 REVISION OF POLICY ON PEDICULOSIS Dr. Munnelly introduced Ruth Cogan of the Board of Health who has been working in concert with the Administration for revisions on the Pediculosis Policy. It was suggested that the revisions be as clear as possible for both parents and each school. The vote for this policy was deferred, at this time, for further review of input with the school nurses and Board of Health. POLICY FOR EMPLOYEES WITH HIV INFECTION The School Committee discussed the policy revision regarding the guidelines for returning to school after an infection has subsided. George Shannon moved to approve the Policy Statement concern- ing HIV infection as described in Draft GBEB on enclosure B2d. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly commented on a letter received from the RTA re- garding the need to bargain over the Committee's policy Drug Free Workplace and also recent paid differentials created by the Committee for certain extra curricular activities at the High School before these positions are posted. Sub - committee Barbara Philbrick and George Shannon will sit in with the Association's committee for bargaining purposes. NEW BUSINESS CURRICULUM GOALS REVIEW A draft goals booklet for grades K -12 was presented to the School Committee for their reaction and input over the next few meetings. Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak stated that the Physical Education section would be ready for their review before the next meeting. The General Educational Philosophy of the Reading School Committee is presented on page 1 and should be reviewed for revision. The goals are important because in our scheme of curriculum evaluation they are the criteria by which we adjudge progress in the school district. Formal evaluation presentation dates for Physical Education will be this fall, Social Studies in February, Science Education in the spring, and Technology /Home Education is yet to be scheduled. Stan Nissen suggested that members review the goal statements for Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Technology /Home Education for discussion at the July 24th meeting. Other content areas will be reviewed and finalized by School Committee members by the end of September. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JULY 10, 1989 PLANNING FOR THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE AGENDA CALENDAR Dr. Munnelly shared the School Committee Agenda Calendar and re- quested that the Committee discuss topics or reports of progress now as the calendar is being prepared. An update on all Special Needs, where we are with the High School, the elementary music program, the Gifted and Talented program, bussing program and the necessary cuts that need to be addressed were a few of the concerns mentioned. Dr. Munnelly expressed a concern for contingency money in the event of an emergency. AWARD OF BIDS Assistant Superintendent Ron Winslow shared the Bid Tabulations for the Guidance area renovation at Reading Memorial High School, the remodelling of the Superintendent's office and general paint- ing of all School Department buildings. On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to award the Guidance Area Renovation bid to Falzarano Construction Company as described in enclosure B3c in the amount of $19,792 Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to award the remodelling of the Superinten- dent's Office to the low bidder Elizabeth Construction, Natick, MA subject to the Administration negotiating with the contracter to bring the amount into the budgeted figure. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to award the general painting of school de- partment buildings to D. K. Foote Co., Inc. as described in en- closure B3c Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS COPIER AND DUPLICATING UPDATE Discussion continued regarding the copier and duplicating needs of the schools. Stan Nissen recommended that the Administration de- cide the minimal need and an approximate period of time to evalu- ate the system. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 ATHLETICS REPORT JULY 10, 1989 Dr. Munnelly shared the Athletic Report from Athletic Director Jack White which included the names of the Middlesex League All Stars in all sports. It also was noted that in the National Honor Society of 311 students, 190 of them were students who also parti- cipated in athletics. SPENDING COMPARISION - STONEHAM /READING The Superintendent provided a pupil comparison fact sheet on pupil expenditure between Reading, Stoneham, and State Averages. It was noted that Reading Administration and staff serve 1,000 students as compared to Stoneham who serves 800 students with more per pupil expenditures. George Shannon thanked the Administration for their extensive and informative research. SUPERINTENDENT'S GOALS Dr. Munnelly presented his "idea" of draft goals for the 1989 -90 school year. The Committee will review them and add their input and suggestions. SPECIAL EDUCATION MAINSTREAMING STATEMENT A draft statement on Mainstreaming of Special Education students was shared with the School Committee. It will be the subject of discussion at a later School Committee meeting. PPRSONNEL On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to appoint Brenda F. McMillan to the position of METCO Tutor /Counselor at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; Denise Caroll to the position of Parker Middle School part time Psychologist; Edward R. Boyd, Ed.D. to the position of Coolidge Middle School part time Psychologist; Katherine M. Maglio to the position of Grade 2 at the Killam School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1; and Ann Marie Gushue to the position of Physical Education /Exercise and Sport Science teacher at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step 1 at Reading Memorial High School; effec- tive the beginning of the 1989 -90 school year. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon moved to approve the changes in Barbara Hughes Special Education Liaison position as described in enclosure D -2. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JULY 10, 1989 RESIGNATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to accept the resignation of Cynthia Lee as Foreign Language teacher at Coolidge Middle School effective immediatelv. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 10 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of the negotiations for the Admini- strative Unit and Principal salaries. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick George Shannon Stan Nissen Margaret Cowell Mary Williams ReJ �4ct���l Submitted Roberti. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee