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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-07-24 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JULY 24, 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 24, 1989 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Margaret Cowell, who was expected to arrive later, and Mary Williams. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly; Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak; FinCom Chairman Bill Burditt; parents; and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES George Shannon moved to approve the minutes from the July 10, 1989 meeting. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS UAVR(1T.T.0 July 27, 1989 - Teachers - $121,324.31 July 21, 1989 - Weekly - $ 25,518.65 July 28, 1989 - Weekly - $ 26,768.79 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly announced that Dr. Alex Alexanian would remain as Pupil Personal Director for the Town of Reading. CONSTRUCTION PROJECT REPORT Dr. Munnelly stated that all the summer construction and capital improvement projects are underway, and are progressing on time. Ron Winslow and Mike Lombardo were complimented by Dr. Munnelly for the thoughtful way they have expedited all of the each projects. .* REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 JULY 24, 1989 OLD BUSINESS POLICY ON PEDICULOSIS Dr. Munnelly introduced the Director of Health, Ruth Cogan, and Board of Health Vice Chairman, Paul Caselle. They shared the Board of Health's view for a strong "no nit policy ". Discussion followed with Joshua Eaton parent Maryann Stroman supporting a stronger policy and better communication between school and parent. George Shannon moved to adopt a revised policy on Pediculosis which includes the statement, "Before returning to school, the child shall be checked by the School Nurse and be determined to be free of lice, nits and egg cases." Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. GIFTED AND TALENTED DISCUSSION Chairman Nissen turned the meeting over to Lynn M. Bak to discuss the Gifted and Talented program. Ms. Bak shared information regarding: enrollment; Type III activities; mentors and advisors; upcoming summer teacher's course; questionnaire results; staff meetings conducted; program plans for the upcoming school year; and a list of new components that were added to the program this past school year which included: .Conducting parent orientation meetings .Developing a mentor bank for children .Developing a new handbook for parents .Developing a new handbook for students .Developing a three parent /teacher news letters .Forming a Parent Advisory Council .Providing School Committee with a Gifted and Talented update packet .Identifying a new screening process for children .Modifing nomination process .Participating in future problem solving /that included 22 fifth g raders .Creating artifact activities for 31 third grade students .Preparing two state grants .Videoing of Type III activities and interviews .Conducting two staff meetings in each of the elementary schools Discussion of Reading's program continued. .. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 JULY 24, 1989 Barbara Philbrick requested blank copies of the surveys be packag- ed for School Committee review of criteria and selection by mid August. Dr. Munnelly stated Administration would be speaking with Princi- pals for further feed back regarding Gifted and Talented selection committee and the criteria for admittance. Plans to adjudge the success of the Gifted and Talented program by April or early May would allow time to institute any major changes. The Administra- tion requested input and ideas from School Committee members for the program. Offered by various members were: 1. the need to assess current School Committee goals versus the goals of the existing program; 2. ideas about recruiting mentors; 3. curriculum compacting in the classroom; and 4. the need for more Type I sessions. The Committee is looking for a departure from the regular classroom and more outside exposure, that would give the children an opportunity to become interested in areas that they would not necessarily ever know about. The Committee agreed to have the Administration come back to a future School Committee meeting with program recommendations. GOAL REVIEW DISCUSSION Assistant Lynn M. Bak and School Committee members discussed the goal statements for Science, Social Studies, Physical Education and Technical Ed /Home Economics. The purpose of the goal booklet is to identify and be specific about content, goals, objectives and kinds of activities that take place in classrooms and how the subject area is presented to students, K -12. The committee reviewed and commented on each of the sections. It was stated that the details and specifics of each of the content areas will be found in the curriculum guides that will be developed after evalutions have been completed. It was agreed to complete the review of the goals booklet at the next scheduled meeting. MUSIC Mr. Nissen opened discussion regarding the proposed changes in next year's elementary music program, specifically instrumental lessons and chorus. Parents in the audience shared their views. Dr. Munnelly suggested that an Advisory Committee be gathered to make recommendations regarding the Music Program. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 JULY 24, 1989 On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to form an Advisory Committee for the Music Ed- ucation Program, and that a charge to the committee shall be writ- ten. The ten member Committee should consist of interested _citizens; one School Committee member and faculty member. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. Discussion followed with Barbara Philbrick looking to the Adminis- tration for advice on two faculty members; one elementary and one secondary representative. Reading citizen Rick Nelson presented Dr. Munnelly with the signa- tures of 1,000 Reading residents who support the Elementary Music Program. Several citizens encouraged an organized way to accom- plish communication between parents and music staff. _Carol Lyons moved to modify the motion regarding the Advisory _Committee for the Music Education Program, that a charge provide ideas and suqqestions for best use of our music resources through a variety of meetings which will include but not be united to meetings with Mr. Giacobbee, the music faculty, and principals. _Make a progress report and report back to the School Committee by November. The Committee should include up to eight citizens, one School Committee member, two faculty members and the Director of Music.. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was four in favor and one abstention. Barbara Philbrick agreed to serve as the School Committee repre- sentative on the Music Advisory Committee. NEW BUSINESS HOME SCHOOLING PROGRAM APPROVAL Dr. Munnelly advised that the Rodriquez family again seeks approval to continue their home schooling arrangement through the services of the Clonlara School. On the recommendation of the Administration: _George Shannon moved to approve the Home Schooling Plan under the Clonlara School program for the Rodriquez family for the next two academic years with the condition that achievement test score results will be provided to the Reading Public Schools by June 1 of each academic year. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 JULY 24, 1989 BUDGET CUTBACKS Dr. Munnelly began the discussion of budget cutbacks expressing frustration, shock and anger. He emphasized that the level of funding will be below that of last year and will sadly influence the quality of education for the Town of Reading. Cutting monies back in the expense portion of the budget and the few possibilities for increasing revenue will not be enough to cover the proposed amount to be deleted. Suggestions for cuts including planning on "down- sizing" the staff of teachers, custodians and aides, adding revenue by such means as bussing fees or user fees, cuts in funds for professional development, will require quite a bit of effort. Eighty percent of our school budget in salaries are spent on instruction. Other areas that have already been committed are painting, water, fuel, sewer, repair projects, and text books. Cutting jobs becomes a distinct possibility and Dr. Munnelly expressed his anger to have to think now of "unplanned layoffs now becoming a reality ". FinCom Chairman Bill Burditt offered his input on the situation and told the Committee that the Town might, by court action, re- ceive some money later, but if we delay reductions we will only compound our problems. Discussion continued with School Committee members deliberating on the areas of cuts Dr. Munnelly had suggested. Dr. Munnelly announced that there will be a meeting of town officials and interested citizens on Thursday, July 27th. Future School Com- mittee discussions will need to take place. PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS On the recommendation of the Administration: Carol Lyons moved to appoint Janine Gaudreau to the position of Grade 6, Language Arts teacher at the Parker Middle School at the rate of Master's Level, Step 4; and David Barresi to the position of Industrial Arts teacher at Reading Memorial High School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 3. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to appoint Lauren Singleton to the posi- tion of Grade 4 at the Barrows School at the rate of Masters Level Step 1; Dawn M. Kelly to the position of Grade 1 at the Killam School at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step 1; Caryn Pike Perley to the position of Kindergarten at the Barrows School at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step 1; Caroline B. Normandin to the position of Grade 5 at the Killam School at the rate of Master's Level, Step 1; Marie O. Kiley to the position of Kindergarten at the Joshua Eaton School at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step 1, and Deborah Hax to the position of Grade 4 at the Killam School at the rate of Masters Level, Step 1. George Shannon seconded the motion. The vote was four in favor and one opposed. ,, *16 If REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 6 JULY 24, 1989 RESIGNATIONS On the recommendation of the Administration: Barbara Philbrick moved to accept the resignations of Michele Pahl as Grade 5 teacher at the Killam School; Kathy Schmidt as Kinder- garten teacher at the Joshua Eaton School; and Jane McKenzie as Music Specialist effective at the end of the 1989 -90 school year. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 11 p.m. George Shannon moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of the negotiations with Central Office Staff and non -union personnel. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. George Shannon Carol Lyons Margaret Cowell Barbara Philbrick Stan Nissen Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee