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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-09-11 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, MA School Committee Meeting Regular Session Minutes September 11, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading -School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m., September 11, 1989, in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 62 Oakland Road. All members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Barbara Philbrick who arrived later. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly; Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak. Assis- tant Superintendent Ronald A. Winslow arrived shortly after the meeting began. Also present was Holly Spousta a reporter from the Chronicle. Chairman Nissen called for a moment of silence for Jane Clancy, a Grade 6, Parker Middle School teacher, who passed away on September 10th. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes to approve. BILLS AND PAYROLLS September 1, 1989 - Weekly - $23,049.01 September 8, 1989 - Weekly - $28,520.97 September 7, 1989 - Teachers - $399,756.52 CITIZEN'S INPUT Chairman Nissen asked if there was any Citizens' Input. There was none. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly stated that the front page of the Sunday Globe carried an article regarding the good kids of Boston. Included in that feature story was Reading Memorial High School senior Luke McPherson. Luke is a member of the Student Advisory Council and an active member of the student body. Dr. Munnelly complimented Luke for the fine way he represents Reading students and the expectations that he has set for his future. Regular Session Minutes -2- September 11, 1989 Dr. Munnelly shared the activities of the schools opening day. All schools opened on time with few complications. The Asbestos clearance has been completed and though not yet finished, the new Superintendent's and School Committee offices are open for business. Chairman Nissen extended an invitation from Barrows Elementary School to all School Committee members to attend their 25th anniversary on Friday, September 25th. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET - FISCAL YEAR 1990 Chairman Nissen shared his report regarding the FinCom's meeting on Tuesday, September 5th. He stated that the entire discussion revolved on the trash fee. There were no comments on the school budget recommendations. The Finance Committee was going to recommend to Town Meeting that the entire cut be taken and that a trash fee be implemented at a later date to add to our revenue for next year. Discussion revolved on how we would present this to Town Meeting. It was agreed that the School Committee would support the trash fee. GOALS BOOKLET REVIEW The draft goals booklet for Grades K -12 was presented to School Committee for further review and input. The Committee provided input in the areas of: Philosophy The Arts Program Computer Education English Language Arts (to be reviewed again at a later time) Foreign Language Program and the Health Program It was also suggested that the Administration give thought to evaluating the Guidance and Counseling Services offered in the District. When completed, the information should be prepared for School Committee review. Regular Session Minutes -3- September 11, 1989 NEW BUSINESS BUDGET - FISCAL YEAR 1991 Dr. Munnelly stated that earlier discussion on the present budget had encompassed some of the ideas, including the trash fee for FY91. Dr. Munnelly shared conditions of the running track at Reading Memorial High School and alerted School Committee members that the track's needs, such as adding a rubber compound, seal and painting should be attended to every 6 or 7 years. Funding for venti- lation, consideration to whether we want to replace in- the - ground oil tanks or convert all Town Buildings to gas, and space remodel- ing at the elementary schools are other issues to be aware of. PROPOSAL FOR ATHLETICS USERS FEE POLICY George Shannon moved to accept the amended Policy Draft JJA from the wording of 5th game in Para ra hs 4 and 5 to read 7th week. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous PROPOSAL FOR BUS USERS FEE POLICY George Shannon moved to accept the amended Policy Draft JJ (EAA) from the wording of 1 1/2 miles in paragraphs 1 and 2 to read 2 miles. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous Barbara Philbrick moved to modify the time to pay the athletic fee to the end of October. Carol Lyons seconded the motion The vote was unanimous. Fee to show on a separate sheet with an explanation of a family cap. PEARL STREET SCHOOL Dr. Munnelly shared the letter, dated September 8, 1989, that he sent to the Community Planning'Development Commission regarding the reuses of the Pearl Street School. The content of this letter is to ensure that the reuse planning is linked to the need to fund the additions at the Birch Meadow and Eaton Schools. Regular Session Minutes -4- September 11, 1989 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDY PROCESS Chairman Nissen stated that Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak .v in consultation with himself, the principals and Gifted /Talented teachers have developed a plan for a School Committee presentation. Ms. Bak stated that two meetings will be scheduled with the School Committee. The first, on October 23rd, is to review the program's goals and objectives and the second, scheduled for November 6, is for recommendations regarding time lines and implementation of goals and objectives. Prior to the School Committee meetings, parents K -5 will be invited to attend meetings at the elementary schools to discuss the program. GOALS FOR 1989 -90 Dr. Munnelly shared that it was time for School Committee to begin the process of establishing its goals and objectives for the year. Members expressed their concerns regarding the budget process in order to retain as large a teaching-staff as possible and to be able to continue working with the K -12 Music Program and the Gifted /Talented Program. Attention should be given to the direction for the type of high school we are aiming for; a comprehensive or an academically /arts background. The Foreign Language we offer students also needs discussion. It was decided that before evaluation, these issues should be placed on an agenda and a long range plan considered. TESTING OF FUEL TANKS This issue was discussed earlier in the evening. SCHOOL COMMITTEE /SUPERINTENDENT CHALKBOARD COLUMN Chairman Nissen stated as part of his Chairman's leadership role, he would share with Dr. Munnelly articles to be placed in the Chronicle and Suburban News called Chalkboard. Dr. Munnelly's article that appeared this week was titled "Why is the School Committee making plans to add classrooms and carry out renovations to the Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools ? ". "The Budget Cuts" written by Chairman Nissen will also appear in this week's papers. It was suggested that copies of the articles be included in School Committee packets each week. These articles are being written to open up lines of communication and dialogue with Reading citizens. Regular Session Minutes -5- September 11, 1989 PLAN AND TIMETABLE FOR REPLACING RON WINSLOW Dr. Munnelly spelled out the requirements under the newest certi- fication laws, for the Assistant Superintendent of Business which was newly titled School Business Manager. The requirements include having a Massachusetts teaching certificate and having had three years of successful supervisory experience. The interview process will involve various individuals and several stages. Recommendation for the position will come in late fall. OTHER: MUSIC COMMITTEE Barbara Philbrick requested that Chronicle regarding the need for on the Music Advisory committee. Assistant Superintendent Bak at PERSONNEL an article be placed in the Reading Citizens to participate Those interested should contact Central Office. On the recommendation of the Administration: George Shannon moved to accept Sharon Patterson's request for a one year leave of absence as a Grade 2 teacher at Barrows Elemen- tary School and to be considered a priority substitute for the year. She is to notify Central Office by March 1, 1990 of her intent to return. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The x vote was unanimous. 0 Barbara Philbrick moved to accept Dawn Avery as a replacement teacher at Barrows Elementary School, Grade 2 for one year at the rate of Bachelor's Level, Step One. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT It was noted that the next School Committee meeting may be on September 20th instead of September 18th. George Shannon moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 9:25 p.m., for the purpose of discussion of bargaining with union and non union personnel. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Roberti. Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee