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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-12-11 School Committee Minutesam READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Stan Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:12 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present with the exception of Mary Williams, who was expected to arrive later. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendents Lynn M. Bak and Ronald A. Winslow, members from the Finance Committee, and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes to approve. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: BILLS: December 11, 1989 - General Expenses - $181,845.56 December 18, 1989 - General Expenses - $ 77,237.79 PAYROLLS: December 14, 1989 - Teachers (includes Longevity) - $468,274.70 December 15, 1989 - Weekly _ - 55,936.86 CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. INSERT ITEM Dr. Munnelly reminded the School Committee and audience that there would be a memorial service for Robert Wells, the former superinten- dent of the Reading Public Schools, at the Old South Church in Reading on December 13, 1989 at 4 p.m. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 11, 1989 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly introduced Peter Moscariello, Chairman of the Reading Memorial High School Mathematics Department, to the School Committee and audience. Mr. Moscariello explained that The Geometric Supposer is a series of innovative microcomputer programs that enable students to learn geometry through a hands -on, self- discovery method. Students learn geometric principles and relationships by using the computer to gather data to construct and manipulate geometric figures, which they then analyze and use to interpret the data. The results are discussed with classmates. He added that students are asked to formulate, present, and prove their conjectures orally and /or in writing. Mr. Moscariello shared and explained an example through a visual overhead. School Committee members were excited that The Supposer could generate such interest for the geometry students and thanked Mr. Mos- cariello for this demonstration of how the software works and how a teacher might use The Supposer in the classroom. RECESS A short recess was called so that the computer equipment could be removed. BACK TO ORDER At 7:40 p.m. Chairman Nissen called the regular School Committee Meeting back to order. OLD BUSINESS BUDGET FY91 Dr. Munnelly gave a quick overview of the Draft #1 - "Maintenance of Quality" budget. He referred to-the "Maintenance of Quality" budget and the Deep Cut budget as extreme posts, in hopes that we will arrive at a budget point midway the two. Chairman Nissen wanted the School Committee to look at the items cut from Draft #1 to Draft #2, totaling $660,000. Dr. Munnelly recom- mended that the reduction of monies come from the following: "Additional personnel" (2 elementary teachers for enrollment increases, elementary music, and middle school foreign language) $100,000 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 11, 1989 . Eliminate selected #1's priority items: .Paving and parking lot expansion .Tower doors - RMHS .Hardware RMHS Media & Science Safety Equipment - RMHS .Library Carpet - Birch Meadow .Superintendent's Office alarms .Extend Heating Sensors .Light fixtures .External lighting improvements .Sump pump .Clock tower repairs - Eaton .Replace elevator - RMHS .Relocate Barrows teachers' room for Media Center expansion .Fans at RMHS Media Center .Storage cabinets .Water vacuum - RMHS .Cut door closers - Killam by $10,000 . Reduce painting from $21,900 to $11,000 Cut COMPUTER replacement and new COMPUTERS to $20,000 ($15,000 cut) . Reduce telephones by $10,000 Take $150,000 out of 9300 tuitions from the Special Education Budget "Core Placement Potential" With those cuts, this FY91 budget now reflects an increase of $1,130,361 or 7.4 percent over the current FY90 budget. Discussion continued. George Shannon made a motion to delete $2,500 for the principal's office relocation at Reading Memorial High School. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. School Committee members discussed the rationale of doing this now. The vote was two in favor, Mary Williams and George Shannon; with four opposed. George Shannon made a motion to accept Draft #2 "Maintenance of Quality Budget" subject to further changes. Margaret Cowell seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 11, 1989 INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL FOR SPRING 1990 Dr. Munnelly recommended that School Committee discuss the need for a participation fee of $30 for the Spring 1990 musical. On the recommendation of the Administration Barbara Philbrick moved to agree to the budget for the Spring 1990 musical as described on enclosure C -1, which includes a $30 participation fee. Carol Lyons seconded the motion. Discussion followed regarding the fee and the motion was vetoed by a 0 -6 vote. School Committee members discussed the possibility of charging a higher admission ticket price. INSERT ITEMS Dr. Munnelly advised the School Committee that the gym clock at the Field House has failed to work and it will be necessary to order a new score board to replace it. This will be paid for through com- munity fund raising. Stan Nissen requested Saturday, January 20th be set aside for a School Committee meeting to continue budget deliberations regarding Dr. Munnelly's evaluation. Objectives are to be identified as part of the evaluation and School Committee members are to forward their forms and remarks to Mr. Nissen so the process can near the formal -,g evaluating that will take place. ADJOURNMENT At 10:02 o.m. Stan Nissen moved that the School Committee adiourn to Executive Session to further discuss negotiation with the Business Manager's candidate, Mr. Warren Hopkins and to return to Regular Session to continue discussion on the FY91 budget. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Respectfully Submitted Robert I Munnelly, Ed. D. Superintendent Of Schools Secretary To The School Committee REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 5 DECEMBER 11, 1989 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Nissen reconvened the regular session of the December 11, 1989 to order at 10:28 p.m. for discussion regarding the Deep Cut #1 Budget. DEEP CUT #1 FY 91 BUDGET Dr. Munnelly proceeded to present the worst case scenario. The deep cut budget would include: .The teaching supplies and textbook budget cut by 25 percent. .Custodial supplies cut 25 percent. .All but mandated bussing done eliminated. .Professional development reduced by $20,000. .Cut remaining amount of computer hardware and software. .Taking risks by cutting the Special Needs budget by approximately $122,000. .Cut all but small equipment items. .Reduce the athletics budget by cutting 23 percent, including all freshman sports, varsity golf, varsity swimming and all assistant coaches except first assistant. From the salary side: .Three classroom teachers, two yired and talented teachers, one art teacher and one music teacher from the elementary level. .Three reading teachers, two computer teachers and one music "T teacher from the middle schools. .A Home Economics, Phys. Ed., Business Ed., Reading, and English teacher, guidance person and a 2/5 math position from the high school. .Two part -time and one full -time secretary from the Superinten- dent's office. .One half -time secretary from Special Education. .Five elementary teacher aides and two middle school aides. .Eliminate the summer school program. .Eliminate all Summer Curriculum. Workshop monies. .Eliminate a Special Needs person. .Combining directorships art /music, phys. - 1.4.m.nating half -time Data Processing. Others would include eliminating: .one school nurse .extra - curricular activities (musicals, debate team, yearbook, Jr. Class advisor) .25 percent of maintenance staff and all maintenance overtime. Discussion continued looking for ways to work together regarding these cuts. ADJOURNMENT At 11 motio .m. George Shannon moved to adjourn. Carol Lyons seconded the The vote was unanimous.