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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-05-09 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts MINUTES MAY 9, 1988 CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called a special meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Superintendent's Office at 34 Gould Street. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly; Assistant Superintendents Ronald A. Winslow and Lynn M. Bak; members of the Superintendent's Search Committee; the Assistant Superintendent's Search Committee and the Birch Meadow Principal Search Committee. MINUTES The Reading School Committee met informally with Screening Committees that had dedicated much time and effort in the last year in assist- ing in the selection of the Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent of Schools and the Principal of Birch Meadow School. Open discussion and information focused on a number of issues. Screening Committee members shared their views regarding such issues as: ° composition of the committees; ° the use of an outside consultant, and the consultant's relationship with respective screening committees; • the need for clerical support for active committees; • the need to identify a timetable that adequately meets the needs and objectives of the Screening Committee; • the role of the School Committee members as related to Screening Committees; and • the method of advertising for vacant positions that ensures encouraging a large pool of applicants. The session came to a close at 8:10 p.m. after an hour of sharing. On behalf of the School Committee, Superintendent Munnelly recognized the effort and dedication of the Screening Committee members by awarding each a Certificate of Appreciation. READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 9, 1988 CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading. School Committee to order at 8:10 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Superintendent's Office at 34 Gould Street. All members were present except Margaret Cowell. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly; Assistant Superintendents Ronald A. Winslow and Lynn M. Bak; and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Barbara Philbrick motioned to approve the Minutes from the April 21, 1988 meeting. Seconded by Carol Lyons. The vote was 4 -1, with Richard Coco abstaining due to his absence at that meet- ing. BILLS AND PAYROLLS BILLS May 2, 1988 - General Expense - $27,460.38 May 9, 1988 - General Expense - $71,089.24 May 16, 1988 - General Expense - $76,489.70 PAV1:?l1T.T.S May 5, 1988 - Teachers - $362,525.55 May 6, 1988 - Weekly - $ 48,396.64 May 13, 1988 - Weekly - $ 49,874.84 May 29, 1988 - Weekly - $ 34,252.38 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizens' input. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly welcomed Mark Piechota from Reading Memorial High School, who in turn introduced Ruthann Budrewicz and Judy Donovan to the School Committee members and public. Both are Science teachers at the high school, and are the initiators of the "Writing -to- Learn - Science" program there. In conjunction with members of the English Department, the classes incorporate many ideas to encourage daily writing. Judy Donovan described the steps and developmental stages for their attempts to capture the interest and curiosity of the students. Through the use of an overhead and worksheets, Ruthann and Judy were able to show the School Committee some of the fruits of their labors with actual writing samples taken from students in their classes. Ruthann and Judy summarized their presentation with a discussion on the benefits that they as teachers have obtained with this concept. A period of questions and answers followed. Chairman Shannon then thanked both Ruthann and Judy for taking the time to present their in- formative idea to the School Committee and the public. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 2 MAY 9, 1988 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly outlined four informative topics he wished to share with the School Committee. They were as follows: 1.) Reading Memorial High School's accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has been extended until 1993. At that time, it will undergo another self - examination /visitation. The Commission commended the school on its introduction of modern technological changes in all phases of the industrial arts program; and the Commission was also pleased to note the hiring of a trainer for the athletic teams. The Commission also urged the school to attend to the privacy concerns at the present guidance suites. 2.) The work of four Reading students has been selected for inclusion in an exhibit of artwork by Russian and American students. The exhibit will be held in June at the Boston Public Library and will then continue on a tour of art centers and schools in Russia. The students are: • Delsin Grubbs, Grade 3, Birch Meadow School; • Barry Ware, Grade 7, Parker Middle School; Carrie Sampson, Grade 4, Killam School; • Ryan Middleton, Grade 3, Eaton School. Dr. Munnelly extended his congratulations to each of the four students for their participation in such an event. 3.) Dr. Munnelly wished to extend his congratulations to the students who have been selected for recognition at Reading Memorial High School as Students of the Quarter. 4.) Reading,in collaboration with Tufts and eight other area schools, is to be part of a consortium of organizations concerned with International Studies. Initial seminars will be offered and are listed in an informational brochure. OLD BUSINESS Superintendent's Office Issue Dr. Munnelly updated the issue of relocation /lease extension for the Central Office. He wished to solicit from the Committee their feelings on a lease extension,since the Town Meeting did not approve the monies for a move to the FOCUS area at Reading High. He also wished to discuss action, if any, to be presented to Town Meeting again. Dr. Munnelly informed members that a meeting with Kiley Construction, himself and Mr. Winslow would be taking place on Wednesday, May 11, 1988, to discuss a possible extension of the original lease. A period of questions and discussion followed. No motions were made; however, Mr. Shannon suggested in Executive Session a more in -depth discussion on strategy and ideas relating to the financial interest of the Town could take place. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 3 MAY 9, 1988 Calendar Revision 1987 -1988 Dr.-Munnelly requested an amendment on the 1987 -1988 School Calendar. He recommended that the final day of school for students be ,O Friday, June 24, 1988, a reduction of one day. Concurrently, he recommended that Monday, June 27th and Tuesday, June 28th be pro- fessional development and instructional planning days for all teach- ing staffs. Stan Nissen motioned to approve the recommendation that the final day of school for students be Friday, June 24, 1988, and, con- currently, that Monday, June 27th and Tuesday, June 28th be professional development and instructional planning days for all teaching staffs. Seconded by Barbara Philbrick. The vote was unanimous. NEW BUSINESS Calendar for 1988 -1989 Dr. Munnelly presented the School Committee with a draft proposal for the 1988 -1989 school year calendar. He informed the Committee that the majority of people (80 -85 %) who made known their opinions preferred the "traditional" calendar. Dr. Munnelly then recommended for de- liberations by the School Committee to adopt the 88 -89 calendar as a "traditional" one with only two items which would distinguish it from the 87 -88 calendar: 1 - there would be no school on Good Friday for students or teachers; 2 - there would be an in- service program all day for teachers on January 3, 1989, and that students return from Christmas Holidays on Wednesday, January 4, 1989. Under this proposal, schools would have a calendar which builds in three snow release days and schedule the students' last day as Friday, June 23, and teachers as Monday, June 26. Students would have 181 days of school planned under this proposal (one less than 87 -88), and the teachers work year would remain the same. A period of questions and discussions followed. Carol Lyons, Richard Coco and Nancy Drane brought up the issue of how late Reading schools close in comparison to the surrounding communities and what, if any, action could be taken to change the date of the last day of school. Nancy Drane suggested starting the school year at the end of August instead of waiting until the beginning of September. Mr. Coco and Carol Lyons were in agreement. Mr. Coco then moved that the beginning date of school be amended from e beginning of September to the end o August being.the.first days of school for teachers August 27 and 28, and for students August 31 . Seconded by Carol Lyons. Dr. Munnelly intervened and suggested that with Mr. Shannon's approval, any further action on this matter be postponed to the next meeting of the School Committee so that further discussions, consultations and investigations could be made. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 4 MAY 9, 1988 Policy on Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention Dr. Munnelly recommended the consideration of a new policy by the Reading School Committee. With this policy, we are ready to enter into an agreement with the Reading Police. This statement is one of the Governor's Alliances keystones to an effective statewide effort to combat drug and alcohol abuse. It solidifies and clarifies both school and police roles. Dr. Munnelly then explained the significance of the yellow booklet, which introduces the administrative guidelines which combine concerns of rule violations, school safety and individual rights. The drafts have been revised and discussed by secondary school principals, who are in full agreement with the proposed policies and the roles they clarify. With these policies, agreements and practices in place, Reading would be one of about 100 school districts in Massachusetts fully meeting the criteria of schools which have accepted "the challenge of be- coming drug free." A period of questions and discussions followed in which Carol Lyons emphasized her concern on smoking areas at the high school; more specifically, where smoking is and is not allowed while students are on school premises, and what is being done about enforcing and decreasing those areas. Nancy Drane stated that the Student Advisory Committee at the high school is doing their part in trying to de- crease the number of places kids can smoke and trying to prevent kids from smoking in places they are not supposed to. Richard Coco motioned to accept the policy drafts, as e attached Memo Ot Agreement. Seconded y Bar ara The vote was unanimous. hey are, with r, r- More questions and discussions followed. It was asked when the tobacco policies would be added to the policies. Dr. Munnelly assured the School Committee that when a definite policy had been established,, it would be added to Reading's policies. Stan Nissen motioned that policy JFCI be re- worded to be more con- sistent. Those changes will be brought about at a later meeting date. Early Childhood Development Grant - Briefing and Discussion for 88 -89 Lynn informed the School Committee that the State has encouraged Reading to file for a continuation of the Early Childhood demonstration project. Lynn gave the School Committee a briefing on the progress to date with the Early Childhood Development program and what its plans are for the 88 -89 school year. Ms. Bak outlined a worksheet on the 88 -89 Continuation Proposal and defined the objectives and goals of this service for the public., as well as for the upcoming school.year. A period of questions and discussion followed. and support the continua SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 MAY 9. 1988 National History Da Dr. Munnelly asked for the School Committee's support for the History Day effort of Reading students. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee members that due to a relatively mild winter, there would be sufficient funds for the trip by students to Washington, D.C. Dr. Munnelly expressed his pride in the success of our students in the National History Day competition. Twenty -one students have earned the right to present their projects in Washington this June. The arrangements call for the students and two faculty chaperones to go to Washington and stay at the University of Maryland's dorm. At a cost of $215.00 each (plus $190.00 each for the two adults), the overall bill would be $4,895.00. The High School principal's budget included $1,200.00 for such an eventuality as the National History Day. Any costs above and beyond the budgeted monies could be found in our fuel account. Richard Coco motioned to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent to send students to the National History Day competition being held in Washington, D.C. Seconded by Carol Lyons. The vote was unanimous. Award of Bids Mr. Winslow tabulated the bids for the science and art supplies. They are as follows: For science: • Chem Scientific, Inc.; • Frey Scientific Co.; • Sargent Welch Science Co.; and • Southern Biol. Supply Co. For art: • Dick Blick East; • Fay Prod. Inc.; J. L. Hammett, Co.; • Lake Systems Corp.; • New England School; Sax Arts and Crafts; • School Stationers Corp.; and • Henry S. Wolkins Co. Stan Nissen motioned to approve the science su company as shown on attachment B- 3 -e(1). Seco The vote was unanimous. Stan Nissen as shown on attachm, vote was unanimous. to approve the art B-3-e(2). _Seconde INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS- METCO Budget ly bids from each ed by Carol Lyons. )m eacn compan Llbrick. The Lynn reported to the School Committee members that the State has in- formed that Reading Public Schools will receive 8% more monies than last year. This is an "across- the - board" amount that is included in SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 6 MAY 9, 1988 n METCO Budget (cont.) the Governors budget. It was also mentioned, however, that the State will not give us any additional money, (review headlines in newspapers °w on State Budget problems). Ms. Bak delivered to each School. Committee member informational sheets outlining her and Dr. Munnelly's recommendations for an 88 -89 Budget for carrying out the METCO program of 102 students. Ms. Bak then asked the School Committee for their approval and support of this budget proposal for the transmittal of the application to the State Department of Education. A motion was made by Barbara Philbrick to approve the proposed METCO budaet for FY1988 -1989. Seconded by Carol Lvons. The vote was unanimous. LEAVES Barbara Sheehan will begin her Maternity Leave as of May 6, 1988, until the end of the present school year. She will return in September of 1988. APPOINTMENTS Stan Nissen motioned to approve the re- appointment of Carol Morris, replacement for Noreen Scarpitto, in the Science Department at Reading - - -4 High, for the 88 -89 school year. Seconded by Carol Lyons. The vote was unanimous. Richard Coco motioned to approve the appointment of William Faller, custodian to the High School, retroactive April 19, 1988. Seconded by Carol Lvons. The vote was unanimous. OTHER BUSINESS Next School Committee Meeting Mr. Shannon suggested that the next meeting of the School Committee take place at Reading Memorial High School due to the Student Advisory Committee's accessibility to the High School and the Lecture Hall. Also, the date of the next meeting has been changed from May 16, 1988 to May 23, 1988. ADJOURNMENT At 10:25 p.m., there being no further business in Regular Session, Richard Coco motioned to move into Executive Session.