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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-05-23 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts MINUTES CALL TO ORDER MAY 23, 1988 Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Lecture Hall of Reading Memorial High School. All members were present except Barbara Philbrick. Also present were Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly; Assistant Superintendents Ronald A. Winslow and Lynn M. Bak, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Richard Coco motioned to approve the Minutes from the May 9, 1988 meeting. Seconded by Carol Lvons . The vote was 4 -1,_ with _Margaret _Cowell_ abstain ing due to her absence at that meeting. BILLS AND PAYROLLS Warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: BILLS: May 23, 1988 - $99,664.61 May 31, 1988 - $ 9,901.12 PAVTZOT.T.S May 19, 1988 - $354,181.30 May 27, 1988 - $ 48,402.14 CITIZEN'S INPUT Stan Quinlan, President of the Reading Teachers Association, spoke on behalf of the professional teaching staff for all Reading schools, for a speedy resolution to teacher negotiations for everyone's welfare. Kendra Cooper asked for the typewritten Minutes from the May 9, 1988 meeting between the various screening committees and the Reading School Committee. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly introduced Barry Low, Director of Music, to the School Committee and public for his "Music Update" presentation. He began his highlight by explaining the performing_ ensembles that have visited Reading this year. They were as follows: The Greater Boston Youth Symphon Orchestra; Lenox Brass Quintet; Harmonie Music Ensemble; Consortium Artis Musicae. He reminded the Committee of the various per- formances Reading Public School students have attended outside of Reading this year, as well as the myriad of productions that have taken place in schools this year (above and beyond the regular concerts and holiday/ spring presentations put on yearly). They included: The Holiday Revels at Barrows; Charlie Brown at Parker; Anything Goes at Reading High; Barnum at Coolidge; Cabaret Night with the high School;Singers and Pops Night with the High School Band. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 2 MAY 23, 1988 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS (cont.) Barry also introduced some of the "still to come" presentations for this year. They are: June 8, 1988 - All Town Choral Festival and -, June 16, 1988 - Beginning Band Festival. He also informed the Committee of the planned performances for next year, beginning with: Semenya McCord will perform her "Journey into Jazz" program which won her the 1988 Boston Globe Jazz Artist of the Year. Barry also wanted to mention the recipients of music awards this year, They were: •Jane McKenzie - Outstanding Teacher of Music; and *The combined efforts of Jane McKenzie and Jennifer Aborn in receiving a Horace Mann Grant award. Finally, Mr. Low preluded to a new project starting at Coolidge Middle School with the help of the music teacher there, Mr. Mingolelli, entitled "Dulcimer Making ". What is a dulcimer? We'll have to wait and see. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly informed School Committee of the "current events" in the Reading School System. 1.) The Barrows school has been chosen for the 1987 -1988 Elementary School Recognition Award, given annually by the United States Department of Education. 2.) Bob Quinn, Assistant Principal at Reading High, will be a participant in the 1988 -1989 Leadership Institute on Supervision and Evaluation. 3.) The following Reading High students finished second in competition with ten other teams in the Annual High School Programming Contest held at Wentworth Institute of Technology on May 6, 1988. They were: *Greg Brown; •Roger Hickey, Jr.; 'Keith McNeil; 'Kevin Perrault; and 'Richard Walsh. Dr. Munnelly wished to extend his congratulations and pride in the out - standinq efforts and achievements to all. OLD BUSINESS AIDS Task Force Discussion - Report of Progress Carol Lyons updated the Committee and public on progress to date with the AIDS Task Force. Carol began by giving an update on the next step plans of the Task Force, (e.g. meeting with community groups to buiici better understanding and participation in a march for AIDS). Ms. Lyons informed that at the Task Force's meeting of May 3, 1988, the Force agreed to divide up into teams which would approach P.T.A.'s about public discussion of their report. The Teams included: SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 3 MAY 23, 1988 AIDS Task Force Report (cont.) *Susan Cavicchi - Parker; •Sharyn Boornazian and Dotty O'Leary - Birch Meadow ;. *Carol Lyons - Joshua Eaton; "y *Marcia Cook and Kay Jack - Killam; 'JoAnn McMahon - Barrows; 'Dotty O'Leary and Sharyn Boornazian - Coolidge; and 'Carol Lyons and Diane Landers - Reading Memorial High School. A curriculum development committee is being organized and planning to lay out a curriculum to be worked on this summer with the help of summer curriculum development funds. Also, various ways of developing staff awareness are under consideration. The Board of Health will join in arranging a program with a speaker from the AIDS Action Committee - -most likely someone with AIDS. Marc Alterio, Health and Physical Educator and a member of the Task Force will be trying to coordinate a district's efforts to obtain a "Family Living Curriculums Thought will be given to who will carry out the actual teaching of this course and who will need in- depth training and preparation. The Task Force will look to outside grant funding from the State to help the Town carry out AIDS education activities. Finally, the Task Force will be joining in held in Boston on June 5, 1988. The Task Reading contingent. Materials on the walk anjore wanting additional information may Calendar for 1988 -1989. a "Walk for AIDS" to be Force will recruit.a will be mailed out, or contact Central Office. Dr. Munnelly requested from the School Committee a final decision on the School Calendar for 1988 -89. Dr. Munnelly informed members that through various reactions, observations from staffs, letters from parents and from numerous phone calls to Central Office, a solid INO`was the response to the idea of starting school before'Labor Day. The majority of people felt that it was too short of time for a decision on this issue to be made, due to the fact that summer plans, etc. had already been made. Mr. Shannon felt that since teacher negotiations are still pending, and the issue was brought up so late, this year would not be the time to make this change, but would be considered at future meetings for futher negotiations. The traditional calendar similar to the 1987 -1988 calendar was re- considered with only two variations with Good Friday and the date for students to return after holiday vacation being different. Richard Coco motioned to accept the "traditional" school calendar, with two variations, for the 1988 -89 school year. Seconded by Margaret Cowell. The vote was unanimous. Lease for 34 Gould Street Mr. Winslow and Dr. Munnelly have had a series of meetings with the owner of the building at 34 Gould Street, Robert Kiley. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING 4 MAY 23, 1988 Lease at 34 Gould Street (cont.) His position is that he needs to get $2,500 monthly from this point on. He maintains that lease does not entitle us to $1,000 a month for the next six (6) months. The cost of the building and going rates for rent justify the increase. On advice of his attorney, he returned our rent check for $1,000. Mr. Cohen informed us we have a valid lease until November 15, 1988, and we may have this for $1,000 until that time, but it is not considered "locked in" and we may have to pay a new rate if the issue were to go to court. Dr. Munnelly recommended that the School Committee pay $1,000 per month for 1h months until June 30, 1988. Then, with the $30,000 in the budget voted by Town Meeting, pa rent of $1,750 for four (4) months, and $2,000 a month or eight (8) months of the 1988 -1989 year. The lease with a 60 -day notice by us of non - renewal or one -year renewal, would then cost us $27,000. If we go with this proposal, the landlord will make repairs to the upstairs floors (i.e.-take care of the unsafe carpeting, and fix warped windows). This proposal will also insure us a good landlord /tenant relationship. Questions and discussions followed. Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention Policy. Dr. Munnelly recommended to the School Committee the policy contained in attachment B -2 -d for a second endorsement with one addition, by members. The phrase "behavioral contract" was not included and is a key education intervention approach to putting a curb on abuse of these substances. It was thereby added. B -2 tee members moved to endorse the second poli School Building Space Study Committee 7 on attach- Dr. Munnelly asked the help of the School Committee in constructing a "charge" for a study committee and a timeline for preliminary and long -range reporting back to the School Committee. Stan Nissen thought that a minimum of six people, but not exceeding ten (10) people, should form this committee. Questions and.discussion followed. Dr. Munnelly asked Chairman Shannon to solicit from the Committee one volunteer to serve on this charge. Margaret Cowell volunteered her services and time. Stan Nissen motioned that a School Building Space Studv Committee be formed, with a minimum of six (6) people, but not to exceed ten (10) eople including one School Committee representative, two Town Meeting members and four to five community volunteers. Seconded bv aro sons. The vote was unanimous. School Improvement Councils The State legislature, under Chapter 727, voted an additional $5.00 per pupil for School Improvement Councils this year. The various Improvement Committees reviewed priorities and have prepared proposals SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 MAY 23, 1988 School Improvement Councils (cont.) for the School Committee members' review and approval. All proposals were enclosed in a yellow covered booklet. Stan Nissen moved to endorse attachment B -3 -a, as is, for School Improvements for the 88 -89 school year. Seconded by Margaret ew 11_ The vote was unanimous. Northern Essex Community College Satellite Program Dr. Munnelly informed School Committee members that Reading has been approached by the community college designated to serve Reading, to cooperate with the college in setting up a satellite program. Dr. Munnelly offered the School Committee for their approval, a pro- posal to see the college's program as an adjunct to the present Adult and Community Education Program. The college would teach courses two nights a week for 16 weeks, figuring to serve 150 students in nine or ten courses this fall. Reading staff could offer courses as Northern Essex faculty. Northern Essex would cover any expenses which would incur over and above the usual adult education expenses. They would pay costs for any additional custodial time and for maintenance costs of equipment. A major benefit, the college would give us in- service course opportunities for Reading staffs. These courses would not cost anything if enrollments in the particular course are sufficiently subscribed by tuition - paying students. Dr. Munnelly then recommended that the School Committee endorse the proposal on a pilot basis, and that the Director of Adult Education enter into an agreement on the behalf of the School Committee with the Division of Continuing Education at Northern Essex Community College. A period of questions and discussion followed. Stan Nissen motioned to endorse the recommendation of the Superintendent _Education Director and that the School Committee have final approval of that agreement to be a "pilot" program for one semester in collaboration with Northern Essex Community College. Seconded by Carol Lyons. The vote was 4 -1 with Richard Coco abstaining. Asbestos Removal Design Study Recommendation Mr. Winslow has been reviewing the qualifications of firms to be employed as our design consultants for our long -range asbestos removal plans. The four companies listed are capable of providing the service required. The proposal from Hygeia, Inc. in the amount of $24,483.00 is within our budgeted figure of $25,000. Mr. Winslow recommended that the contract for bringing the Reading Public Schools into compliance with AHERA be awarded to Hygeia, Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts. Richard Coco motioned to approve the recommendation of Mr. Winslow to contract Hygeia, Inc. of Waltham, Massachusetts in the amount 0 4,483.00, for the removal of asbestos. Seconded by Lyons. The vote was 4 -1 with Margaret Cowell abstaining. Student Advisory Committee Four representatives from Reading Memorial High School's Student Advisory Committee were introduced by Dr. Piechota to the School Committee to SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Student Advisory Committee (cont.) 6 MAY 23, 1988 discuss with School Committee members some of the suggestions they have gathered from students for the future of Reading Memorial High School. There was a list for the public and members to review, and editorial comments were made by each of the four representatives on their feelings toward any of the suggestions on that list. The discussion was then opened for any questions or comments the School Committee and Advisory Committee members had for each other. Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Shannon then thanked the members for their time and informational suggestions contained in their list. Gifted and Talented Briefing Lynn Bak provided the School Committee with a briefing on the Gifted and Talented Program for the 1988 -1989 school year. The in- formation shared focused on the need to provide more cohesiveness, consistency and equity of resources and program offerings to all of the children identified for the program. Discussion focused on the need to maintain the goals of the program -as originally identified and insure its success. Lynn shared with the Committee, through long -range planning, proposed program staffing for the upcoming year and a team approach concept that is being planned. The concept would allow the coordination and communication of the program goals and activities with the teachers and parents of participating children. Lengthy discussion followed regarding the staff and the contribu- tions they could offer. The Committee endorsed the proposal of a team approach and requested that the Administration initiate procedures for assessing our program to date. It was suggested that parent and teacher input be sought in the gathering of data. It was agreed that the Committee will continue its participation in the planning of the program and will be kept abreast of activities and initiatives. - Berger Exemplary Teacher Awards Dr. Munnelly was pleased to announce the two teachers recommended for the Berger Exemplary Teacher Award for the 1987 -1988 school year. They are: • Bruce Appleby from Reading Memorial High School; and • Gaynell Knowlton from Birch Meadow School. Preparations for a public announcement and the making of an award ceremony for the recipients to. receive a check and plaque from the Arnold and Dorothy Berger Fund is being arranged. Dr. Munnelly extends his congratulations to both teachers. HVAC Proposal Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Winslow have been preparing to submit a proposal to the State Executive Office of Communities and Development for start - `' up funds for a repair person for the Town's heating and ventilation equipment. If the State likes the proposal, they will fund 75% of the costs in Year 1, 50% in Year 2,and 25% in Year 3. The money being spent now on contract repairs will more than pay for this position for the three year period. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 7 MAY 23, 1988 HVAC Proposal (cont.) Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Winslow are asking the School Committee to endorse the grant proposal so that the application can be forwarded before the early June deadline. The School Committee motioned to endorse the recommendation of Superintendent Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Winslow to submit the grant application to the State for the HVAC Proposal OTHER BUSINESS Dr. Munnelly asked the School Committee to endorse his and Principal Paul Guerrette's request to submit a Carnegie grant application to the State. Mr. Coco motioned to Superintendent an to the State as part Mrs. Cowell. The vo, ADJOURNMENT At 11:05 p.m., there Committee unanimousl, approve and endorse the request of the ze Principal to sunmit a qrant app ica ion of the Carnegie grant plan. Seconded by to was unanimous. being no further business, the School Y voted to adjourn.