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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-12-19 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING REGULAR SESSION MINUTES DECEMBER 19, 1988 CALL TO ORDER Co- Chairman Stanley Nissen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Cafeteria of the Birch Meadow School. All members were present with the exception of Carol Lyons. Also not present was Chairman George Shannon who arrived later. Superintendent Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendents Lynn M. Bak and Ronald A. Winslow, and a reporter from the Chronicle were also present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Margaret Cowell moved to approve the minutes from the December 6, 1988 meeting. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS The warrants for Bills and Payrolls were as follows: BILLS: December 27, 1988 - General Expenses - $78,997.59 Dnvnnrrc. December 15, 1988 - Teachers - $374,277.62 December 23, 1988 - Teachers - $470,113.97 December 16, 1988 - Weekly - $ 50,886.22 December 23, 1988 - Weekly - $ 51,512.05 CITIZEN'S INPUT Reading Citizen Mary Mallett requested time to discuss the issue regarding the possible centralization of Reading Kindergarten classes. She was advised that the School Committee meetings in January and February would be addressing the Elementary space needs options, including the exploration of an Early Childhood Center. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Birch Meadow's Schoolwide focus on literature, was entitled "Literature Across the Grades Week" that took place during National Book Week, November 14 -21st was shared by Principal Richard Davidson and several members of the Birch Meadow School /Community. These members included: Principal Richard Davidson; Reading Consultant, Paul Graveline; Faculty Members Sally Mucica, Irene Bourne, Jan Feagley, Gaynell Knowlton and John Babine, including Students from their respective classrooms, also in attendance were Librarian Susan Tsiatis and Parent Jane Briggs. The School Committee thanked everyone for sharing in this well choreographed and interesting presentation. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 2 DECEMBER 19. 1988 At 8:15 p.m. the School Committee recessed to tour the Birch Meadow School. At 8:40 p.m. the School Committee returned to regular session. NEW BUSINESS SPECIAL EDUCATION P.A.C. ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Alexanian introduced SPED PAC spokesperson Sandra Trainor, Chairperson Joan Coco and members Kathy Dehne and Pat Hagan. Mrs. Sandra Trainor shared the challenges they have experienced and the needs the group has identified. Stan Nissen suggested the SPED PAC document in writing their concerns for the School Committee. Dr. Munnelly also suggested that an annual update from the group could benefit the planning process for the Reading Schools. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly reported on the following issues: SECONDARY SCHOOL EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION PROGRAM Coolidge Middle School Principal Al Lahood and his faculty has submitted an application and documentation to the U.S. Office of Education for consideration as a Secondary School of Excellence n for 1989. Results for the application will be known in the next few months. OLD BUSINESS GRADUATION REOUIREMENT POLICY After discussion of the Fine Arts requirement for RMHS, members of the School Committee took a second vote for policy purposes on the issue. Richard Coco moved that the School Committee revise Dolicv IKF to include an arts requirement of two semesters to be completed by the students of the graduation class of 1993. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote -was three in favor, Stan Nissen abstained. HOME INSTRUCTION PLAN Upon the recommendation of the Administration, Stan Nissen moved to approve the Home Instruction Plan for the Rodriguez family for the remainder of the current school year with the stipulation that achievement test results for the academic year be provided to the Reading Public Schools by May 1, 1989. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 3 DECEMBER 19, 1988 BUDGET FY90 STAFF AND PROGRAM NEEDS: OVERVIEW Superintendent Munnelly and Assistant Superintendent Bak presented an overview of the school systems' educational needs. Deliberations during January will be on the educational quality of the system and what it takes to maintain and support that quality. Dr. Munnelly will focus on the budget as a "Financial Plan for carrying out an Education Plan" with an intent to present a budget to the School Committee in early January. Wall charts laying out lists of needs were an integral part of the Educational Needs presentation. SCHOOL BUILDING NEEDS Dr. Munnelly shared with the Committee the space needs of the district which included the elementary school options of relocat- ing classrooms to different buildings. Chairman George Shannon reassured parents that input from the faculty and citizens.re- garding space needs will be solicited during the months of January and February. SUPERINTENDENT'S EVALUATION Dr. Munnelly asked the members of the School Committee for input and feedback regarding the goals he identified in his second year as Superintendent of Schools. Discussion will take place at a future meeting. WINTER - SPRING MEETING DATES The School Committee meeting schedule for January - June, 1989 was reviewed. A Saturday, January 28, 1989 meeting focusing on strategic planning has been added to the schedule. P.L. 874 APPLICATION PROCESS Regarding School Committee authorization for filing, Richard Coco moved that the Superintendent be authorized to file the annual request for federal impact aid. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was uananimous. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS STAFF IN- SERVICE DAY Assistant Superintendent Bak provided the Committee with an update of activities planned for the staff on January 3, 1989. The Professional Development day, for 360 staff members, will focus on "The Adult Learner" and will be facilitated by Consultant Dr. Judy Arin Krupp. REGULAR SESSION MINUTES 4 DECEMBER 19, 1988 PERSONNEL ISSUES Upon the recommendation of the Administration: Stan Nissen moved to accept for purpose of retirement Marjorie J. Pacino, Math Department Head at Coolidge Middle School, effective January 31, 1989. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Stan Nissen moved to accept the resignation of Ed Sacco, Director of Reading K -12, effective January 16, 1989. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Barbara Philbrick moved to appoint Christine Kelley as a long term substitute for Grade 3 at the Birch Meadow School at a rate of Bachelor I, Step One, effective January 3, 1989 and ending June 26, 1989. Stan Nissen seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Stan Nissen moved to grant Catherine Blake, an ILA at Parker Middle School, an extension of her sick leave up to 30 days. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was uananimous. Stan Nissen moved to appoint Walter D. Hall to the permanent custodian position at Coolidge Middle School, effective December 19, 1988 at the minimum step of the Custodial Salary Scale. Richard Coco seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Stan Nissen moved to appoint Michael A. Lombardo to the position of Supervisor of Building and Grounds, effective January 3, 1989. Barbara Philbrick seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. ADJOURNMENT At 11:30 p.m., Richard Coco made a motion to adjourn to Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Barbara Philbrick. All of the followina members voted in the affirmative: Stan Nissen Barbara Philbrick Richard Coco George Shannon