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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-03-03 School Committee Minutes 185 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading , Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES March 3 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7 :30 p.m. on March 3 , 1986 , in the Superintendent' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present. Others in attendance included Superintendent Wells , Jim Roth , Music Director, Susan Wheltle, Art Director, Mary Malloy, from the Peabody Museum, Kaye S. Michelini , teacher at Coolidge Middle School , Eileen B. Litterio, teacher at Barrows School, Bernice Herrick, parent, Mrs . Kendra Cooper, parent, three other parents , and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of February 18 , 1986 The Minutes of the February 18 , 1986 meeting were approved by a motion by Mn Nissen, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick . Correction of Mr. George Shannon' s name which was incorrectly written as William Shannon on Budget FY87 item was duly noted. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills March 7 , 1986 - General Expense - $53 ,219 .92 Payrolls March 7 , 1986 - Teachers - $340 ,788 .96 March 7 , 1986 - Weekly - $ 27 ,835 .96 Citizens ' Input Mrs . Kendra Cooper, parent at Birch Meadow, spoke about an incident in the Daily Chronicle on Friday in regard to a child being approached on South Street to get into a car . She said she thought there was a tendency to belittle the absentee verification program and wanted to cite an example which was close to home in support of the program. Chairman Allen noted that the absentee verification program will be included in the agenda at the last meeting in March. Tentatively that will be a topic of discussion. 186 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 School Highlights Dr. Wells introduced Susan Wheltle , Art Director, and Mary Malloy, Educational Staff Member from the Peabody Museum , to present an overview of programs being carried on with young students in the elementary grades in conjunction with the Peabody Museum . Mrs . Wheltle presented the School Committee with a poster which was prepared by Reading students . She also showed the School Committee a Teachers ' Guide which was prepared by teachers in Reading and drawings on the front and back done by fifth graders who have gone to Peabody Museum yearly to study whaling , as well as Japan and our contacts with them in the 19th century . They were assisted in this project by Fred Johnson, Designer at the Peabody Museum. The program has taken a great leap into the 20th century this year. They are trying to teach children about countries around the world, particularly China and Japan. This year' s objective is to trade work and make contact with children in Japan, China and Hawaii , also a great whaling port. Mrs. Wheltle showed School Committee pictures made by the children of Reading. Mrs . Wheltle indicated pictures had been sent two weeks ago by our children to a sister museum in Tokyo , Japan . This was done in an effort to show children in those countries what life is like here and to make contact with people with whom we might otherwise have no contact. When one of our Peabody Museum staff members arrived in Tokyo and opened the package from our children, which included art work from every fifth grader at the Killam School , people were awestruck . The art work was different from art the Japanese people are used to seeing and there was a tremendous response to the work. The people involved in the program are now preparing packages to send to China as well as Hawaii . There will be a show at the Peabody Museum, including children' s art from abroad, which will include some children' s work from Reading . This will begin on Sunday, June 1st, and will open with a program of choruses of elementary school children from Reading, along with an Open House to which all the people of Reading will be invited at no cost. This program' s cost is partially underwritten by a grant from the Mass . Council of the Arts . Ms . Malloy noted that the enthusiasm of the teachers in Reading is unsurpassed by any she has worked with. Also noted that the museum is very committed to this program and has written a grant for it for 3 years . Unfortunately, the Mass Council has told them that we will not be funded again for this particular project, therefore, a greater commitment will be required from elementary schools in Reading than in the past. This has been a model project for the museum and they have used it as an example of what schools and museums can do together. Mrs . Wheltle also indicated that at a workshop meeting held recently approximately 10 teachers attended and at a brainstorming session, a lot of ideas were presented for future projects . ■ 187 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 School Highlights Mrs . Philbrick asked how it was determined that the Killam School would study about Janan . Were the different elementary schools given diffeciJnt sections of the country? Mrs . Wheltle replied that each school was assigned a specific country, it was more expedient to do it that way . Mrs . Herrick, a parent, questioned Mrs . Wheltle ' s statement in regard to the program not being funded next year, what was their proposal for funds and what type of money was she talking about? Mrs . Wheltle said because the fifth grade program was based on things that were permanently displayed, we would like it very much to continue. The Mass Council has allowed us to do things like this trade program and poster. I did hope that the whole program could run in the elementary schools for $2 ,000 . Each principal has chosen where to take the money from, some PTA funds , some School Improvement Council funds, etc. We received $16 ,000 from Mass Council, which averages out to almost $50 per student . Next year Mass Council will allow a limit of $15 per student . We can continue in Reading at a much lower cost because we have already invested in the hardware that we need to continue and there is a great deal of support among the fifth grade teachers, teachers in the art department, music teachers , etc. , who have participated in the teacher workshops . Solo-Pak Lease Dr . Wells stated he had been asked by School Committee to check with owners of 34 Gould Street relative to possibly not renewing the lease because of an increase in rental fee . Ron Winslow had a discussion with the owners and the result is the memorandum which you have in front Of you. Dr. .Wells indicated that he and Mr . Winslow had gone over aspects of - this memorandum and knowing the prevailing rates of buildings in the area, although it is not prime area, that even with the increase , the rental must be considered very inexpensive. It was his recommendation that it be accepted . Mr . Shannon stated that because at this stage we could not move, the space was adequate , and the rental was reasonable , he would certainly want to support acceptance . Mr . Nissen made a motion , seconded by Mrs . Philbrick to accept the terms of the new lease as outlined on Exhibit B-2-a dated February 24 , 1986 for offices at the Solo-Pak building , 34 Gould Street , Reading, MA. 188 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 Before voting on the motion , Mrs . Cooper asked to be recognized , she then stated her basic concern was that before a new lease was negotiated that we make sure that we are within Laws in regard to accessibility to the public . She tnought that because of the stairs in the Solo-Pak Building, it might not be an acceptable location for the School Committee to meet . Mrs . Cooper said she just wanted to have this point considered before we entered into a long-term lease . Mr . Allen indicated that this lease was only a one-year lease extension and only the figures were changing . Mr . Coco also stated that since the School Committee had been meeting at the present location for approximately 10 years , he has never been disappointed with the location , only the attendance at the meeting . Mr . Griset asked Mrs . Cooper for a copy of the Statutes she was referring to, but she indicated she didn' t have a copy with her. The vote was then taken on the motion and it was voted unanimously to accept the new lease terms. School Improvement Council - Budget Decisions Dr . Wells referred to reports of six schools that were eligible for School Improvement Funds given to School Committee at the last meeting . He indicated there were two ways of approving the budgets , one is to veto specific items or go through them one by one as we do on the Budget . School Committee has veto powers over any service or any item that is contained in budgets . Chairman Allen stated his recollection was that at the last meeting some committee members voiced concern regarding lack of specific vote and that perhaps a positive vote in support of these proposals might be more to their advantage than a negative vote. He stated he would be open to any motions any member would like to make. A motion would be in order for positive action. Mr . Nissen stated he thought that the 30-day period to take action had elapsed on most o-f the items and that his interpretation was that by not acting on them they had accepted them. He believed , in fact, there was only one item within the 30-day period. He stated because the Budgets were not numbered, possibly the easiest thing to do would be to put a number on them and give to the secretary as a reference . Mr . Allen stated possibly they could simply identify them by the school . Mr . Nissen made a motion , seconded by Mr. Griset , that the School Committee accept the School Improvement Council Budgets for the Parker, Coolidge , Barrows, Eaton, Killam and the Birch Meadow Schools. 189 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 Mr . Shannon voiced some concern that the School Committee should vote on the budgets separately and that it was his understanding the School Committee was to be specific on dollar amounts . The wording for the Parker School budget is very broad and they don' t list the programs on which they are going to spend the funds . He felt someone should be accountable for_.the. funds . _ State might -not approve. Mr . Griset stated he understood that the monies would go into individual accounts and Purchase Orders would have to be cut, therefore, this would indicate how the funds were being spent. Mrs . Philbrick stated she was on the Parker Committee and she understood that an order would be submitted for each assembled program. The budget was submitted that way in order not to hold up the School Committee and at that time , we were not certain what programs we would be able to get. Dr . Wells stated he had a booklet with him "School Improvement Councils Questions and Answers" , which answered questions How does a. Council receive. its money and by, when- does it have to spend 'it? Dr. Wells indicated the 'booklet stated when allocation was approved it would be sent and deposited with the City or Town Treasurer. He indicated that had not happened as yet. These funds will be available to that Council for the remainder of that fiscal year. The Council must file a report on the use of the funds at end of the year with the State Commissioner of Education. A vote was taken on the motion and it was voted unanimously. Chairman Allen asked that Dr. Wells , just for public knowledge, clarify why High School doesn' t get funds . Dr . Wells replied he wasn' t sure why, but thought only that the regulations were written that way and probably there weren ' t sufficient funds and therefore , it basically stopped at Grade 6 . Next year the secondary school will get funds . Bond Issue Articles Dr . Wells noted there was a mistake _on the date of meeting with the Fin Com. It should have been 3/06/86 which was this Thursday at 9 : 15 p ,m. He then referred to the three articles which were prepared for the Fin Corn, one having to do with vehicle replacement , one having to do with bonding of replacement of the roof at Joshua Eaton School , and another having to do with bonding for the remodeling of Reading Memorial High School . He stated he understood that the replacement of the roof and remodeling of High School would be reimbursable expenditures . If so, the State would put up 60% of the funds and the Town will put up 40% . There is no reimbursement on replacement of vehicle. 190 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 Mr . Nissen noted correction on report for Fin Com and that one column had to be reworked before Thursday's meeting. Mr . Coco then stated on the replacement of a vehicle that when it was first presented to School Committee, the administration had recommended 2 vehicles, compact-size vans , and was it the intent of the administration to ask for approval of a small size van? Dr. Wells stated he thought Ron Winslow was talking about a pickup truck, a small mini pickup. Chairman Allen then indicated he had a problem of availability for Thursday and asked who would be present . Mrs . Philbrick, Mr. Griset and Mr. Coco indicated they would attend. Clearstory Change Order-Coolidge Dr. Wells indicated that there was a need for a Change Order on this item at the Coolidge School for $1,980 because of something that was lacking in the original blueprint. Budget amount was $57,200 , original bid was $52 ,000, leaving balance of $5 , 200 , so School Committee can approve this amount and still be within the Budget. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr . Shannon to approve the Change Order for work at the Coolidge School in the amount of $1 ,980 , and it was passed unanimously. ! Music in Our Schools Dr . Wells introduced the Director of Music in Reading Schools , Jim Roth, who would talk about the music programs being carried out in the Reading School system. Mr. Roth referred the School Committee to the list of performances they had before them, the first page showing performances in December and the next page having to do with performances in month of March , which was National Music in Our Schools Month. He stated that a vast amount of time is spent in instructing students and that performances are only a part of the music program. He gave a short demonstration of the Note Reading Program being carried on in the second and sixth grade levels . A tape recording with accompanying slides was then presented to demonstrate the Note Reading Program, which was being done on the second grade level by Mrs . MacKenzie at the Barrows School . Mr. Roth indicated that they were trying to get the children to understand the significance of the notes and the note values and be able to identify them on sight. Music teachers are teaching the children that music has shapes and each has different value. 191 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 They need to understand the rhythmic implications which is determined by the shape of the note and the pitch which is determined by line and space the note is on . In second grade, work is being done mostly with the rhythmic implications , not so much with pitch. The use of associated words , such as quarter notes being called walking notes and eighth notes,running notes , etc . Mr . Roth then spoke about some of the accomplishments that had occurred in the last 3 1/2 years since he had last been before School Committee . He felt that they had better utilization of staff , better scheduling of instrumental lessons . On the fifth grade level there was release time for lessons , but rather than have teachers on a hit or miss basis , we now flood the school with instrumental teachers . Therefore , if a teacher has a number of children in his classroom taking lessons, they are all out of the room at the same time . Lessons are only one—half hour , so the disruption is held to a minimum., There is a new curriculum at Grade 7 because of additional funds . The curriculum in Grade 7 is designed to pull together all the student has learned up until then and to project them in a positive way to the elective program in grades 8 through 12 . Mr. Roth also mentioned the coordination with the Art Department on the Voyagers Project , the Noye ' s Fludde production , the organization of the Band Parents group , which supports programs of the School Band. Mr. Roth then spoke of what needs to be done in the next five years . He felt some concern with the elective music program in the secondary schools . Our enrollments are decreasing, but most other communities are experiencing the same situation. Also felt that there should be a reexamination of goals of the program on the secondary level , he thinks it is student related. Perhaps there is too much importance put on performance and not enough on what student graduating at grade 12 will be doing with music after graduation. There is a problem with release time for instrumental program on all levels . Teachers, principals and parents don' t always agree on release time . There is a possibility a student , if taking more than one elective instrument, or program could be out of class for two hours . This type of time allowance can be reassessed. Perhaps if it became too much of a problem , there could be some consideration given to having some of these lessons nights , after school , etc . An idea that could be explored would be an Arts Department for the High School level , also more receptive areas being allocated to elementary level music teachers who go from school to school . 192 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MARCH 3 , 1986 Mr . Roth spoke about Music in our School month (March) and invited School Committee members and the Superintendent to come during school and see the type of classes that are taught. He also invited all members and the Superintendent to the performance of all instrumental groups in Reading Schools (Band-O-Rama ) to be held at the Field HouLoe on Wednesday, March 5th, at 7 :30 p.m. At this time, Mr. Roth showed slides of the band, discussed teachers and curriculum. Mrs . Philbrick noted that the "Hello Dolly" production put on by the schools which she had attended was excellent. She thought everyone did a wonderful job and hoped it would be passed on to the people responsible and the students participating. Financial Statements Dr . Wells stated that he hoped by the next meeting to have for the School Committee a better feel for unexpended balances in regard to heat and utilities . On this statement we have 44% expended for heat with an $150 ,000 unexpended balance . It appears we will have an unexpended balance. I checked with Central Office staff and they have paid bills that have come in as late as Feb. 7th, but some larger bills will be coming in late February and March, after which the bills will begin to go down. In regard to salaries, it is difficult to project because of ongoing negotiations . Under salaries , basically teachers, it looks close, possibly a figure of $10 ,000 . Substitute costs are up due to flu. Dr. Wells asked the School Committee members if they had any questions . They replied in the negative. Birch Meadow P.T .A. Communication Dr . Wells noted that the P .T .A. Safety Committee met on January 21 , 1986 , and reported at present school busses are not equipped with a communication system. The Safety Committee was concerned with breakdowns and the drivers having to leave busses and students to summon help. The Safety Committee wanted the School Committee to consider getting busses with a communication system when bids go out. Tentative Spring Schedule Dr . Wells explained this schedule was really a tentative one because of Town Meetings scheduled at this time . Stated if School Committee needed to, they could schedule emergency meetings on perhaps another day. 193 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 Mr . Coco asked Dr. Wells if the administration had made a projection on the last day of school . Dr. Wells stated that the day hadn' t been set and noted that the Hurricane day in September was a day of grace given by the Governor to all School Departments in the Commonwealth. Dr . Wells then discussed with the School Committee the basketball and hockey games occurring the previous weekend which had both been won by Reading . He stated he had also seen the article in the Chronicle on the wonderful gym show on Friday night. He said everyone should be very proud of both teams . He then spoke of an article in the Globe about the hockey game and felt it was unfair to Reading players . He had received a call from Supt. Seifert of Andover about that game in which he offered his congratulations to the Reading hockey players and the Athletic Department on their win. I spoke to Jack White , the Director of Athletics, this morning regarding the bad publicity received by the hockey players and he said he had never seen two teams. so mentally and physically exhausted from overtime. Our boys waited after the game outside in the corridor for the Andover boys to offer their consolation for the loss of the game . Dr. Seifert told Dr. Wells this was the kind of sportmanship that was rare today and praised both the boys and the coaches from Reading . Dr. Wells noted he had written to the Principal and Hockey Coach at the High School to pass this praise on. Jack White also felt that most of the blame for the bad publicity belonged to the Andover team. Dr . Wells felt that the hockey program was on thin ice because the cost of the program was becoming prohibitive and the Hockey Association requires that a player participate 12 months of the year, leaving little time for participation in other sports on the High School level , and also causing burnout. This is a similar consideration with many other School Departments . Dr . Wells then read a letter from the National Association of Secondary School Principals congratulating the Reading School Department on the election of Jack Delaney to a 4-year term on the Board of Directors of the Association . Some discussion followed regarding the change to middle schools . A parent in the audience stated Melrose was going through a similar struggle now on this issue . She was told people from Melrose thought the changeover was very well done in Reading , and she attributed that to the Advisory Committee and participation of parents in this project. She cited parents apprehension in having fifth grade children in with seventh graders . Also noted that Lynnfield had a difficult time with this issue because, before they could form their committees , they were forced to changeover to middle schools and were unprepared for the change . 194 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 Dr. Wells stated he had been asked many times what Reading ' s secret was . Many communities have changed to middle schools and are in deep trouble with them. Mr. Coco stated that the kids proved everyone wrong because, although parents were apprehensive , they made the transition very naturally . Mr . Nissen noted that the Junior High School approach was exactly the approach sold as the Middle School approach. Leaves Dr. Wells presented requests for child-rearing leaves for the school year 1986-87 from the following teachers: Mrs . Claudia T . Crocker, Coolidge Middle School; Mrs . Janice E. Gerety, Eaton School ; Mrs . Sharon A. Checrallah , Birch Meadow School; Mrs. Catherine Powell, Killam School . On a motion by Mr. Nissen and seconded by Mr. Shannon, the School Committee voted to approve the child-rearing leaves for all of the above for the school year 1986-87 . The vote was unanimous. Resignations On a recommendation by the administration, a motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick , seconded by Mr . Coco , to accept the resignation of Mr. Peter Teloian effective January 31, 1986 . Dr . Wells discussed with the School Committee Mr. Teloian' s dedication and excellent years as a teacher in the Reading School System. A vote was taken on the motion and it was unanimously approved. Dr . Wells then read a letter to the School Committee from Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Principal of Reading Memorial High School, in which he tendered his resignation effective June 30 , 1986 . He expressed his desire to help with a smooth transition in the Principal ' s office and stated that he would be on call if such help was required. On a motion made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon, it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr . Leonard D ' Orlando as Principal of Reading Memorial High School effective June 30 , 1986 . Dr . Wells then reminded the School Committee about their policy for filling the vacancy . It requires the establishing of a Screening Committee which should consist of two citizens from the affected school area, which is , of course , townwide , and four educators employed in Reading and one not employed in Reading , totaling seven members . Dr. Wells also felt the first thing to be done was for the Superintendent to call a meeting with the School Personnel as to what they felt were the needs of the school and what they should be 195 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 3 , 1986 looking for in a replacement. He also felt consideration should be given to any written communications from the citizens of Reading. Following that, the Superintendent would convene the Screening Committee. Dr . Wells il,.ted that Mr . D ' Orlando ' s trademark from the first day he was Principal was to make Reading Memorial High School a better school. He felt he was a very hard working Principal, one who knew 95% of the children by their first names ,and knew what they were doing and that he would be very hard to replace. Executive Session On a motion made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco, the School Committee at 9 : 10 p.m. voted unanimously to go into Executive Session. The School Committee remained in Executive Session until it adjourned at 10 :20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 4.41)0:1- 4070°' Robert S. Wells, Secretary