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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-03-17 School Committee Minutes 197 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 • Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting h ofl�he Reading,inchool Committee to order at 7 :35 p.m. Superintendent' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Department, with the exception of Mrs . Barbara Philbrick , were present. Others in attendance were Superintendent Robert S . Wells , Assistant Superintendent , Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Ronald A. Winslow, Dr. John D. Delaney , Principal of the Walter S. Parker Middle School, Media Specialist, Mimi Finnon, English teacher, Virginia Collins, two seventh graders , Christopher Chiu and Andrea Lloy , Mrs . Rena Mirkin , Mrs . Zolubos , Assistant Principal Reading Memorial High School , and four members of the Student Advisory Council, parents , Bernice Herrick, Mrs . Kendra Cooper, Diane O'Leary, and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of March 3 , 1986 On a motion made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr . et , the Minutes of the March 3 , 1986 meeting were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills March 21 , 1986 - General Expense - $72 ,852 .72 Payrolls March 21 , 1986 - Teachers - $335 ,698 .61 March 14 , 1986 - Weekly - $ 28 ,928 .39 March 21 , 1986 - Weekly - $ 28 ,672 .32 Citizens' Input There was no citizens ' input. School Highlights Dr. Jack Delaney, Principal of the Parker Middle School introduced faculty members , Virginia Collins and Mimi Finnon, and two seventh graders from the Parker Middle School, Christopher Chiu and Andrea Lloy, to explain a pilot program, the Junior Great Books Program at h Parker t lreceivedoexplaini ge letter the p ogram, and stated he had two w whi ch par 198 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 video tapes to be shown to the School Committee. Virginia Collins then spoke about this pilot program. She stated it was the first program to date that she could find that developed high level thinking skills , and noted that the students were very enthusiastic about the program. Mrs . Collins advised that all the purposes of the program were achieved through discussions . It is a three-month program consisting of twelve stories or more . Each week there are two readings , followed by discussions . The first reading is done at home with the cooperation of parents , usually over the weekend , and on Monday, it is followed by a second reading with the entire class at which time a vocabulary check is done . The third segment is the discussion which is the most important part . There are 12 or 13 students per discussion group, which represents about one-half of the class . One group is taken by Mimi Finnon, and one by Mrs . Collins . At this time , Mrs . Finnon indicated a poster she had with her explaining some points of the program. Mrs . Finnon then showed the video tapes of the children in the classroom situation and group discussions. Dr . Delaney explained to the School Committee that each teacher involved in this program goes through formal training. Two seventh graders , Christopher Chiu and Andrea LLoy, then spoke about their opinions of the program. Both students agreed they found the program interesting and were very enthusiastic about it. Christopher Chiu particularly enjoyed the group discussions, because there was no right , or wrong answer and different opinions were encouraged. Andrea though' the stories were very intriguing and therefore, made for more_ interesting reading . Dr. Delaney asked the School Committee if they had any questions and stated he felt the program was successful because of the support of the children, the parents , and the teachers . Mr. Coco commented on his experience with the Great Books Program and Mr. Griset asked Christopher Chiu if this program made him look at his literature differently? Christopher stated that before participating in the program he thought most books were boring or dull, but that reading now opened up beautiful rainbows of colors in stories . He felt the program made you think more about what the author was trying to say. Chairman Allen thanked all from the Parker Middle School for presenting their program. Student Advisory Committee Chairman Allen asked that this item be taken out of order because of students having to get home early enough to do their homework and possibly study for tests . Dr. Wells then introduced Mrs . Zolubos , Assistant Principal at the High School . She expressed the regrets of two members of the Studer Advisory Committee , Michele Geoffrion and Cindy Kevorkian, who coul.. 199 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 not attend because of a prior commitment and sickness. Mrs. Rena Mirkin , Faculty Advisor to the Student Advisory Committee , then introduced five members of the Student Advisory Committee : Richard Byron , Robert Fasciano , Suzie Johnson , Robert Dangelmaier , Peter Harootian. Mrs . Mirkin thanked the School Committee for inviting them to the meeting and turned the floor over to one of the students, Rick Byron. Rick Byron stated that he wanted to bring to light that a lot of positive things were going on at the High School. He spoke about the Camp Food Drive . This drive was very successful, in fact , approximately 60 cases of canned goods were sent which is the most ever donated from a single collection . Rick then stated that approximately 75% of the students at High School have an extended day because of their participation in extracurricular programs of one type or another. Rick felt that there were only a minority of students getting into trouble at school and wanted recognition for students participating in constructive kinds of activities. Rick then indicated that there were about 100 students who participated in the recent production of "Hello Dolly" , either selling tickets , making sets , etc. , and everyone had a lot of fun. He stated they all received a lot of praise and recognition from people from town and many who had seen the production. Mrs. Zolubos commented particularly on the performance of Robert Dangelmaier in his portrayal of "Clarence" in the production. Suzie Johnson, Student Advisory Committee member, stated that many students were asked to put money into the production as an investment , and didn ' t expect to get any money back , but they did . Robert Fasciano commented on the involvement of a great many different groups at the High School . He felt nothing has ever approached the success of this particular production, but hoped there would be some in the future. Everyone participated, teachers , students , carpenters from town, who helped to build sets , citizens of the town, etc . Robert felt the atmosphere inspired you to get involved. Mr. Griset then stated that the work involved and the collection of groups that the people involved in the production drew from made it obvious that everyone helped . He felt that the positive things , such as this production, do take the front page and do overshadow other things that are not positive . - Rick then stated he would like to see the Student Advisory Committee getting involved in the search for a new Principal at the High School . He felt there should be at least one student on the Committee to give their point of view and because they would be the most affected segment, at least on a daily basis, with the person selected . Chairman Allen then asked Dr. Wells to explain to Rick the procedure to be followed in the search for a Principal . Dr. Wells explained the School Committee policy and assured the students that they would be 200 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 involved with the committee and their input seriously considered. DI Wells mentioned that a Public Hearing had already been set uo and was his job to report the findings back to the School Committee . HE did indicate that the students were not represented on the Screening Committee per se , probably for reason that a candidate might be a member of the High School faculty and some felt this would not be fair to the candidate and could possibly be some sort of conflict of interest. Dr. Wells then indicated where the seven screening committee members would be drawn from. Rick then asked if the School Committee would give their permission for the student committee to write to the State House regarding Governor Dukakis ' bill of assessing $10.00 per head per student in the schools and then giving that to the schools to distribute . The Student Advisory Committee would like to write to ask the Governor why there was no student on the committees which were being set up. Mr. Nissen then stated he understood there was a student on that committee. Dr. Wells stated he thought Rick was talking about School Improvement Funds and explained that High Schools would not be getting these funds until Fiscal '88 , meaning no funds could be expended`;until July 1 , 1987 . As of September 1 , 1986 there should have legitimately been one of the students on those committees . Mr. Nissen reiterated that the law stated there should be a student included on the committee at the High School level. Dr. Wells noted that he would get Mrs . Zolubos a copy of the report page regarding a student being c the School Improvement Council committee. Mr. Coco then informed the Student Advisory Committee members they did not have to have permission from the School Committee to write to any government body. He did ask that if a letter was sent, a copy be sent to the Chairman of the School Committee for informational purposes . Mr. Griset stated he felt it was not only the students ' right, but their responsibility to write to anyone in government they felt should be written to. Rick then indicated the student committee would like to appear before the School Committee again before Graduation and bring the newly elected committee members with them. Cliff Allen stated he thought this was an excellent idea and would work with the Superintendent and student committee on a mutually acceptable date. Another Student Advisory Committee member, Robert Fasciano, -said he would like to bring to the attention of the School Committee the rumors that were around about cuts in the school budget and wanted the School Committee to know they were not in favor of them. Cliff Allen stated that from his latest reports and contacts with the FinCom, it appears that there was a more optimistic outlook now and that the budget requested by School Committee will go through with no changes Mr. Nissen wanted the student committee to know that any cuts proposE were not decisions on the School Committee's part, that the Town might 201 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 not provide the funds . Mr . Griset stated it appeared from his viewpoint also that there would be no cuts in any of the services or any of the extracurricular items . Chairman Allen then asked if any School Committee member had any further questions or ideas to convey to the Student Advisory Committee. Mr. Nissen stated he would like the students to think about the problem of declining enrollment at the High School . Perhaps what might be done to solve the problems this will cause. Mr . Shannon referred to the production "Hello Dolly" creating a positive atmosphere at the High School and that involvement of students in such projects and keeping this spirit going will be important to the people in the Town, the High School , and the new students elected to the Advisory Committee. Chairman Allen asked the students what was the reaction to the Alcohol and Drug Program at the High School . Most felt it was a favorable reaction, but seemed to think too much emphasis was placed on the athlete . One of the committee members who was on the track team stated he didn' t feel they had a bad problem with these things. Mrs . Zolubos stated the Director of the Program had made those statements and that was his view of the students. She felt he had a narrow perspective. Mrs . Zolubos felt there are many areas beside athletics where the problem exists . At the PTA meeting Mrs . Zolubos attended recently, the parents felt they had learned a lot from the program. There was then some discussion of a Fail-No Play Policy being adopted in the schools. Students felt that this was not a positive way to handle this problem. They felt it would impede the students from trying new subjects , because failing would keep them out of extracurricular activities . Mr . Griset stated he was impressed with this group of students , because they had the courage of their convictions and were willing to discuss issues and to also disagree with the School Committee if they felt it necessary. Mrs . Mirkin stated it was a pleasure working with the students on the Advisory Committee. Final Budget Review Dr. Wells noted that the School Committee had a corrected copy of some figures on previous report. Basically, the only correction was with anticipated estimates for Professional Development Funds , and as the Cherry Sheet has been completed, the figures had . been corrected . Dr. Wells stated that at the meeting with the FinCom, it was agreed with Barbara Philbrick to withdraw the vehicle from the 10-year Bond Issue . The FinCom suggested this be put in the School Committee's Operations Budget . Dr. Well' s understanding is that everything else was as it was presented to the FinCom about a month ago. Chairman Allen thanked the members of the School Committee who attended the FinCom meeting . 202 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 School Calendar 1986-87 Dr . Wells indicated this was a standard school calendar and was being ) presented for review to the School Committee . He also noted that according to the contract with R.T .A. , it was necessary to consult with them before final approval could be given. On a motion made by Mr . Nissen, seconded by Mr . Shannon , it was unanimously voted to accepted the School Calendar for 1986-87 . Metco Budget Dr. Munnelly stated the figures were based on money from the Governor's Budget. There was an error in the Governor' s Office in filing the budgets and it was level-funded. Governor Dukakis wanted to give Metco a 5% cost of living budget increase and when the error was realized, they were instructed to file a level-funded budget and then file a second version, or supplement. In the level-funded budget one teacher aide would be dropped, but in the supplement, one teacher aide would be added , plus one which got dropped last year . The tuition amount to the Town of Reading would be increased in the amount of $4 ,000 and other small increases are reflected . The cost estimated for the supplementary budget would be $16 ,770 .00 , which represents about a 6% increase, but well within the guidelines . All the approvals are administered by the State Department of Education. On the recommendation of the administration, Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon,to approve the Metco level-funded budget of $261 ,322 , and it was unanimously voted. A second motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve the Supplemental Metco Budget, adding $16 ,770 , for a total of $278 ,092 , and the vote was unanimous. Telephone Inventory-School Department Dr . Wells explained that because of questions raised during discussions of the Absentee Verification Program, Mr. Winslow has had a study done by AT&T at Reading High School and the Central Office. Mr . Winslow explained that Reading High School has one phone devoted solely to taking attendance . Mr. Winslow discussed hunter lines on various school phones . Mr . Winslow also noted all the Absentee Verification Phones were put in by the PTA at the Parker, Joshua Eaton and Barrows . He stated Birch Meadow has an ABS system, with a recorder, but it is not separate from their main line. This creates a lot of confusion in incoming calls . Mr. Winslow referred to the study done by AT&T , involving a system for the High School and Superintendent' s Office, called the Merlin System. This system could be installed for about the same price as we are paying monthly now. 203 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 The cost of equipment for both locations is now totaling $678 .00 monthly, and our equipment is outdated. According to AT&T , we could install the Merlin System and save $75.00 per month over a period of 5 years . At the end of the 5-year period, you own the equipment and there is no further charge on it . Mr. Nissen asked if that charge per month was a guaranteed charge? Mr . Winslow answered in the affirmative . Mr . Winslow noted that equipment charges on the present system went up 26% last month, so there is a large savings to be had. Mr. Nissen asked if there was a way to tie in the entire system. Mr. Winslow answered that had not been considered because our schools have only three lines and that would not be beneficial. The new system would not be an operator system, but did offer a lot of advantages we don' t have at the moment. Mr. Shannon then stated he hoped that other bids would be solicited from other communication companies , and Chairman Allen agreed. Mr. Winslow noted that, under the new system, after the guarantee was off the equipment, there was a maintenance program available which would cost approximately $155.00 a month. Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, asked to be recognized and spoke about a mechanism that could turn hunter lines on or off . Mrs . Bernice Herrick , a parent , thought it would be more advantageous for the School Department to buy their equipment. Mr. Winslow stated that the purpose of this study was to determine if it was feasible to buy the equipment and eliminate the rental charges. Waiver Request - Basic Skills Testing Dr. Wells explained this was a request for approval from the School Committee to as for a waiver for testing Grade 8 this Spring because Grade 9 will be tested by State Law in the Fall . Dr . Munnelly explained the new State Policy. Dr. Munnelly felt that testing on both occasions was not educationally worthwhile . The State indicated they would approve requests for waivers because of this situation. Mr. Coco asked if this wouldn' t be a good comparison between our levels and the State's . Dr. Munnelly indicated the levels were very similar, and the job of making comparisons , in this case , weren ' t cost effective . Chairman Allen was concerned about questioning the validity of the exam, because of waivers . Dr. Munnelly indicated that didn' t seem to be a problem. Mr. Shannon recommended approving the waiver for one year only. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to request a waiver for testing of Grade 8 in the Fall to the appropriate educational authorities , and to add an additional amendment to the motion to change School Committee Policy for the testing of Grade 8 . The motion was unanimously approved. 204 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 State Assessment Program Dr. Munnelly explained that this part of the testing program would be for students in the third through eleventh grades , on subjects of Reading , Math and Science. All scores will be compiled statewide into one report and will be returned to schools indicating how our students are doing in relation to the other communities in the Commonwealth. He stated that a lot of people are concerned with comparisons , but that is the policy under Chapter 188 now. The total cost of this testing will be absorbed by the State . The tests will be delivered and picked up by the State for delivery to an agency which will correct the tests and a report will then be forthcoming . The tests will be done the week of March 26th. The State has promised to start running workshops for faculty giving tests, to interpret the curriculum as the context of the tests is not well known. Chairman Allen questioned whether a second vote needed to be taken on revising School Policy for testing . Dr. Wells stated he would put this item on the agenda for the next, School Committee meeting . Chapter 188 - Lucretia Crocker Program Dr. Wells spoke about the Lucretia Crocker Program. He explained there were 12 fellowships to be given and, would be severe . Dr. Munnelly indicated that a number of teachers were interested in applying . After applications are completed , Superintendent would bring them to the School Committee , who wil- notedt the vote deadline for submitted name to the State Chairman as April116 , noted the deadli 1986 . Department Heads - Job Description Dr . Wells explained that because of bargaining negotiations , the area of Department Heads was a matter of concern. Some were not pleased igh with the new structure of Department Heads at Middle atter Schools laand eHigh School being on the same differential departments . Some members of the, School Committee did ask the administration to look over the job descriptions and see if they could be revised. Dr. Wells stated that he and Dr. Munnelly had worked with the Principals of the schools involved and came up with a revised job description. Basically, what it is asking for is much more attention to supervision, evaluation of staff , and curricular coordination, and hopefully, built into this is the development of an Annual Plan to show progress or lack of progress . Dr. Wells indicated this information was to keep thgeadsSchool as far as Committee leadership wasf concernedwould be expected from Department Principal Search - Progress Report Dr. Wells indicated that advertisements for the Principalship vacanc: had been placed in the Boston Sunday Globe and the would Education Weekl", area schools had been notified, and the 205 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 17 , 1986 internally on the next day, and a public meeting was called for March 26th at the Lecture Hall at the High School . Dr. Wells stated he hoped that the School Committee would appoint their members to the Screening Committee at the March 31st School Committee Meeting. Dr. Wells indicated that the Screening Committee and he worked independently. He stated there were a number of people who had already volunteered to be on the Screening Committee . Dr. Wells noted that the applications didn' t close until April 26 , 1986 . Dr. Wells hoped by the latter part of May there would be a selection. Chairman Allen stated he hoped that the Chronicle and the PTA' s would be notified of the public meeting. Dr. Wells assured him they would be notified. Mass . Principal of the Year A letter was read by Chairman Allen recognizing the selection of Charles Papandreou , Principal of the Alice M . Barrows Elementary School, as a finalist for the Passios Award as Principal of the Year. Leaves Dr . Munnelly presented requests for child-rearing leaves for the school year 1986-87 from Mrs . Eileen Clancy Gagnon, Killam School; and Joan L. Ciampa, Killam School . On a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, it was voted unanimously to approve the requested child-rearing leaves for both teachers for the school year 1986-87 . Resignations On a recommendation by the administration, a motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr . Shannon, to accept the resignation of Mrs . Nancy L. Bryant from her position as Teacher at the Killam School effective September 1986 , and Mrs . Margaret-Mary Dailey Bramley , from her position as Teacher at the Barrows School effective September 1986 . The vote was unanimous . Dr. Wells read a letter from Ernie Spence , Data Processing Supervisor at the High School , resigning his position effective June 30 , 1986 . On a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr . Shannon, it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. Ernest G. Spence, from his position of Data Processing Supervisor at the R.M.H .S . , to become effective June 30 , 1986 . Executive Session On a motion made by Mr . Coco , seconded by Mr . Nissen , the School Committee at 10 :00 voted unanimously to go into Executive Session. The School Committee remained in Executive Session until it adjourned at 10 :45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, • 1c12 Rnhprt. S WP11G Sar.ratar ,