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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-05 School Committee Minutes 227 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES May 5 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7 : 30 p .m. on May 5 , 1986 , in the Superin- tendent ' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street . All members were present with the exception of Mrs . Barbara Philbrick , who had indicated she would be late in arriving. Others in attendance were Superintendent, Dr. Robert S. Wells , Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Asst. Superintendent in Charge of Business , Mr. Ronald Winslow, Paul Guerrette , Principal of the Killam School , first grade teachers from the Killam School, Lynn Kasparian, Linda Carey, and Susan Perkins, and Art Teacher, Beth Delforge, parents , and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of April 15 , 1986 On a motion made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco, the Minutes of the April 15, 1986 meeting were approved on a vote of 4-0-1 , with Mr. Nissen abstaining because of his absence from the meeting . Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills May 9, 1986 - General Expense - $13,705 .13 Payrolls April 25 , 1986- Weekly - $26 ,793 .44 May 2 , 1986 - Weekly - $25 ,074 .08 May 9, 1986 - Weekly - $28 ,323 .97 Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' input . School Highlights Dr . Wells introduced Mr . Paul Guerrette , Principal of the Killam School , who briefly explained the program which was to be presented titled , Concept of 100 . He stated that Lynn Kasparian and Beth Delforge had presented this program at a Massachusetts State Art Convention the previous Friday. Mr. Guerrette then introduced 228 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 Lynn Kasparian, Linda Carey, Susan Perkins, all first grade teachers at Killam, and Art teacher, Beth Delforge. He then called on Lynn Kasparian to explain how the project originated and developed into a unit of study that touched upon several areas of first grade curriculum. Ms . Kasparian stated the concept began with counting down 100 days of school back in November. She stated she discussed the idea with other first grade teachers , after she had seen the concept work in another school outside Reading . Ms. Kasparian then introduced Beth Delforge who explained some of the posters which they had brought as an example of work done in this project. Each class had an art project which involved 100 items, for _which they had to find interesting themes . Ms . Delforge showed a slide presentation of some of the art work and the children' s classes while participating in the project . Each teacher explained her portion of the project during the presentation. The project also involved a physical education program which the fifth graders at the Killam School helped to run. When the project was completed on April 15th, each group of first graders was given a flower to draw for their final project, and they were pasted together and displayed at the school. There was a celebration that afternoon and the children released 100 balloons with tags indicating they were from the Killam School. The children were very enthusiastic throughout the entire day. Lynn Kasparian indicated she felt this project had been very successful and had been truly a working partnership, involving many aspects of the first grade curriculum. Carol Lyons indicated her interest in how many curriculum items had been involved in the project , and that she was very impressed with the project . Mr. Coco asked if anyone has approached the school about having some of the art work displayed at the Library. Paul Guerrette stated that he has spoken with the Library and that was a possibility. Cliff Allen thanked all the teachers for their presentation. Bids - Science Supplies Mr . Winslow explained the report on the bids for science supplies to the School Committee and that the , lists were sent to the high school and the two middle schools who indicated which items they required. They were then compiled by the central office , advertised, and sent to companies who requested them and to those with whom we have previously done business . Mr. Winslow indicated four bids had been received, and they had been reviewed by the department heads who had sent back their recommendations . In this instance the low bids were taken. Mr. Winslow read the totals for each school to the School Committee. He indicated some items cannot be purchased through the bid list , and therefore , the report indicted some balances remaining which would be for the purchase of these non-biddable supplies . A motion was made by Mr . Nissen, seconded by Mr . Shannon, to accept the recommendation of the administration to award the bid for science supplies to the low bidders as indicated on enclosure B-3-a (1) . The vote was unanimous . 229 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 Bids - General Supplies Mr. Winslow explained the bid list for general supplies was handled in a similar manner as the bid list for science supplies . He indicated there was a master list of items sent to each principal , who then indicated the items they needed under this general category. They are then advertised in the Chronicle, sent to companies with whom we have done business , etc . After the bids are received, they are tabulated. Mr. Winslow stated that again the low bids were accepted. He indicated the total budgeted amount for general supplies was $35 ,752 .00 , the bid was $26 ,911.57, leaving a balance of $8 ,840 .43 for purchase of non-biddable supplies during the coming year. Mr. Winslow read the totals for the art supplies and the audio-visual supplies and asked the School Committee to approve the totals listed under the bid column. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Ms . Lyons, to accept the bids for general school supplies from the companies listed as low bidders on enclosure B-3-a (2 ) . The vote was unanimous . Bids - Painting Mr. Winslow then presented the bids for painting to be done in four schools . He stated they had been advertised in the Chronicle, and that only one (1) bid had been received from B & P Painting Contractors , Lynn, Ma. , in the amount of $18 ,300.00 . Mr. Winslow stated there was a total of $15 ,800 from the FY86 and FY87 Budgets available for this work, leaving a shortfall of $2 ,500 . He explained this money would be - available from other projects where the bid amounts might be lower than the budgeted amounts . Mr. Winslow stated he had called two other contractors , but they were already overbooked and the other had gone bankrupt . Therefore, he was recommending the acceptance of the bid from B & P Painting Contractors . A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to award the contract for painting of the four schools listed in enclosure. B-3-a (3 ) to B & P Painting Contractors , in the amount of $18 , 300.00 . The vote was unanimous. Horace Mann Teachers Dr . Wells stated that it was one of his goals to keep the School Committee informed about Chapter 188 developments . He stated he felt this was a timely issue because some of it must be negotiated with the RTA. Dr . Wells indicated that if we were to get underway with Chapter 188 by September 1 , we had to begin the process now. He stated that the appropriation figure for FY87 had been set at $31 ,344 .00 and was based on the number of teachers employed in the school system on October 1, 1985 . Dr. Wells stated that first indications were that 6% of the staff would be involved the first year, 12% the second year, and 20o the third year . At that time , there was concern about having 20% of the teaching force doing projects that were of the magnitude 230 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 perhaps as high as $2 , 500 each, but now, the latest rules and regulations are stating 6% annually, and possibly, it would not be expanded further because of costs. 1 Dr . Wells stated, a grant to a qualified teacher can be given for one year but cannot be awarded for more than 24 months . He indicated it was his assumption, you could not give a grant for the third year, but you could give one again in the fourth year . Dr . Wells read the purpose of the grant to the School Committee from the information on enclosure B-3-b. He stated the School Committee had the right to establish the criteria for awarding the grants . Two items that must be negotiated are : (1) the process by which teachers are selected, and (2 ) the amount of the grant. Dr. Wells stated this could be discussed later in Executive Session. Mr . Nissen asked if the grant amount had to be the same for everyone and how many people would be involved? Dr. Wells stated, the amount of the grants can vary, and there could be as many as 15 or 16 teachers involved. Dr. Wells then stated he would like to have the School Committee consider voting on the major areas that the State Department had stated were acceptable to them, and also there was a form to be filled out before the money would be forthcoming from the State which also has to be acceptable to them. Dr. Wells read the category titles to the School Committee. He stated at a Middlesex League meeting earlier today, he had discussed this subject with other towns , and they indicated they were no further along than Reading. This was because the rules and regulations had just recently been received , and the State indicated they did not expect a lot of communities to be ready to get underway by September 1st . Carol Lyons asked if there was some disagreement on roles , would this cause time delays? Dr. Wells indicated we would need the State Department of Education's approval for roles they had not listed, but he didn' t think this would necessarily be a major stumbling block . Dr . Munnelly stated there were 6 roles now listed and a whole series of suggestions within the roles which could be multiplied endlessly. The State ' s concern in bargaining and negotiating ' is that we not supplant positions that we are presently paying some stipend for with grants . Mr. Coco suggested that the School Committee just vote on approving the major titles . Dr. Wells agreed and stated that some guidelines for the selection procedure could be set up later. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Carol Lyons , to approve the major roles as set forth by the State Department of Education for the Horace Mann Teachers as delineated on enclosure B-3-b . The vote was unanimous . Statement of Assurances - State Department of Education Dr. Wells indicated this was an annual statement which delegated to the Chairman of the School Committee the right to sign for State 1 Programs which we might get involved in. The form just states that we do not discriminate, etc. and that we follow the rules and regulations. 231 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that we accept the Statement of Assurances by the State Department of Education for FY87 , as shown in enclosure B-3-c. The vote was unanimous. Projected Enrollments 1986-87 Dr. Wells explained the projected enrollments for elementary schools for 1986-87 to the School Committee and stated he thought the elementary school principals had, over the years, done a good job of locating prospective kindergarten students . Dr. Wells stated last January it appeared that we would have approximatley 166 new kindergarten students , but now it had increased to 250 which was pretty standard for the last 5 or 6 years . Dr. Wells indicated the evaluation of the new kindergarten students was completed, and at a meeting with the principals last week, it appeared that all presently assigned teachers on this grade level would be needed in the Fall: one full time teacher at Barrows , one full time teacher at Birch Meadow, 25+ students are being sent to Joshua Eaton, which means two full time teachers there, and Killam will have two full time teachers . One Prototype IV Learning & Behavioral class will go to Joshua Eaton from Barrows School also. Dr. Wells stated that moving classes was not desirable , but in this case , it was the only alternative . He stated, the total number of elementary students for next year would be approximately 1,550 and indicated with the exception of 1 classroom at Killam, there were no empty spaces left. Dr. Wells indicated he had included a census listing for the School Committee 's information of under twenty residents by age group. Mr. Nissen then asked if this enrollment included children coming from outside the town? He stated, last year we picked up about 20 first graders . Dr. Wells stated there were only 7 this year. A parent asked to be recognized and asked if the Metco children were included in these figures . Dr. Wells stated they weren' t, but their numbers were small , and it would not make a large difference in enrollment figures. Pearl Street School Status Mr . Winslow explained the report given the School Committee as enclosure C-2 on the status of the Pearl Street school . He stated all the rooms were rented with the exception of Rooms 202 , 205 and 206 . He indicated he is working out a lease with Ms . Judy Wong , Legal Council for the Mass . Regional Community Colleges who wish to rent Rooms 205 and 206 . Mr. Winslow stated this should be settled in the next week or two. Mr. Winslow then discussed the possibility of the Wellington School renting Room 202 for another classroom in the Fall, and the leases coming up for renewal in June 30 , 1987 . He stated the rental fees totaled $70 , 167 , which included the potential added income for FY87 . Mr. Winslow then reviewed the expenses on the property and indicated there was an uncommitted potential of $11,182 .00 . He stated this 232 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 balance could be used to make some major repairs at the school, for example, repairs on the fence, in the boiler room and other work over and above normal maintenance. Mr. Winslow indicated there had been no major problems with any of the renters and complaints were really minimal . He stated he had had requests for rental of space on a per diem rate , but it had been decided last year not to rent on that basis . Mr. Winslow stated the rental people were given minimal custodial services , as only a part-time custodian is assigned there . Mr . Coco asked when the rentals came up for renewal and Mr. Winslow stated that in June of 1987 the leases were to be renewed. Mr . Nissen then asked if the rental rates would be the same for the new leases as the ones now in effect, and Mr . Winslow stated they would be. Petitions and Resolutions Watertown and M .A.S .C . - Dr . Wells explained the Watertown and M.A.S.C. enclosures were similar in that they both had to do with proposed revisions eliminating tax-exempt status from school and municipal bonds . Dr . Wells stated if the tax free status is eliminated on these bonds that financing of new schools and capital outlay projects would cost School Committees and taxpayers a lot of money . Both were asking Reading School Department to lend their support by writing similar petitions to Congress stating they were not in favor of adoption of these revisions. A motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, that the Reading School Committee join with the Watertown School Committee in support of their resolution and that we sign a copy of a resolution sent to us by the M .A.S .C . and have it forwarded to the NSBA in Alexandria, VA. Some discussion followed as to whether these two items should be voted on separately or together. Mr . Nissen suggested a substitute motion that would have the School Committee sending a copy of the Watertown Resolution revised to reflect that it was coming from Reading. to the Congressional Delegation and copies of the M.A.S .C. petition sent to NSBA. Mr. Coco asked if these two documents were related. Dr . Wells stated they were , but one is to the State and one is to the Federal Government, but both have to do with tax exempt bonds . After a short discussion, a vote was taken and the motion was approved on a 5-0-1 vote with Mr. Coco abstaining . Taunton - A discussion on the Taunton School Committee request followed. This letter requested that the Reading School Committee sign a petition enclosed in their letter regarding a resolution to limit the authority of the Rate Setting Commission as set forth in House Bill 881. 233 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 Dr. Wells explained this was a commission that sets the rates for tuition for Special Needs schools, a regulatory body, such as the Public Utilities Commission . Dr . Wells stated he had asked Dr . Alexanian to look into this for him, and looking at the tuition increases , they didn' t seem to be excessive. Dr. Wells stated , Dr. Alexanian did not think this should be a major concern. Cliff Allen stated if the Committee elected not to take any action on the motion, it might very well be that they might not want to take a negative vote either, for reason that, if some communities are having trouble with inordinately large increases , we would want to give them some support. Mr. Shannon stated if they had included a copy of House Bill 881, he might be able to make a better judgment as to supporting it or not supporting it. Dr. Wells stated he could try to get a copy of House Bill 881 , and if he then felt it was an issue, he could put it on the agenda for the next meeting. The School Committee agreed with this suggestion and did not act on the petition. Financial Statements Account Balances - Mr . Winslow explained the account balances on enclosure C-4-a . Cliff Allen asked if any of the members had any questions, and receiving none continued to the Expense and Salary Accounts Report. Expense and Salary Accounts - Mr. Winslow explained that there were no unusual changes in the expense and salary accounts . He stated that the School Committee expenses continued in the red , but that was because of negotiations for four units . Mr. Nissen questioned Account 4110 for Custodial Supplies being in the red and asked if this was going to effect the Budget for next year. Mr. Winslow explained that it would not, it had been taken into consideration. He stated that the work order system had just been put in place , and it necessitated the purchase of some incidentals for work they felt should be done immediately. Cliff Allen asked if there were any other problem areas , and Mr. Winslow answered in the negative . Mr. Shannon noted that the SEEM expenses were up over 100% . Mr . Winslow explained that was because there was a change after the budget had been set and that increase was something they had no control over. American Assoc. Physics Teachers Competition Dr. Wells stated that this year, Reading had three students who had won the first three prizes in this competition. He indicated that the School Department was very pleased with the results of this competition and very proud of the students who had participated. Mr. Nissen asked how many students had participated, and Dr . Wells indicated about 30 . He stated this competition involved a tough 2 1/2 hour combination essay, multiple choice and laboratory exam. Dr. Wells stated the students who had received prizes were Steve Worley, 1st prize; Dennis Chen, 2nd prize; Brian Perrault, 3rd prize . 234 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 Mr . Coco made a motion , seconded by Carol Lyons , that the School Committee send a letter of commendation to the student winners and also to Mr. Philip Blum for their excellent performance in this competition. The vote was unanimous. Selected School Comparisons of Per Pupil Costs School Committee members noted Reading' s placement on the per pupil cost list, and a short discussion followed on this subject . American Arbitration Assoc. Hearing - William Webb Dr. Wells indicated this Arbitration Hearing was to be held on June 2 , 1986 at 34 Gould St . at 3 : 00 p .m. in regard to the William Webb Grievance. Dr. Wells stated Allan Drachman would be present, perhaps the lawyer who originally worked on the case and had left Mr . Drachman' s firm, would be called as a witness, and possibly, he or Dr. Munnelly. Resignations Dr. Wells read a letter from Virginia Bartlett, Physical Education teacher, submitting her resignation for purposes of retirement to be effective June 30, 1986. On a motion made by Mrs . Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Virginia Bartlett, Physical Education teacher at Reading Memorial High School, to be effective June 30, 1986 , and that the administration send a letter to Ms . Bartlett thanking her for her many years of service to the Reading School Department. Leaves Dr. Munnelly presented a request from Nancy Hoover, Library/Media Specialist at the Barrows School for a personal leave-of-absence for personal and educational reasons for the school year 1986-87 . Dr. Munnelly stated Nancy was a strong contributor to the Reading Schools and he would like to have her return. He recommended this leave be granted . On a motion by Mr . Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon , it was unanimously voted to grant a personal leave-of-absence for personal and educational reasons for the school year 1986-87 to Nancy Hoover , Library/Media Specialist at the Barrows School . Dr . Munnelly discussed the fact that earlier in the year he had received a request for two sabbatical leaves and found it necessary to notify the teachers there was no money in the budget for this purpose . He stated there was now money in the budget, and the two requests were from Jeff Cryan, Eng. Dept . Head at the Coolidge School , 235 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 5 , 1986 and Tom Blaney, Bus. Ed. teacher at the High School. Dr. Munnelly stated that they were both strong teachers, but it was his recommendation that a sabbatical leave be granted to Jeff Cryan for one semester to attend Harvard University as a Doctorate student . Dr. Munnelly felt that as a Doctorate student, Jeff ' s contribution would be some strong effort for in-service staff development. Mr . Nissen asked if this leave would create any problems in staffing. Dr. Munnelly said he felt it would not and would, in fact, enhance Jeff ' s leadership qualifications . On a motion by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon , it was voted unanimously to approve the request from Jeff Cryan, teacher at the Coolidge School, for a one-semester sabbatical leave to attend Harvard University as a Doctorate student . At 9 :10 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco, it was voted unanimously to go into Executive Session for purpose of discussing Bargaining and Negotiations. The meeting did not return to Open Session and was adjourned in Executive Session at 11:15 p.m. R8'spectfully submitted, 1/0010‘.# Robert SAUCE, Secretary