Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-19 School Committee Minutes 237 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES May 19 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7 :10 p.m. on May 19 , 1986 in the Superintendent' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. Cliff Allen, Carol Lyons_ and Stanley Nissen were present. Mr. Shannon, Mr . Coco, and Mrs . Barbara Philbrick arrived late . Others in attendance were Superintendent, Dr. Robert S. Wells , Asst. Superintendent, Dr. Robert J. Munnelly, Asst. Superintendent in Charge of Business, Mr. Winslow, Paul Guerrette, Principal of the Killam School , Don Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School, fourth grade' teachers from the Eaton School, David Williams , Michael DeLong, and Carol Livingston, and fourth grade pupils from the Eaton School, Mrs. Maureen Zolubus, Asst. Principal at the High School, past and newly elected members of the Student Advisory Council , parents and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of May 5 , 1986 - A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve the Minutes of the May 5 , 1986 meeting. Before a vote was taken Mr. Coco stated he felt that the principalship discussion in the last Minutes should have been in Open Session and not in Executive Session. At this time, Carol Lyons also stated she would like to receive the information, minutes , etc. for the School Committee meetings sooner than the Saturday before the meeting, in order to be better prepared. She didn' t feel that two days was enough time to properly study all the material that was included in the packet. Mr. Allen stated this was discussed at previous meetings , and that in conversations with the administration, he understood that this was not always possible because of schedules, and information that was not readily available to include until the last few days before the meeting . Mr. Shannon stated that he felt that ' the School Committee Members received a very comprehensive packet, and mailing information at different times , would not only prove time consuming and costly, but might create confusion. Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, then asked to be recognized and noted she had stated a concern at the last meeting which she felt should have been in the Minutes regarding Kindergarten classes and coordinating efforts in moving classrooms . She also stated she felt the reopening of Open Session at the last meeting should have been announced at the beginning of the meeting. 238 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 Mr . Allen stated that his understanding was the contents of the Minutes of any meeting were just a general outline of the discussions , and not a verbatim record. He also stated in regard to going back into Open Session at the previous meeting , that sometimes the Presiding Officer can' t predict this will occur, and that he felt the general public, by and large, had_confidence in the manner in which the School Committee conducted its meetings . At this time, a vote was taken on the motion to approve the Minutes and it was unanimously voted. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills May 23, 1986 - General Expense - $56 ,953 .34 Payrolls $327 ,053 .37 26 ,546 .57 May 16 , 1986 - Teachers - $ May 16 , 1986 - Weekly - $ 26 ,546 .57 May 23, 1986 - Weekly - Citizens' Input Mrs . Maureen Scott, a parent, asked to be recognized and stated she would like to know if there was a policy in place regarding procedures to follow in case of injuries or accidents in the schools . She noted that nurses were not in every building and also asked if any school personnel had first-aide training because of this . Mr. Cliff Allen stated that Mrs . Scott' s concerns were noted and would be responded to at the next meeting, as Citizens' Input covered any area of discussion that might not be on the regular agenda. School Highlights Dr . Wells introduced Don Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School, who briefly explained the program of science studies which fourth grade pupils and teachers at the Eaton School had participated in with the Museum of Science . He then introduced Eaton' s fourth grade teachers, David Williams , Michael DeLong received n from Livingston,ton , who had initiated this program with a grant support from the Council of Arts , Humanities and Science and with supp P .T .O. Carol Livingston then explained the highlights of the weather portion of the program. She stated the pupils had studied observations skills , and a Mr. Salvatore from the museum had come to the school for this purpose and had presented an interesting and informative program. She stated there had been three teacher workshops at the museum at . which time they received kits with resource materials and had thel opportunity to observe the areas the pupils would be visiting . Mrs Livingston stated herelt they climbed to t he top wof the hiPllandvmettthe the Blue Hills , Y 239 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 meteorologist. When the pupils returned to the museum, the museum's staff had adapted their animal- type program to the weather study and showed the relationship of the habits of the animals to the weather of the area. Mrs . Livingston stated another highlight was the visit of Todd Glickman, who works as a part-time forecaster at a local radio station, who talked about weather satellites and weather forecasting on radio. At the end of the program, the pupils were forecasting the weather for the next day by using the skills they had learned. At this time , Mrs . Livingston called upon her three students to present their posters and presentations to the School Committee . David Williams then briefly explained his portion of the program, the solar system. He stated that after the children had been studying the system, they had begun to identify constellations for their parents . Mr . Williams spoke of the visits made by the children to the Planetarium which proved to be an excellent teaching tool. The pupils made models from styrofoam of the solar system. Another highlight was a visit to Wellesley College Observatory. Mr. Williams then called on his students to present their posters and presentations to the School Committee. Michael DeLong then explained his portion of the program which was geology. He showed the School Committee exhibits of rocks , minerals, etc . , which he had brought with him and had been collected and studied by the pupils . Mr. DeLong stated that the pupils had visited a Webster Conservation land area to identify and locate these types of articles , and it has proved to be a very exciting and informative field trip. Mr. DeLong then called on his students to present their posters and presentations to the School Committee. Mr. Farnham, Principal of the Eaton School , then stated that next year it was unlikely that a grant for this kind of program could be obtained, because of a change in the funding formula by the Mass. Council of Arts, although the school was trying to work with the museum for a program for next year. At this time, Mr. Cliff Allen thanked the teachers and pupils for their presentation. Mrs . Livingston then invited the School Committee members to the Science Fair which is to be held at the Joshua Eaton School on May 28th. Student Advisory Council Dr. Wells stated that Rena Mirkin, Advisor for the Council, was not able to be at the meeting because of a previous commitment, but that Maureen Zolubos , Asst . Principal at the High School , was present. Mrs . Zolubos then stated that Rick Byron, President of the Council, would introduce the new elected members . ' The new members are Patti , Harootian, Peter Harutunian, John Harutunian, Stacey Auld, Joseph Doherty , and Paula Girouard, who was not present. 240 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19, 1986 Mrs . Zolubos stated that the students had come to the meeting only to observe a School Committee meeting, so as to be more familiar with the process , and that they had no agenda or issues to discuss . Mr. Nissen asked if the committee had elected their Officers, and Rick Byron stated that Patti Harootian was the new President. Mrs. Zolubus stated some of the new members on the council were sophomores and juniors , which was unusual , but she felt this would be good for the continuity of the council . A member of the present council then asked if the School Committee had any ideas which would help the council become more involved in the decision- making process . Mr . Nissen suggested that the council members might take time to read the Minutes of the meetings when they were posted and also read the Agenda, in order to keep track of items which might be of interest to them. Dr . Wells indicated that in the past he had gone to the council meetings , and he would be happy to again be available to the council if they felt this was helpful. He stated there were times when the had issues on their Agenda which they had him take back for discussion with the School Committee, such as the smoking issue. Mr. Cliff Allen then discussed with the council members their opinions of the No Pass-No Play rule on extracurricular activities which was being considered by many schools in the area. Rick Byron stated he and most students he had talked to thought this would be a good rule. He stated most students didn' t feel athletes should be allowed to play a sport if they were failing their academics . Mrs. Zolubos suggested this would be a good issue for the students to begin with in their future meetings . Mr. Allen then thanked Mrs. Zolubus and the members of the council for attending the meeting. Request from Taunton School Committee Dr . Wells briefly went over the request of the Taunton School Committee and indicated he had spoken with the Mass . Assoc. of School Committees regarding this item. He stated that they felt this was not a statewide problem, but that some communities had budgeted a certain amount for this item, and then the Rate Setting Commission came in with much higher rates than expected. Dr. Wells stated House Bill 881 simply requires that the Rating Setting Commission file the tuition rates no later than the third Monday of every year. Chairman Cliff Allen called for a motion on this issue , and as there was none forthcoming, continued on to the next agenda item. Custodial Supplies Mr. Winslow explained the custodial supply bid list to the School Committee and stated that the administration was recommending the low bidder, except on Item 12 in which the low bidder's product did not meet the specifications , and that Item 13 and Item 14 would be awarded to the low bidder, subject to their product meeting the specifications . 241 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 Mr. Winslow then stated that the total bid for these supplies for FY87 would be $11,737 .52 . Mr. Nissen made a motion , seconded by Ms . Lyons , that the award of the contracts for custodial supplies go to the bidders itemized on Enclosure B-3-a-1, except Item 13 and 14 , which would be awarded to the low bidder upon condition that their product met the specifications. The vote was unanimous . Renewal of Contracts - Athletic Coaches Dr. Wells explained this was an annual requirement under the contract with the RT A. Dr. Munnelly explained the re-appointments of the Athletic Coaches and stated those listed were recommended for re-appointment by the High School Principal and the Athletic Director. He stated salaries reflected amounts covered by contracts . Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lyons , that the Athletic Coaches for sports listed in Enclosure B-3-b-1 be approved for re-appointment for the school year 1986-87 . The vote was unanimous . Department Heads-Extra-Curricular Activities Dr . Munnelly gave a brief explanation of the list of Department Heads and Assistant Principals at the High and Middle Schools who were recommended for re-appointment by the administration. Mr . Nissen made a motion , seconded by Ms . Lyons , to approve the re-appointment of Department Heads-Extra Curricular Activities and Assistant Principals at High and Middle Schools as listed on Enclosure B-3-b-2 . Carol Lyons questioned why one of the salaries was different from the others , and Dr. Munnelly explained, one figure was different because of the step increases . Mr. Shannon then asked if Jeffrey Cryan, who would be on Sabbatical Leave in the Fall , would be paid during that time as a Department Head. Dr. Munnelly explained they had worked it out that Jeff would continue in his capacity as Department Head, but if they found it wasn' t a good arrangement for one or the other, they would discuss a solution at that time. A vote was then taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously. Absentee Verification Policy (Revision) Dr. Wells explained the draft of this Policy and the Administrative Guidelines totthe School Committee. Mr . Shannon made a motion , seconded by Mr . Coco , to accept the revision of the Absentee Verification Policy as structured in Enclosure B-3-b-2 dated May 19 , 1986. 242 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 Mrs . Cooper, a parent, asked what would happen when a school cannot reach a parent. There was some discussion on this point, and Mr. Allen stated he felt this was not the time to discuss this , that the procedure to be followed in this kind of instance should be discussed at a later date. Some discussion followed on changing the wording of the first line, but it was decided to vote on the Policy as presented in the draft. There was a question from a parent regarding who would pay for the telephone equipment, etc. Dr. Wells stated that if the school wished to still provide this service through their P.T .O's they could do so, and if not, the School Department would put such a system in place and pay for the installation and equipment. A vote was taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously. Minimum Pay Revision Mr. Winslow explained that the minimum hourly wage had increased from ` $3 .35 to $3 . 55 in Massachusetts. Because of this, he felt it was an appropriate time to address the rates paid to students who work part-time in the School Department. Mr. Winslow stated that the Summer Youth Employment Program through E.R.I . paid summer help at the rate of $3 .75 per hour, and the Reading Public Works paid summer help at the rate of $5.25 per hour. He also indicated that a survey of local businesses indicated hourly rates ranging from the minimum to $4 .35 per hour for part-time student help . Therefore , Mr . Winslow was recommending that effective July 1 , 1986 , the School Committee approve a minimum starting rate for school year student employees , working under the supervision of the custodial staff of $3 .55 per hour with a per hour annual increment up to $4 .00 . • Mr . Nissen made a motion , seconded by Mr . Shannon , to approve an increase in the minimum hourly wage to $3 .55 for part-time student employees as described in Enclosure B-3-d. Carol Lyons stated she was surprised the hourly wage paid to part-time students was so low . She indicated that a survey which she had recently read of 36 Eastern Massachusetts communities indicated the hourly wage ranged from $3.35 to $6 .20 an hour. Ms . Lyons asked if perhaps we could do better than $3 .55 per hour. Mr . Winslow stated, although this might open a lot . of avenues for the School Department, the fact was that the sum of $30 , 000 had already been budgeted, and this did not include the present increase . To increase the hourly wage further would mean reducing the number of hours for each student. To increase the hourly rate just $ .50 would cost approximately $2 , 000 . Mr . Shannon asked if there had been a problem filling these positions. Mr. Winslow stated there had not. Mr. Shannon then stated, as an additional increase would only result in a reduction of hours, he would support the motion as read. 243 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19, 1986 A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously approved as read. ^� �i t` ,.i. Ch Thoo.4 1:47 .r C`ommi t ee i\C iJV a. �. ill �.iiG ..,..+�_y .... ....... ,.. __... .�_. _ .. _ _.. Dr. Wells stated that previously the School Committee had voted to have this committee formed in order to study Early Childhood Education in the Town of Reading . He stated he felt that this report was a very thoughtful one . Dr . Wells then introduced Dr . Alex Alexanian, Director of Pupil Personnel Services . Dr. Alexanian spoke briefly about the report and the meeting process . He stated they had first met in February and had several meetings in March and April . He then introduced Robin D 'Antona, Co-Chairperson of the committee . Mrs . D'Antona stated that this committee was comprised of a cross section of the community. She introduced other members of the committee who were present: Vicki Griffin, Ruth Stanieich, Steve Korth, and Paul Guerrette . She stated that one of their purposes was the development of a policy around the area of early childhood. At the School Committee level, the committee was requesting a strong statement to help guide them in the kinds of efforts and developments they would be making in the next few years . One area was special education and obtaining access , or putting in an application for, monies that dealt with the area of training. Mrs. D'Antone stated a proposal had been prepared in this area for approximately $13 ,000 for developing skills in the area of diagnosis . Mrs . D'Antona stated , the committee wished to become more effectively involved with parents , especially in the area of parent education. Mr. Nissen asked Mrs . D'Antona which people were assigned which roles . Dr. Alexanian indicated there were no specific names with each role , but some of the areas covered were parents of special needs students , pre-school teachers , elementary principals, sources and consumers of Day Care , etc. Mrs . D'Antona stated the report did reflect shared cooperation in meeting some needs at the local level . Mrs . D'Antona made reference to a report made by the League of Women Voters which indicated that 55% of people who responded to their report indicated they would need some type of pre-school Day Care in the next 5 years . She also noted that the committee ' s need requirements matched up very closely with the League' s requirements . Mrs. D'Antona stated they have talked with people involved in the Day Care area at Brandeis University , and they encouraged the committee to get involved in Chapter 188 . She stated they encouraged forming partnerships between the school departments and administrations to set up programs in this area, followed up by monies being made available for school departments to expand their base in making funding and services available to Day Care children. Mrs D'Antona stated NYNEX was putting together a Block Grant to be utilized for these needs . Mrs . Philbrick asked the committee if they had heard of anyone in Reading who had been in need of Day Care who could either not afford it or couldn' t find anyone suitable. 244 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 Mr. Shannon stated he felt there should be some coordination with nursery schools and day care providers, and this might be the time to reevaluate the Kindergarten Program to set the goals for next year. He stated perhaps the nr=am should be structured differently, but he would like to see some ex;ansion in this area. Mr . Nissen asked if there was something specific that the School Committee was being requested to do. Dr . Alexanian stated that in regard to Chapter 188 proposals , that perhaps members of the School Committee could meet with Dr. Munnelly and get some proposal under this chapter going . Dr. Munnelly stated he felt what the committee was asking was that the School Committee and the staff provide leadership in the search for qualified providers and consistency in day care and extended care programs . He stated that perhaps there are programs through Chapter 188 that may provide some small amount of funding for coordination purposes. Mr. Nissen stated he supported what the committee had done in the report and congratulated them on the award of $33,000 for Special Education Programs .. Mr. Shannon stated he too supported the direction in which the committee was moving and with continued cooperaticn with the administration, perhaps a policy could be set up at a later date. Mr. Cliff Allen then thanked Dr. Alexanian, Mrs . D'Antona and the committee members for presenting their report. Cafeteria Statements Mr. Winslow stated there were no unpaid work days this month and that the profit on the statement was positive. He stated participation remained at approximately 40% . Mr. Nissen asked if the administration forecast a profit for the year. He stated the original projection was 5% profit, and it seemed to be holding true. Gift from Digital Corporation Dr. Wells explained that the Digital Corporation had donated a PDP 11/34 to the Reading School Department through the efforts of Bruce MacDonald. He stated the School Department was very enthused and grateful for the new equipment . Cliff Allen asked that the administration write a letter of thanks to Digital for this gift and to Bruce MacDonald for his efforts on behalf of the Reading Schools. Resignations - Mr . Winslow read a letter from Vincent Serrentino submitting his resignation and requesting an unpaid leave of absence for a three-month period. He stated that on June 1 , 1986 , Vinnie will have completed 32 years of exemplary service, and recommended the approval of this request. 245 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick , to accept the resignation of Vincent Serrentino , Custodial Supervisor , for purposes of retirement, effective November 1 1986 , and to approve his request for a three-month unpaid leave of absence from August 1 , 1986 to November 1, 1986 . The vote was unanimous. Mr . Cliff Allen requested the Administration write a letter of thanks to Vinnie for his many years of service. Leaves Dr. Munnelly read a letter from Francis P. Muccio, III requesting a personal leave of absence for professional and personal endeavors for the academic year 1986-87 . He stated Mr. Muccio has been an outstanding physical education teacher in the system, and planned to resume his teaching position for the 1987-88 school year. Dr. Munnelly recommended approval of his request. A motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick , seconded by Mr . Shannon , to approve the request for a personal leave of absence for Francis P. Muccio , III , physical education teacher , for a personal leave of absence for the school year 1986-87, and the vote was unanimous . Appointments Dr . Wells stated the vacancy for Varsity Football Coach had been advertised in the Boston Globe and Boston Herald and that approximately 20 inquiries had been received. He stated some inquirers were only interested in a coaching position that went along with a teaching position and some were interested only in a coaching position . Dr . Wells stated he and Jack White had interviewed 4 candidates, originally there were 5 , but one candidate had already accepted a position as Head Coach in another city . Dr . Wells noted that none of the candidates had been varsity head coaches , but all had experience in coaching football, and other sports and all had good recommendations . Dr . Wells stated he was recommending Gary Nihan, presently a teacher in the Reading School System, who had done some coaching for us in football, and recently has done varsity football coaching in Wilmington. He stated Mr. Nihan was qualified and highly recommended, and he had no reservations in recommending him to the School Committee. A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Mrs . Philbrick , to approve the appointment of Gary Nihan, as Varsity Football Coach at Reading Memorial High School, effective school year 1986-87 . The vote was unanimous . Mr. Coco then stated that he had been approached at Town Meeting by the Chairman of the Law Committee , Mr . Russell , regarding the rehiring of Ted Cohen as Town Counsel and had been requested to ask that the School Committee take a vote on their recommendation and advise the Law Committee at Town Hall. 246 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES May 19 , 1986 A motion was made by Mr . Coco , seconded by Mr . Nissen, that the School Committee wished to go on record that they were pleased with the performance of Mr. Ted Cohen as Town Counsel and recommended to the Law Committee that his services be retained . The vote was unanimous . Mr. Coco requested that the Administration send the above recommendation to the Chairman of the Law Committee at Town Hall . Elementary Assistant Principal - Intern Reappointments Dr. Munnelly stated he was recommending the Intern re-appointment of two Elementary Assistant Principals for school years 1986-87 and 1988-89 . He stated there were three applicants for the position at Eaton, but he was recommending the appointment of Robert Penta at Eaton and Rosemary Palmer at the Killam School. Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick , to approve the Intern re-appointments of two Assistant Elementary Principals, Rosemary Palmer at the Killam School and Robert Penta at the Eaton School for the school years 1986-87 and 1988-89 . The vote was unanimous . Mr. Cliff Allen then stated he wished to confirm the future meeting dates for the School Committee . After some discussion, it was agreed that the next meeting dates would be June 2 , June 23 , and July 14, 1986 . Principalship Search Dr . Wells stated that he and Dr . Munnelly met with the Screening Committee for the Principalship Vacancy at the High School on Thursday, May 15th. At that time, the committee had interviewed 12 candidates . Dr. Wells stated the committee had narrowed this number down to 6 , one of which they found had already taken another position. The committee had then taken the candidate next on the list . Dr. Wells noted that the Screening Committee had done an excellent job and given him an indication of what they thought were each candidates ' strengths and weaknesses . He stated that he and Dr . Munnelly would be interviewing the 6 final candidates in the next week and hoped to have his recommendation ready for the School Committee on June 2 . At 10 :05 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Nissen, it was voted unanimously to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Bargaining and Negotiations . Respectfully submitted, a)01)-1- Robert S. Wells, Secretary