Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-06-02 School Committee Minutes 248 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7 : 35 p .m. on June 2 , 1986 in the Superin- tendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present. 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, Don Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School , Dr. Jack Delaney, Principal of the Parker Middle School, Albert Lahood, Principal of the Coolidge Middle School, teachers and students who particiapted in the Young Authors Program in Grades 2 through 5, parents, and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of May 19 , 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon , to approve the Minutes of the May 19 , 1986 meeting , and the vote was unanimous . Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills June 6 , 1986 - General Expense - $64 ,466 .94 Payrolls May 29 , 1986 - Teachers - $337 ,790 .46 May 30 , 1986 - Weekly - 27 ,972 .63 June 6 , 1986 - Weekly - 27 ,279 .16 Citizens ' Input Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, asked to be recognized, and noted that she had some corrections to make in regard to her concerns at the last meeting . She stated she would appreciate these corrections being in the record. At the last meeting she had a concern regarding efforts to coordinate Kindergarten curriculum between classes at Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton and a concern about the School Committee possibly violating the Open Meeting Law. She then gave a copy of the Open Meeting Law to all members of the School Committee , and read an excerpt from the law. Also, on page 6 of the previous minutes , it stated she had a concern with what would happen when a school cannot locate a parent , and it should have stated, what would happen when a school could not locate a child. 249 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Cliff Allen, the Chairman of the School Committee, then stated he would like to repeat what he had said at the last meeting that he felt it was very difficult, almost impossible, to expect someone to take a verbatim report on these meetings . Mr . Allen stated it was his opinion that the Minutes he had reviewed in the past 6 years had reflected, as accurately as possible , what was discussed at the meetings . He noted the School Committee would continue to do the best possible job on outlining the topics of discussion at the meeting based on the facts presented. Mr. Allen stated that Mrs . Cooper' s concerns had been duly noted. School Highlights Dr. Wells introduced Donald Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School, who spoke briefly about the Young Authors Program which had been participated in by teachers and students in Grades 2 through 5. He stated this program was sponsored by the Greater Boston Council of International Reading Association. Mr. Farnham noted that 13 to 14 other towns has also participated in this program. The main purpose of the program was to have students create an original bound book. Mr. Farnham then mentioned that next year, the elementary schools would be participating in a systemwide project called, "The Art of the Book" . Mr. Farnham stated that the culmination of the program was a conference held at Lesley College on May 23rd, attended by the pupils who had written books and who had been judged to be the best at their grade level. He then introduced the student winners at their grade level within the system. They were Rebecca Sanborn, Joshua Eaton School, Grade 2 ; Cheryl Benoit, Birch Meadow School, Grade 3 ; Richard LeCain, Killam School , Grade 4 ; and Christine Jesser, Barrows School, Grade 5 . The teachers who were present were Elia Dangelmaier, June Brown, Virginia Cramer, and Laurence Conn. After introducing teachers and students to the School Committee, Mr. Farnham called upon each student to present their portion of the program. After the students completed their presentations , Mr. Nissen asked if this program would be continued into the next school year . Mr . Farnham stated it would not, but they would hopefully be participating in the systemwide project mentioned earlier , "The Art of the Book" . Carol Lyons then stated she was very impressed with the book project and the student' s presentations and asked if any of the stories would be published? Mr. Farnham stated he had not been contacted by anyone, but Mr. Laurence Conn, stated they had sent some books to a concern in Michigan. Mr. Coco then thanked the teachers and students for an interesting program, and stated he felt that these presentations gave the School Committee an insight into what was being accomplished at the schools . Absentee Verification Policy Dr. Wells stated this was the Policy KBA which the School Committee had voted on at the previous meeting regarding Attendance and Student Verification of Absenteeism and that it was on the agenda to be voted for a second time. 250 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 A motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick , seconded by Mr . Shannon , to approve on a second vote, the Policy KBA, Reading School Committee Policy on Attendance and Student Verification of Absenteeism, and the vote was unanimous . Town Meeting Instructional Motion Dr. Wells explained this instructional motion had to do with moving the central offices of the School Department to another location . He indicated there had not been sufficient time to gather the facts and figures for presentation at the June Town Meeting, but he would give a brief history of this proposal which had been a matter of concern for some time . Dr. Wells noted that whenever space study plans were done by the School Department, this matter was always taken into consideration. Dr. Wells then spoke about the proposals over the years that had been presented for relocating the central offices , the studies which had been done, covering a possible move to the Lowell Street School, the Pearl Street School , and the high school, and the costs involved to make such a move. The studies indicated the costs were prohibitive for moving to either the Lowell or Pearl Street Schools . In the matter of the high school, it was found that the cost would be approximately $116 ,100 , and also there was not sufficient space unless the enrollment dropped to approximately 950 . Dr. Wells noted that Mr. D'Orlando, the Principal at R.M.H.S. , had sent him a memorandum to that effect, also stating that there would likely not be enough space for a central office move for another 3 years at least. Dr . Wells stated he thought the bigger question was whether the Town was ready to spend the kind of money it would need to make such a move, when compared against the rental fees of $12-13,000 a year. Cliff Allen stated he would like to remind everyone that the last cost estimate they obtained from the MacLaren firm did not take into consideration what it would cost to move the Guidance Department to another area. Dr. Wells then stated another consideration beside cost was that the Guidance Department needed an area where they could have privacy, both visually and audibly. Cliff Allen then stated he understood there would be other concerns as well , regarding legal requirements of the State in making such a move if it cost over $10 ,000 . Mr. Winslow indicated that was true, there would have to be a designer selection process which would take approximately 8 to 12 weeks before construction bids could begin. Mr. Allen noted, therefore, the issue was not only money, but time, in order to meet the deadline of June 16th. Mr . Coco then stated that from the information he had reviewed he thought the cost of the move might be less a consideration than the long overall savings to the Town and noted that the rental fees for the central office had just been increased to $1 ,000 a month. He then made a motion that a sub-committee be set up to report back to the School Committee in September and October with a recommendation on whether or not to relocate the central office. There was a 251 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 discussion among the members on this motion, and it was agreed that there had been adequate studies on the subject, and the only consideration now was when the space would become available at the high school. Mr. Allen then stated he didn' t agree with the move to Pearl Street because , at the time , it seemed to be just a temporary move, and there were thoughts that it might be activated again as a school. He stated that , if in the future it is decided the building was not needed for that purpose, it will most likely be turned over to the Town . His feeling was also that the School Committee should wait for available space at the high school. Mr. Shannon stated it was probably a fact that a lot of the citizens were not aware that the plan of the School Committee was an eventual move to the high school when space became available . He stated that when this happened , then a study would be useful , but not at the present time. Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, stated she knew that some Town Meeting Members felt there was enough room now at the high school. Mrs . Philbrick stated that somewhere there has to be some line of confidence in the people who have investigated this issue . She stated we have come forward with a report at this point in time that indicates there is not adequate space available at the high school for what we need. We also have to consider the fact that the location of the central office must be accessible to the public and somewhere not in the main stream of the high school traffic. Mrs . Philbrick stated she understood some people did not have all the information that the. School Committee has available to them, but a move of this size , was just not that simple. The members agreed they would review this proposal from year to year, but that unless the space was to become available because of a drop in the enrollment, there was no further reason to make a study or elect a sub-committee, and the consensus was that the central office should, for the time being , stay where they are . Mr . Coco withdrew his motion. BIDS Milk Mr . Winslow explained the figures on the bid for milk for the Reading Schools for the coming year . He indicated that the administration was recommending the low aggregate bid from H . P. Hood in the amount of $52 ,059 .00 . A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco, to accept the low aggregate bid of H. P. Hood, in the amount of $52 ,059.00 , for supplying milk and straws to the Reading Schools for the 1986-87 School Year , as outlined on Enclosure B-3-a-1-a . The vote was unanimous . 252 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Bread Mr. Winslow then explained the bids that had been received for bread and rolls for the Reading Schools . He stated that the administration was recommending that the low bid for Items 1 through 8 be awarded to Country Kitchen USDA, and that the low bid for Items 9 through 11 be awarded to Mello's Bakeries . A motion was made by Carol Lyons, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to award the bid for bread and rolls to the low bidders as outlined on Enclosure B-3-a-1-b for the 1986-87 School Year . The vote was unanimous . Ice Cream Mr. Winslow explained the third bid was for ice cream products for the Reading Schools. He stated that the administration was recommending the bid be awarded to the low aggregate low bidder, Paul 's Distributor, in the amount of $13 ,186.00. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon , to award the bid for ice cream products in the Reading Schools for the 1986-87 School Year to the low aggregate bidder, Paul's Distributor, in the amount of $13 ,186 .00 and as outlined on Enclosure B-3-a-1-c . The vote was unanimous . Student Insurance Dr . Wells stated this was a volunteer insurance program which was initiated by the PTA' s in Reading. He stated it was administered the first few weeks in September and was most beneficial for families who have either no insurance or poor insurance coverage . The cost is only $4 .00 , and it covers many types of injuries . Dr. Wells stated they were recommending the low bidder, Gerard Lefebvre Ins . A motion was made by Mr . Shannon, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick, to award the contract for student insurance to the low bidder, Gerard Lefebvre Ins . , for the School Year 1986-87 , as outlined on Enclosure B-3-b. The vote was unanimous . Reading Report Dr . Wells introduced Ed Sacco, Director of Reading in Reading Schools , who along with reading teachers , Betty Klaiman, Claire Flynn, Nancy Powell , Margaret Pugh, and Ken Feit would present an overview of the Reading Program K-12 . Mr. Sacco stated he wanted to show the School Committee how you can strengthen a Reading Program without making major revisions or changing materials . Mr . Sacco felt the most important aspect of the program was strengthing the structure, what happens between the teacher and the students . The first part of the program was called, "active reading" , which would teach the children that reading was related to writing, thinking and discussion. 253 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Mr . Sacco stated students had to see and do what the structure involved . He stated there would be some discussion on what was called, "engaged time" , independent learning and study strategies , which involved mapping, self-questioning. Mr. Sacco stated the teachers would give examples of what students do before they read, during reading, and after they read. The second phase is application . Mr. Sacco stated that on the last page of a handout he would give the School Committee , they would find that the National Institute of Education' s highest recommendations were that there be more teacher-led instruction, comprehension, and more writing . He stated in comparing Reading with other systems , we are in the forefront of this type of program. Mr . Sacco then introduced reading teachers , Claire Flynn , Nancy Powell, Margaret Pugh and Ken Feit . Each teacher briefly explained her or his portion of the program to the School Committee and presented handouts to clarify their presentation. Mr. Sacco stated they were trying to help children organize their information in a cohesive manner and then to use these strategies on their own. He stated a teacher helps in showing students how to set up a way of approaching a piece of material . Mr. Sacco stated the feedback from the students was very good. Mr . Feit noted that most of the students they are receiving are the ones that don' t pass basic skill tests . In the process of the 9th grade , they are taught these skills and do very well on tests . The major problem seems to be a lack of organizational skills, lack of ability to concentrate , etc. Mr. Feit stated that these skills will be carried throughout their educational careers . The most important concern is that students become independent , competent learners . Mr. Sacco noted that these new skills being taught are in support of what is already a very strong program. He stated he felt the reading teachers were doing an excellent job, and this program will make a big difference. Mr. Shannon asked if this was something that was a regular part of the curriculum that is reinforced, in a formal way or an informal way, on maintaining their listening skills? Mr. Feit stated he worked with the students on the various study skills, listening being one, and tried to offer them the challenge of taking these skills from the content area themselves . Mr . Shannon asked if this was taught on every level? Mr. Sacco stated it was introduced in Kindergarten and followed up in every grade, but in the upper grades the skills are a little more involved and difficult. Dr . Munnelly explained that reading was one of the basic skills that was tested every year , and there was a strong commitment to help students improve in these areas . Mr. Allen thanked Mr. Sacco and the reading teachers for coming, and for their interesting presentation. 254 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Social Studies Report Dr. Munnelly stated this was to be an evaluation of what the Social Studies Department was trying to accomplish with their programs and how the staff had progressed in their objectives to make social studies a more important and interesting part of the school program. He then introduced Paul Guerrette, Principal of the Killam School , who presented his portion of the program involving the elementary level. Mr. Guerrette indicated he would try to summarize the report which the School Committee had been given which consisted of 7 goals . He indicated that he had used a sample of items taken from the National Assessment Tests and the Stanford Achievement Tests . Mr. Guerrette noted that there were four elements carried through the basic social studies program at the elementary level, one being the acquisition of basic skills and the act of learning. He also noted that the Library Media Specialist and the Library played a key role in the program. Mr. Guerrette then briefly explained the 7 goals and presented slides and exhibits of students ' work. Mr . Jim McCann , teacher at the Parker Middle School , and Ellen Svenson, teacher at the Coolidge Middle School, then spoke about their portions of the program. They discussed some of their methods and objectives . Ellen Svenson stated she felt field trips were an important part of the program, such as the one to Sturbridge Village. The use of motion pictures has proved successful also. They stated they have tried to teach students about the use of their textbook and notebooks , and how to maintain it. Mr. McCann invited the School Committee to come to the Middle Schools and observe their election process . He stated it was an opportunity for the students to express Democracy and see how it works . Mr. McCann stated there was great participation by the students in the elections . He stated that on tests administered this year on both content and skills , the average score was 82% which was given on material from the beginning of the year to the end. Mr. McCann felt this was a very positive result. Ellen Svenson then explained the program that was implemented to find out if students could go about doing a research report. Mr. McCann stated that any assessment of student performance was measured against other outside results . Mr. Thomas Darrin, teacher from Reading Memorial High School, then discussed his involvement in the social studies program at the High School level . He noted some of the methods he used at the High School , and indicated testing had been done to see if they were accomplishing their objectives . In a comparison with other systems in comparable suburbs , Reading students scored higher, having 75% of the correct answers . Dr . Munnelly stated the reports showed good performance by the teachers and noted their concern about following up on these programs . He stated the multiple approaches employed by the teachers in the use of audio-visual methods , different learning styles , project work, etc . was important. Dr. Munnelly also felt there was good coordination and communication between the levels of the Social Studies Department. 255 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Dr. Munnelly stated that when you come to Social Studies there is so much to learn, that choices have to be made about what should be done on each grade level with the limited time Social Studies has in the curriculum. He stated this area always needs attention, whether it be current events , understanding the world, or local history, etc. This content must change in relation to what is happening currently. Dr. Munnelly felt the program was in good shape and would continue to improve over the next few years. Carol Lyons stated she felt this was a very interesting presentation and asked about reports she sometimes read in newspapers indicating that children didn' t know much about geography. Mr. McCann stated he felt this was not a fair assessment. Ellen Svenson stated that it must be remembered that students take geography only briefly and there has never been an emphasis on this subject in school systems . Cliff Allen thanked the teachers for their presentations . Procedure for Treating Injuries Dr. Wells indicated this item on the agenda was in response to the Citizens Input question from the last meeting asking if the School Committee had a written policy for treating injuries in the Reading Schools . He stated that there was no written policy, as such, but there was in place a procedure that was generally consistent in the schools that was very humane and very effective . Dr. Wells indicated Enclosure C-3 which the School Committee had received which listed the roles of each person in the schools , and their responsibilities for treating and reporting injuries when they occurred. Dr . Wells stated personally, he was very proud of the nursing staff and the secretaries in Reading Schools and that they are each aware of their roles when injuries occur. Mrs . Maureen Scott, a parent, asked Dr . Wells if the secretaries were trained in first-aid? Dr. Wells stated they were not. Mrs . Scott then asked if the secretaries had been offered such courses? Dr. Wells stated that the secretaries did not have this in their contract and did not want to accept that kind of responsibility. He stated that the School Nurses do give some instruction to the school secretaries on observation of injuries . If there is doubt whether an injury is serious, they call the nurse, and she comes immediately. Dr . Wells stated there were a lot of areas for which a policy did not exist because these issues were mostly a matter of common sense . He assured the School Committee that he had heard of no complaints on student injuries . Cliff Allen suggested if there was a problem, perhaps Mrs . Scott could call the Superintendent and make an appointment, and in this way alleviate her concerns . 256 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 Cafeteria Statement Mr. Winslow briefly discussed the cafeteria statements with the School Committee . He indicated there was a 1% drop in participation in the month of April, but this was a normal occurrence as the weather gets warmer. Mr. Nissen asked if the Parker School participation has always been so much lower than the other schools . Mr. Winslow stated that was true, and Cathy Cook had tried to change menus at the school and other ideas to try to increase participation. Mr. Nissen felt the reasons for this should be researched, and Mr. Winslow agreed to have Ms . Cook look into the problem. Account Balances Mr . Winslow explained that there were not many changes in the account balances this month. He noted the 4th item down in the report was actually a part of ' 87 Budget, and that will go to zero. Mr. Winslow noted that in regard to the Coolidge Roof Bond, there would be payment out of that account next month. He indicated the project was substantially completed and that $9,000 was being held for contingencies. Salary and Expense Accounts Mr . Winslow stated that the department was down to 85% expended on the expense portion of the accounts, and noted with only 1 month to go, a lot of encumbrances would be paid off shortly . Mr . Winslow then explained an item in the 9000 series which he thought needed clarification. Common Sense Discipline Dr. Wells explained to the School Committee that this was an article that had been written by Jack Delaney, Principal of the Parker Middle School, and had been published in the National School Journal. He stated he felt it was an honor for us , and a reflection of the quality of the teaching staff in the Reading School System. Summer School Announcement Dr. Wells noted that this was the yearly announcement for the summer school program in Reading . Mr . Shannon stated he had heard some comment that dates for registering for the summer school and recreation sign-ups were the same night and asked that perhaps next year , the School Department could coordinate with the Recreation Department on this point. Resignations Mr . Winslow stated he had received a letter from Edward Kelly , custodian, resigning from his position effective September 2 , 1986 . He stated that Mr. Kelly had been an employee for 17 years. 257 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to accept the resignation of Edward Kelly, custodian, for purposes of retirement , effective September 2 , 1986 . The vote was unanimnous . Cliff Allen requested that a letter of appreciation be sent to Mr. Kelly from the School Committee for his years of service. Leaves Mr . Winslow stated he had received a request from Jean Richardson , cafeteria worker, for a 14-day extension of her sick leave as she had exhausted her sick leave because of an ulcer on her foot. Mr. Winslow stated Mrs. Richardson had been employed by the School Department since 1968 and was a loyal , dedicated employee . He was recommending this request be granted. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Coco, that Mrs . Jean Richardson, cafeteria worker, be granted a 14-day extension of her sick leave. The vote was unanimous . Appointments R.M.H.S. Principal Dr. Wells briefly discussed the process that had been ongoing for the past few months in the search for a new High School Principal . He stated the School Committee policy had been very carefully adhered to in the search which had involved parents , students and professional teachers . Dr. Wells stated he wanted to publicly thank the Screening Committee for their efforts , which included screening approximately 50 applicants. After interviewing 12 of these candidates , the Screening Committee gave Dr. Wells the names of the six finalists. Any of these six he assured the School Committee had the adequate background and training to be a good principal . Dr. Wells stated they also indicated what they felt were strengths and weaknesses of each candidate which they thought Dr . Wells and Dr . Munnelly could discuss at their interviews. He stated, at this point, he was to screen further and come down to 3 finalists . Dr. Wells stated all the interviews were positive and only after conversing with co-workers , employers , etc . of the six finalists was he able to reduce the number to three . Subsequently, Dr. Wells stated one of the 3 finalists after being contacted by he and Dr . Munnelly for a visit to his community , withdrew his candidacy. The candidate indicated he wanted to continue his search for an Assistant Superintendent ' s or Superintendent ' s position and was , in fact , a candidate for an Assistant Superintendency in North Andover. Dr. Wells stated, therefore, he was recommending Dr. Mark Piechota of Boxborough, currently an Assistant Principal at Alvirne High School , Hudson, New Hampshire. Dr . Wells stated he felt Dr. Piechota had very valuable experience in the field of education, had served in the Peace Corps . , had a good progression of positions in administration , a Master' s Degree and a Doctorate in Education and was very anxious to have this position and would be ready to accept the appointment July 1 of this year. 258 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 2 , 1986 A motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick , seconded by Mr . Shannon , to appoint Dr . Mark Piechota as Principal to Reading Memorial High School, effective July 1, 1986 at the first step of the principal 's salary range ( 1 . 55 of Masters Max . ) , $48 , 527 .00 . The vote was unanimous . Cliff Allen requested the administration send letters of appreciation to the Screening Committee for their efforts . Assistant Principals Dr. Munnelly spoke briefly about the appointment of the Assistant Principals for the Middle Schools . He stated the jobs were posted inside the system and there had been only two applicants . Dr . Munnelly stated, therefore, he was recommending William Cowles for the Parker Middle School and Louis Adreani at the Coolidge Middle School. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to appoint William Cowles as Assistant Principal at the Parker Middle School , and Mr. Louis Adreani as Assistant Principal of the Coolidge Middle School both with a salary differential of $4 ,389 for the 1986-87 School Year. The vote was unanimous . Teachers Dr. Munnelly discussed the Joshua Eaton School due to the vacancy Reading Specialist at t retirement of Betty Klaiman and also the vacancy at the Killam Elementary School . He stated they had interviewed 13 people for the Reading Specialist position and had determined ne the system the stem and had been recommended by Dangelmaier who was already Y Don Farnham, Principal of the Joshua Eaton School. For the vacancy at the Killam, Dr. Munnelly tdrc , and Wendy dy J.. Small, wh o had been hired on a 1-year contract last year, whom they felt should remain. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Coco, to approve the appointments of Elia A. Dangelmaier as Reading Specialist at the Joshua Eaton School, at a salary of $22 , 196 , and Ms. Wendy J. Small, to fill the vacancy 1986-87 School SYear , at salary of effective . The vote was $21 , 639 ,1 , 639 , fo unanimous . At 10 :50 p.m. on a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr . Shannon, it was voted unanimously to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Bargaining and Negotiations . Respectfully submitted, Robert S. wells, Secretary