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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-06-17 School Committee Minutes 259 1 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JUNE 17 , 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 17, 1986 in the Superintendent' 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 Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Business, Mr. Ronald Winslow, Sue Wheltle , Director of Art, Dr. Wellington and Beth Montillio , Director, of the Red Sneakers School, parents , and a reporter from the Daily Times-Chronicle. Announcement Mr . Cliff Allen made the announcement that at the June 2nd School Committee meeting, a contract had been ratified between the Reading School Committee and the Reading Association of Secretaries & Clerks which called for a 5% wage increase, retroactive to July 1, 1985 and expiring on June 30 , 1986 . Approval of Minutes of June 2, 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of June 2 , 1986 and the vote was unanimous. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills June 13, 1986 - General Expense - $56, 651. 14 June 20 , 1986 - General Expense - 52,354.27 Payrolls June 19, 1986 - Teachers - $1,132, 396.48 June 13, 1986 Weekly - 29, 286.15 June 20 , 1986 - Weekly - 42,084. 82 Citizens ' Input Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, asked to be recognized and questioned the reason or background for the administration' s refusal to allow her to get a copy of the Minutes of the Meeting held on June 2, 1986. Mr. Cliff Allen, stated that Ted Cohen, Town Counsel, had advised the School Committee that it was not necessary to release the Minutes to 260 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17, 1986 the public prior to their approval by the School Committee. Mrs. Cooper asked when this decision was reached , and stated it was contrary to the opinion of the D. A. ' s office. Mr. Allen replied Mr. Cohen had made his position on this issue known to him within the past few days, although Mr. Cohen had not had an opportunity to put this in writing. Mr. Allen stated he felt comfortable with this decision. Mrs. Cooper asked if it was his opinion then that the public does not have the right to these Minutes before approval by the School Committee. Cliff Allen stated it was the opinion of the Town Counsel, that copies need not be given out until corrections, if any, could be made. Mrs. Cooper stated she had received Minutes in the past before approval by the School Committee. Mr. Allen stated this had occurred because there was a new secretary in the office, and there was a misunderstanding as to just when the Minutes could be released. Mrs . Cooper stated, in the past, she had picked up the Minutes from the previous secretary before approval by the School Committee. Mr. Allen stated he would get Mr. Cohen's opinion in writing for the next meeting. School Highlights Dr . Wells introduced Sue Wheltle, Director of Art for the Reading Schools, who briefly explained the program which would be implemented next year entitled, "The Art of the Book" . She spoke about the progress of the program up to the present time and how it would be carried out in the Fall. Mrs. Wheltle indicated that she had been working on this project for approximately a year. At this time, she passed out pamphlets describing the program which included a list of authors and illustrators who had agreed to participate. Mrs. Wheltle indicated the program would enlist the collaboration of the Reading Public Library in developing an adult version of the excitement the staff hoped to generate for youngsters. She also stated the program had the support of the P .T.A. and that State grants were being sought. Mr . Shannon complimented Mrs. Wheltle on her presentation, and said he was looking forward to hearing more about the program in the Fall. Bids - Bussing Mr . Winslow, Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Business, briefly explained the bussing bid tabulation to the School Committee. He indicated that the present contract had been a five-year contract, which had contained a renewal option for the last two years and would expire on June 30, 1986. Mr. Winslow stated that the Waltham Truck Equipment Corp. did not meet the Bid Security requirements and, therefore , their bid was not acceptable. He also indicated that three other companies chose not to bid because of the investment required to add more busses to their fleet. Mr. Winslow stated the administration was recommending the bid of the North Shore Bus Company, Revere, Mass. He stated there was an item open for discussion with regard to this bid and that was the inclusion of radio equipment for the busses . He 261 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17, 1986 stated there would be an additional cost of $4 ,095.00 to include this equipment. Some discussion followed in regard to radio equipment being included in the bid amount, and it was agreed , for safety sake, this extra cost was not unreasonable. A motion was made by Mr . Coco , seconded by Mrs . Philbrick , to approve the awarding of the contract for bussing, which would include radio equipment , to the North Shore Bus Company , 851 Broadway , Revere, MA. , in the amount of $205,058.40 for regular busses and $22 ,349. 60 for the mini-bus for a 3-year period, with options for the 4th and 5th year. Mr. Nissen noted the bid figure for the radio equipment was for three years . He asked if that meant there would not be any cost for the radio equipment if the option were exercised in the fourth and fifth year? Mr. Winslow answered in the affirmative. Mrs . Philbrick asked where the radios would be located? Mr. Winslow stated that one would be in the bus, one in the dispatcher's office, and that there would be a monitor at the Central Office. She also asked if there had been any occasions when radio equipment had been needed . Mr. Winslow stated that there were many times when the busses encountered delays, breakdowns , etc. He stated many communities now have radio equipment in their busses for those reasons. A vote was taken on the motion and it was unanimously approved. Cultural Exchange Program - France Dr . Wells explained the request from Gina Healy, Department Head of the Foreign Language Department at R.M.H.S. , to reschedule a trip to France , which had been cancelled in April due to international conditions, for the vacation period of November 22 to December 7 , 1986. This would occur during the Thanksgiving recess and the week immediately following. The trip would involve 20-25 students and two teachers . Dr. Wells stated he would support this request, but if international problems developed before November, a decision could be made at that time whether to cancel it again. There was some discussion between the members about the scheduling of the trip during Thanksgiving recess. Mr . Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons , to approve the request of the Foreign Language Department at Reading Memorial High School to pursue a Cultural Exchange trip to France for students, as described in Enclosure B-3-b, for the period of November 22 to December 7, 1986. The vote was unanimous. Awarding Bid Contracts - Summer Months Dr. Wells explained to the School Committee that a policy of awarding bids during summer months for goods and services , as a result of competitive bidding, had historically been that if the low bidder is acceptable , then the administration would accept same , and the 262 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17, 1986 School Committee would note such for the record at their next meeting. If the need arose to accept a bid other than the low bid, a special emergency meeting would be called for the purpose of selecting an acceptable bid. Dr. Wells was recommending that this practice be continued for this year. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick , that from the present time until the last meeting in August, if bids were opened, the administration could accept the low bidder, informing the School Committee of such acceptances at their next meeting, but if the need arose to accept a bidder other than the low bidder, a special emergency meeting would be called for the purpose of selecting an acceptable bid. Mr. Coco suggested they amend the motion to include a dollar amount limit, especially in light of the fact that the roofing bids would be ; coming in for the Joshua Eaton School in June. There was some discussion on this suggestion, and it was agreed that because of time constraints, and the fact that if the bids went over °` the dollar amount limit, it could cause delays in awarding the bid, the motion be voted on as originally worded. The vote was then taken on the original motion, and it was approved unanimously. Wellington School - Approval of Program Dr. Wells spoke briefly about the Wellington School' s request to add a 6th Grade to their program and approval of their present school programs in grades K-5. He stated Dr. Munnelly and Ed Sacco had gone down to the School to review their programs , and would give a recommendation on the addition of the 6th grade. Dr. Munnelly then explained that he and Mr. Sacco has completed their visit to the Wellington (Red Sneakers) School, had observed their teachers, and looked at their records, materials and testing programs. He stated the Wellington School has a daily and yearly schedule comparable to the public schools. Dr. Munnelly stated that 26 students from Reading attend this school from grades K-5. He indicated that initially he had some concerns about the one fifth- grade student this year, and the two that would .be in sixth grade next year, but after visiting the classroom, his concerns had been allayed. He felt the school personnel were handling this class in an adequate fashion. Dr. Munnelly stated the administration was recommending that the School Committee approve the programs for the Wellington School grades K-5 and the addition of a new grade 6. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve the programs at the Wellington School for 3 years for Grades K-5 and the addition of Grade 6 for one year. 263 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17 , 1986 Mr . Shannon, at this time , asked if the school had any plans to extend their programs beyond Grade 6? Dr. Wellington and the Director of the School, Beth Montillio, answered from the audience that they did not. A vote was then taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously. Policy Statement - Pre-Schcol Education Dr . Wells explained that this policy was the result of Dr. Alexanian' s and Robin Dantona's report to the School Committee at a previous meeting. He indicated this did not advocate the Reading School Department initiate a day care program, but rather that we offer our assistance in such a way that it would benefit young children when they enter our Kindergarten. The major reason for doing this was that it would be helpful when applying for grants for better programs for day care and regional programs for the town. Dr. Wells stated there is more and more evidence that these programs are educationally beneficial, and also that there is an increased need for these types of programs because many parents are working , creating more latchkey children who have no proper place to go before and after school. Mrs . Philbrick made a motion , seconded by Mr. Shannon, that the School Committee take a first vote on the Policy entitled, "Encouragement of Quality Pre-School Education" , as indicated on Enclosure B-3-e as Policy KC. Mr. Nissen made a suggestion that the word "the" be eliminated in the second paragraph, third line before the word, quality, and in the fifth line before the word, public. Carol Lyons then asked Dr. Wells if he would clarify his statement that this policy would make it possible to get more grants. Dr . Munnelly stated he could answer that question. He stated these grants were available through the Department of Education, under Chapter 188 , and if the School Committee showed their support for such programs by adopting a policy indicating that support, it would be helpful. Dr. Munnelly stated that they hoped to appoint a part-time coordinator from grant funds to help with family day care situations, address the issues of quality and coordination in those programs that do some parent education in the community, and enhance programs available to parents. He stated, therefore, a grant program that doesn' t commit the school system or community to a long-term funding for a coordinator is desirable at this exploratory stage . Mr. Coco stated he thought the policy, especially the last paragraph, was too broadly worded. He noted that the School Committee has just approved a program for a privately run pre-school and that the School Committee had never been asked by that school to encourage the 264 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17 , 1986. program whicn was successfully operated. Mr. Coco stated that the FCCUS Program at the High School started with a grant. Now we are funding this 100%. He stated since resources are already limited, a policy of this kind could open the door for us to spread these funds even thinner at the pre-school level. Mr. Coco stated he felt the major concerns should be with grades K-12 and not pre-school. Mr. Nissen stated that when the sub-committee made their report, they indicated they were looking only to plan the coordination of pre-school programs, and reach some level of consistency, and it was not their intention to directly provide pre-school services for children. He stated he didn' t see this as ever becoming a financial drain, and he would like to see the program get funds and if it works and it is reasonable, consider funding it ourselves. Mr. Shannon agreed with Mr. Nissen that it would be a short-term effort, and that he hoped it would increase the academic level at first grade and kindergarten. He stated he would also like to see the reevaluation of kindergarten, as most children now come to kindergarten with at least some nursery school or day care background. Mr. Shannon stated this might be an appropriate time to do the study work with the grants on a short-term basis. He stated he would support it this year, and perhaps next year it can be reevaluated. A vote was taken on the motion to accept the Policy KC , as noted above, and it was approved by a 5-1 vote, with Mr. Coco voting in the negative. Basic Skills Report Dr. Wells explained the reasons for the Basic Skills Testing, and Dr. Munnelly then discussed the report with the School Committee. He noted that the Reading students did well on the testing. Dr. Munnelly then stated that the State, after 6 years, was abandoning this part of the program and implementing a new one on a statewide basis. Mrs . Philbrick asked if there was any data that tells what other community norms were in order to better know how our students are doing. Dr. Munnelly stated the figure was 90% passing. He stated the problem was that each community presently used different versions of standardized testing which created variations in the results, and it was difficult to make accurate comparisions between communities on that basis. Dr. Munnelly then explained that there will be two test results coming , one which will give results of tests given last Spring which was called an assessment, and some time in October, there will be Basic Skills Tests , which results would list the children by name. Mr . Nissen asked , "Since the State would be implementing a new program, and our policy would become irrelevant, would it be reasonable for us to delete the present policy?" Dr. Munnelly stated that could be done. 265 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17, 1986 Mr . Nissen :jade a motion , seconded by Mrs . -Philbrick , that the Policy IGA, IL, Basic Skills Improvement, adopted March, 1979 , be deleted. Dr. Wells asked if perhaps we should have something to put in its place before deleting the Policy. Dr. Munnelly then stated Chapter 188 would mandate those parts of the program that deal with assessment. These tests results will have the children' s names and parents will receive reports and will be involved in the children' s performance. They will also be counseled how to respond to those results. There is also a requirement that there be a public report on how well the district does, which the State will also administer. Mr. Coco suggested that rather than delete the present policy, the administration recommend a replacement, based on the new Statute. He stated it could be rewritten to agree with Chapter 188 legislation. Carol Lyons then stated she was not comfortable deleting a Policy until something was ready to put in its place. Mr. Nissen withdrew his motion until a substitute policy could be prepared. A parent from the audience asked to be recognized, Mr. Aram Boornazian, and asked, how long the Basic Skills tests have been given in Reading? Dr. Munnelly stated since 1977. Mr. Boornazian then stated that after reading the results, he noted that the failing rate between the third and sixth grade was significant, and he felt this might be symptomatic . Dr . Wells stated this difference was present mostly because of the progressive difficulty of the tests. Mrs . Philbrick stated she agreed with Dr. Wells, that there were more students that pass a Basic Skills test at grade 3, than at grade 9 because of the difficulty of the tests. Dr. Munnelly stated he wasn' t sure there was an answer to that question, as historically the levels are showing up this way, and this was true in Reading and other communities. These tests were not done by one company, they were done independently, and that is one of the problems. Dr. Munnelly also noted that Reading excuses very few students from the testing , and other communities do this quite liberally. He stated that Reading does not panic about Basic Skills test results , if a student is even borderline, we give them help. Custodial Staff Reorganization Dr . Wells stated there was an aspect of this reorganization that he felt the School Committee should discuss in Executive Session because it included bargaining negotiations with this Union. Mr. Winslow then discussed the proposal with the School Committee which included eliminating one custodial supervisor's position, combining the two middle schools and four elementary schools under one custodial supervisor, and retaining the custodial supervisor' s position at R. M.H.S . He noted that the custodial supervisors would be required 266 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17 , 1986 to evaluate the work of all custodians in all schools under their jurisdiction. Also recommended was combining the part-time position at Coolidge Middle School and the supervisor's share of the workload at that school into one full time custodial position. Mr. Winslow reported that under the reorganization the custodial supervisor's office would be relocated to the Maintenance Garage in order to provide better coordination and communication between the maintenance staff and the custodial staff. Custodial Supervisor would work in close harmony with principals and would report to the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds. Mr . Nissen asked if any of the items being discussed were covered under the current contract? Mr. Winslow stated they were covered under the present contract. Mr. Nissen asked if the School Committee could eliminate a position under the contract? Mr. Winslow stated they could, but could not change a job description without negotiating. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs.Philbrick, to eliminate one custodial supervisor's position and create a full time custodial position at the Coolidge Middle School. Mr . Shannon stated he would like to discuss part of this . reorganization in Executive Session, as some items were a contractual matter. Mr. Coco stated he agreed and that he would like to get the administration to provide the School Committee, by the 1st meeting in September, a line organization chart of the custodial staff and the food services staff. After some discussion, Mr. Nissen withdrew his motion. Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons , that the Administration provide the School Committee, by the 1st meeting in September, a line organization chart of the custodial ' staff and the food services staff , in non-teaching positions . The vote was unanimcus. It was then agreed by members of the School Committee to discuss this item further in Executive Session, and, if necessary, go back into Open Session to vote on the reorganization. Waiver Request Dr. Wells read a letter to the School Committee from former residents of Reading, who through no fault of their own, had to relocate to Woburn, and had a son who wanted to remain at R.M.H.S . for his senior year. Due to economic difficulities, the family could not afford tuition. Dr. Wells recommended that this waiver be approved. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, that Cisco Naranjo of 49 Jefferson Avenue, Woburn, be granted a waiver of tuition as indicated on Enclosure C-3 for the 1986-87 School Year at Reading Memorial High School. The vote was unanimous. 267 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17 , 1986 Letter from Parents of R.M.H.S. Graduate Dr. Wells read a letter from Marie & John Horan of Reading thanking the Reading School System for the quality teaching their three daughters had received from Reading Schools. Dr. Wells noted that he had sent a copy of the letter to the schools involved, and teachers who read the letter were pleased that parents felt satisfied with their efforts. Leaves A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Carol Lyons, to approve a child-rearing leave for the School Year 1986-87 to Mrs. Lynne H. Cameron, teacher at the Killam school. The vote was unanimous . Dr . Munnelly informed the School Committee that a Maternity Leave would be taken by Mrs. Fatima M. Lyle, teacher at R.M.H.S. for eight (8 ) weeks beginning August 18 and ending October 10, 1986. Appointments Dr. Munnelly stated that the administration was recommending that Mrs. Doris Small be appointed to replace Jeff Cryan at the Coolidge School during his Sabbatical Leave in the Fall. He stated she would be paid at the permanent sub rate. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, to appoint Mrs. Doris Small, 101 King Street, Reading, to the position of English teacher at the Coolidge Middle School for one-half year to replace Jeff Cryan while he is on Sabbatical Leave, effective September 1986 and at the permanent substitute rate. The vote was unanimous . Reorganization Dr . Wells , Secretary to the School Committee, took over the meeting in order for the School Committee to hold elections of officers. He noted that historically there had been no written ballots , and he would continue to direct the elections if there were no objections. Dr. Wells then asked for nominations for Chairman. Mr. Coco stated he would like to nominate Barbara Philbrick , present Vice-Chairman, it was seconded by Carol Lyons. Mr. Nissen stated he would like to nominate the present Chairman, Clifford Allen, and this was seconded by Mr. Shannon. As there were no further nominations , the nominations were closed. At this time, Mrs . Philbrick indicated that, although she appreciated the nomination, she had to decline because of her schedule. A vote was taken on the nomination of Clifford Allen, and it was unanimously voted to elect him Chairman of the School Committee for the 1986-87 School Year. 268 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 17, 1986 Dr . Wells ,opened nominations for Vice-Chairman of the School Committee. Mr. Shannon nominated Mrs. Barbara Philbrick, seconded by Carol Lyons. There were no further nominations, and it was voted unanimously to elect Mrs. Philbrick as Vice-Chairman of the School Committee for the 1986-87 School Year. Mr. Cliff Allen stated he would like to announce that after Executive Sesssion, which would take approximately 1 hour, the School Committee would be going back into Open Session. At 9 : 35 p .m. , on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco, it was voted unanimously to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Bargaining and Negotiations. Return to Open Session At 10:55 p.m. , a motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Carol Lyons , to return to Open Session. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School,;; Committee approve the recommendations for custodial staff as indicated on Enclosure C-2, with the exception of paragraph 3 and the paragraph immediately following. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Shannon then requested that administration get a written clarification from Ted Cohen, Town Counsel, in regard to when the Open Session Minutes should be made available to the public. At this time, there was a discussion on the dates for the next School . Committee meetings. As Mr. Cliff Allen had a conflict which was work related on the previously scheduled date of July 14, he requested that another date be set. It was agreed that the next meeting would take place on July 7, 1986, and there would be an Executive Session meeting set up for Thursday, July 10, 1986, At 11 : 15 p.m. , a motion to adjourn was made by Carol Lyons, seconded by Mr. Coco „ and the vote was unanimous. Respectfully submitted, 4-44-154. A/12p- Robert S. Wells, Secretary