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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-08-25 School Committee Minutes 285 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:35 p.m. on August 25, 1986 in the Superintendent' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Mr. George Shannon, who arrived a few minutes late, and Mrs. Barbara Philbrick, who had called to say she would be delayed until 8: 00 p.m . . Others in attendance were Superintendent, Dr. Robert S . Wells, Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Robert Munnelly, Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Business, Mr. Ronald Winslow, Principal of the Parker Middle School, Dr. Jack Delaney, parents, and a reporter from the Daily Times Chronicle. Approval of the Minutes of Meeting of July 22, 1986 A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Mr . Shannon, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of July 22 , 1986 . Mr . Allen, the Chairman, asked if there were corrections. Mr . Richard Coco, stated that he would like to make some comments regarding some statements by Mrs. Philbrick to Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, at the last meeting. Mr. Coco noted that Mrs. Philbrick had stated , in answer to a question from Mrs . Cooper about comments by Mr. Coco which were not in the minutes , that Mr. Coco had read the minutes and if he felt there were necessary changes he would have informed the committee . Mr. Coco wished to correct that statement by noting he had not read the minutes, because he was out of town at that time. He also wished to state, for the record, that when transcribing minutes he felt it was desirable to have more information rather than less, as these extra comments might prove helpful in the future. A vote was taken on the original motion, and was approved 3-0 with Mr . Coco and Ms . Lyons abstaining because of their absence from the July 22, 1986 meeting. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills August 1, 1986 - General Expense - $39,930 .59 August 8, 1986 - General Expense - 20,735.25 August 15, 1986 - General Expense - 51 , 256.16 August 22, 1986 - General Expense - 52,067.50 August 29, 1986 - General Expense - 32, 495.85 286 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES _ AUGUST 25, 1986 Payrolls August 1 , 1986 - Weekly - $18 ,479.90 August 8, 1986 - Weekly - 25,716.72 August 15, 1986 - Weekly - 19, 196.01 August 22, 1986 - Weekly - 18,310.86 August 29, 1986 - Weekly - 19,589.24 August 7 , 1986 - Teachers - 85,951.39 August 21 , 1986 - Teachers - 77,038.43 Citizens' Input Mrs . Kendra Cooper, a parent, asked to be recognized. She stated she had a question regarding what the committee felt was the proper procedure for having a correction made in the minutes of a previous meeting. Mrs. Cooper stated she had made a statement at a previous meeting regarding the Absentee Verification System and felt it had been quoted incorrectly in the minutes . She indicated she had written a letter and given it to Dr . Well ' s secretary . Mr. Allen noted that, as far as he knew, none of the committee members had any problems with corrections in the minutes . Dr. Wells indicated that perhaps if a citizen didn' t want to be misquoted , it could be required that they submit a written statement to the secretary at the end of the meeting, such as a moderator would require on motions at Town Meeting . Mr . Shannon stated he thought if there were any changes, the committee members should be made aware of it at the next meeting in order to review the request and then it should be noted in the following minutes . Mr. Allen agreed with Mr. Shannon that the committee members should be apprised of any changes before they are made . At that time, it was noted that the correction that Mrs. Cooper had requested in her letter had been included in the minutes of the meeting at which she had brought up the correction. Bid - Transportation (Special Needs) Mr . Winslow, Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Business, explained the bid list, Enclosure B-3-a, for the transportation of special needs students . He stated that the administration was recommending the contract be awarded to the low bidder, Parent Bus Services , Inc. of Andover, MA,-. A motion was made by Carol Lyons , seconded by Mr. Nissen, to award the bid for transportation of special needs students for the 1986-87 School Year, in the amounts indicated on Enclosure B-3-a, to the low bidder, Parent Bus Services , Inc . , Andover, MA. Mr . Shannon asked Mr . Winslow if there was anything in the contract which would allow the bidder to pass on any additional costs . Mr. Winslow answered there was not. Ms . Lyons asked why the bid by Transcomm, Inc. was so out of line with the other bids. Mr . Winslow stated it was his assumption that they were not that interested in obtaining the bid because they might be fully committed. Mr. Nissen asked how the prices compared against the 287 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25 , 1986 amount budgeted. Mr. Winslow indicated the amount budgeted was approximately $17 , 000 and would more likely be about $9 , 000 because the number of students being bussed had dropped from 11 to 5, although, he did note that the per student cost last year was higher, $8.88 per child. Mr. Coco then asked Mr. Winslow if the vans were radio equipped. Mr. Winslow stated only the wheelchair van was radio equipped. Mr . Coco stated, if his memory was correct, didn' t the committee agree that radios in the busses or vans should be included for safety reasons? Mr. Winslow stated, although it was not included in the bid, he could request the costs for including radios in the other special needs vans . Mr . Coco suggested amending the original motion, but Mr . Nissen stated since time was of the essence on this bid, that they vote on the motion and take up the issue of the radios and the additional costs at the next meeting. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was approved on a 4-0 vote, with Mr. Coco abstaining because of the radio equipment not being included in the bid. Policy Revision Dr . Wells explained how the policy revision issue had begun and suggested that if the committee wanted to continue with the project, that perhaps they could follow the example of Eugene Nigro , former member, who participated in the last revision, and appoint a sub-committee. He stated the School Committee could then review 2 or 3 policies per meeting. Dr. Wells stated that he had received recommendations from committee member, Stan Nissen, and had given each member a copy. Mr. Shannon stated he was very impressed with the time Mr. Nissen had taken to review the School Committee policies, but he had some questions and observations . He stated he disagreed with Mr . Nissen on the Principal Search Policy recommendation, and he felt that the committee should take an early role in the selection process, and even appoint a liaison person, so as to receive more feedback on the final candidates. Mr. Shannon also asked what Mr. Nissen meant, on Item 1, the Golden Age Policy, when he stated that it should be publicized? Mr . Nissen stated he thought , perhaps , a small article in ewMrapShan�onnstatedton senior citizens of the policy' s Item 9 , Tuition Waiver, that he thought the tuition waiver was only at the discretion of the Superintendent, once the school year had started. Mr . Cliff Allen agreed with Mr. Shannon that the School Committee should be more involved in the Principal Search. He requested that Dr . Wells obtain policies from other cities and towns from the MASC and, if possible, from other organizations for review by the committee. Mr. Allen stated he would not be comfortable suggesting any changes in this policy until he could review 288 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1986 policies of other towns. Carol Lyons stated she thought that the suggestion of the Student Advisory Committee that a student be included on the committee was a good idea. She felt they had valid reasons for participating in this project, and wondered if other towns had students on the committee, how they were chosen, etc. Mr. Allen stated he had some concerns about repercussions on the student, if the candidate was not successful. Mr . Shannon stated his only concern with a student participating was the matter of confidentiality. He stated an adult would be held accountable for this , but was not sure that would be true for a student. He thought it might be a more practical idea to create an advisory board and have them give their input. Mr. Shannon then noted, if, after that time, the committee wished to expand the advisory board' s role, it could be done, but suggested the committee consider the issue carefully. Mr. Cliff Allen noted that if during the process there are one or more meetings held , perhaps some written statement from the Student Council could be requested, short of directly involving them in the committee. Addenda 1 & 2 Dr . Wells requested that at this time , the School Committee consider discussing Addendum 1 and Addendum 2, items which were not included on the Agenda. Addendum 1 - Dr. Wells indicated that Addendum 1 was in regard to the plan for the Council On Aging facility at the Pearl Street School, which had been requested from the Selectmen' s Office . D . Wells stated he had received the plan, which each member had a copy of, from Mr. Fletcher' s office and which had been reviewed by Cliff Allen and Ron Winslow previous to the meeting . He • stated that it seemed they were going lthey oproposede on northel plan were Highland, because th e buildings Dr . Wells stated that our concerns were the route of traffic t dindicated they spaces . were going to noted relocate the the backst Selectmen' s letter, Mr. Winslow stated that Mr. Fletcher had indicated to him that if the School Committee had any concerns that they would be taken into consideration, as the plans were not unchangeable at this stage. Mr. Allen stated one other concern was protecting the accessibility of the rear door for deliveries and for when the gym was in use. Mr. Winslow noted, as far as the parking spaces were concerned, Mr. Fletcher stated if there were five cars involved with the Council On Aging facility, it would be surprising, as most people would be arriving in the van. Mr . Allen thought perhaps the committee would want to restate 1 their concern for safety some the come back llin possibility that tasha building might, school. 289 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25 , 1986 Mr. Shannon stated he felt that the committee still had inadequate information and did not feel comfortable voting to approve the plan as presented . He felt the areas could have been defined better. Mr. Coco asked if there would be driveways. Mr. Winslow stated he had been told there would be a road going around between the fence and the building on the north side to accommodate fire apparatus, etc. Carol Lyons agreed that the plan gave insufficient information. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Shannon, that the School Committee inform the Selectmen' s Office that until they can provide them with amore accurate , detailed plot plan on the Pearl Street site, the School Committee cannot approve the plan for the Council On Aging Drop-in Center. Mrs . Philbrick asked if the Town was going to change the driveways, or were they putting new ones in. Mr. Winslow stated originally they talked about putting in a new driveway, but the plan now shows they are staying with what is there, which is a driveway around the building . Mr. Allen stated that although this plan was superior to the previous one , it still did not give enough detail . Dr.Wells suggested that the committee inform the Selectmen' s Office that the plan met certain specifications, but that the School Committee would not give final approval until they had reviewed the final working drawings . Mr. Shannon felt this was what was requested the last time from the Selectmen, and that the committee should be more forceful in their present request. A vote was made on the motion and it was voted unanimously. Mr. Cliff Allen stated that perhaps in the letter to the Selectmen, it could be stated in a sentence at the bottom of the letter , assuming that the more detailed plan was submitted, this matter could be taken up at the next two School Committee meetings. Addendum 2 - Dr. Wells stated that this was in regard to a large Grant which Boston University had received to develop a model program for the preparation of science teachers of Middle Schools . He stated that B . U . wished to involve Parker Middle School teachers , Kathy Jacobitz and Bill Carne, in this program. Dr . Wells , stated that it was a two-phase program - and if the committee accepted the offer, they would also be accepting the hiring of a full-time science teacher, which would be paid for through a special account from the grant , in the amount of $30,000 , which would include other benefits ( insurance, health, etc. ) This new teacher would allow the two selected teachers to work at Boston University alternately, approximately one semester each. Dr . Wells indicated that Dr . Delaney had interviewed candidates for this position, and his recommendation for this position would be brought up with the appointments. Dr. Delaney then informed the School Committee in more detail , about the project. He stated he felt the school system would benefit in 290 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25 , 1986 improved instruction and positive public relations. He assured the committee that there would be no loss of quality in the 1 science classes taught by these teachers . Dr. Delaney also stated that there would likely be additional money for Modems at the school, which would be connected to Boston University. He also felt that the program would contribute to teacher education, and it was his hope that they would give their approval. Mr . Coco asked if there were any other schools participating beside Parker? Dr. Delaney stated there would be only two people from Parker. Mr. Coco stated that initially then there would be two new people in the science department, and two other veterans would be particiapting in this program and did Dr. Delaney feel this could be a problem for the department, as almost 2/3rds would be new staff . Dr . Delaney stated that the Science Department worked very closely and well together, and that in actuality they would be getting more than the benefit' •of one teacher. Dr. Wells stated that one of the new appointments in that department would be Dave Williams who was a very experienced teacher, transferring from Joshua Eaton. Dr . Delaney also stated that the teacher selected for a replacement was a very good candidate. He stated also that the program would be evaluated next Spring. Mr . Nissen made a motion, seconded by Ms . Lyons, that the School Committee accept the proposal to participate in the Boston University Grant from the National Science Foundation as described in Addendum 2, dated August 22, 1986 . Mr. Shannon asked if there was a commitment for the funding of the $ 30 , 000 for the next year . Dr . Delaney stated he asked that question of Boston University that afternoon, and they guaranteed the money was earmarked for a two-year period. Mrs . Kendra Cooper , a parent , asked if there was chance that Coolidge would also be able to benefit by this program? Dr . Delaney stated that department heads from both Middle Schools would share the information. A vote was taken on the motion and it was approved unanimously. Account Balances Mr. Winslow reviewed the Account Balances, Enclosure C-1-a , with the School Committee. He noted that the balances listed under salaries and general expense was money that was encumbered. Mr. Coco questioned when the amount of $ . 94 , under Commonwealth Inservice Grant, would be taken off the balances, and Mr. Winslow stated it would be taken out after approval by State Dept . of Education. 291 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1986 Salary & Expense Report Mr. Winslow reviewed the Salary & Expense Report, Enclosure C-1-b, with the School Committee , and noted that $6 , 491 . 51 had been returned to the Town . Mr . Winslow stated last year it was $1, 426.00 . Cafeteria Statement Mr . Winslow reviewed the Cafeteria Statement, Enclosure C-1-c , and noted that, as was typical, the cafeteria showed a loss in June . He noted that the overall profit for the year was $7,059.82. Mr. Coco reminded the committee of their discussion earlier in the summer regarding participation by Parker School in the cafeteria program. Mr. Winslow stated Cathy Cook was aware of their concern and would be reporting in more detail when school started. There followed a short -discussion on the reasons for this low participation. Organizational Chart (Custodians & Cafeteria) Mr. Winslow stated this chart was the result of a request from the School Committee at the time that the custodial reorganization had come before them, and it included food services. He noted that a table of School Department personnel which had been prepared in 1980 was also attached for informational purposes. Mr. Coco asked if there hadn' t been someone approved to help Cathy Cook with her clerical work . Mr. Winslow indicated that this person was listed with the driver. Mr. Coco stated he thought this person should be moved up near the Director ' s name . Mr . Winslow stated that the committee had never authorized a clerical position in the cafeteria, but that the committee had only agreed to have a cafeteria worker help Cathy with the clerical work. School Opening Information Dr . Wells explained this was a notice mailed to the teachers regarding the opening of school . He invited any of the School Committee members , who should so desire , to attend any of the meetings of the faculty and noted that there would be a speaker, as there was last year, to speak to the faculty on Wednesday, Dr. Bruce McPherson, Author and Educator, who would speak on issues of the School Reform Movement. Status Report on School Personnel Dr . Wells went over a list of vacancies that the administration was working to fill before the start of school, and indicated that there would be four appointments to be approved later tonight. He indicated he had received two late resignations from June O'Neill, 292 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25 , 1986 a teacher at Birch Meadow , and Nicholas R. Maffei , 2/5 time instrumental music teacher, both of whom they intended to hold to their 30-day contract clause . Dr. Wells, stated Dr. Munnelly was hoping to have replacements before school started, but barring that, both the teachers would be expected to be at their jobs on the first day of school. He also indicated that they were still searching for a replacement for Eileen Woods , Gifted & Talented teacher. Carol Lyons asked if there were not any candidates that the administration could recommend? Dr . Wells stated there were none at this time. Dr . Wells then stated he had spoken with Dr. Piechota, Principal at R.M.H.S . , and after much consideration, it had been decided that he and Mr. Quinn, would take over the responsibilities of the discipline for the high school for the next month or so . He stated that the administration at the High School had done a wonderful job over the summer, and he felt that the school year would get off to a good start. Progress Report on Summer Maintenance Mr. Ron Winslow reviewed the progress that had been made over the summer on the repairs that were to be completed for the opening of school. Mr. Winslow then noted repairs that had been undertaken and satisfactorily completed in a number of the schools and the school grounds. He stated brickwork had been done on a number of boilers which was necessary because the new boilers burned brick out faster than the older types, but that the heating system was just about where it should be. Mr. Winslow stated there was one small boiler they were hoping to replace the burner in and perhaps convert to gas, to save the school from having to fire one of the large boilers to heat the water for school athletics from September until heating season started. He then stated that the Computer Lab was operating . Mr. Winslow stated that Larry Moore was more satisfied with the condition of the schools this year than last year . He then invited the members of the School Committee to visit the schools and review the repairs if they so wished. Mr. Allen asked what the condition of the Coolidge r.00f was? Mr . Winslow stated it was completely installed , and there were no leaks . Mr . Allen stated that he had been in two schools and felt they were very clean and ready for the students to return. School Committee Meeting ( Lynnfield , N . Reading , Wakefield & Reading) Dr. Wells explained to the School Committee that at a meeting with the Superintendents of these towns , they spoke of some of the continuing aspects of collaboration between the four towns. Dr. Mayo, Superintendent of Wakefield, stated that his School Committee has informed him they would like him to ask his colleagues to try to get a favorable reaction from other committees to hold a meeting and ask someone to prepare an Agenda . 293 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1986 They want to know how serious the different committees are in regard to collaboration. Dr. Wells stated that the decision was the committee's as to whether they would like to attend. He noted that most of the School Committees met on Monday or Tuesday nights. Mr . Allen asked if it was their thought to involve all members of the School Committee? Dr. Wells said the first meeting would probably be a full meeting, but perhaps, the future meetings could be with a sub-committee. The members then had a discussion as when they could attend such a meeting. Dt . Wells stated he felt they were thinking of September or October. Carol Lyons stated her feeling was that an Agenda would definitely be necessary. All the members agreed that, barring commitments that were already made they would make an effort to be present at such a meeting. Leaves of Absence Dr . Wells stated he had received a letter from Jill Pelunis , Sp/Lang . teacher at the Joshua Eaton School, requesting a Child-Rearing Leave of Absence for the 1986-87 School Year, and the administration was recommending approval. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick, to grant a Child-Rearing Leave of Absence to Mrs . Jill Pelunis , Sp./Lang . teacher at Joshua Eaton School for the 1986-87 School Year, and the vote was unanimous. Mr . Winslow then stated he had received a request for a 6-month Personal Leave of Absence from Kevin Strong, a custodian, in order to get a business running. Mr. Winslow noted that administration was not recommending this leave be granted because the reason given in the request was not consistent with the intent of such leave. A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick, to deny the request of Kevin Strong , Custodian, for a 6-month Personal Leave of Absence, as recommended by the administration. Mr. Nissen asked how long Mr. Strong had been working in Reading, and Mr . Winslow stated , 4 years . Carol Lyons asked for a clarification of his reasons for the request. Mr. Winslow stated that he had bought a business and from what he understood , he wanted to see if it would be successful . Mr. Shannon noted that approving this request, for the reasons stated, could set a bad precedent. Mr . Allen reminded the members that an affirmative vote would be to disapprove the leave. A vote was taken on the motion and it was unanimously passed. 294 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25 , 1986 Resignations Dr. Wells stated he received the following resignations and was recommending they be accepted: Eleanor C. Wall - Birch Meadow - Effective 9/14/86 Maureen Zolubos - R.M.H.S . - Effective 8/29/86 Patricia D. Worden - Killam - Effective End of 1985-86 School Year Sandy McCarty - Sp. Educa. - Effective End of 1985-86 School Year Pearl Ferris,Secy. - Birch Meadow - Effective 9/5/86 A motion was made by Mr . Nissen, seconded by Carol Lyons , to accept the resignations of teachers Eleanor C. Wall , Patricia D. Worden and Sandra McCarty, Assistant Principal, Maureen Zolubos , and Pearl Ferris, Secy, on the effective dates listed above. The vote was unanimous. • Dr . Wells then stated the administration had received two late • resignations from June M. O'Neill, a teacher at the Birch Meadow School, and Nicholas R. Maffei, 2/5 instrumental music teacher, and was recommending acceptance, only if a suitable replacement could be found before the opening of school, otherwise they would be held to the 30-day clause in their contracts . A motion was made by Mrs . Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to accept the resignations of June M. O'Neill, effective September 21 , 1986, and Nicholas R. Maffei, effective September 25, 1986 , unless suitable romt could be immediately . those which heywuldbeeffectie The v ote was unanimous . Appointments Dr . Wells reviewed the list of appointments, Enclosure F & Fl , with the School Committee and stated the administration was recommending the following: Ms. Linda A. Rozzi, 34 Theroux Drive , Chicopee, Math teacher, Reading Memorial High School, for the 1986-87 School Year. Mrs . Karen A. Rickerhauser, 44 Louanis Drive, Reading , Grade 4 teacher, Killam School, for the 1986-87 School Year. Ms. Camille T. Visconti, 211 Washington St. , Reading, Math teacher , Reading Memorial High School , for the 1986-87 School Year. 295 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 25, 1986 Ms. Lauren S . Hutchins,22 Lawrence St. , Wakefield, Science teacher, Parker Middle School, for the 1986-87 School Year. ( This position funded by the B.U. Middle School Science Teacher Preparation Project. ) A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Carol Lyons , to approve the appointment of the teachers to positions and salaries as listed on Enclosures F and Fl , for the 1986-87 School Year. The vote was unanimous. School Committee Schedule A review followed of the tentative School Committee schedule which each member had received. After a short discussion, it was agreed that the committee would review it further and approve it at their next meeting. Mr. Cliff Allen then stated he would entertain a vote to go into Executive Session, but that the committee would be going back into Open Session to ratify a contract at approximately 10 :00 p.m. At 9 : 25 p .m. , on a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr . Shannon, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session in order to discuss matters relating to Bargaining and Negotiation and a Workmen' s Compensation issue . RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 10 :01, on a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Carol Lyons, and after a proper roll call vote, the committee voted unanimously to go back to Open Session. Secretarial Contract Mrs . Philbrick stated that the Secretarial Union Membership had ratified the 3-year contract which had been presented, and the School Committee could ratify it tonight. A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Mr . Shannon, to ratify the SecretarialUnion Contract for a 3-year period. The vote was unanimous . At 10 : 05 p .m . , on a motion by Mr . Coco , seconded by Mrs . Philbrick , it was uanimously voted to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, :f h Robert S. Wells, Secretary