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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-09-08 School Committee Minutes 1 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES . SEPTEMBER 8, 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7: 35 p.m. on September 8, 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, Assistant Superintendents , Dr. Robert Munnelly, and Mr. Ronald Winslow, Al LaHood, Principal of the Coolidge Middle School, teachers, Stan Quinlan, Mary Cann, and Gloria Rosenthal, students , Jeremy Piper and Yee Fan Sun , parents, and a reporter from the Daily Times Chronicle. Approval of the Minutes of Meeting of August 25, 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of August 25, 1986 . Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills September 12, 1986 - General Expense - $40,429 .65 September 19, 1986 - General Expense - $80 ,619.88 Payrolls September 5, 1986 - Weekly - $25 ,210.08 September 12, 1986 - Weekly - 28, 641.08 September 19 , 1986 - Weekly - 29, 007 .25 September 18, 1986 - Teachers - 342, 234 .29 Mr . Coco wanted it stated for the record that he did not sign the following Salary/Expense Warrants as follows: Salary - dated September 12, 18 , and 19 , y986, and Warrant for General Expense, dated September 19-19-8-6 because these documents did not specify dollar amounts . He did sign the warrant for General Expense dated September 12 , 1986 . Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. 2 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 School Highlights Dr . Wells introduced Al Lahood, Principal of the Coolidge Middle School, who briefly described the program which had been featured into the 6th grade curriculum the previous Spring in conjunction with the Gloucester Fishermen's Museum. The project entitled "Sea Monsters" used a multi-media hands-on approach that included a two hour in-school workshop, followed by a four-hour workshop at the museum and surrounding seashore. All curriculum areas -- writing , art, research skills, and social studies -- -were included in the followup activities. Mr . Lahood then introduced Mrs . Mary Cann, Library/Media teacher, and Mr. Stan Quinlan, Math teacher, at Coolidge who participated in the projects with the students . A video and slides of the project in action were viewed by the School Committee, and students , Jeremy Piper and Yee Fan Sun read from their project reports. Mr . Cliff Allen thanked the students and teachers from Coolidge for presenting their project to the School Committee. Policy Review Dr . Wells stated that some information on the recruitment and selection of a Superintendent was included in each member`s packet of information. He stated that, as far as he knew, no subcommittee had been appointed, and if he could get a consensus of what the committee wanted in regard to the Principal ' s search, whether it was more input early in the process or at the end, it would be helpful in revising the policy. Mr . Shannon stated his major concern had been getting some feedback on the progress of the selection of the High School Principal . He stated under the current process, the School Committee had very little involvement and had just been presented with the accomplished fact. Mr . Cliff Allen stated he felt that early involvement made sense , and that involvement at the end of the process , might create duplication of effort. Mrs. Philbrick stated she felt that the committee should have ongoing feedback so that they could know where the process was, which could be accomplished by having a member of the School Committee as a member of the Screening Committee . Dr . Wells stated that there were presently 7 members on the Screening Committee , 5 educators , 4 of whom were employed in Reading and 1 not employed in Reading, and 2 citizens from the Town. He indicated that the School Committee could either add a member to the Screening Committee ,either another citizen or a member of School Committee . Dr. Wells stated that presently even 3 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 the Superintendent is not involved in the process until the six finalists are selected by the Screening Committee. He noted also that during the High School . Principal search this Spring, the Department Heads were upset because one of their numbers were not chosen as one of the educators for the Screening Committee, and petitioned the Superintendent to inform the School Committee, so that , should this come up again , they could be considered for selection. Mr . Coco stated he was in favor of a member of the School Committee being a member of the Screening Committee for both selection of the Superintendent and High School Principal , and would like to advocate also that the final 3 candidates be interviewed by the School Committee . Carol Lyons stated she agreed with Mr. Coco in advocating that the final 3 candidates be interviewed by the committee, and would not consider it burdensome to the process. She stated she would still like to see how other communities handled this and volunteered to call people in other towns that she knew would have this information. Mrs . Philbrick asked if this policy was just for the selection of principals, and Mr . Nissen noted that the policy covered all administrative positions. Mr. Nissen stated, although he had no strong feelings on this issue, he thought it would be reasonable to have a School Committee member on the Screening Committee . He stated that according to the Open Meeting Law, the interviews must be done in public, and he had no objection to this . Mr . Cliff Allen then stated that it seemed the consensus was to have a School Committee member on the Screening Committee for a search for a new Principal, but asked if they wanted to make this person one of the 7 or add an 8th member? Mr. Shannon stated he would prefer to add a member. Mr. Allen then asked if the search was at the High School or Middle School, should Department Heads be included in this revision ? There was a short discussion on this point, and it was decided not to include any further people in the revision. Mr . Shannon then asked Dr. Wells if the people on the Screening Committee were volunteers? Dr. Wells read the guideline for selection of the Screening Committee, but stated he had received requests from volunteers to be on the committee . Mr . Nissen stated, if he remembered correctly, the School Committee selected the citizens , the Superintendent selected the educators . Mr . Shannon stated he would like to leave the selection of the Screening Committee to the Superintendent, as he felt this was a managerial function. There was then a short discussion on including students on the Screening Committee . Carol Lyons stated , that although she understood the concern for confidentiality, she felt a student should be included. Mr. Nissen suggested that it might be wise to require the student to be from the Senior Class . Mr . Shannon 4 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 _Atated he thought it might be a better idea to have the student serve as a liaison person for input on an advisory basis , rather than be a voting member of the Screening Committee. Mr . Allen stated the major concern was to involve the School Committee early in the selection process by being included in the Screening Committee, and perhaps the participation of the student could be discussed at a later time. Mr. Coco stated in regard to student involvement, he could support some form of advisory setup, but he had concerns about making this person a voting member. Mr . Coco made a motion , seconded by Carol Lyons , that in the guidelines of School Committee Policy CBB, the Appointment of Principals , the Screening Committee be changed to include 4 educators employed in the Town of Reading, 1 educator employed outside the Town, 2 citizens of the Town, and 1 member of the School Committee, to be appointed by the Chairman. The vote was unanimous . Mr . Coco made a motion , seconded by Carol Lyons , to amend the Policy guidelines further to include the interviewing of the final 3 candidates by the School Committee prior to the final recommendation of the Superintendent. There was a short discussion on the fact that at present the Superintendent interviews six of the final candidates and makes his recommendation from that number. Mr. Allen stated, of course, the School Committee could elect not to approve the recommendation on a vote, but by Law, the Superintendent could bring the same recommendation before the committee three times, which would cause unnecessary delays in a final selection. Mr. Nissen stated he felt the interviewing of the final 3 candidates could: (1) provide the Superintendent with additional information on which to make his decision, (2 ) it could be beneficial in that the public would have some information on the final candidates , and, ( 3 ) help the School Committee to decide whether to endorse the Superintendent' s recommendation. Mr. Coco stated the Superintendent could still interview the final 6 candidates, and then select three for the School Committee to interview . Mr . Nissen stated it was very likely that the Superintendent could have made his decision before the School Committee did their interviews, in which case , they would just be going through the motions. Mr. Shannon, stated that if there was a School Committee member on the Screening Committee providing feedback, this would keep the other members informed as to where the selection had progressed . At that time , if they felt it necessary or felt uncomfortable about the situation in any way, the School Committee could then ask for an interview with the final 3 candidates. Mr. Shannon stated he would rather have it on an individual basis, and he also felt interviewing at a public meeting might not be productive. 5 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 .;arol Lyons stated she still felt that the School Committee should interview the 3 final candidates at a public meeting. She stated she felt the search for the new Principal at the High School had been a somewhat closed process and that she felt the School Committee members had no input . Mr . Coco stated he thought interviewing at an open meeting was an important part of the total picture and would give the public more information on the finalist prior to the final selection. Cliff Allen stated he could not support the amendment suggested by Mr . Coco because he felt the School Committee should decide whether they wanted to be policy makers or the Superintendent. He stated he felt appointments were the Superintendent' s responsibility. Mr. Shannon stated he was comfortable supporting the recommendation that was made for an additional member to the Screening Committee for a High School Principal, but unless there was some reason the School Committee felt they needed to interview the final candidates, this should be left to the Superintendent. Mr. Coco stated that this was the point he was making, because the last time interviews were requested , the time had not been allotted, because it was not written into the process , and therefore , the opportunity for interviewing never became available . He stated for that reason, he felt this should be definitively outlined in the process . A vote was taken on the motion to amend Policy CBB to include interviewing the final 3 candidates , and it was defeated by a 2-3 vote , with Mr. Nissen abstaining. Special Needs Transportation - Radio Equipment Mr . Winslow, on a request by the School Committee, explained that radio equipment was included in all of the special needs vans, and there would be no additional cost. He also noted that there was a monitor assigned to each van, along with the driver. Mr. Winslow stated that some vans would not have radios for a couple of weeks , because of a theft at the Bus Company, but as soon as they could be replaced, they would be installed. Council on Aging - Pearl Street Cliff Allen gave a brief report on his meeting with Mr. Fletcher of the Selectmen' s Office . He stated he had spoken with Mr . Fletcher in regard to a more detailed plan for the Council on Aging facility proposed for the Pearl Street School . He stated that Mr. Fletcher indicated there had been some confusion as to exactly what the School Committee wanted, but Mr. Fletcher assured him that this was all cleared up, and a finely detailed plot plan would be forthcoming within the next week or two. Superintendent' s1986-87 Goals and Objectives Dr. Wells discussed the four goals that he had listed on Enclosure B-3-a as his priorities for the forthcoming school year, which 6 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 were required as part of his evaluation process. He stated his first goal was the same as one of his goals last year, and he felt the reasons for his not being able to complete the goal was something beyond his control. This goal covered the development of collaboratives with other towns and institutions, the development of a five-year staffing plan to aid in curriculum revisions, and a five-year housing plan based on declining enrollments. Goal 2 dealt with the drop-out situation and the reasons for these students leaving school. Goal 3 had to do with "aging staff" and ideas to infuse vitality into the system. Goal 4 had to do with the new Town Charter and Town Manager as major changes in the Town's Government, and how a successful transition could be made . Dr . Wells stated that in speaking with the new High School Principal, Dr. Mark Piechota, that afternoon, they had agreed that both of them felt a commitment to developing collaboratives programs and working with the Department Heads and teachers, who sometimes held the view that this type of program was administration's way of doing away with their positions. He stated that Goal 2 attempted to deal with such things as causal effects of drugs and alcohol on the drop-out situation. Dr. Wells stated he would like to gather all the statistics first, and then work on possible solutions to getting the drop-out rate down. He stated he had three guidance people doing some research on this problem, and perhaps by Budget time, he would have some new or alternative programs . Dr. Wells stated in regard to Goal 3 , declining enrollment and aging staff, that teachers wanted a stronger say in programs . He noted that sometimes verbalizing a problem. incites action on the part of principals and teachers. Dr. Wells stated Goal 4 has to do with the New Charter . He stated the School Department Budget is almost 50% of the present Town Budget, and these powers have now been passed to the Town Manager. He stated he will attempt to keep education as a top priority by working with the Town Manager with full cooperation and collaboration whenever feasible. Dr. Wells noted that Winchester went through this transition approximately 10 years ago and has found that a cooperative effort between the Town Manager and School Administration has made this change effective and successful . Cliff Allen then asked if any of the committee members had any comments . Carol Lyons stated she was glad to see Goal 2 on drop-outs on the Superintendent' s list of priorities. She stated that getting the facts , figures and the whys will help with possible solutions and perhaps keep some of these students from leaving school. Dr. Wells noted that after talking with teachers and advisors, it is the feeling of many that there needs to be better interfacing between the middle schools and the high schools on this issue. He stated he did not want to eliminate , in any way , the present guidelines or requirements for graduation, but perhaps develop some alternate programs for these marginal students . 7 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 Mr. Coco stated he was pleased with the goals presented by the Superintendent, and would suggest to the Chairman that the new Town Manager be invited to come to one of the School Committee meetings, perhaps in October. Dr. Wells stated this was a good suggestion, but whereas all the Town meetings are also on Monday, the School Committee might have to consider a meeting on another night. Mr . Shannon stated that at meetings he had attended with Len D 'Orlando, former Principal of R.M.H.S. , a lot of efforts were directed to the marginal students. He felt there should be some emphasis on these students, as early as elementary grade levels . Mr. Shannon stated his concern was how the system could identify a drop-out sooner, as it seemed to him that by the time they reached the High School level it was almost too late . Dr . Wells noted that at meeting with Principals, a lot of them were concerned with what they called "hurting kids" . Kids who had, for one reason or another, difficulties at home. He stated that perhaps this could be studied, and some new and different programs could be developed for children with this type of problem. School Improvement Councils . Dr . Wells stated that there had been an administrative staff meeting in late August before school started. He noted that the Principals at that meeting indicated they wanted to get started with their School Improvement Councils as soon as possible . Dr. Wells indicated that the rules and regulations noted that the faculty of each school appointed their own teachers and the Principal was the Chairperson of the Council. He noted that the School Committee could appoint a citizen to the council at each school, but that the State advised against the School Committee members themselves serving in this capacity . Dr. Wells, asked if the committee wanted to ask for volunteers for these councils , perhaps through a notice in the newspaper or contacting the PTO's. He stated that if a citizen does volunteer, he must understand that he cannot have a child in the school on which he is a member of a council. Cliff Allen stated also that membership on a council was not limited to people who had children in school . After a brief discussion , it was decided that Dr . Wells would speak further with the Chronicle reporter, Mark Pillsbury, about an article calling for volunteers and that these people would be directed to call the Central Office for consideration . Enrollments 1986-87 Dr . Wells stated that the figures that he had obtained just that afternoon indicated that there were 3705 students enrolled in the Reading School System. He noted that Reading was unique in that their Kindergarten figures were staying very stable . There 8 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 followed a discussion on the variation in the figures. Dr. Wells stated that the High School enrollment will be declining rapidly in the next few years, and also that there were now only 15 or 20 students enrolled in the Northeast Vocational School. Mr . Nissen stated he noticed that the figures last year indicated there were 373 Juniors at the High School, and this year there are only 322. He asked if this difference represented drop-outs? Dr . Wells stated, at this point in the year, he couldn' t answer that because there still could be 6 or 7 seniorswho will enroll . He stated some juniors choose to stick it out and some, because they don' t have enough credits , won' t come back. Dr. Wells stated one of the problems with drop-outs is opportunities to work, as now you had to have a diploma to join the service and many other positions that did not call for a diploma in earlier years, now require it. He stated he will try to get more specific information about these figures. Financial Statements Account Balances - Mr. Winslow reviewed the account balances with the School Committee. He noted that this represented the second month of school year. Mr. Winslow noted that the Early Childhood Allocation would be receiving some additional funds , so that account was being kept open. Expense & Salary Account - Mr. Winslow indicated that there would be a dramatic change in these accounts in the next month , as invoices were coming in rapidly and would be processed quickly. Mr . Shannon noted that the custodial supplies account was very low , and Mr. Winslow stated this was because these supplies were purchased before the school year started. Notice from Town Clerk Dr . Wells stated he had received this notice from the Town Clerk which had indicated that the Town Charter required the School Committee to furnish the Town Clerk by Sept. 2 , 1986 with copies of all Rules and Regulations adopted by them ( all committee policies , school handbooks , and labor contracts) . Also as required by Section 8-8 , Rules and Regulations, of the Town Charter, any new policies adopted must now be filed with the Town Clerk and would not become effective until ten ( 10 ) days following the date they are filed. Opening Day Remarks Cliff Allen stated these enclosures were copies of his and Dr. Wells ' opening remarks to the faculty of the Reading Schoo]s on the first day of school. He stated he, Dr. Wells and Dr. Munnelly had attended this meeting and he, as Chairman of the School Committee, was pleased to be a part of this program. 9 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 leaves Mr . Winslow stated he had received a request for a 16-day extension of sick leave from Mrs . Jean Richardson, cafeteria worker at R.M .H.S. He stated Mrs . Richardson had received a 14-day extension earlier in the Spring because her foot surgery required additional time to heal and that her doctor has again recommended that she take an additional month to insure proper healing of the skin graft which had been performed. Mr. Winslow noted that this would complete the 30-day extension recommended in the Contract. Mr . Winslow stated Mrs. Richardson was a very loyal , dedicated employee, who had been with the SchoolSystem since 1968, and he was recommending the approval of this request. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick, to approve the request of Mrs . Jean E . Richardson, cafeteria worker at R.M.H.S. , for an additional 16-day extension of her sick leave. The vote was unanimous. Resignations Dr . Munnelly stated that this resignation was not noted on the Agenda, because of the lateness of its arrival . He stated he had received a letter late that afternoon from Keith Jones , Metco Instructor, resigning his position effective September 4 , 1986 . He stated he had spoken with Russell Hill , and Mr. Hill stated he only knew that Keith was applying for another position, but was unaware he had been hired. Dr. Munnelly stated he was recommending acceptance of this resignation, but in his letter to Keith , would state his displeasure with the lateness of the resignation. He also stated they would try to replace Keith as quickly as possible . A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Mr . Shannon , to accept the resignation of Keith Jones, Metco Instructor, effective September 4 , 1986. The vote was unanimous . Appointments Mr . Winslow stated he was recommending the appointment of Darlene C . Porter, 193 Lowell St. , Reading, as Secretary to the Principal of the Birch Meadow School . He stated that this position was posted and that there had been no in-house candidates. Mrs . Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve the appointment of Darlene C. Porter, 193 Lowell St. , Reading, as Secretary to the Principal of the Birch Meadow School , on Step 1 of the Secretarial Contract, effective immediately. The vote was unanimous . Dr . Munnelly then discussed with the School Committee the riffing of Home Economics teacher, Myrna Evans , which had been voted on at the end of the 1985-86 school year . He stated that he had 10 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 discussed with the School Committee earlier in the summer the fact that if Mrs . Evans didn' t get a position by the Fall , that he would come to them again. Dr . Munnelly stated under the RIF Clause, if a teacher has 20 years of service, they can take early retirement. He stated Mrs. Evans had a total of 13 years with the Reading School System and a total of 19 yrs . 5 mos. as a teacher in other systems. Dr. Munnelly explained that Mrs. Evans had been unable to obtain a position to date, and he was requesting that the School Committee amend the Rif action to become effective on Feb. 1 , 1987 . He stated if she obtained a position , in the meantime, she would, of course, chose to work. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen , seconded by Mr... Shannon , to amend the RIF action relating to teacher, Myrna Evans , voted by the School Committee on March 31, 1986, to become effective on Feb. 1 , 1987. The vote was unanimous . Dr. Munnelly reviewed the recommendations of administration for hiring of teachers as listed on Enclosures E-2 and E-3 . He reviewed each candidates qualifications and experience. Mr. Coco' asked if any of the candidates for the Gifted and Talented position had a Masters Degree? Dr. Munnelly stated there were , but their experience had not been broad enough , and although the recommended candidate -did not have a Masters , she had broad experience in education and the administration felt this was a bigger consideration. Recommended were : Ms . Nancy L. D'Ainato - Guidance/Psychologist - J. Warren Killam School - $23 ,125, M+3-2 Rate - Effective 9/22/86 Ms . Kathleen Melconian - Gifted & Talented - REACT Program - $26 , 415 , B+30-6 Rate - Effective As Soon As Possible Ms . Cara A. Chiacchia - Spec. Ed. .- "Birch Meadow School - $20 , 160 , B-1 Rate - Effective Retroactive to 9/2/86 Mrs . Marianne D. Walter - Grade 1 - Birch Meadow School - $27 ,382 , M-6 Rate - Effective Retroactive to 9/2/86 A motion was made by Mr . Nissen , seconded by Carol Lyons , to approve the appointments of teachers at the positions , salaries , and effective dates as listed on Enclosures E-2 and E-3 . The vote was unanimous . Mr . Shannon then stated he wished to comment again, in agreement with Dick Coco , on the fact that the Warrants submitted for signing had no figures on them. He felt this was not a good practice, and recuested that the administration make a greater effort to have the totals included on the documents . 11 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8 , 1986 soth Dr. Wells and Mr. Winslow indicated this was done as a matter Df convenience , as the figures were not always available the evening of the School Committee meetings, but that if the committee members wished, Mr. Winslow would call them to come to the office to sign the Warrants when the figures were available . At 9 : 55 p.m. , on a motion made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick, it was unanimously voted to go into Executive Session in order to discuss matters of Bargaining and Negotiations . At 10 : 30 p .m. , the meeting was adjourned in Executive Session.