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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-10-06 School Committee Minutes 21 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7: 30 p.m. on October 6 , 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, Jack Delaney, Principal of the Parker Middle School, Bill Carne, Science teacher at Parker, Jack White, Athletic Director, and parents. Approval of Minutes of September 22, 1986 A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick , to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of September 22, 1986 . Mr. Allen wished to note that there was a substituted Page 1 , with updated figures . The vote was taken and the Minutes were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills October 10 , 1986 - General Expense - $57 ,550 .99 October 17 , 1986 - General Expense - 36 ,778 .69 Payrolls October 10 , 1986 - Weekly - $29 ,399 .13 October 17 , 1986 - Weekly - 30, 646 .90 October 16, 1986 - Teachers - 359 ,699 .02 Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' input. School Highlights Dr . Wells introduced Bill Carne , of the Parker Middle Science Department , who had gone to the West Coast this summer to participate in a program sponsored by the National Science Foundation for science teachers on the subject of earth science and volcanology. 22 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 Mr . Carne then explained that the trip had begun with a flight ram into Portland, Oregon.u AtoeMtSeRainieraand thenatoeMt.tHoodrOgThe continued with a trip p second week, there was an excursion to Lava Butte, a location that had been used to train Astronauts , a 3-day trip to Crater Lake , and finally, a climb into the crater of Mt. Helen' s. Mr. Carne explained that their party was allowed to enter this area only with very special permiss�oh► and volcanists closed the area for research After the video film about the features of the trip. presentation, Mr. Carne thanked the School Committee, Administration, and his own school Administration for their support in pursuing these projects. Mr. Carne felt eat he had grown personally and as a teacher due to this exp Cliff Allen thanked Mr. Carne for his interesting presentation. School Im rove ment Co uncil Ap ointment Dr. Wells reviewed with the School anot h er lvolunteer foruthe to School the Chronicle advertise for Improvement Council vacancy at Killam. He stated that he had article . two telephone calls da result Patricia York, article. One was from Linda called in that order. In fairness , he had selected the first ! caller and explained to the lDr� Wells then stated he was , to both of o these volunteers .Linda Goodemote for appointment to the therefore, recommending Killam School Improvement Council. A motion was made b Mr . Nissen , Killam School Improvement Council appoint Linda Goodemote, to the The vote was unanimous. Re•uest for waiver of Sunday Participation Policy (IGDD) Dr . Wells lained that he had received a request from Music Di rectoor,, B Barry Low, and Band Director at the High art ci Dave Bunten, to waive this Policy so that the Band could P icipaenin Interscholastic Band Competitions which included uall Y on a critiquing. He stated these were held in the Fall, usworthwhila possib and booex Mr. Low lore. Drs. Wells nstated lin lthe a last few years thesiandity to P the Band had participated in a Woburn Parade in October, and this was the date on which the interscholastic parti� pateoi�ntheuparadee place. Therefore, the Band would but instead compete in the contest. A motion was made b Mrs. Philbrick , seconded by Mr. Shannon, to wgive the Sunday Participation Policy (IGDD) , to allow the Band to participate in no more than two Interscholastic Competitions . 23 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6, 1986 Ir . Coco asked if bands were invited to participate in these competitions? Dr. Munnelly stated they made application and there were usually a limited number who could be included in each competition . Mr . Coco then asked if transportation had been provided? Dr. Munnelly stated that funds had been appropriated for transportation to the Woburn parade, and those funds could be used for the competition. Mr. Coco stated he would like to see a report made of the Music Department' s evaluation of participating in these competitions after they had competed. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Athletic Issues Dr . Wells stated that Jack White, Athletic Director, was present to give the School Committee an overview of the Athletic Program and where it fit into the entire scheme of education in the Reading School System. Mr. White stated he would like to explain to the Committee his philosophy about athletics in the Reading Schools. He stated it was his view that participation in any form of athletics should be considered a priviledge. Mr. White noted that he felt that the Reading School System was an excellent one , one in which there were excellent programs, facilities, and a high level of participation , even though they were one of the 5 smallest schools in Division 1 . He noted that in the past year he had developed a Coach' s Handbook, which he hoped would alleviate the problem of different approaches by coaches which sometimes created problems in having a smooth running program. Mr. White stated that the fundamentals that coaches taught were very important. He stated that this year he had started a "Captains ' Club" which would meet monthly to discuss various issues , problems, etc. in the hope that this dissemination of information would make for a better understanding between teams. Mr. White stated there had been a meeting held at which there was a discussion on chemical abuses . He noted that there were approximately 600 present. Mr. White also stated there was another meeting scheduled for October 20th, at which Walt Sweeney, former professional football player and drug abuser would speak to the students . Mr . White stated that the declining enrollment made it difficult to hire coaches with enough expertise . He then passed to each School Committee member a Summary of Participation in Interscholastic Sports Programs. Mr. White noted that there were 635 participants in athletic programs last year, which with an enrollment of approximately 1, 300 represented a good percentage of the student body. Carol Lyons asked if Mr. White would share his views on having a full-time trainer in the Athletic Department. 24 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 Mr . White stated he had a part-time trainer, Michael Zuccala, who had been doing an outstanding job. He stated that it was difficult to retain a person like Michael, because the School System could only offer part-time employment. In fact, he noted this was the first season that there would be an athletic trainer for all three seasons, and who would be present at all contests. Mr. White stated that Michael was working to train students in this area. He also stated that one of the female students had attended a State College workshop for trainers this past summer. Mrs . Philbrick asked if Mr. White has pursued the possibility of co-op students from Northeastern, for example, to work as trainers. Mr. White stated he had been doing that, but most of the students in this field were going to work for Health Clubs , etc. and not going into teacher training type positions, mostly because of the drop in enrollments. Mrs. Philbrick noted then it was not because of financial strains , but because the colleges did not have the people to send out that this problem existed. M . White answered in the affirmative. He stated, it was his hope, that in the future, it might be possible to have a trainer in the School System on a full time basis. Carol Lyons asked if there had been any interest by students or faculty in an ice hockey team for girls? Mr. White stated the problem with this possibility was that because of Liability Insurance costs, it was quite possible that ice hockey even for the boys would come to an end, as there would conceivably not be any hockey rinks around. Carol Lyons g nstr•themtand of User' s Reading would stated never was have to was agaa r implement this altenative. As there were no further questions , Mr. Cliff Allen thanked Mr. White for his report. Financial Statements Mr. Ron Winslow reviewed the Account Balances with the School e Committee. He noted there were no major change except the c in the P .L . 874 account of which $4 ,000 has been p budget. Mr. Winslow then reviewed the Salary & Expense Reports . He stated that in the 2000 series the department was at the highest level of expenditure, because this represented the purchase of supplies and materials for the schools . A l other rhasing and following along with the regular pattern expenditure. Per Pupil Expenditure Data ( 1984-85 ) Dr . Wells stated this material was given to the School Committee . 26 for informational purposes . He stated it had arrived on resented in booklet form. Dr. Wells stated this report p comparisons with other communities on educational costs . He stated there was another report giving intergrated costs , such as 25 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 :he cost of the Regional Vocational School , but since the Town has no control over these costs , he did not feel it was a good instrument to use . He noted that Reading was below the State Average under the regular day program K-12 and in the Special Needs area also. He then reviewed briefly other items on the report. Mr . Coco asked why the report was for 1984-85 and not for the last year . Dr. Wells stated because the information for the 1985-86 year had just been presented in September, and traditionally, this information would not be available until at least March or April at the earliest. Mrs. Philbrick stated, as a point of information, that at the last meeting of the League of Women Voters, she learned they would be focussing on education in Reading. She stated that someone from the League would be contacting either Cliff Allen, Chairman of the Committee, or one of the other members to help with the report. Roof Repairs Mr. Ronald Winslow reviewed the status of the repairs on the roof at R.M.H.S . He stated the membrane had been completed, and the roofer had moved to the Eaton School to complete repairs there . He stated that the flashing at the High School will be completed by next week. Mr. Winslow informed the Committee that Reading ' s insurance agent had been out to estimate the damage and that the insurance agent for South Roofing was expected this week. Mr. Winslow noted that most of the damage was to the ceiling . He stated he had discussed with Larry Moore, the possibility of using a suspended ceiling when repairs are done, which he felt would save energy. Mr. Winslow stated he would obtain prices for both methods of repairing the ceiling and bring these costs back to the School Committee for consideration. He stated he would be ready to start bidding in approximately two weeks . He also noted that it was possible the costs may be sufficient enough that it would have to go before the Town Meeting for approval. Mr . Coco asked if the insurance carried by the Roofer was going to be sufficient to cover damages? Mr. Winslow stated he understood the roofer had a $2, 500 deductible on his coverage , but acknowledged that the damages were caused by his repairs and understood it was his problem. Mr . Winslow then discussed briefly the water leak which had occurred that day at the Pearl Street School . He stated Larry Moore and his crew were on top of the situation, but because they did have to shut the water down, the Red Sneakers classes had had to close tor the day . Mr . Winslow stated that he felt it was possible some repairs to the plumbing would have to be done sometime in the near future at the School . 26 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 Lift for the Physically Handicapped (R.M.H.S. ) Dr . Wells explained that this lift was needed because of a physically handicapped student who had some art classes in the lower level of the school, which were now only accessible by a stairway or by going out a doorway to the outside, and entering from another doorway at the lower level. He stated he felt it more equitable to install a lift. Dr. Wells noted the Enclosure C-5 , which pictured the lift, indicatedace onsthetstairwayd and could be folded up to avoiroximately $18 ,000. Dr. Wells stated stated this could cost approximately but it would take they had investigated the possibility of a ramp, almost the entire corridor because of the restrictions on heights , etc. Mrs. Philbrick made oonato obtain bids seconded the Lyons, installationh authorize of a the administrate ti wheelchair lift at R.M.H.S. The vote was unanimous. October 1 Enrollments & Agenda Calendar (Revised) and The School Committee reviewed the above enrollment t d at the approved the revisions on the Agenda last meeting. Leaves Mr . Winslow stated he has received a request from Mrs . Phyllis Winkler , Cafeteria Worker , for a 30-day extension of her sick her leave. He noted that Mrs . Winkler had and had one co ditions d e hrm which required tests and therapy physician not to return to work until s a ad abde completed.o Mr . Winslow stated Mrs . Winkl employee who has been employed here since 1973 , and he was recommending approval. Mr . Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve a 30-day extension of sick leave, as called for in the Cafeteria Workers Contract, for Mrs. Phyllis Winkler. Mr . Coco asked if this was Mrs . Winkler' s first request asked if Mrs Mr. Winslow stated s Winkler would be abol�e stated she would. A vote the of then taken extension. Mr. Winslow the motion and it was approved unanimously. Appointments Dr. MunnellY stated the administration was the appointment of Mrs . Sandra H. Sheppard, position as Asst. English teacher at R.M.H.S. , who was accepting a p Principal at No. Middlesex. Dr. Munnelly reviewed Mrs. Sheppard' s experience and qualifications with the Committee. 27 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 Mr . Coco made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve the appointment of Mrs . Sandra H . Sheppard, 134 Wilmington Rd. , Burlington , as an English Teacher on Step B-5 , at $23 , 976. 00 , effective retroactive to October 3, 1986. The vote was unanimous . Dr . Munnelly then stated he had received a resignation from Nancy D'Amato, Psychologist at the Killam School, who had been appointed on 9/22/86 . She had informed Dr . Munnelly after working for three days , she decided she preferred to work with adults and would not be returning . Dr . Munnelly stated that a qualified replacement had been found, and he was recommending the appointment of Tona Buros, 244 Glen Rd. , Weston as Psych./Counselor at the Killam Elementary School at the rate of CAGS 1 - $22,934.00. Dr. Munnelly briefly discussed Ms. Buros ' experience and qualifications. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Coco, to appoint Tona Buros , as Psych./Counselor at the Killam School at the rate of CAGS 1 - $22 , 934 . 00 , effective immediately. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Wells then stated that the administration was recommending the appointment of Patrick Schettini as Assistant Principal at Reading Memorial High School. Dr. Wells stated that Mr. Schettini was a finalist for the vacancy of Principal last year and had been training as an assistant since 1980 . He noted that there were approximately 40 candidates for this position. Dr . Piechota , Principal at R.M.H.S . , and a Screening Committee of 7 had narrowed that number to four candidates whom they presented to him. Dr. Wells indicated this was narrowed to two finalists , Dr . Joan DeSalvo, Focus teacher at R.M.H.S . , and Patrick Schettini , Director of Data Processing and Math teacher at R.M.H.S . He stated he and Dr. Munnelly had interviewed both candidates and found them both to be eminently qualified. Dr. Wells stated they had chosen Mr . Schettini , over Dr. DeSalvo, because of his ' more extensive administrative experience. He also stated he would like to say he felt Dr . DeSalvo had excellent credentials and would be a good candidate for any future administrative vacancy. Mr . Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs . Philbrick , to appoint Mr . Patrick Schettini , Jr . , as Assistant Principal at Reading Memorial High School, at Administrators ' Contract Rate of 1. 24 X $31, 308 .00, effective immediately. Carol Lyons then stated she was uncomfortable with this appointment, as she felt that other finalists had qualifications just as outstanding as Mr. Schettini ' s . She asked if she could see the resume of Dr . DeSalvo. Dr . Wells stated he had Mrs . DeSalvo' s resume with him, which he would be glad to share. Mr. Shannon stated he thought that when Mr. Quinn, the other Assistant Principal was appointed last year, it had been agreed that the School Committee would at least get a copy of resumes of the finalists to review. He also stated as Mr . Schettini had 28 _READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 6 , 1986 just been appointed Director of Data Processing, he for someone assumed 1 the administration would now be looking point that vacancy. Dr Wells stated it for unclear at this time Director for Data administration would be looking and Processing. He stated planned poss possibility with of Pat havingttsomeone Dr. Piechota, to discuss part-time in that position . Dr . Wells noted that before this decision was. made a review of the computer science curriculum would made to time p erson . There less than thh an full t a discussion on whether l s with the there was a need for and r full also whetherstheretshould lbe lone f each declining enrollments appointed to these positions , in order to accommodate the fact that the population is co-ed. Dr. Wells stated that although Dr. DeSalvo had a Doctorate , it was in reading and Mr. Schettini had more administrative experience . He' also stated that there were , at one time , three assistant t principals at the High School and ntherefore , the two pre sent positions represented a reduction two noted that he has never hadoonly tried tried choosebalance the very these best --- positions by sex , he possible. Kendra Cooper, a parent, asked to be recognized and stated she wondered , with the appointment of another male as Assistant Principal at the High School , what kind of a message this would be giving to females in the Reading School System, who would aspire to administrative positions . to cl Cliff Allen stated that he thought Dr . Wells had tried o l if i rify this with his explanation of recommending the candidate regardless of sex. He also stated that he felt it was a generalization to speak of Well qualified. as he would expect any candidate who applied to A vote was then taken on the motion, and it was ao•roved 4 to 1 , with Carol Lyons voting in the negative and Mr. Coco abstaining for lack of sufficient information. l There was then a discussion on the date for thesnext d choohat Committee Meeting , which is October 2 0 this date is convenient. to A brief discussion followed to Octobert 31 ,possible wasSefound vthat the annual MASC meeting o n none of the members were available to attend. At 9 :20 • .m. , motion was made b Mrs . Philbrick , seconded Mr . Shannon, to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of Litigation Issues and Lease of Real Property. It was stated that there was a possibility of the Committee returning to Open Session in approximately 35 to 45 minutes . The vote was unanimous .