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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-12-08 School Committee Minutes 51 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on December 8 , 1986 in the Superintendent' s Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present . Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S . Wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J . Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Edward Sacco , Director of Reading, Reading specialist, Jean Maloney-Stewart from Killam and Kindergarten teacher, Mary Boyle from Barrows , parents , reporter from the Chronicle. ADDroval of Minutes of November 17 , 1986 A motion was made by Mrs .r theP Meeting /of seconded November Mr.r.19 Nissen, rso approve the Minutes P hilbrick then asked that there be a correction made to the section Citizen ' s Input , eighth line , which stated , " all third grade children" and should have read, "all first grade children" . The vote on the motion was made , and the Minutes were approved with the noted correction, on a 5-0 vote with Mr. Coco abstaining because of his absence from the meeting. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills December 12, 1986 - General Expense - $64 ,014 . 20 December 19 , 1986 - General Expense - 59 ,459 .37 Payrolls December 11 , 1986 - Teachers - $404 ,399 December 12 , 1986 - Weekly - 30 , 275 .76 31 , 635 .36 December 19 , 1986 - Weekly - Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' input. School Highlights Dr. Wells stated that Ed Sacco was to present a brief description of the "Big Book" program, along with Reading specialist, Jean Maloney-Stewart from Killam, and Kindergarten teacher, Mary Boyle, 52 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 from Barrows . Mr. Sacco stated that the "Big Book" program was used in Reading' s Kindergarten classes to teach readiness skills , and hopefully, to make reading interesting to pre-schoolers. He noted that it was also designed to meet the developmental needs of the children , for example in learning more about the relationship of words in reading. Mrs . Maloney then illustrated with one of the " Big Books" how the teachers worked with the children in the classrooms . She stated each "Big ,Book" was accompanied by a duplicate smaller book. She explained that the children listen to the stories in which many words are repetitive and in that way learn the stories . She stated after reading the books , they start writing their own books . Mary Boyle , Kindergarten teacher from Barrows, then spoke further about the program, and demonstrated with a short video film how the children participated in class . Mr. Sacco noted that the children were very enthusiastic about the books and felt that the program was proving very successful. Mr. Cliff Allen thanked Mr. Sacco, Mrs. Stewart, and Mrs . Boyle for their presentation. Bid - Stair Lift Dr . Wells informed the School Committee this Stair Lift for the handicapped at R.M.H.S . had been brought before them a month ago . He stated since then, Mr. Winslow had gone out for bids and would brief them about this . Mr. Winslow stated that the request for bids had been sent out on November 6th. He noted that 13 sets of specifications had gone out, but only one bid had been received. This bid was from Hall & Associates , in the amount of $13 ,082.00 , and that the Administration was recommending approval of this bidder . Mr . Winslow noted that he had called some firms to inquire about their reasons for not submitting bids , and found that one bidder no longer would bid on jobs requiring bid bonds as they felt it was not cost effective. Another bidder did not bid because the bid date , November 11th, was the day of the snowstorm, and he was unable to get his bid in on time . Mr. Winslow stated as one bid was submitted, he had to accept it, but felt satisfied that the bidder was qualified and his Stair Lift was in compliance with the Specifications . Mrs . Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Ms . Lyons , to approve the bid of Hall & Associates for a Stair Lift at R.M.H .S. in the amount of $13 ,082 .00 . Mr. Nissen asked Mr. Winslow what he had expected the cost to be . Mr. Winslow stated between $15 ,000 and $18 ,000 . Mr. Allen then stated he understood there would be some additional costs for the electrical work to install the lift. Mr. Winslow stated that was correct. Mr. Coco asked what amount of room the lift would take on the stair platform. Mr. Winslow stated that the lift was collapsible against the wall and could be locked in that position, so that the flow of regular traffic would be unimpeded . Ms. Lyons asked if there was any protection against vandalism. Mr. Winslow 53 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 noted the lift worked on push buttons and had a lock which required a key and would only be available to the school office and the handicapped student. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was approved unanimously. Adult and Community Education Program Update Dr. Wells stated that Mark Alterio would give the School Committee a report on the Adult and Community Education Program in the Reading Schools. Mr. Alterio stated that the Fall Semester had just finished, and he would go over what he considered to be some highlights of the program. He stated the program had 11 , 8-week courses this Semester, two, 3-week finance seminars, along with SAT preparation sessions. Mr. Alterio stated he found that most of the participants were between the 20 and 30 ' s and 50 and 60 ' s , He stated the Computer Program was a very popular course, along with the Typing course which many people utilized to recover their skills in order to get back into the workforce . He stated the other courses that were popular were water colors, cabinetmaking , and quilting . Mr. Alterio stated that he had been trying to add more self-development subjects in the evening classes . He stated word processing was a course that was always filled, as there was limited enrollment due to the number of machines that were available for use in the class. He noted that this year there was also a course in Nutrition, which was a new concept. Mr. Alterio stated that pre-registration had helped the program become more efficient . He stated that the courses were advertised in the papers , and throughout the school system , but for the second semester he was going to have a mailing which would include all elementary and middle schools, different businesses throughout the Town, including the Public Library. Dr. Wells then asked Mr. Alterio to spend some time on what he felt the trends were in Adult Education, as he had heard from his colleagues that some programs had declining enrollments because of people opting to enroll in community colleges offering similar courses . He stated it may be possible that in 3 years, we may not be able to support a program of this type . Mr. Alterio stated it was clear that many people were taking advantage of courses at community colleges , but the courses the Town offered only cost $40 . 00 for example , as opposed to college tuitions of approximately $250.00 for similar courses . He stated many people are sometimes looking for courses that are more credit oriented or have an employer who will pay for a course for reschooling and to gain credits toward a degree . He stated that some research could be done, by contacting some employers locally, regarding certificate courses in word processing for example , and there are other things that could be offered in that direction. Mr. Alterio stated he tried to balance the type of courses offered between crafts and self-development, and lately, was concentrating more to the area of self-development. Mr. Coco asked if Mr. Alterio had had any input from the community on what kinds of courses they 54 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 would like to have offered. Mr. Alterio suggested in the mailing which would be going out, he could include an information sheet with the hope of receiving some input. Mr . Allen then asked Mr. Alterio about the Driver Education Course. Mr. Alterio stated that in the Driver Education course , enrollment has leveled off to approximately 85 to 87 in the last few years . He stated that recently he had turned in one of the rental cars , because it had not been cost effective to keep both, as one had seemed to be sufficient on the present teaching schedule. Mr. Alterio stated students were selected according to who had the closest birth date to the next licensing test available. He stated the requirements were 30 hours of class , 6 hours on the road, and 6 hours observation, and that there were 23 to 24 students in each class . Mr. Allen asked what the cost s was for the course. Mr. Alterio stated the cost was $110. 00 , but private company would charge $195 . 00 . Mr. Shannon stated he thought it was a very encouraging to see cost effective measures being carried out, such as returning the unnecessary rental vehicle, especially in view of the economic situation. Financial Statements Account Balances - Mr . Winslow discussed the Account Balances statement for the month of November with the School Committee. He indicated there was nothing outstanding or unusual , but did note that the account, Use of School Property, in the amount of $82 , 000 , would be rapidly declining since the heating season had started. Salary & Expense Report - Mr. Winslow reviewed this report for November with the School Committee. He stated that purchase orders were being generated and invoices were being paid on a timely basis . Cafeteria Statement Mr . Winslow reviewed the statement for the month of October which showed a profit of $1 ,582 .78 , and also that there had been a 1% increase in participation at the Parker Middle School . Mr. Coco asked if the projected loss figure on the statement was expected to level off by June, and did Cathy Cook expect that it will be necessary to raise prices? Mr. Winslow stated she didn' t at the moment , but the reason for that loss figure was that September reflected payment of materials that came in during the summer, the installation of an exhaust system that was put in , and also reflected the two days that the cafeteria had to be closed due to the roof leaking in the High School. 55 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 High School Facility Report Mr . Winslow stated this was in answer to the School Committee' s request for a report on the status of the condition of lavatories at R.M .H . S . which had been discussed by the Student Advisory Council at the last meeting. He stated that the problem with the water pressure at the faucets was because the faucets had corroded. He stated this had been corrected, and the faucets in two sinks in each lavatory, both of which are located near the Prircipal 's Office, had been replaced and that more were on order. Mr. Winslow stated a survey had been done of other conditions , and it was found that paper towels and soap dispensers were available in all locations , although there were only 1 or 2 in each lavatory. He stated that more were ordered, but it was because of vandalism that some of them were missing . He also noted that mirrors had been ordered to be located on the lockers outside the lavatories. Dr . Wells stated he wanted to make it clear to the School Committee, that the water pressure in the building was not a problem, just in the type of faucets that were installed when the lavatories were built. He noted that in talking with the Student Advisory Councils, he had always tried to discuss these types of problems ,with them, and told the students that the problem in repairing this equipment was that they were no sooner repaired then they were vandaled again, and that the School Department did not have a bottomless supply of funds for these repairs . Dr. Wells explained to them that their help was needed in keeping vandalism to a minimum. Mr. Shannon stated his concern was only that there was a lack of water in the lavatories, and he could understand that some of the problems had happened over a period of time. He thanked the Administration for responding to the situation and initiating the needed repairs . Mr. Winslow stated Dr. Piechota was also considering opening the two lavatories near the Library during school hours . High School Band Performance Dr . Munnelly explained that just after the last School Committee meeting , there was a request received from a local merchants ' association to have the High School Band appear at the Sunday evening , November 30th, Tree Lighting on the Common. On the same day, an invitation to a parade in Beverly at 1: 00 p.m. was also received by the Band, and the Director recommended the Band attend both functions . He stated under our policy, approval for Sunday performances needs School Committee waiver of policy . If the Board had a scheduled meeting , the administration would have recommended approval be granted. Since there was no scheduled meeting before the performance, Dr. Munnelly stated he consulted with Chairman Cliff Allen and Dr. Wells , and approval was given with the understanding that the School Committee would be informed at its next meeting about the waiver of policy . Dr . Munnelly stated all involved parties felt there were many good reasons for permitting the Band to participate in both activities . Mr. Allen 56 EADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1 986 then stated , he had not felt this was a topic which necessitated a Special Meeting , and it was his judgment that the other members of the committee would not have a problem with it. Mr . Nissen stated this was one of the policies that should be a looked at, as the committee had never turn down at requestoforha waiver , and which brought up the question, policy served in the current situation. Early Childhood Grant Dr . Munnelly stated that in the past week , a proposal had been submitted to the State for a planning grant under the Early Childhood which provisions been filed last Spring was and had been turned proposal which had b prop osal before an down , as the State wanted to see a "planning, p P d " implementation" proposal was considered. 000 Dr. an ellnnistated that the Town was virtually assured of $ ► documentation process . He stated Robin obinth D'Antona membm R.E .A.P . prepared the proposal in conjunction the School Committee' s Citizen' s te, Task and alsoethatchedhad been activelin and Principal Paul Guerrette, stages of the preparation. Dr . Munnelly assured the School Committe that this idut not ju commit to the school system to running day care programs , provide leadership and coordination epre-school for the onductchildhigh quality home-based, private p r programs in Reading . He stated this type of involvement made it possible for each child to arrive at kindergarten having had high quality learning experiences. he Mr . Coco asked if the Department of Education ions looked to . `�me School Departments to submit these proposals , artier can submit private citizens? Dr. Munnelly stated private p Grants , but under the guidance of school departments . wHe statedea large portion of the Grant money, approximately 70% , toward the disadvantaged. Legal Services Statute Dr . Wells stated he had mentioned at a previous meeting , that there was new Legislation being Bargaining & Negotiating nandaSpeciallNeeds which could be paid for purposes . He stated beldiscussedtwithd the Enclosure Mre suggested this could Coco indicated then that reason that under othe newt Town Charter,had expired, Workmen' s their responsibilities had been reduced to reviewing the en' s Compensation claims, •which Nissen asked if thisbdidnhandled gb by a vote Manager' s office . 57 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 8 , 1986 of the citizens to become official . Mr . Coco stated he didn ' t think this was necessary because he thought this change was an administrative one, and not a change in by-laws . Mr. Nissen stated he believed the Law Committee was called for in the Charter. Dr. Wells stated perhaps the School Committee may want to talk with the Town Manager or the Selectmen regarding changes that are being made . Resignations Mr . Winslow stated that he had received a letter of resignation from Mrs. Ruth Shaw, Cafeteria Manager at the Parker School , to be effective December 31 , 1986 . Mr. Winslow read the letter he had received and stated that Mrs . Shaw had been employed by the School Department since 1964 , and had been a very capable and well-thought-of employee . Mr . Coco made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to accept the resignation of Mrs . Ruth Shaw as Cafeteria Manager at the Parker School , effective December 31 , 1986 , and to instruct the administration to send a letter of thanks to Mrs. Shaw for her many years of employment. The vote was unanimous . ?appointments Dr . Munnelly stated he was recommending a candidate for the opening of Data Processing Manager. He stated the position has been advertised in local newspapers, and posted throughout the school system. Dr. Munnelly noted there were some teachers who were interested and also people from outside the system. He stated after reviewing the qualifications and background of all candidates , he and the administration at the High School were recommending Mrs . Kristina Dewey, 17 Spring Street , Reading, at the rate of $15,000 for 11 months pro-rated. A motion was made by Carol Lyons , seconded by Mr . Coco , to approve the appointment of Mrs . Kristina Dewey as Data Processing Manager, to work 20-hours per week , effective December 9 , 1986 at the rate of $15,000 for 11 months pro-rated. A discussion followed about the position calling for the employee to join the retirement system because of working 20 hours , and perhaps hiring her for a 19-hour week . It was reviewed briefly and the committee agreed to vote on approving the position as presented. A vote was taken on the motion as originally presented , and it was approved unanimously. At 8: 45 p .m. , a motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon , to enter into Executive Session in order to discuss Administrative Salaries and Rental of Real Property . The vote was unanimous . Mr. Allen stated the Committee would not return to Open Session.