HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-01-07 School Cimmittee Minutes 1
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JtNu T°
7 , 1985
Call to Order
A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chair-
man Allen on January 7, 1985, at 7:38 p.m. , in the Central Office Conference
Room. Mr. Nissen was absent due to illness. All, other members were present,
as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow.
There were approximately 15 visitors including Mr. Donald Farnham, Principal of
the Joshua Eaton School, Ms, Barbara McLean, Library/Media Specialist at the
same school, and representatives of the Finance Committee, League of Women Voters
and the Daily Chronicle.
Approval of Minutes of December 17, 1984
Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously to approve
the minutes of the School Committee meeting of December 17, 1984.
Bills and Payrolls
Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows:
Bills
December 21, 1984 - General Expense - $95,108.10
December 28, 1984 - General Expense - $61,532.30
January 4, 1985 - General Expense - $7,336.52
January 11, 1985 - General Expense - $54.J.45.50
Payrolls
December 28, 1984 - Weekly - $26,360.94
January 4, 1985 - Weekly - $25.973.88
January 10. 1985 - Teachers - $323.151.06
January 11, 1985 - Weekly - $25.645.41
School Highlights
Upon entering the Conference Room members of the School Committee and Administration
found appropriately dressed teddy bears occupying their seats as a part of the
Academic Spotlight which featured the "Bears Program" of the Joshua Eaton School.
School Principal Donald Farnham said the idea of a two-week study of bears, incor-
porating the academic areas of reading, writing, research skills, art and music,
was the idea of Ms. McLean.
Second grade students Jason Gracilieri, Katie Saurman and Julie Wilson, and third
grader Kevin Cavicchi each spoke on some aspect of the Bears Project.
Ms. McLean then showed a videotape of the "Bear Festival" which featured music,
talks about various species of bears which the students researched, and various
books about bears they had read. She noted that, as part of the Festival, the
younger students had brought over. 200 teddy bears to the School Library.
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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 1985
Citizens' Input
Under this portion of the agenda a visitor asked a question about the recently
revised Graduation Policy, which was answered by the Chairman.
School Committee Policy - Second Vote
Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously, for second
vote and adoption School Committee Policy BDDD - Permanent Identification Card
for School Committee Members.
Announcement
Mr. MacDonald announced that he would not seek re-election to the School Committee,
as he feels that at this point in his life he cannot devote the necessary time to
the position. He added that he was making the announcement early in hopes that
citizens would step forward to seek election. Mr. MacDonald said his recent time
on the Committee has been even more of a learning experience than when he had
previously served, that he felt he has received more than he has given, that it
has been an exhilarating experience, and he would urge others to step in.
Chairman Allen thanked Mr. MacDonald for the time and effort he has given the
Conuuittee both recently and during his prior terms of office.
Financial Statements
Noted for the record were the following financial Statements: Account Balances
as of December 31, 1984; Expense Accounts as of December 28, 1984; and Cafeteria
Statement for November 1984.
Mr. Winslow reported that the sum remaining in the appropriation for refurbishing
the track and football field could be used for something directly related to that
project or could be transferred to another account.
Mr. Coco referred to the recent news disclosure that West Lynn Creamery, from
whom the Reading School Department has contracted for milk for the school cafe-
terias, was one of several companies found to be delivering milk which was below
contract quantity specifications. He asked that Mr. Winslow check with Miss Cook,
Food Services Director, as to whether deliveries were up to specifications and
request that she express the displeasure of the School Committee to the West Lynn
Creamery.
School Enrollment - January 2, 1985
Noted for the records were school enrollment figures as of January 2, 1985, which
showed a total of two more students than the figures of October 1, 1984.
Leaves
Dr. Wells said two teachers had applied for sabbatical leaves, noting that one
applicant had previously been granted a sabbatical leave and also that his request
was based on curriculum changes not yet approved. He added that he recommended
that the other applicant be told that he is deserving of a sabbatical leave but
that at this time it appears improbable that a leave can be granted because of
budget constraints and that if the budgetary situation improves his request will
be reconsidered.
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READTN( SHci0L 17,07.4MITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7 1985
Mrs. ?hi ibricit: iJlo'•'ed, seconded by "ft.. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that
Mr. Jeffrey Cryan be notified that due to budgetary constraints at this time the
Committee cannot, approve his -equ2st for a sabbatical _leave and that if the
situation improves the Committee will r3consi_d_r his ap;'icat ion.
Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously
that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Mrs. Janis E. Gerety, second
grade teacher at the Joshua Eaton School, be granted a child rearing leave for
8-1C weeks upon her notification_ to th.a Administration. of the date.
Yr. l'iacDon_ald mov_.f, . ec.or.:?ed by Yrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously
that, on the recommendation of the Administration, that Mrs. Barbara P. Hellisen,
High School cafeteria worker, be granted a personal leave of absence for from
one to six nontn:a, starting January 7t'-..
Appointments
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the
recommendation cf the Administration, that Mr. Thomas McAuley, 104 Pleasant
Street, be appointed. as a custodian, to be assigned to the. Coolidge Middle
School, on the 3-11 shift, at a rate determined by the Contract.
Budget Preparation - 7778E
Chairman Alien. sail'. that the discussion.. in open session would deal with the
expense portion of the FY86 budget. adding that, as in the pest, the Committee
would go through this part of the budget page by page taking preliminary votes.
Dr. Wells noted that _hn: fact that salaries could not be di_scusced at this time
l�.� that his i rtcn nt the eyue n
was hindrance, �.nit �_�.,.ur.d foci: __... flla _ ud; _.,.e_._ t..._- .I1B? portion of the
budget contained nothing frivolous. He said nat because the Conm .ttee still
has to consider a major roof repair and salary adjustments, the expense budget
may have to be _evlewed again in the. Spring.
Dr. Wells pointed out that legally only $10,000 could be budgeted for legal
expenses but because the Committee now must negotiate with five unions it will
probably have to request pe-rr.t-_ss icon to spend more funds from the Board of
Selectmen eventually. He noted further that data process'_ng costs are down
slightly and postage costs have been increased due to the expected two-cent
increase in stamps starting in February.
Mr. i g— o :moved, seconded 1:y Mr. Coco, and it vas 'toted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee 2nprcve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$16,380 for School Committee expense (1100 series) .
Mr. Nigro movef., seoc-C:ed5 by Mrs. Philbrick and it was voted unanimously that,
for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the TYS6 Budget the amount
of $18,000 for Superintendent's Office expense (1200 series) .
Mr. - igro :coved; seconded by i`r.. Coco, that, for nreliminary purposes, the
Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of $2,240 for Supervisors and
Directors expense (2100 series) . Mr. MacDonald amended the motion, seconded
by Mrs. Philbrick, to add $750 to the $750 included for out-of-state travel,
which would make the total for the 2100 series $2,315. During the discussion
of the motion and amendment Mr. MacDonald stated that he felt these people
should have more opportunity for renewal and learning about new ideas, as they
lead other teachers.
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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7 , 1985
Mr. Coco said although he was sympathetic to the idea he felt the money should
be used for something more directly used by the students, such as textbooks.
Mr. MacDonald countered that he felt the people in front of the students are as
important as the books. Mrs. Philbrick said she felt Reading has been fortunate
in maintaining quality education in spite of budget cuts, adding that she feels
the School System is judged by its staff rather than its ability to purchase
equipment and textbooks.
Dr. Wells said that while he did not want to be negative, he felt that when the
Committee starts casting the budget into the final draft they will find that
every amount added to the expense budget will have to be subtracted from teachers'
salaries.
Mr. MacDonald then withdrew his motion to amend with the consent of Mrs. Phil-
brick, as seconder.
The main motion then carried by unanimous vote.
Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$26,745 for Principals' Office Expense (2200 series).
At this point Mrs. Philbrick asked if the proposed budget was at subsistence
level, adequate, or more than adequate. Dr. Wells said it is adequate, adding
that while per pupil expense is the smallest part of the budget he has tried to
make sure the students are not lacking in supplies.
After a brief discussion of several aspects of the 2300 series, Mr. Nigro moved,
seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that, for preliminary
purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of $186,413 for
Teaching Materials and Supplies (2300 series) .
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that,
for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount
of $45,248 for Textbooks (2400 series) .
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$32,705 for Library Services (2500 series) .
Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously that,
for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount
of $27,841 for Audio-Visual Aids (2600 series) .
Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$12,600 for Guidance (2700 series) .
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously that,
for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount
of $3,995 for Health Services (3200 series) .
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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 1985
The- transportation budget (3300 series) was discussed at length. Mr. MacDonald.
asked what portion of the $177,464 proposed would hr=ve Lc bc: spe-.t .ir the 3 -jec]
Department adhered to minimum State mandated standards and Mr. Winslow replied
about cite-half, 2.c',din; that c ?e ^177;4`': in ,,leccrdanc.e ,,;-try School
Policy.
Mr. Coco asked for the exact amount that would have to be spent for transpor-
tation ..f Policy so t'_3t __-- �i!OS'.- r --1S ma_"_dc�te by state' a
were transported. Mr. Winslow will check into it and get tie exact fi;;ur.c_.
Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, that for preliminary purposes,
the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of $177,464 for Transpor-
tation (3300 series) . The motion carried 4-1 with Mr. Coco casting the dis-
senting vote.
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$40,000 for Custodial Supplies (4100 series).
Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously
that, for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the
amount of $269,000 for Heating of Buildings (4120 series) .
The Committee decided not to vote on the 4130 series - utility services -
because of a huge adjustment which was being made in the amount to be appro-
priated for the Killam School. Dr. Wells said the Light Department had dis-
covered they were using the wrong multiplier and in correcting their mistake
doubled the amount of the Killam School bill.
After further discussion it was decided that Mr. Winslow will meet with a
James Bromley, of the Light Department, and report back to the Committee.
While discussing the 4210 series - Grounds Maintenance - proposed at $20,950,
Mr. Coco said he had trouble with approving money for resurfacing parking
lots when the budget is tight, and Mrs. Philbrick suggested "flagging" all
4#2 priority painting items for possible deletion.
Following the discussion Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount
of $14,950 for Grounds Maintenance (4210 series) , deleting #2 priorities.
The motion carried 4-1 , with Chairman Allen casting the dissenting vote.
He said he felt the Committee could make these deletions later.
Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously
that, for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the
amount of $104,141 for Building Maintenance (4220 series) .
Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that, for
preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of
$110,903 for Building Equipment Maintenance (4230 series) .
At this point Chairman Allen suggested that the Committee postpone further
budget discussion until next week and take up executive session matters.
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READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 7, 1985
Executive Session - Adjournment
At 10:22 p.m. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, that the Committee
enter in executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and
negotiations. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote.
The Committee, after a brief recess, remained in executive session until it
adjourned at 11:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
,
i ),
Robert S. Wells, Secretary j