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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-01-21 School Cimmittee Minutes 13 READING cG HOOD. CO12ITTTRR MT NTTTES JANUARY 21, 1985 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chair- man Allen on January 21, 1985, at 7;30 p.m. , in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present except Mr. MacDonald, who was out of the State on business. Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow were also present. There were approximately 20 visitors including Killam School Principal Mr. Paul Guerrette, with several members of his teaching staff and student body, and representatives of the Finance Committee, League of Women Voters and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of January 14, 1985 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the School Committee meeting of January 14, 1985 with the follow- correction: Page 5, paragraph 1, last sentence will read as follows: Mr. Nissen remarked that $40,000 for partitioning is one item the Committee might keep mind if deletions must be made in the budget later. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills January 25, 1935 - General Expense - $66,423.44 Payrolls January 24, 1985 - Teachers -- $322,605.33 January 25, 1985 - Weekly - $27,870.72 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights The academic spotlight was on staff and students of the Killam School as they presented "Election '84,' describing a School-wide mock presidential election and other parts of this fifth grade study unit. Taking part in the presentation were Mr. Guerrette, fifth grade teachers Mrs. Susan Wood, Hr. Joseph Buckley and Mr. David Dolan, and fifth grade students Chrissy Lanzoni, Lisa MacKinnon, Hilary Holbrook, David Pianskv and Brian Morris. Dr. Wells noted that the timing of the presentation was most appropriate. coming on the date of the President 's inauguration. Mr. Guerrette explained that the study unit was the idea of Mrs. Wood, and was accepted with enthusiasm by the other fifth grade teachers. he added that the unit encompassed about four weeks and involved other grades. 14 READING. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 21, 1935 Mrs. Wood told how the various activities, voter registration, learning the election process, studying the candidates and issues, writing letters, making an election dictionary, etc. , involved many academic areas, culminating in a School- wide presidential election. She noted that the results of the School election were quite similar to the national results. Each student then gave a short talk on one phase of the activities which the study unit involved. The students answered several questions from the School Committee and, in turn, asked a few. Chairman Allen then thanked all who were involved in the presen- tation. Announcement Mr. Nigro announced that he will not seek reelection to the School Committee and that he will be a candidate for Selectman. He said he had thoroughly enjoyed his three terms on the Committee but, after long and hard thinking, decided that because Town government is on the verge of change he would like to have the opportunity to be a part of the shaping process. On behalf of the Committee, Chairman Allen thanked Mr. Nigro for his nine years service. Superintendent's Midyear Education-by-Objectives Report Dr. Wells noted that, in accordance with School Committee Policy, at midyear the Superintendent gives a progress report on his goals, which usually precedes the Superintendent's evaluation. Speaking about his first goal, Dr. Wells said that it is his number one priority to make use of the space in the High School without hurting the educational program. Goal 4#1, A. Develop a long-range plan for housing a Senior High School with an enrollment of 900-1,000 students. In connection with this part of his goal, Dr. Wells said he has taken tours of the High School with the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, Mr. Lawrence Moore, Custodial Supervisor Mr. William Stamatis, and Mr. Winslow to get a better understanding of the plumbing and heating of the building, as part of it may be mothballed for a time. He said he has also re-studied Architect Archibald MacLaren's Feasibility Study, and expects to make recommendations regarding either the "E" or "G" section of the School within a month. He said that be- cause the heating system has no shut-offs he is delaying his recommendations until Mr. Moore obtains prices on thermostats which could be turned down to 40 degrees (the existing ones can only be turned down to 50 degrees) and shut- off valves which could be connected to the computer, in case the rooms are used again. Goal ;f1, B. Develop for discussion purposes a plan with alternatives for utilizing space not needed for the R.M.H.S. program. Addressing this part of his goal, the Superintendent noted that at two meetings earlier in the school year the School Committee and Administration talked about Mr. MacLaren's statement which said Coolidge Middle School and/or Birch Meadow School could be housed in the High School and those buildings turned 15 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 21 , 1985 over to the Board of Selectmen to sell. At that time it was agreed that this was not an educationally sound solution. Dr. Wells said he does not feel this should be considered until the school population ''bubble" settles down, otherwise the Committee might face financing a new school in ten-twelve years. Goal #1 , C. Initiate discussion and plans for an academic program for 900- 1,000 students. Goal #1, D. Develop a ''step-down" plan that reduces the staffing needs with as little disruption to the academic plan as possible. Combining his report on these two parts of his first goal, Dr. Wells said the High School Administrators have spent quite a bit of time on a Four-Town Collab- orative effort, with their counterparts from the Towns of Wakefield, Lynnfield and North Reading, exploring possible ways of collaborating to offer classes in those subjects which have small enrollments. He reminded the Committee that collaboration with other communities could mean the loss of some autonomy and independence, adding that in about a month he should have a progress report. Dr. Wells said that now the Department Heads from the four Towns will be a part of this and a Harvard professor will be giving them some leadership. Hopefully, he added, he will have some feedback from them when he gives his progress report. The Superintendent said there will have to be a consensus of the four School Committees and mentioned the possibility of a broad-based citizens committee also looking into collaboration. Dr. Wells said he will have some short-range budgetary recommendations on riffing two High School teachers and closing some rooms because of declining enrollment. For long-range plans the situation will have to be reviewed annually. Goal #F2 A. To develop a program that meets the needs of gifted and talented children. B. To develop a screening and evaluation process designed to identify the gifted and talented within our school population. C. To develop in-service training programs for our professional staff that will prepare them in the proper use of the screening process. D. To develop a program that will challenge the gifted and talented students through the development of projects and assignments especially designed for them. Dr. Wells noted that at the last meeting he presented to the School Committee his recommendations for a program for the gifted and talented, and they had accepted them. He added that he had met his time commitment by having a plan ready and a screening process established and that the plan will be put into action in September. Mrs. Philbrick commented that it is obvious that progress has been made and that she is quite pleased. 16 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 21 , 1985 The Chairman said he felt everyone was pulling in the same direction, that there is a positive atmosphere and everyone feels that things are going well. Dr. Wells noted that the obligations of the School Committee agenda calendar have been met. Mr. Coco said the Gifted and Talented Program fell into place well and the fact that things have moved along so well is a reflection on the Administration. Regarding collaboration, he said that Dr. Wells has always been in the forefront, and that the idea is innovative and realistic, adding he was pleased with the mid-year report. Mr. Nissen said he was satisfied and impressed that this type of report gives the impression "we are getting a handle on the High School problem." He added, "That is progress - considering where we were six months ago." Mrs. Philbrick expressed the opinion that the School Committee goals should also be reviewed at midyear. The Chairman said he guaranteed the Committee would assess its goal, certainly at the end of the year, and midyear if the Committee wishes. It was decided that there will be a review at the next meeting. Financial Data - State Department of Education Dr. Wells presented a page of figures, which he had obtained from Mr. James Allen of the State Department of Education, comparing Reading's costs with those of 10 nearby communities in the areas of supervision, principals, teachers, guidance, textbooks, educational supplies and per pupil expenditures. The figures were discussed briefly. Town Meeting - Town Report Chairman Allen read a notice from the Board of Selectmen stating the dates of warrant openings and closings for the upcoming Special and Annual Town Meetings and noting that material for the Annual Town Report must be submitted by February 25th. Mr. Coco volunteered to write the School Committee's annual report. FY86 Budget Preparation Dr. Wells introduced deliberation of the special needs budget by noting that under Dr. Alexanian's leadership there is a rather cost effective program and one of quality, adding that the most expensive parts of the budget are trans- portation and programs with other schools. He noted that there will be one less SEEM class in Reading next year and, accordingly, one less special needs teacher. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that, for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of $327,981 for special needs expenses (2000-9000 series) . Dr. Wells said that he had asked Mr. Congdon, the Athletic Director, to submit a budget for FY86 with no increase in the tax supported portion. He added that Mr. Congdon has given him a list of items he would like to purchase if the 17 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 21 , 1985 financial picture looks brighter. He also noted that estimated gate receipts are higher for next year because the Thanksgiving Day football game will be played in Reading. Mr. Coco questioned the price of basketballs and regular baseball and softball bats. Dr. Wells said he will check with Mr. Congdon. Also, at the Chairman's request, he will check on the amount of support which can be expected from the Friends of Reading Hockey. 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 $70,500 for athletic expenses, with the understanding that $19,550 will come from receipts and the total net appropriation will be $50,950. The discussion then reverted to the 4130 series which was not voted in order because of some confusion on the cost of electricity. Mr. Winslow said some of the confusion came about because the Municipal Light Department(MLD) fiscal year coincides with the calendar year rather than ending June 31st as with other Town departments. He also said that because of the MLD error in calcu- lating Killam School bills, $14,885 should be added to the costs of electricity for FY86, bringing the total to $203,315 for electricity and $262,915 for all utilities. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that, for preliminary purposes, the Committee approve for the FY86 Budget the amount of $203,315 for electricity for a total of $262,915 for total utility services (4130 series). Mrs. Margaret Russell, Finance Committee liaison to the School Committee, said, that in view of the Governor's recent statement on State aid, she wished to remind everyone that the Finance Committee, in making its calculations, had already figured in a $250,000 increase in State aid, as well as wiping out the stabilization fund. She added that the Finance Committee's position in the past has been that if there was additional State aid they recommended putting it into the stabilization fund. Executive Session At 9:42 p.m. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, to enter into executive session to discuss a request affecting the value of real property, litigation against the School Committee, and matters pertaining to bargaining and negoti- ations. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Open Session - Adjournment The Committee returned to open session at 11:32 p.m. , at which time the Chairman announced that the Committee will meet again the following Monday, January 28, 1985. Respectfully submitted,,j� Robert S. Wells, Secretary