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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-02-11 School Cimmittee Minutes 23 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11 , 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on February 11, 1985, at 7:35 p.m. , in the Central Office Conference Room. All Committee members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Super- intendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately 26 visitors, among them Dr. John Delaney and William Cowles, Principal and Assistant Principal, respectively, of the Parker Middle School, and representatives of the Finance Committee, League of Women Voters and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of January 28, 1985 On a motion by Mr. Nigro, seconded by Mr. Coco, the minutes of the meeting of January 28, 1985, were unanimously approved with the following addition: page 3, paragraph 9 to read "Mr. Nigro asked if deleting $57,000 from transportation would mean no bussing of students not required by State law." • Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills February 8, 1985 - General Expense - $21,963.42 February 15, 1985 - General Expense - $89,065.38 Payrolls February 7, 1985 - Teachers - $321,973.81 February 8, 1985 - Weekly - $27,771.62 February 15, 1985 - Teachers - $319,219.50 February 15, 1985 - Weekly - $27,601.33 Town Meeting Articles Chairman Allen explained that because of an 8:00 p.m. deadline for submitting Town Meeting Articles, part of agenda would be taken out of order. He noted that on November 13, 1984 the Town Meeting had voted that the School Committee insert an article or articles in the next special 'or annual Town Meeting turning over control of all lands within their control on the easterly side of Oakland Road to the Board of Selectmen. Mr. MacDonald commented that he would not like to see the Committee give up control of this land, given the nature of the school operation there. Mr. Nigro called the request very nebulous. The Chairman said the Committee could take action tonight or make a report under Article 2 of the Town Meeting. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously that the Reading School Committee retain control of certain lots opposite Reading Memorial High School on the easterly side of Oakland Road. 24 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 1985 A Town Meeting article for financing replacements for the roof and fiberglass clerestory at the Coolidge Middle School was discussed briefly. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that the School Committee adopt the language of the article for Town Meeting as stated on the document presented by the Administration, dated February 9, 1985, regarding roof replacement and fiberglass replacement at the Coolidge Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive. Citizens Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights This segment of the agenda was presented by Principal Dr. John Delaney, Assistant Principal William Cowles and students Kim Bennett and Meghan Griesmer, all of the Parker Middle School, and featured their "Student Activity Program." Dr. Delaney gave a brief description of the Program which brings students together in interest groups for such activities as arts and crafts, aerobics, sign language, etc. , at an age when they should be exploring new interests. The Program, set up by Mr. Cowles , draws upon outside interests and talents of the staff to assist the students in exploring various avenues of creativity. Mr. Cowles added that the Program consists of two ten-week sessions, and gives the students opportunities to be very creative. He distributed literature giving further details about the Program. The two students gave a short demonstration of sign language and Dr. Delaney showed slides depicting some of the many activities of the Program. The Chairman thanked them for their presentation. Request from Rivers Development Corporation Chairman Allen said that the Committee received a request from Attorney 0. Bradley Latham, representing the Rivers Development Corp. , seeking permission to do certain grading on property under the control of the School Committee, in order to conform with requirements of the Board of Survey. The firm plans to build two houses on land at the end of Chestnut Street. Dr. Wells said he had checked with the Superintendent of Public Works and been assured that the firm must do what it is requesting in order to conform to Board of Survey sloping requirements; that the work would enhance the School Committee's property; it would have no adverse effect on the water flow; and that it was proper for the School Committee to ask for remuneration in return for granting the request. Attorney Latham addressed the Committee, going into the specifics of his client's request, pointing out the location being discussed on a copy of an Assessors' map, and noting that basically Lots 2A and 2B were involved. He said his client would be agreeable to performing $2,000 worth of work or services in return for being granted a temporary right to do the grading requested. He added that the slope would be made more gradual and some seeding would be done to stabilize the area. 25 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 1985 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee grant a temporary license to the Rivers Development Corp. for grading activity on School Committee controlled Lots 21 and 22 within the area marked on enclosure B-3-a-1 and the unnamed street in between, in return for which the Rivers Development Corp. agrees to provide services or equipment of $2,000 in value to the School Department and upon completion of the work the slope of Lots 21 and 22 shall follow the Sketch Plan dated December 17, 1984. Request from Reading Housing Authority Mr. Richard Dempster, Chairman of the Reading Housing Authority (RHA) , appeared before the School Committee to request that they relinquish control of School Committee controlled Lots 108-110 on Waverly Road to enable the RHA to construct low-cost family housing on these Lots, combined with Lots 103-107. He said there is a real need for such housing and that unless Reading fulfills this need the State would withhold grants and probably, eventually, operating funds. Mr. Dempster said that in 1982 the State said it would withhold certain funds unless through the RHA the Town applied for family housing funds on the next round of funding. He said that the RHA applied on the next round and in 1984 received a grant of $390,000 to construct six units, adding that in order to make it economically feasible the RHA must build on land which costs little or nothing. He noted that the land on Oakland and Waverly Roads is close to schools and recreation, both of which are important. Mr. Dempster expressed some con- fusion as to whether the land was under the jurisdiction of the School Committee or the Selectmen. Chairman Allen said he had discussed this with Dr. Wells who told him that the land under discussion is part of a parcel taken for educational purposes in 1947. Dr. Wells added that the records show that later in the same year the School Committee voted to return to the Selectmen one or two lots on Main Street. He added they had been asked by the Selectmen in March 1983 if the School Committee wished to retain control of various lots, including the ones under discussion, and the Committee had voted to retain control of a number of lots, including Lots 108-110, but to tell the Selectmen they had no interest in Lots 103-107. Mr. Dempster noted that the Town had received a grant for a water plant because the RHA had said it would build family housing. He added that the Town has paid for things for which they could have been reimbursed if they had a Fair Housing Plan. Mr. Dempster said he would like to have the support of the School Committee. When questioned by Committee members as to the type of housing planned Mr. Dempster said he did not know as they had not yet engaged an architect. He also said other sites had been considered and rejected. Mrs. Philbrick expressed concern that Lots 108-110 are near the entrance to the Field House where there is already a lot of high-speed traffic. Chairman Allen noted that earlier in the evening the Committee took some business out of order and at that time voted to retain all land on the easterly side of Oakland Road, which, he felt, had settled the question. He added that historically the Committee had felt Lots 108-110 should be kept as a buffer between School- controlled and residential property. 26 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11 , 1985 Mr. MacDonald said he would want to hear statements from the Town Counsel and the Police Traffic Safety Officer before making a judgment and suggested the Committee take no action until such statements were available. Mr. Nissen asked why the RHA wanted this matter dealt with at the Special Town Meeting, rather than waiting, and Mr. Dempster replied that they had a deadline. Mr. Nigro said that after observing the traffic pattern in the area he would not like to see any more density - in housing or traffic. Mr. Nigro brought up the issue of "Home Rule," asking where the pressure was coming from, State or Federal Government, and said he did not believe outsiders have the right to determine the character of Reading. Mr. Coco said if such housing was built it would be tax free and therefore penalize Reading. Mr. Dempster replied that they would be allowed to make a payment in lieu of taxes for family housing but it would be less than taxes from private housing, adding that Reading would be penalized anyway by funds being withheld, as that is the State's way of encouraging public housing. That concluded the discussion. Review of All Lots under School Committee Control Although this agenda item was taken out of order earlier in the meeting, Mrs. Philbrick inquired as to whether there is any land, other than on Oakland Road, now under the juridsiction of the School Committee. Dr. Wells replied that the Batchelder and Dividence Road sites had been returned to the Selectmen's jurisdiction within the past few years and now the Oakland Road property voted on earlier is the only land divided into lots over which the Committee has retained control. Birch Meadow PTA - Playground Mr. Joseph Nolan, Co-President of the Birch Meadow PTA, spoke to the Committee regarding a proposal for the PTA to extend that School's playground from 75 feet to 150 feet, by landscaping and fencing, and purchase playground equipment in the amount of $4,300. He gave an amount of $1,500 for the landscaping and $800 for the fence, making the total cost of the proposal $6,600 for which the PTA will raise the funds. Mr. Nolan asked that the Committee approve the proposal and allow landscaping to start the week of February 18th. He added that the PTA has offers of free labor and use of equipment for the landscaping and fencing, and also that Mr. Marc Alterio, Physical Education Director, will review the proposed equipment for appropriateness and safety. The School Committee received the proposal enthusiastically but warned that land- scaping should be such that there will be no secluded area where older children would be apt to congregate and that precautions be taken against vandalism and theft. Chairman Allen pointed out that such a project should be coordinated with the Administration. 27 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 1985 Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee approve the proposal of the Birch Meadow School PTA for play- ground extension and equipment as described on Document B-3-a-4 with the proviso that it be cleared with the Central Office. The School Committee extended its appreciation to Mr. Nolan and the Committee who developed the proposal. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of January 31, 1985; Salary and Expense Accounts as of January 25, 1985; and Cafeteria Statement for December 1984. Mr. Winslow said there was nothing unusual in the statements. Members noted that at the half-way point of the year accounts seem to be in good condition, and school lunch participation continues to be well above past years. School Committee Goals- 1984-85 The School Committee reviewed its 1984-85 goals, voted last September as follows: 1. Improvement in lines of communication all through the School System, within the School Committee, and with the public. Make sure that the Committee members and Administration are as accessible to the community and parents as is possible and reasonable. Also, to make the Town aware of the School System's needs. 2. Develop a plan for future utilization of the Reading Memorial High School complex, in the face of continual student population decline. Explore possible uses for those areas not essential to future opera- tion of a compressed R.M.H.S. facility. 3. Design and implement a gifted and talented program - complete identi- fication for current students, and plan long-term goals and program. Mrs. Philbrick noted that this year the Committee's goals are pretty much the same as the Superintendent's. She added that the Committee has made progress and that the reason for this is that the Superintendent has made progress with his goals and they have worked together cooperatively. Chairman Allen, addressing goal number one, pointed out that a subcommittee com- posed of Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Nissen had worked hard in their attempt to communi- cate with the public regarding the relaxation of Proposition 21/2. He added that he and Dr. Wells had attended a meeting sponsored by the local League of Women Voters on the problem of after-school care of children of working parents. The Chairman said he felt the entire Committee and Administration have made strides in communications and have been as accessible to the community as is reasonable. 28 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11, 1985 Dr. Wells added that they are on target relative to Goal ##3. He also noted that, regarding Goal ##1, through a State Grant the Committee has engaged a consultant and has been taking time, above and beyond Committee meetings, to attend work- (4 shops which are aimed at improving communications. He said that through these workshops there is a better understanding of what will be involved with the High School complex over the years. Mr. Coco cotuiented that the establishing of a gifted and talented program is going well. He added that he thinks the Committee has not taken as active a role as possible regarding utilization of the High School, relying on the Administration instead. He thought that a subcommittee might be helpful in getting more infor- mation. Mr. Coco said that despite the strong case made for relaxation of Propo- sition 22, he feels there is a gap between the Committee and the public on what they think the School Committee should be delivering. He aoso noted the lack of citizen input at Committee meetings. Mr. Nigro pointed out that the Committee plans to develop a policy on self-evalu- ation and the Superintendent is attempting to get information on the subject. Correspondence Dr. Wells said that he and the Chairman had attended a League of Women Voters' sponsored meeting on child care facilities and the League had decided to draw up a proposal on needed facilities and present it to the School Committee. He said one suggestion made at that meeting was to have a full day kindergarten - 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dr. Wells said that since the meeting the Committee has received a letter from Mrs. Martha J. Carriere thanking him and the Chairman for their interest and emphasizing the need for after-school care for kindergarten children. Also since that meeting he has received a call from Mrs. Anita Valentine, of the League, asking if the School Committee would be willing to have someone act as liaison to the League, adding that it could be a member or even a school principal. Dr. Wells said that at one time it was thought that children ages four and five were not mature enough for a full day in school but some places have tried this, because of working parents, and found the children have shown academic growth. He added that a full-day kindergarten in Reading would mean 5-6 more classrooms and teachers. The Superintendent also called attention to a preliminary proposal for an after- school program in the Reading Public Schools sent to the School Committee by a Ms. Jane M. Canty of Newton Lower Falls and Ms. Mary Ellen Maguire of Reading. The Chairman felt the Committee should give a lot of thought to the subject of after-school care, adding that there might be some competition with private schools or the SEEM day care facility. Mr. Coco said there is after-school child care available and for the Committee to offer it would be "stepping on the toes of private enterprise.' Mr. Nissen pointed out that the proposal is not for the Committee to operate an after-school facility, but merely to rent space to a private enterprise. He noted that, as pointed out in the proposal, it eliminates the problem of trans- portation, adding that he would be positive towards a program of this type as it might bring in revenue and would provide a needed service. 29 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 11 , 1985 Mr. Nigro felt a study should be made. Mr. MacDonald said he too was supportive in principle but pointed out that there could be problems if teachers could not use their classrooms after school. He felt the Committee should take a broader look at the situation before taking any action. Appointments Dr. Munnelly said that the Administration, in going through the process of solic- iting candidates for a teacher for the gifted and talented program, had received 35 applications and interviewed six candidates, and were now recommending Mrs. Eileen A. Woods, a third grade teacher at the Barrows School, for the position of Revolving Door Model Resource Room Teacher. He said Mrs. Woods has been very interested in a gifted and talented program since it was first brought up in Reading, had served on the Gifted and Talented Program Committee and plans to further her education in this field during the summer. He also stressed her leadership qualities. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that Mrs. Eileen A. Woods be appointed to the position of Revolving Door Model Resource Room Teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program for elementary students. Leaves Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that Mrs. Margo J. Vangeli, guidance counsellor at Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools, be granted a child-rearing leave of absence for the 1985-86 school year. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Mrs. Mary Daly, a teacher aide at the Killam School, be granted a nine-day extension of sick leave, in accordance with the terms of the Contract. The vote carried 5-0, with Mr. Coco abstaining. Executive Session At 10:25 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. Return to Open Session - Contract Ratification At 10:53 p.m. the Committee returned to open session. Chairman Allen announced that the Committee had voted unanimously to ratify the contract with the Reading Association of Secretaries and Clerks. Mrs. Philbrick summarized the agreement, stating that it gives a 5% increase, retroactive to July 1, 1984, and adjusts the wages of some people in Grade Five to the level of Middle School secretaries. The meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Pelts, Secretary