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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-03-04 School Cimmittee Minutes 31 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on March 4, 1985, at 7:35 p.m. , in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present, with the exception of Mr. MacDonald who was in Europe on business. Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow were also present. There were seven visitors, including Dr. Alexander Alexanian, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, members of the School Nursing Staff Mrs. JoAnne McMahon, Supervisor, Mrs. Katherine Jack, and Mrs. Ruth Schubarth, and a representative of the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of February 11, 1985 Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, to approve the minutes of the meeting of February 11, 1985. The motion passed unanimously, without discussion. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills February 22, 1985 - General Expense - $43,100.03 March 1, 1985 - General Expense - $38,097. 97 March 8, 1985 - General Expense - $13,937. 75 Payrolls February 22, 1985 - Weekly - $27,450.38 March 1, 1985 - Weekly - $34,316.11 March 7, 1985 - Teachers - $322,598.32 March 8, 1985 - Weekly - $28,160. 94 March 15, 1985 - Weekly - $28,817.32 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights Dr. Wells introduced Dr. Alexanian and members of the School Nursing Staff. They spoke of the work of the Nursing Staff in streamlining their screening and prevention activities to improve the quality of health services in the School System, and updated approaches to carrying out State-mandated health examinations and screening. In addition, they explained the role of the Nursing Staff in first aid emergencies, special education consultation and health education. A report distributed to School Committee members further explained the status of the System's health program. 32 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1985 Old Business Mr. Coco, School Committee representative on the Law Committee, gave a brief review of recent meetings as they related to School Committee issues. He said that the High School property easement was discussed. The Law Committee is carefully monitoring business with the Town's legal counsel in order to keep operating as effectively as possible. University of Massachusetts Water Study Dr. Wells reviewed for the School Committee the University of Massachusetts Water Study Research Project which is studying the health effects of Reading's water on youngsters. The project is in its eighth year. Metco Budget Projection Regarding the Metco budget, Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee that the State Department of Education has given financial guidelines of 7.8% for preparation of the 1985-86 budget. An extended period of budget preparation will be necessary before the School Department receives the final figures approved by the State. As in the past, Schedule A (direct costs) and Schedule C (transportation) for Reading's Metco project will be fully funded by the State. To clarify Reading's budget preparation, Dr. Munnelly suggested that the School Committee accept a Schedule B (personnel costs) amount of $96,000 for the 1985-86 year. This amount can be assured as income to reduce the amount of taxes to be raised by the Town. Mr. Nissen moved that Schedule B Metco receipts be used to reduce the Town's education budget and for 1985-86 the amount of $96,000 be approved. The motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, was unanimously approved. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of February 28, 1985; and Salary and Expense Accounts as of February 22, 1985. These statements wer reviewed. Dr. Wells informed the School Committee that the Selectmen were, that evening, considering the School Committee's request to free up the portables at Pearl School School for rental purposes. The School Department has received numerous inquiries about rental of the portables. R.M.H.S. Students Honored Dr. Wells informed the School Committee that two Reading High School students had been awarded prestigious prizes and scholarships in a writing contest sponsored by Discover Magazine and the National Science Teachers Association. David Perreault won a first place prize of $5,000. Patricia Callaghan won a $1,000 runner-up award. 33 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 4, 1985 Information and Proposals Brief discussions were held about the Board of Health's sponsorship of a substance- abuse program; in-service meetings of Town Department Managers; IBM's executive training offer for School Administrators; Teacher Judy Angus' presentation to the New England Social Studies Teachers meeting in Boston on March 4th; and the sub- mission of cultural arts grants by school personnel in collaboration with the Peabody Museum of Salem and the Boston Museum of Science. Leaves On a motion by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the Committee voted unanimously on the recommendation of the Administration, to extend the leave of Mrs. Diana LaMarca, currently on a year's child-rearing leave from her fifth grade teaching position at Birch Meadow School, for an additional year. It was noted for the record that the following teachers will be on maternity leave: Mrs. Gina Healy, Head of the High School Foreign Language Department, from May 17th to the close of the school year. Mrs. Catherine M. Powell, Kindergarten teacher at Killam School, starting April 22nd. Mrs. Cynthia Jamison, first grade teacher at Joshua Eaton School, as of March 18th. Resignations Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mrs. Joan Kulash, Special Needs Liaison (3/5 time position) , effective March 5, 1935. The resignation of Mr. Gino Serrecchia, custodian at the Killam School, was accepted, effective March 1, 1985, on a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and voted unanimously. Other Chairman Allen spoke on behalf of the School Committee and Superintendents, extending thanks to Mr. Eugene Nigro and Mr. Bruce MacDonald for their long years of service on the Reading School Committee. This was the last meeting for both members, whose combined service on the Committee totals 20 years. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:05 p.m. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to enter into executive session to consider collective bargaining issues. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until they adjourned at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary