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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-04-09 School Cimmittee Minutes 41 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on April 9, 1985, at 7:36 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Nissen and Mr. Lewis were not present at this time but arrived later in the evening. Also present were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Winslow and Munnelly. There were 12 visitors, including Reading Memorial High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Coolidge Middle School Principal Albert Lahood, Barrows School Prin- cipal Charles Papandreou, Reading Director Edward Sacco, Athletic Director R. Gilbert Congdon, Track Coach and teacher at R.M.H.S. , Harold Croft, High School English teacher Ronald Howland, Parker Middle School English Department Head Peter Hichborn, and representatives of the Finance Committee, League of Women Voters and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of March 25, 1985 On a motion by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, the minutes of the School Committee meeting of March 25, 1985 were accepted unanimously. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills April 5, 1985 - General Expense - $19,957.18 April 12, 1985 - General Expense - $67,612.39 Payrolls April 4, 1985 - Teachers - $325,854. 22 April 5, 1985 - Weekly - $27,335.33 April 12, 1985 - Teachers - $310,923.86 April 12, 1985 - Weekly - $26,681.95 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights This segment of the meeting featured the role of interscholastic athletics in the program of the High School, stressing that athletic competition provides lifetime learning about training, skill development, sportsmanship, and grace under pressure. Dr. Wells introduced Mr. D'Orlando who noted that while they have been working hard the past several years for academic excellence, the students also have the opportunity to challenge themselves in interscholastic sports and other extra- curricular activities. He added that High School students have competed ably with teams of the Middlesex League, especially in track, which is a "no cut" sport. The High School Track Team has won 13 consecutive League championships and is presently working on a string of 121 consecutive dual meet victories. 42 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Mr. D'Orlando attributed this in great part to the leadership of Coach Croft. Mr. Croft, who has coached the track team for 14 years, spoke at length about the track program, its ethics, self-discipline, dedication, and the carry-over of these qualities into the classroom. He added that over half of the 104 on the track team are honor roll students. Coach Croft also spoke of the importance of the new track facility in preventing injuries, adding that injuries are down 60% since the installation of the new track. After the Coach answered several questions from members of the School Committee, Chairman Allen thanked him for his interesting presentation. Staff Reappointments Dr. Wells noted that, in accordance with State law, teachers contracts are auto- matically renewed unless they are notified to the contrary by April 15th. Dr. Munnelly then went over lists of various teachers, Assistant Principals and Directors eligible for reappointment, advising the Committee on necessary action and the recommendations of the Administration. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the following be appointed to fourth (tenure) year contracts: Candidate Salary Assignment Step Secondary Claudia T. Bowe B-6 Physical Education Ruthann L. Budrewicz M-12 Biology Keith Jones B-7 Academic Instructor Philip N. Vaccaro M-12 Mathematics Elementary Elia Dangelmaier M+30-4 Grade 2 Eileen C. Gagnon M-7 Grade 4 Sandra Martin-McCarthy M-8 Special Education Assistant Principals Allan Alson Assistant Principal, RMHS Maureen Zolubos Assistant Principal, RMHS Director R. Gilbert Congdon Athletic Director Dr. Wells stated that it will be necessary to notify by April 15th all staff members listed on Document B-3-a (2) (3) that they will not be reappointed at this time and that their reappointment in the future will depend upon the School Committee having enough funds. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that those staff members listed on Document B-3-a (2) (3) be sent letters of non-reappointment stating that at this time it is not possible to reappoint them due to budgetary restraints. 43 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Candidates for reappointment listed on Document B-3-a (2) (3) are as follows : Candidate Contract Salary Assignment Number Step Secondary David F. Bunten 3 B--5 Music Ellen D. Hayes 3 M-11 Focus English Warren R. Hopkins 3 M-12 Business Education Kristin A. Killian 3 B-3 Music Laura Nash 3 M-4 Computer Education Paula G. Vicenzi 3 M-9 Foreign Language Eleanor F. Withe 3 B+15-6 Physics Elementary Nancy Cleary 3 B-7 Grade 1 Cynthia M. Jamison 3 M-7 Grade 1 Susan G. Wood 3 B-7 Grade 5 Secondary Fatima deGranda 2 M-11 Spanish Anthony DiSanzo 2 DR-11 Spanish Susan Fritz 2 M-6 French/Spanish Bonnie E. Katz 2 B-9 Art Martha E. Moore 2 M-4 Biology Diane M. Pasquale 2 M+30-11 Mathematics DeAnn K. Porter 2 B-4 Mathematics Elementary Kathleen M. Doyle 2 M-2 Speech/Language William H. Nicklasson 2 B+15-8 Art Joanne M. Willis 2 B-9 Instrumental Music (PT 2/5) Director Edward Sacco 2 Director of Reading Dr. Munnelly said a review of staffing projections shows that only in the Home Economics will it be necessary to exercise the reduction-in-force procedures of the contract between the Reading Teachers Association and the School Committee. He added that because of this the Administration was recommending the layoff of the least senior teacher in that area. He noted that all other reductions-in- force can be handled by attrition, resignations or reduction of non-tenured staff. Mr, Shannon moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the School Committee notify Janice Pacunas, home economics teacher, that she, as the least senior member of the staff, has been selected for layoff in accordance with the contract between the Reading Teachers Association and the Reading School Committee. School Calendar 1985-86 Dr. Wells presented for approval a school calendar for the 1985-86 year which he said is traditional and meets all requirements of the contract with the Reading Teachers Association. 44 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Mrs. Philbrick said that in the future she would like school to end two weeks earlier as she is convinced that not much learning is accomplished during those last two weeks in June, and also because children are involved in many outdoor activities during that period. She suggested shortening the February vacation by four days, having the students return to school the day after Labor Day, and eliminating the spring vacation by having Good Friday and the day after Easter off instead. Mr. Coco disagreed, but questioned starting the boilers up for two days after New Year's Day when keeping the rooms at 55 degrees for two weeks could save on heating oil. Dr. Wells said the calendar, as proposed, was similar to those of most towns in this area, adding that he tended to agree with Mrs. Philbrick regarding the last two weeks in June. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee accept the 1985-86 school calendar as presented on Documents B-3-b (2) and B-3-b (3). Bid - Insulation of Birch Meadow School Boiler Room Dr. Wells said advertising for bids to insulate the Birch Meadow School Boiler Room resulted in only one bid, adding that this is not unusual as many companies do not wish to bid on small jobs. He said that the Administration recommended without hesitation the firm which submitted a bid. Dr. Wells explained that since the asbestos was removed too much heat was escaping. 1 Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the contract for installing insulation on the ceiling of the Birch Meadow School Boiler Room be awarded to A. F. Underhill, Inc. of Charlestown, for $6,900.00 This is $600 below the amount budgeted for this project. Thinking Skills Update Dr. Munnelly introduced the "Thinking Skills Update," noting that not only in the educational profession, but throughout the world, it has been realized that children should be given more opportunity to develop thinking skills as they are learning, i.e. , the more thinking, the more benefit to the student. He said that across the Country students score well on literal tasks, but rather poorly when asked to reach conclusions not included in the written material. Dr. Munnelly said that rather than having a separate course in "thinking," attention has been focused at all levels of the Reading School System, in all subject areas, on teaching thinking skills. He added that workshops have been held for staff development, teachers are now giving much attention to teaching students to think, and the response has been good. Dr. Munnelly concluded by stating that various staff members would brief the School Committee on "Thinking as a goal of the System and how it is being addressed." 45 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Mr. Lahood spoke about the development of Reading's philosophy on teaching "thinking," using the State of Vermont, which has added "reasoning" to its basic skill requirements, as a model. He said that Reading has matched its curriculum somewhat to that of Vermont in the areas of problem solving, classifying and organizing, and making reasoning judgments, but not as intensely. Also, professional educators from Vermont have conducted workshops in Reading. Mr. Lahood added that lesson plans on thinking and reasoning have been developed and will be introduced into the classroom soon. Mr. Papandreou spoke about the "Elementary Great Books" program at the Barrows School and how it teaches pupils to use their reasoning powers through discussion, provocative questions, and exposure to, and interpretation of exemplary forms of literature. Mr. Hichborn spoke on "Middle School Instrumental Enrichment" and distributed samples of documents used in teaching students to think. Mr. Howland spoke about the High School's "Common Planning Teams," approach to teaching thinking skills. He noted that one reason students failed to use their own reasoning power was a fear of giving a wrong answer, and one of the aims of the Team is to change this and encourage students to express their own interpretations. Mr. Sacco's topic was "High Level Comprehension." He explained how, as Director of Reading, he was introducing materials to accomplish this as most textbooks have not caught up with this trend in education. A question and answer period followed the presentations and at the conclusion Chairman Allen thanked those involved. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the Expense and Salary Accounts Statement of March 29, 1985 and the Account Balances Statement as of March 29, 1985. Policy or Position on Leasing Space for Day Care Programs Dr. Wells said the Administration has had inquiries about renting space for a day care program from both a non-profit organization and people interested in conducting this type of program for profit, but without guidance from the School Committee he can do no more than tell them that space is available and that the Committee is trying to regain control of the portable classrooms at Pearl Street School. He added that those interested would like to start their programs in September. It was noted that the space available at that time would be some rooms on the top floor of Reading Memorial High School, three rooms on the top floor of Pearl Street School, and the portables. The Selectmen have only agreed to a one-year lease on the portables. Chairman Allen said he had not yet had the opportunity to ask the Selectmen to reconsider their one-year lease stipulation for the portables, but hopes to soon. A lengthy discussion ensued about such concerns as whether to rent to profit or non-profit organizations, whether the top floor of either school would be desir- able for a day care program, if rent could be a source of income to the School Department, whether renting space in the High School would interfere with that 46 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, .1 985 School's program, leasing arrangements, applicable Fire Department regulations, rental fees, the need and scarcity of day care programs, possible parking problems, and after school programs for school-age children versus all-day programs for pre-school children. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Committee authorize the Administration to advertise surplus space in the High School at a rental rate no less than that charged for the Pearl Street School. During the discussion of the motion Mr. Nissen pointed out that there are still • three empty rooms in the Pearl Street School. Mr. Shannon felt that there should be some control as to who would be coming into the building as long as classes are being held, adding that he could not conscience other than after- school use. Mrs. Anita Valentine, representing the League of Women Voters, which is organ- izing a day care program (REAP - Reading Extended-Day Activity Program) , said her Organization is interested in after school time for school-age children, adding that they are investigating liability insurance. Mr. Shannon then amended the motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to read that the School Committee authorize the Administration to advertise for rental of space in the High School at a rate no less than that charged at the Pearl Street School, with use to be restricted to school-age children and after school hours. Dr. Wells noted that the portables are the primary space in which the people who have made inquiries are interested. The motion, as amended, carried on a 4-2 vote, with Mrs. Philbrick and Mr. Nissen casting the dissenting votes. Police Department - Safety Officer Noted for the record was a letter from the Police Department Safety Officer, Joseph R. Veno, written after completing his distribution of safety manuals in the Elementary Schools, complimenting the Principals on the reception he received and on their concern for child safety. Education Reform Bill During a brief discussion of the Education Reform Bill, Dr. Wells noted that it was his understanding that it had been voted by the House, with very few amend- ments, and is expected to come before the Senate very soon. Article on Reading's Health Fair Noted for the record was a very complimentary article in the winter edition of the Journal of the Massachusetts Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance about the Health Fair held at Reading Memorial High School in November. 47 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 9, 1985 Resignations Dr. Wells read a letter from Mr. John Pacino, High School guidance counselor who has been in the System for 40 years, announcing his intention of retiring at the end of the school year. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee accept the resignation of John Pacino as guidance counselor at Reading High School and that an appropriate letter of appreci- ation for his many years of service be sent. Appointments Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Barbara S. Hughes, 12 Hilltop Terrace, Woburn, to the part-time position as Liaison for Special Education, effective April 10, 1985 through the end of the school year, to work 14 hours a week at the rate of $14 per hour. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Patricia M. Johns, 25 Lincoln Street, to the position of secretary in the Pupil Personnel Office, to be effective when her position as clerk in the High School Office is filled, at the rate determined by the Contract. Executive Session At 10:51 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Couuuittee returned to open session at 11:32 p.m. , at which time they agreed to schedule the next meeting for Tuesday, April 23rd, or, if Town Meeting has concluded, Monday, April 22nd. By unanimous consent the meeting adjourned at 11:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted. Robert S. 17olis, Secretary