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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-04-23 School Cimmittee Minutes 49 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on April 23, 1985, at 8:35 p.m. , in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present except Mrs. Philbrick, who arrived at 9:36 p.m. , and Mr. Coco, who was out of the State on business. Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Winslow were also present. Assistant Superintendent Munnelly was out of the Country on business. The only visitor was a representative of the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of April 9, 1985 On a motion by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, the minutes of the School Committee meeting of April 9, 1985 were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills April 19, 1985 - General Expense - $57,153.17 April 26, 1985 - General Expense - $24,440.54 Payrolls April 19, 1985 - Weekly - $27,151.03 April 26, 1985 - Weekly - $26,103.92 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Rental Fees for Upcoming Track Meets Chairman Allen explained that in order for the Reading Boosters Club to make money at three upcoming track meets they will sponsor, it would be necessary to waive rental fees. He felt this would be appropriate, because of the con- tributions the Boosters make to the School Department to help support athletic activities, adding that at another meeting the policy on rental fees could be reviewed if this was the sense of the Committee. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that rental fees for use of the track be suspended for the Bay State Track Games, Middlesex League Athletic Directors All-Star Meet and the State Track Relay Meet, all under the sponsorship of the Reading Boosters Club. Statement of Assurances Dr. Wells explained that annually it was necessary for the Committee to vote to permit the Chairman and Superintendent to sign a Statement of Assurances, assuring conformity to all applicable laws, in order to receive funds under the various grants for which the Administration applies during the year. 50 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 1985 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that the Reading School Committee approve the FY86 Statement of Assurances for all applications for State and Federal funds administered by the State Department of Education and to authorize the Chairman and the Superintendent of Schools to sign on behalf of the School Committee. Pearl Street School - Financial Status and Projection Report Dr. Wells noted that it appeared, from the report prepared by Mr. Winslow, that the Pearl Street School rental account was "in the black," adding that this report dealt with the School only, and not the portable classrooms. Mr. Winslow went over the figures of the report - Document C-1 - noting that the Administration had been able to keep their word that they could "break even" charging a rental fee of $4.25 per square foot. He said the salary portion of the projection was up because it has been found that the amount of custodial hours originally planned for is not enough to maintain the building properly and make weekend checks of the property. He added that in his pro- jections for FY86 he raised heating costs to take care of a possible increase in the price of oil and added $5,000 for roof maintenance but, even with these increases, he expects a balance of about $12,000. It was noted that money received over and above the expenses can only be used to maintain the building. Mr. Winslow recommended the rental fee for the Pearl Street School remain the same. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously that the rental fee for the Pearl Street School be maintained at $4.25 per square foot for the building proper, not including the portable classrooms. Projected Elementary School Enrollments 1985-1986 The Committee discussed briefly the projected enrollment for elementary schools which Dr. Wells had sent to members prior to the meeting. The figures, contained on Document C-2, showed a slight increase over the present enrollment. However, Dr. Wells noted that not all children who took part in the Kindergarten screening would necessarily be enrolled in the Fall. He added that they should have more complete information in about a month when the 1985 census figures become available. The Superintendent noted that the teacher-pupil ratio average is 23, although there are some classes which have 26, 27 and 28 students, which, overall, is good. Progress Report - Birch Meadow School P.T.A. Playground Project Noted for the record was a report from Birch Meadow School P.T.A. President John Nolan on the progress of their playground project. It stated that they had received $1,100 in donations from families of children in the school, realized a $950 profit from a recent dance, and plan a yard sale for May 11th. Also the Planning Comiuittee will meet soon with Mr. Marc Alterio, Director of Physical Education, to select equipment for the playground. Dr. Wells said he had viewed the site and that there has been a great deal accomplished. 51 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 23, 1985 The Committee commended the P.T.A. for their service to the Birch Meadow School children. National Institute of Education Questionnaire The Committee took note of the results of a questionnaire, which had been dis- tributed to them, from the National Institute of Education on "Level of Public Support for Standards-Raising Initiatives." Resignations Dr. Wells read a letter of resignation from Mr. Herbert Baron, who has served as an elementary teacher and Principal of the Prospect, Woburn Street and Killam Schools since entering the Reading School System in 1955, and is presently Assistant Principal and fourth grade teacher at the Barrows School. Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr. Lewis, and it was voted unanimously that the Committee accept the letter of resignation from Mr. Herbert Baron as Fourth Grade teacher and Assistant Principal of the Barrows School, effective June 30, 1985, and noting the Committee's appreciation for his long years of service. Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr. Lewis, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mrs. Cheryl O'Halloran McLeod as an art teacher at Reading Memorial High School, effective at the end of the current school year. Appointments Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mr. Stephen Johnson, 7 Elvira Road, North Reading, to the custodial vacancy at the Barrows School, noon to 8:00 p.m. shift, at Step 1 of the Custodial Contract, effective May 6, 1985. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Susan Sanders, 41 Elm Street, North Reading, to the position of attendance clerk at Reading Memorial High School, at the salary rate dictated by the Secretarial/Clerk Contract, effective when her position as aide at the High School is filled. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:02 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until 10:37. Upon returning to open session the Chairman asked if there was any further business to come before the Committee. There being none, Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary