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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-08-22 School Cimmittee Minutes 95 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called to order a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee at 7 :30 p. m. , on August 22, 1985, in the Central Office Conference Room. Mrs . Philbrick, who was on vacation, and Mr . Lewis were absent. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were six visitors, including Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Principal of Reading Memorial High School, and a reporter from the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of July 15 and July 24 , 1985 On a motion by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, the School Com- mittee unanimously approved the minutes of the meetings of July 15 and July 24 , 1985. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills August 2, 1985 - General Expense - $8 ,283.95 August 9, 1985 - General Expense - $50 ,669 .90 August 16 , 1985 - General Expense - $18 ,301 .39 August 23, 1985 - General Expense - $34,008 .91 payrolls July 26 , 1985 - Weekly - $16 ,749 .06 August 2, 1985 - Weekly - $19,462.14 August 8, 1985 - Teachers - $77 ,455 .56 August 9, 1985 - Weekly - $18,110 .18 August 16 , 1985 - Weekly - $16 , 249 . 34 August 22 , 1985 - Teachers - $71 ,055.14 August 23, 1985 - Weekly - $17 ,304 . 33 Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' Input Review of Athletic Director 's Job Description and Related Matters Dr. Wells said he had revised slightly the Athletic Director' s(AD) job description distributed to the School Committee at the last meeting . He then gave a brief overview of the Athletic Department, noting that there has been an increase in sports participation, particularly in the area of girls' sports . He added that the Department had tried to do its best with very limited funds . Dr. Wells said that he had been asked to meet with about 40 coaches , after Mr . Congdon resigned as AD. The coaches had a list of recommendations, he said, some of which may 96 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 be sound but not feasible under the current fiscal constraints . Dr. Wells noted that girls have to go to the boys' locker room to see the trainer , adding that at some time he hopes there will be better access . He also said the Athletic Department has asked for additional equipment storage space several times . Dr . Wells said he felt the recommendations he was about to make were justifiable in terms of need, and affordable . His recommendations were for the acceptance of an amended Athletic Director's job descrip- tion, increasing the 1/2 time secretary/clerk position serving the Physical Education and Athletic Departments to a full-time one , and increasing the availability of an athletic trainer from one sports season to three . Regarding making the AD position full time , Dr . Wells said Mr . D'Orlando has given him a list of as many as 15 different areas where he would like to use the AD, rather than have him teach two regular classroom periods, among them helping during exam times and doing substitute teaching . Dr . Wells also pointed out that the AD' s position was unique in that he had to report for duty two weeks before school opens and work during the Christmas and Spring holidays as well as weekends, making his position quite different from that of the other directors . Chairman Allen, with the consent of the other Committee members , decided to act on the three recommendations separately. Mr. Nissen moved, for purposes of discussion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, that the School Committee adopt the Athletic Director' s job descrip- tion as described on Document B-3-2-a, dated July 24 , 1985 . Mr . Shannon requested, and it was agreed to by other Committee members , that the wording of #17 (under the title "Performance Responsibili- ties" be changed from "Assume other duties and responsibilities when requested by the High School Principal" to "Assume other duties and responsibilities as required by the High School Principal. Mr. Coco read the following statement into the record: "There has been much discussion at the last several meetings of the Reading School Committee relative to the athletic program at Reading Memorial High School and in particular the athletic director' s posi- tion. A summary of what has transpired since May would be beneficial to the present discussion. " "Back in May , Mr . Gil Congdon resigned his position as AD at the High School and the Administration began the process to fill that position. Neither at that meeting or any subsequent meetings did the Superintendent or members of the School Committee discuss or suggest that it should become a full-time position. All previous AD' s had been part-time appointments with a 2/5 teaching assignment included as part of their duties . In light of the continued reduction in the size of the RMHS student population and the very critical economic con- straints the School Department has continued to operate under, there certainly seemed to be no pressing need to alter this situation ." "At the June 24th meeting of this Committee , called specifically to appoint a new Athletic Director, the School Committee voted 4-0 to 97 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 appoint Mr. White to the position, based on the recommendation of the Administration. That appointment was to the current position includ- ing the 2/5ths teaching assignment . During that meeting, except for a brief mention of a possible need for more secretarial support, the Administration neither suggested nor discussed making the position full time . It must be assumed that all applicants were aware of the part-time nature of the appointment and the teaching duties that went with the job." "The first time the School Committee was advised that a change in the AD position had occurred was at the July 15th meeting when , in response to a general question related to the teaching assignments for the AD, the Committee was told there would be none." "Then, and only then, for the first time was this body made aware that the AD would not be assigned teaching duties and, in fact, of the Administration's plan to request School Committee approval to change the position to full time at a future meeting." "Thus, without the prior approval of the School Committee, a change in the policy governing the operation of the School System was made." "Tonight, the Administration is asking this Committee not only to approve a de facto change it has implemented, but to also allocate some of our limited resources to fund additional secretarial support and a trainer for the Athletic Department . Resources of which, I might add, we have little to spare ." "Two main concerns arise out of this situation, and there may be others . First and foremost, at a minimum, the situation has compro- mised the the policy making responsibility of this Committee . We are in effect being asked to rubber-stamp approve a change in policy made without our prior consultation. Changes in policy do not just occur, they are discussed, approved or disapproved, then implemented." "The winter bus issue of last year is a classic example - the School Committee deliberated the issue, studied the cost impact, and approved the addition of the winter bus over the negative recommendation of the Central Office. After approval it was implemented, not before! " "A second important issue relates to allocation of resources . With the known tight fiscal constraints the School Committee and Adminis- tration are presently operating under for FY1986 , it seems totally inappropriate that we should approve the allocation of any additional monies to the RMHS Athletic Department - money needed to pay for a full time Athletic Director, additional secretarial help, an addi- tional trainer and money needed to fill the 2/5 part-time teaching position that results from the change in the AD' s job description . " "With the High School student population at its lowest level in 20 years , and still falling, why do we need to suddenly restructure the Athletic Department? If these changes are so necessary why were they not made years earlier when there were more students to serve and more available money?" "Let me remind the Committee that we are presently in the process of negotiations with our teachers and other members of our staff . We 98 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 really cannot afford the luxury of squandering away the monies Town Meeting appropriates for the operation of the School Department . " "The adage ' If it ain' t broke don' t fix it' seems appropriate to this J situation. There is no compelling reason to change the Athletic De- partment' s management at RMHS. The argument that we are the only town without a full time AD is not compelling enough a reason. The quality of the Reading Schools did not happen because we followed other districts but because we pursued and implemented quality educational programs and stuck to them." "I urge the members of this Committee to vote ' no' on the Adminis- tration's proposal to revamp the Athletic Director's job description and the other changes proposed or envisioned. We need to carefully spend the monies we have available to help the development of our professional staff and thus benefit the whole student body - ele- mentary, middle and high school." Mr. Shannon said he agreed with some of Mr. Coco' s comments, adding he had "no problem" with a full-time AD and trainer, noting he was surprised that the System did not already have a full-time trainer. He went on to say he could not agree to additional secretarial help since the AD would have more time for these duties now that he is full time. He agreed that it would have been better if the School Commit- tee had been approached before but added that part of the problem may have been time and said he hoped in the future there would not be the ' type of situation that management has to make decisions like these . Chairman Allen remarked that it seemed the Committee had been victim- ized by their own schedules in that members who shared the same views were not able to be at the same meeting . Mr. Nissen said he agreed with Mr. Shannon on the issue of a trainer but in the area of increased secretarial help he would want to find out more specifically what is done . He added that he was reserving judgment on the other two issues. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that the job description for the AD be amended to read "assume teaching responsibilities . The amendment lost 3-1 , with Mr. Coco casting the one affirmative vote . The Chairman then called for the vote on the main motion which carried 3-1 , with Mr. Coco casting the dissenting vote . Mr . Nissen moved , seconded by Mr . Shannon, that the 1/2 time secre- tary/clerk postion which serves the Athletic Department be increased to a full-time position to serve both the Physical Education and Athletic Departments . The motion lost 3-1 , with only Chairman Allen voting in favor . During the discussion which preceded the vote Dr . Wells noted that having a 1/2 time secretary left the telephone attended half of the day, which is difficult when storms necessitate cancelling games . He said most communities had a full-time secretary for the AD, adding that while enrollment has declined , athletics participation has increased and athletics are becoming more sophisticated, rules more stringent, and things are much more complicated than 20-30 years ago . 99 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 Mr . Nissen suggested a type of "call forwarding" be used and asked if the 1/2 time secretary was overloaded or not able to do the work . Dr. Wells answered that this was not the major reason for his request, but rather that another secretary would be overloaded taking messages . He pointed out that this secretary is located in the field house , not the High School Office . Mr . D' Orlando added that "call forwarding" probably would not work because the three lines at the High School were usually busy. Chairman Allen noted that the present secretary serves the Health Department 1/2 time. Mr. Nissen pointed out that the AD would have more time now that this position is full time. Mr. D'Orlando interjected that on a typical afternoon the AD is overseeing athletic activities in several parts of town. Mr. Shannon pointed out that the cost of benefits would be added if a person is hired for the Health Department for 20 hours or more per week. He said he felt a full time secretary should not be employed as the Committee had agreed to a full time AD, adding that athletics are part of education, not a primary goal and perhaps the situation could be reevaluated next year. Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that, on the recommendation o t o Administration, t o position o trainer •e expande. to t o three sports seasons . The motion carried 3-1, with Mr. Coco casting the negative vote. During the brief discussion which preceded the vote Dr. Wells said that the cost would be approximately $3,000 more, noting that trainers are licensed and must also be Emergency Medical Technicians, and that a doctor is not available for sports other than football . Mr . Shannon said he felt this position should have been expanded before, adding that he did not feel it prudent to have athletic events without a trainer available . Bids - Vehicle Mr . Winslow briefly recapitulated the two bids received for a station wagon, recommending the low bidder, at $2,863 under the amount allo- cated in the budget. Mr . Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, the contract for a station wagon be awarded to the low bidder, Lannan Chevrolet Olds , Inc . , for a 1986 Celebrity Model , at $9 , 137 , and that the Town Seal and the words "School Department, Town of Reading , " be affixed to the vehicle . Mr . Nissen moved, seconded by Mr . Shannon, to amend the motion to delete the words "and that the Town Seal and School Department , Town of Readinc be affixed to the vehicle . " The amendment lost 3-1 , with only Mr . Nissen voting in favor . The main motion carried by unanimous vote . Bids - Special Needs Transportation Mr . Winslow recommended that the contract for special education transportation be split between the two bidders . 100 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted, 311—The recommendation of the Administration, that the School Committee award the contract for special education transportation to Transcomm for Items #1 , #2 and #5 , and to Commonwealth Coach for Items #3 , #4 , and #6 for the amounts stated on Document B-3-a-2 . Bids - Clerestory - Coolidge Middle School Mr . Winslow said two bids had been received for translucent panels for the clerestory at Coolidge Middle School , with Capital Building Specialties Co. , Inc. bidding $52 ,000 and Kalwall Corporation $64 , 409 , but because of a technicality with the specifications he was awaiting a ruling from the Town Counsel as to whether the low bid can be accepted. After a brief discussion, Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was unanimously voted, that the School Committee award the contract for translucent panels for the clerestory of Coolidge Middle School to Capital Building Specialties, Inc. , for $52 ,000 , contingent upon approve by t e Town Counse o t e •id specs. ications . Senior Citizens ' Center - Pearl Street School Site The Committee discussed at length a proposal by the Board of Selectmen to have a Senior Citizens ' Center at the Pearl Street School Site, housed in the two portables, plus an additional portable and a new 36 ' X 60 ' building, and to construct a road from Pearl Street School to ' the edge of the East lot line, to prevent traffic from circling around the rear of the building . Dr. Wells felt that the proposal , as stated, would not be in the best interests of the School Department as long as the Pearl Street School is an "active" school, as it would limit the School Committee if the occasion arose that the School had to be reopened. He added that the Selectmen have asked for a decision from the School Committee. Mr. Coco remarked that the reason the Committee had "mothballed" the School is to keep it in case it is needed later and he did not feel the Committee should do anything to compromise that position. Mr . Shannon said he supported Dr. Wells ' opinion, and agreed with Mr. Coco that the School should be available if needed. Chairman Allen expressed concern about an access road limiting the playground space . Dr. Wells added that he did not think the Com- missioner of Education would approve construction of such a road. The Committee agreed that although it did not approve this particular proposal they did not want to give the Selectmen the impression that they did not approve of locating a Senior Citizen Center at the Pearl Street School Site . Mr. Shannon moved, seconded by Mr . Coco, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee would not support the proposal submitted by the Board of Selectmen, dated August 8, 1985, and that the Chairman be instructed to open communications for a more acceptable proposal which will not alter the appearance of the Pearl Street School . 101 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 School Lunch - Free and Reduced Price Meals 1 Dr. Wells noted that in order to receive reimbursement for the School Lunch Program the Committee annually must vote to abide by an exten- sive list of Federal and State regulations . _ Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted that the Reading School Committee continue the Agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition Education and School Food Services , that provides or carrying out the purposes of (1 ) The National School Lunch Program and ( 2) The Commodity Distribution Program, effective July 1 , 1985 through June 30 , 1986. Counsel for Dismissal of Teacher Hearing Dr. Wells told the Committee that Town Counsel Theodore Cohen had said that, because the role of the Superintendents will be that of prose- cutors in the upcoming hearing on dismissal of a teacher, he felt it would border on conflict of interest for him to advise both the School Committee and the Superintendents and, therefore, he suggested that separate council be engaged for the Superintendents . Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted that the Superintendent be authorized to retain the firm of Holland, Crowe and Drachman to assist him and Assistant Superintendent Munnelly with the hearing of William Webb on conduct unbecoming charges . Commissioner Lawson' s Letter of Congratulations Dr. Wells read a letter from Commissioner of Education John H . Lawson congratulating the Reading Public Schools on the selection of the Parker Middle School as a national Secondary School Recognition Program award recipient . Finance Committee - Subcommittee Assignments Dr . Wells announced that Finance Committee liaison people to the School Committee for FY87 will be Mr . James O ' Leary , Mr . Eugene A. Nigro and Mr. Thomas Wallace. Special Town Meeting Date - September 23 , 1985 It was noted for the record that there will be a Special Town Meeting on September 23rd . The ramifications of the Public School Improvement Act of 1985 in regard to the necessity of Town Meeting approval of certain portions were discussed briefly . Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr . Shannon, and it was unanimously voted that an article or articles be placed on the Town Meeting Warrant to allow the Town Meeting to approve or accept certain grants identified in the new educational bill - Public School Improvement Act of 1985 . 102 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 Department of Education Approval of RMHS for Use by REAP Dr . Wells announced that the State Department of Education has approved the application to lease three rooms in Reading Memorial High School to Reading Extended-Day Activity Program(REAP) from September 1985 to August 1986 . Teacher Assignment - Medical Leave Dr . Wells asked for , and received , School Committee approval for administrative flexibility in the assignment of William Webb until the time of his dismissal hearing . Resignations Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee, on the recommendation of the Administra- tion, accept the following resignations: Mr. Donald E. Meroth, physical education teacher at Parker Middle School, effective July 29 , 1985 . Mrs . Margaret Shultz , business teacher at Reading Memorial `-;-High School, effective August 20, 1985 . Mr. Ricky J. Auricchio, science teacher at Coolidge Middle School, effective August 21 , 1985 . Mr. Jeffrey Nelson, from the position of Junior Varsity Basketball , Coach only. (He will continue to be a mathematics teacher at Reading Memorial High School and a baseball coach. ) Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mrs . Ruth M. McNaney, Cafeteria Manager at the Killam School , effective September 1, 1985 , and that an appro- priate letter of appreciation for her 23 years of service be sent . Leaves Mr . Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration , to grant a personal health leave without pay to Mrs . Joan Ciampa, third grade teacher at the Killam School , for the 1985-86 school year. It was noted for the record that Mrs . Eileen Gagnon, fourth grade teacher at the Killam School , will be on maternity leave commencing Friday, September 13 , 1985 . Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr . Shannon , and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant a leave of absence without pay to Mrs . Maria Galise , teacher at the Killam l School , for the 1985-86 school year. 103 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 22 , 1985 Appointments ! Mr . Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the School Committee appoint the following for the 1985-86 school year: Ms . Constance Cherrington, 30 Lewis Avenue , Arlington, as science teacher at Coolidge Middle School , at the M-2 step of the salary schedule. Mr . Edgar A. Craver, II , 147 Pleasant Street , Berlin, as physical education teacher at Parker Middle School , at the B-9 step of the salary schedule. Ms . Virginia M. Mase, 395 Worcester Road, Wellesley, as a fourth grade teacher at the Killam School, at the B-1 step of the salary schedule. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the School Committee appoint Mrs . Maureen LeClaire, a physical education teacher at Reading Memorial High School , as aide to the Athletic Director for the months of September, October and November, to be paid a total of $1 ,000 .00 which will come from the Athletic Director' s salary and not be an additional expense. Mr . Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs . Marilyn Pacillo , 38 Cross Street , Reading , to the position of elementary school secretary at the Killam School , a Grade 5 position, effective August 26 , 1985 . Dr. Munnelly noted that for the first time in five years there was not a full compliment of teachers , adding that he expected to fill the five vacancies with permanent substitutes with the understanding that they would be recommended for appointment at the next School Committee meeting . Executive Session At 9 : 57 p. m. Mr . Coco moved , seconded by Mr . Shannon , that the Committee enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations . The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote . Return to Open Session - Adjournment The Committee returned to open session at 10 : 12 p. m . Mr. Allen said that at the last meeting of the Recreation Committee which he attended there seemed to be some misunderstanding by that Committee that they will handle scheduling of the football field and track because of a recent vote to turn over the maintenance of them to the Board of Public Works . He added that he did not feel this was the intention of the vote and requested that this matter be placed on the agenda for the next School Committee meeting . The Committee adjourned by unanimous consent at 10 : 19 p. m. 104 Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary