Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-10-28 School Cimmittee Minutes 123 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Allen at 7:40 p. m. on October 28 , 1985 , in the Central Office Conference Room. Present were members Mr. Coco, Mr. Nissen and Mr. Lewis, Superintendent Wells , and Assistant Superintendents Munnel- ly and Winslow. There were over 30 visitors, including Eaton School Principal Mr. Donald Farnham, Audio-Visual Coordinator Joseph Cain, many members of the System's teaching staff, and representatives of the Finance Com- mittee, League of Women Voters and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of October 7 , 1985 On a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nissen , the minutes of the School Committee meeting of October 7 , 1985 were unanimously accepted with the following correction: Page 2, line 14 - replace "Mr. Nigro" with "Mr . Nissen." Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows : Bills October 18 , 1985 - General Expense - $118 ,740. 87 October 25 , 1985 - General Expense - $26, 601.01 November 1, 1985 - General Expense - $49 , 508 .59 Payrolls October 17, 1985 - Teachers - $322 ,718 .33 October 18 , 1985 - Weekly - $27,051.69 October 25, 1985 - Weekly - $26 ,549. 25 October 31 , 1985 - Teachers - $326 ,863 .04 Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' input. Finance Committee Recuest - Priorities FY87 Dr . Wells noted that the Finance Committee ( FinCom) had sent a list of questions to all Town boards and committees asking about anticipated long and short-term budget increases and/or decreases. He added that the most damaging question was the one which asked , "If, the Town were faced with having to make drastic budget cut, what services/functions of your Department would you first reduce or eliminate and, converse- ly, what services/functions would you consider the most essential to 124 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 preserve." The Superintendent said that an All-Boards meeting has been scheduled for November 5th, at which time the FinCom will give a preview of the Town' s financial condition. Chairman Allan was of the opinion that the only budget items which could be cut back on are painting and building repair, adding that extraordinatory costs, such as roof replacement, should not be ab- sorbed in the regular budget. Dr. Wells said the Administration was making the same recommendations that were used for Proposition 2 1/2. He said these recommendations were all right for a short period of time but do not make sense in the "long haul. " He added that he felt the Committee should tell the FinCom that they are willing to cut down on transportation and building repairs for 12 months, but if they are talking beyond that point then they should talk about getting additional funds. He also said that the specific recommendation he had would save about $100,000 and would mean no building repairs and, if the Committee was willing to listen to hue and cry of parents, bussing only students who live more than two miles from school. Mr. Nissen agreed, noting that although High School enrollment is declining the Elementary School enrollments have stabilized and the Gifted and Talented Program may some day be extended beyond the Elementary Schools. He added that he would not be willing to tell parents that the Committee will not provide them with services . Mr. Lewis pointed out that the longer repairs are postponed the more they cost, and asked what the projected time frame is for this "financial crunch. " Dr. Wells replied, "The FinCom says the next 2 or 3 years will be the worst since the depression. " Mr. Nissen felt the only things that could change this situation would be an override of Proposition 2 1/2 or additional funds from the State. Mr. Coco said he does not feel FY87 will differ from FY86 except for normal escalation. He added that the Committee might reconsider "user fees , " that reducing transportation may be a viable option, and that perhaps athletics could be cut back, but he didn' t see that any big cuts could be made without reducing the quality of education. At the conclusion of the discussion the consensus of the Committee was that the Administration would answer the FinCom' s questionnaire using the discussion and t:ne Superintendent ' s recommendations as guidelines . School Committee Goals 1985-86 Chairman Allen led off a discussion of suggestions from various members for 1985-86 School Committee goals . Mr. Nissen noted that the Committee has already stated that dealing with Chapter 188 (Education Reform Law) should be a priority, adding it was not a small matter. Mr. Coco said "he wanted to emphasize the need to know the long and short term implications of Chapter 188 , and this will entail a lot of work. Chairman Allen suggested that communicating information to the Community about Chapter 188 could be one goal. 125 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 Mr. Nissen moved , seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee' s primary goal for the 1985-86 year is to understand the various sections of Chapter 188 and communicate this to the Town. Chairman Allen said that one of last year' s goals was to have the Superintendent better communicate the needs of the School Committee and Department to the Town, adding that he has tried to do it. He said there have been suggestions from members that this be continued and he felt one way might be to consider moving School Committee meetings away from 34 Gould Street, perhaps by alternating meetings from one Middle School to the other, on a semi-regular basis. He felt this might be more convenient for the public. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted that the secondary School Committee goal for 1985-86 will be to continue the attempt to improve communications among the School Committee , Administration and the Community-at-large. Education Reform Bill Dr. Wells said one of his goals for the year is to keep the School Committee informed about the Education Reform Law ( Chapter 188 ) , adding that he has attended four meetings on this Law, the last of which was a legal session with attorneys representing the MTA, several School Committees , and the private sector. He said the reason he concentrated on School Improvement Councils first is they are being formed and will be completed by next week. He will then be able to certify them, they can begin _meeting, and the first payments will be available by February 15 , 1985 . Dr. Wells added that this appears to be the first section of the new Law for which the State Department of Education has formed guidelines. He said he would be glad to answer any questions. The Superintendent noted that one thing emphasized at the last meeting was that School Improvement Councils were subject to the open meeting law and therefore must post all meetings, otherwise funds available to schools might be jeopardized. He added that Reading expects $38 ,000. Dr. Wells reminded the School Committee that Councils must submit proposed uses for funds to them and that they have veto power over these proposals . Upon approval by the School Committee and certi- fication by the Superintendent , Councils may apply for funds. Dr. Wells said he will have a list of the membership of all Councils made up for School Committee members. Continental Cablevision Five-year Studio Lease Dr. Wells said Mr. Farnham and Mr. Cain, both members of the Town' s Cable TV Committee , were present to give any background information the School Committee needs. He went on to review the major points of the lease which has been in effect for nearly five years , noting that the Board of Selectmen has the final decision on the contract because it involves real estate. Superintendent Wells noted that the existing contract calls for a 1/2 126 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 time coordinator, with the provision that the High School Principal have input as to this person' s duties. Continental Cablevision has increased this to a 1.5 time position. Dr. Wells said he would like some of this person' s time specifically geared towards instructing students and teachers in certain production and other skills. He added that he believed $35-40,000 has been spent by Continental to renovate the studio. Mr. Cain said a little over $100,000 was spent by Continental for equipment , in addition to the renovating costs, and they probably have spent $15,000 more upgrading the equipment, which was not required under the contract. Dr. Wells added that the Company has kept its word to the School Department. He noted that Continental was going to wire certain classrooms but the School Department decided it was not a good idea. Mr. Farnham thought it important that the School Department receive some help from Continental in the areas of production and training. He noted that some school departments have a full-time staff member devoted to cable television and he hopes Reading can do the same within the next five years , either under the auspices of School Department or Continental. Mr. Cain added that after five years' experience with cable television he now felt the School Department could have a more direct approach in its dealings with Continental . In reply to a question from Mr. Coco, Mr. Cain said he could take students and teachers into the studio and instruct them in the use of equipment , to a limited extent , adding that he is the only person who has free access to the studio, and probably uses it 5-6 hours a week. Mr. Cain pointed out that it is the Town studio, operated by Continental , and is located in the High School because Town wanted it there because it has independent access as well as access from the School. At the close of the discussion Chairman Allen suggested the Adminis- tration continue their negotiations with Continental Cablevision in the vein of the discussion. Dr. Wells thanked Mr. Farnham and Mr. Cain for their assistance and their work over the years in this area. AIDS/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - School Attendance Policy Dr. Wells said he had placed on the agenda the State Department of Health' s Policy on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome School Attend- ance Policy to give the School Committee an awareness of what has been mandated. He also suggested that it be adopted as local policy so that staff members , parents , etc . will know about it and perhaps better understand it , adding that he believes it is a well-thought-out policy. Mr. Nissen moved , seconded by Mr. Coco , and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee adopt for first vote the State recommended I policy on AIDS/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome - School Attendance - as received from the State Department of Public Health on September 25 , 1985 and described on Document 3-c. 127 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 28 , 1985 Resignations Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement Mrs. Jean Silva, High School librarian, effective November 1 , 1985. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee accept the resignation of Mr. William Webb as a teacher at Birch Meadow School , as previously arranged. Leaves Mr. Nissen moved, and Mr. Coco seconded for purposes of discussion, to grant Mrs . Claudia Crocker, physical education teacher at Coolidge Middle School , a child rearing leave of absence without pay from October 28 , 1985 through the end of the school year. The motion :carried 3-0 . Mr. Coco abstained because of the lateness of Mrs . Crocker' s request. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to grant Mrs. Carolyn Bennett, I. L. A. at Coolidge Middle School, an extension of sick leave up to 30 days as provided for in the Contract. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9 :00 p . m. Mr. Nissen moved , seconded by Mr. Coco, that the School Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned by unanimous consent at 9 :41 p. m. Respectfully submitted, /41242:-J a/,eef/ Robert S. Wells, Secretary