Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-12-09 School Cimmittee Minutes 143 • READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 Call to Order Chairman Allen called to order a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee on December 9, 1985 , at 7:37 p. m. , in the Birch Meadow School Cafetorium. All members were present, except Mr. Shannon who arrived late, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superinten- dents Munnelly and Winslow. There were over 100 visitors, including School Principals Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Reading Memorial High School , Dr. John Delaney, Parker Middle School, Mr. Dennis Murphy, Birch Meadow School, Mr. Donald Farnham, Joshua Eaton School , and Mr. Paul Guerrette, Killam School, Mathematics Department Heads from the High School and two Middle Schools , Director of Adult Education Mr. Marc Alterio, and repre- sentatives of various PTA/PTO's , the League of Women Voters , Tele- vision Channel 5, and the Daily Times Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of November 25 , 1985 On a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the School Committee Meeting of November 25 , 1985 were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills December 6 , 1985 - General Expense - $61 ,210. 76 December 13 , 1985 - General Expense — $27,912.49 Payrolls December 6 , 1985 - Weekly - $38 ,687 . 54 December 12, 1985 - Teachers $321 ,003. 00 December 13, 1985 - Weekly - $29,097 . 46 Citizens ' Input There was no citizens ' input. Resignation of School Committee Member Chairman Allen read a letter of resignation from Mr . Wayne Lewis. In his letter Mr. Lewis stated that after he was elected to the School Committee changes occurred in his business and professional life which necessitate his being away from Reading much of the time , especially during the evening hours, and that he foresees increasing difficulties in attending meetings. 144 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 Answering Service for Absent Students Chairman Allen gave a brief chronology of School Committee Policy KB - Policy On PTA/PTO Answering Service For Absent Students, adopted September 24, 1984 , noting that it was the result of a request made by Mrs. Leslie McGonagle , representing elementary PTA/PTO's. He added that the Policy states all costs are to be borne by the PTA/PTO ' s, and the Administration was charged with carrying out the Policy, as it is with all School Committee Policies. The Chairman then established the ground rules for discussion, stating that Mrs. Bobbie Botticelli and Mr. Daniel Ensminger would be allowed ten minutes to speak on behalf of "Parents for An Absentee Verification System" (AVS) , followed by comments from the School Committee, Administration and citizens present, in that order. Mrs. Botticelli said the AVS started two years ago at Birch Meadow School , and that its purpose is to identify children who are absent because of illness, abduction, truancy, injury etc. She said the group she represented was not looking for more money, noted that this program involved all school children, and stressed that a year-round education of children , through posters , is being conducted as an adjunct to the AVS. Mrs. Botticelli told the School Committee the PTA/PTO' s are willing to supply and maintain the answering machine but are looking for secretarial help, i. e. , checking the absentee list against recorded calls from parents and calling parents who have not notified the school that their child would be absent. She maintained , that there would be only one or two calls a day, and sometimes none , and felt it was foolish to have a volunteer come to the school twice a day (afternoon kindergarten session included) for so few calls. She said Birch Meadow had 45 volunteers but they worked from their homes as some had preschool age children or sometimes the older children were ill. She added that the number of volunteers was cut because many mothers must work. She added that the work , if done at school , would only take 5-10 minutes a day of the secretary' s time. She also said she did not think it was necessary to install another telephone line. Mr. Ensminger said he had talked to the Chief of Police and the Safety Officer and was told by them that they think this is a public safety issue and support the AVS. He added that his group believes the AVS encourages better attendance. He said the average daily attendance figures of the last two years showed a decrease in absenteeism. Dr. Wells said this agenda item was not intended to be a debate , noting that the three other elementary schools have the AVS operating according to Policy - Policy which the School Committee put into effect at the parents ' request . He added that one of the middle schools also has the system on a purely volunteer basis. He said Birch Meadow parents are disappointed because Mr. Murphy said that as of January 1st he would like a separate telephone line, as the other schools have, because the School line is very busy in the morning. Dr. Wells said that the High School AVS was put in place 12-15 years ago because the truancy rate was high, not because of a concern about students being abducted, adding that State subsidies are based on average daily attendance, therefore a high absentee rate means less money from the State . The Superintendent said he was not aware of any 145 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 1985 truancy at the elementary level. The Superintendent said he understands that all other elementary schools are happy with the Policy. He said that when he met with a group of Birch Meadow parents, which he understood represented the PTA, about two weeks ago he told them help would be furnished for the rest of the year if they had a telephone line installed. He added that all had agreed at the time that it was a fair solution and he didn' t know what the problem was now. Mrs. Bernice Herrick , representing the Parker Middle School PTA, said she had polled board members and found the AVS is running very well with volunteers, of whom there are ten, two working each day, with four backup parents available. She said she has observed that the school secretary is very busy in the morning and added that since parents asked for the AVS it should be kept as a volunteer program. Mrs. Herrick offered to help Birch Meadow parents establish a similar system. Mrs. Dianne O'Leary, representing Barrows PTA, said they were very happy with their AVS, which uses volunteers , but would go along with whatever decision the School Committee makes.Mrs. Marlinda Langone , of the Joshua Eaton PTA, agreed that the System has worked very well as a volunteer program, but added that in the interest of fairness the Eaton PTA has voted in favor of the School Department taking over this function. Mrs . Jean Rossettie , of the Killam PTA, said her organization had not taken a stand , but has been monitoring and it appears that volunteers might not always be available. She added that the original proposal made to the School Committee was not backed by all PTA/PTO' s. She said she hopes that whatever decision is made it will be a uniform one and that it will be recognized that six schools are involved. Mr. Murphy said that Birch Meadow has tried the AVS several different ways , adding that they tried having the School operate it and it sometimes entailed a couple of hours of time a day. He said he has reminded parents that it would not work without cooperation. He noted that in the 64 days school has been in session there have been 105 instances of parents not notifying the School that their child would be absent. Principal Murphy said he had asked his parents to have another line put in and they had been cooperative , but that there is a splinter group. He added that neither the line or recording machine should be located in the School office and cited instances of crank and obscene calls being recorded. Mrs. Botticelli countered that she did not feel that the 241 Birch Meadow parents who signed a petition for AVS , out of a total of 291 , could be considered a splinter group. She said if they had to put in another line they would , adding that while other schools are happy with the present system now she wonders what will happen in 2-3 years. Chairman Allen said the School Committee was told that the spokes- person who requested the Policy was speaking for all PTA/PTO 's and this is why the Policy was voted . He added , " It seems the one constant through this is that individuals have concerns and want a 146 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 school takeover. " He then suggested a meeting of a representative from each PTA/PTO, volunteering to participate himself, in which the consensus of each group is presented and a solution worked out before the School Committee begins budget deliberations . He asked Mrs . Botticelli to set up such a meeting and she agreed . The Chairman said he would like to see the System continue as it is for the remainder of the year. Several citizens spoke pro and con the System being completely sup- ported and maintained by the PTA/PTO' s. Birch Meadow PTA President Joseph Nolan reiterated what Dr. Wells had said about some responsible adult assistance being offered, and added that his Organization had held an emergency meeting and approved funds for a telephone line. Dr. Delaney requested that the School Principals be included in the meeting with PTA/PTO representatives and Chairman Allen. At the close of the discussion it was agreed that a status quo situation will exist until a school-wide consensus is reached. Mathematics Evaluation Report A report on the evaluation of the Mathematics Program at all three levels had been prepared and presented to School Committee members in advance of the meeting . On hand to discuss the Report with the Committee were Principal Dennis Murphy, representing the elementary level , Department Heads Mrs. Mary Abegg and Mrs. Marjorie Pacino, representing the middle school level , and Department Head Mr. Peter Moscariello, representing the high school level. Each went through l the appropriate section briefly. All agreed the Program is good and students are achieving well , but noted that the Mathematics Department is always investigating new teaching methods, types of tests, etc. , in an effort to keep the curriculum up to date. Mrs . Philbrick commented that the report was very comprehensive and asked if , as High School graduation requirements are changed to increase required courses , students must pass each course they are required to take. Mr. D'Orlando said that the only courses students are required to pass are English and American History. He added that there are some students who cannot take four years of math, but need to progress at their individual speeds , and would not fail if they did their best. Mr. D'Orlando stressed that students have to have a certain amount of credits in order to graduate . Mr. Coco asked how many would be impacted if required to pass all the courses they are required to take and Mr. D'Orlando said not more than 10% of the students . Mrs. Philbrick said she is concerned with this issue and would like it discussed at a later date . Mr. Shannon remarked that the weekly math competitions at the Middle Schools seem to generate much enthusiasm among the students. Mr. Allen thanked all who participated in the presentation. 147 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 Adult Education And Driver Education Programs Review Mr. Marc Alterio, Director of Adult Education, reported on the Adult and Driver Education for the first semester , went over material previously presented to the Committee, and made recommendations for increased tuition rates and instructors' salaries , noting that the Program is self-supporting . Mr. Coco questioned why a 10% salary increase was recommended for driver education teachers and 5% for other instructors. Dr. Munnelly said there is more competition for driver education teachers . Dr. Wells added that driver education teachers must be certified , while instructors for adult education courses do not. Mr. Coco said he felt uncomfortable with the proposed rates for driver education teachers. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Commit- tee adopt the recommendations for new rates for the second semester, as described on Document C-2-c. The motion carried on a 4-1 vote. Mr. Coco voted against the motion because he feels a 10% salary raise for driver education teachers is excessive. The rates voted for the second semester are : driver education instructors - $9. 34 per hour on the road and $10. 34 in the classroom; adult education instructors - $13. 90 per hour; tuition rates - $110 for driver education; and for adult education - $26 for adults, $13 for students, and $32 for non-residents. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of November 30 , 1985 ; Expense Accounts as of November 29, 1985; and the Cafeteria Statement for the month of October 1985 . Mr. Winslow gave a brief recapitulation of the statements. Tentative Winter School Committee Schedule Noted for the record was the tentative winter School Committee schedule, covering the months of December through March. 1985 Town Census Dr. Wells raised the question , in light of the recently obtained Town census figures , as to whe=her the School Committee would like to rethink the Pearl Street School situation. He noted that not only are the numbers of preschool- age children down , the School System is even losing students durir._ the school year. He added that there seems to be a slight out-micration. Dr. Munnelly said one grade level lost 12 students last year. At this point the Chairman reminded the Committee that he would be meeting with the Selectmen the following Wednesday to discuss their request to have a Senior Ci:izens ' Center in the Pearl Street School , and asked for their though:s on the subject. He added that after looking at the census figures he assumed the School would no longer be needed and could be turned over to the Board of Selectmen. 148 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 Mrs. Philbrick said the Committee has been watching the enrollments for the last four years and it appears that in the foreseeable future 1 - 10-15 years - the School Department will not need any additional classrooms . She felt it was ridiculous to hold onto a building that would not be needed for at least 15 years. She then suggested that the matter be placed on the agenda for a January meeting. Mr. Nissen and Mr. Shannon felt that, as the building is not costing the School Department anything (because of rental fees received) , it should be retained , as an insurance policy, at least until the Selectmen come up with a conclusive program for it. Mr. Coco noted there are school offices for some department heads there , adding the building is still "an ace in the hole." Chairman Allen pointed out that the School was built in 1938, and its age could be more of a concern in 10 years. He thought it was time for the Committee to come to a conclusion. The Chairman said he would report back to the full Committee after his meeting with the Board of Selectmen. Northeast Metropolitan Vocational School Dr. Wells said he had met with area superintendents and found they were not too pleased with things, regarding the Northeast Metropolitan f Vocational School . He said Reading 's quota for the next school year will be 34 students from the eighth grade class . He pointed out that figures which had been distributed to the Committee showed that Reading has not met its quota for the last few years , which, he added , is true of a lot of other communities. He said that because of the low number of enrollees , the Vocational School is accepting students that they would not have a few years ago. Mr. Coco asked if Reading is required to be a part of the Vocational School District. Dr. Munnelly replied that it took a vote of the Town to become a part of it and it is a very complicated process to reverse this vote. Mr . Shannon asked why there are less students in the Vocational School. Dr. Wells said enrollments are declining in general and that parents are getting negative messages from newspaper publicity about the School. Resignations Mr. Nissen moved , seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation, for purposes of retirement , of Mrs. Pauline Coates , Secretary to the Superintendent and the School Committee , effective December 31 , 1985 . Mr. Coco moved , seconded by Mrs. Philbrick , and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Dr. Allan Alson, Assistant Prin- cipal at Reading Memorial High School, effective January 2 , 1986. Dr. Alson has accepted the Principalship of Scituate High School. During the brief discussion which preceded the vote , Mr. Coco sug- 149 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 9 , 1985 gested that the Committee delay filling the vacancy created by Dr. Alson' s resignation until January, when the Committee has had a chance to look at the FY87 budget. Dr. Munnelly said the Administration would like to act as quickly as possible to fill the vacancy, adding that it was really needed as the number of assistant principals had already been reduced from three to two, and someone was needed to follow up on behavior in order to maintain the business-like environ- ment which has been achieved. Mr. Coco said he was not against filling the position but because of Finance Committee guidelines some reduction in force might be neces- sary and no one would be hurt if a vacant position is eliminated . Mr. Shannon suggested an acting assistant principal be appointed for the remainder of the year, adding that it could be someone from within the System. Dr. Wells noted that if someone were made acting assist- ant principal and the Committee did not later appoint this person it would be very awkward. He added that he is aware of the financial constraints but his preference would be to look for the best possible candidate and explain that there is no guarantee. Mrs. Philbrick pointed out that many could be in jeopardy because of financial constraints. Executive Session - Adjournment At 11 : 08 p. m. Mr . Nissen moved , seconded by Mr . Coco , that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote . The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at midnight. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary •