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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-01-12 School Committee Minutes65 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at'7:50.,p.m. on January,12, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room 'at. 34, Gouldareea:' All members of the School Committee were present,-with the exception of Mr. Shannon who arrived a few minutes.late. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. Wells_, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Mrs. Gaynell. Knowlton, fourth grade teacher at the Birch Meadow. School, fourth grade students, Gregory Golstov, Patricia :Osborn, Lauren Perrella.., Rachel Petkewich and Brad Van Magness, parents and a reporter from. the Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of December 22, 1986 A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of December 22, 1986, and the vote was unanimous. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills January 9, 1987 - General Expense - $35,163.15 January 16, 1987 - General Expense - 81,408.50 Payrolls January 8, 1987 - Teachers - $358,688.62 January 22, 1987 - Teachers - 351,359.18 January 9, 1987 - Weekly -- 29,545.16 January 16, 1987 - Weekly - 31,576.21 January 23, 1987 - Weekly - 31,060.01 School Highlights Cliff Allen requested that the School Highlights be taken out of order so that fourth grade students from Birch Meadow who were present could make their presentation and leave -at a reasonable hour. Dr. Wells then stated that' Mt. Murphy, Principal of the Birch Meadow School, could not be present that evening due to illness, M-1 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 but that Mrs. Gaynell Knowlton, fourth grade teacher at Birch Meadow, would give an overview of the unit of study. Mrs. Knowlton then briefly explained to the School Committee that the study was on the Native Americans from the Social Studies Curriculum and that the children- experienced many learning ac-tivities in the study such as: working-on research skills in school and public libraries, writing reports, giving oral reports, and constructing models and dioramas %,Uth help and support of family members. She then introduced the five students who each gave a short presentation on their portion of the project. After a few questions by the committee, regarding the project, Chairman Cliff Allen thanked Mrs. Knowlton and the students for their interesting presentation. Citizens' Input Mr. John Carpenter, a parent from the Birch Meadow School District asked to tie recognized in order to bring to the attention of the School Committee what he and many parents considered a safety hazard at the school. He stated that each School Committee member had had a letter on the subject delivered to their homes, along with a map and some suggested remedies for the problem. Mr. Carpenter stated that the parents would like to see fences erected along Birch Meadow, .r)riv -.e; and Arthur B. Lord Drive, as these were areas in whrch- -the children played and, frequently, when playing ball =, had run into'the streets -to retrieve them, resulting in some very,cloe s calls with passing automobiles. He stated that the PTO had made an effort to get some outside money from IBM Corporation to correct this situation-, but had been unsuccessful. Therefore, Mr. Carpenter stated, at.-the October PTO meeting, it was decided that they would come before the School Committee to ask for assistance with this fencing. Mr. Carpenter then passed out pictures of the two areas and briefly explained where the parents would like the fences erected. He also stated he understood that tonight would be the last night he could hope to get this item considered for possible inclusion in the budget and that was why he was here. Mr. Allen then stated that that information was incorrect, as the Budget Review had just begun and it would be some time before the process was completed. He thanked Mr. Carpenter for bringing this to the attention of the School Committee and assured him that.after obtaining some input from the administration it would be given consideration. At that time, Mr. Carpenter asked that if the School Committee decided not to approve the fencing, would they send a letter to the PTO giving t`heir� reasons for not approving the item? Mr. Allen stated he w'61d have to take this point up at another time. ;M- r..Nissen stated that the Birch Meadow Drive .es= timate of the cost " Ar-'t hur- Lord Drive. Mr. the estimated cost'of7$2250.00 was only for fencing,.and asked if Mr. Carpenter had any for the additional fencing requested along . Carpe.nter_ stated it would be approximately 67 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 an additional $800 for that fencing. There was a short discussion about the exact location of the requested fencing. Mrs. Jane Giacaloni, a parent who is a volunteer at the Birch Meadow School and was a co- signer of the request, stated she had been present when the children had had: some very close calls with automobiles after running to get a ball' from that play area. Dr. Wells stated he had received a letter from Dennis Murphy, dated January 8, which.he read to the School Committee, explaining Mr. Murphy's reasons for not including the fencing in question on his Priority One list of items to be included in the Budget. He stated if it were up to him, the Arthur B. Lord Drive fencing would take preference as it appeared to him to be more of a safety hazard, but at this time it was his judgment that this item had a low priority. There was a short discussion on getting school zone signs erected in the area, and Cliff Allen stated he thought the PTO should first go to the Board of Selectmen to obtain these signs. Mr. Carpenter invited the.Schcol Committee members to visit the Birch Meadow School area to better understand their concerns. Martha Stasiowski, the Coordinator` of °the,. S inning Wheel Recreation Program for Special Needs children," then asked to be recognized and wanted information on how. she- would. go about applying for a decrease in their rental fees at thetirch Meadow School. Cliff Allen stated Mrs. Stasiowski should contact Mr. Ron Winslow who had responsibillity in this area. She also stated she would like to make a comment on the 's'afety of the mini -bus from the North Shore Bus Co, used to transport the Special Needs students from this Program. Mrs. Stasiowski stated there were two vans, one was out for repair and the other had broken down today, so that parents were called upon to carpool in order to get the children to school. She stated this has happened twice this year and also on a few occasions last year, and asked what was the accountability expected from the bus company. Mr. Winslow stated he was unaware there was no bus for the children today and would contact the bus company as soon as' possible the next morning. Mrs. Kendra Cooper then asked to be recognized and stated it was a concern to her and would .like -the School Committee to keep in mind whether safety issues, such as the request for fencing at the Birch Meadow, were the responsibility of'-the PTO's. She stated -it was her opinion that they were not and should be considered capital expenses. Cliff Allen then stated that Mrs.'Philbrick had requested time a3n the agenda to make an announcement. `Mrs Phjlbrick then stated she wanted to announce that she was a carndidate for reelection. :to the Reading School Committee. She` stated she had served for 6 years during which time she had faced a number of challenges, and looked forwarded to continuing to work with the Town and other committee members in trying to maintain the excellent school system she felt was in place in Reading. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 FY88 Budqet Review Dr. Wells stated this was the first of two meetings to review the School Department Budget. He noted that this year, there would be negotiations possibly with the Finance Committee and also the new Town Manager. Dr. Wells stated he felt that in some regards the Department was in one of the best positions it had ever been in years, partly because of the fact that there were no negotiations occurring this year, making it possible to pinpoint the cost of the salaries. Dr. Wells noted that sometime during the last week of January, the Town Manager and he would go over the Budget. He stated he had received no specific instructions from the Town Manager as yet. Dr. Wells then stated there were a few items worth noting, and briefly discussed the repair of boilers and older equipment at all schools which he felt would need repair or replacement in the next few ,years. He discussed the roof repairs to the Barrows, and R.M.H.S and. the possibility, after discussion with the Finance Committee,.of putting these.repairs in the amount of $160,00, on a separate Article . for.Bpnding - at Town Meeting. Dr. Wells noted that this had been done for such repairs in the last few years, because of the large amount of monies it took from the ordinary budget, competing with textbooks and supplies etc., and because the School Building Assistance Commission, under a State Program, paid for 60% of the cost of such bonded repairs, and the Town paid 40 %. Dr. Wells stated he felt that the State considered this good fiscal policy. He noted that there were two other items which should be noted, and they were the great increase in the Special Needs costs, which was, at this time, between $50 to $70,000 over budget, and the increase in transportation costs for Athletic and Extracurricular activities at the schools. Dr. Wells noted that just one Special Needs child moving into the Town could cost $30,000 in Tuition costs and approximately $15 to $17,000 for transportation. This was partly because of some new court cases which set a precedent stating that the Town must have courses for Special Needs of maximum efficiency and effectiveness, which previously stated only adequate courses were necessary. He stated this put the Town under pressure to provide Private Schooling for these children. Cliff Allen then stated that if the Administration had not been contacted by any members of the School Committee regarding any specific concerns they had on any item of the preliminary Budget, Dr. Wells could proceed with the review. 1000 Series. Dr. Wells then reviewed the 1000 series of the budget with the School Committee, which covered Administration and School Committee costs. He stated the Administration's recommendation at this time showed an increase of 10% over last year's budget. He .• READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 noted that the amount budgeted under Professional Negotiations still reflected the legal cap, which had been lifted and could increase, but he thought for budget purposes the amount was sufficient. He noted that there was an increase in dues for the School Committee, which had to do with the size of the school population, but also included a service for statistical information. He noted in the Superintendent's Office, the largest increase was advertising for bids, but these figures also included advertising for personnel.. Mr. Winslow stated data processing costs had not been budgeted this year, as it was found that very little was needed from the High School Data Processing Department, and so it had been deleted. Mr. Allen asked if there were questions. Mr. Coco asked when negotiations would begin with the bargaining units in FY88. Mr. Winslow stated negotiations were beginning almost immediately on 3 union contracts. Dr. Wells stated the $10,000 figure under Negotiations for FY87 had not been used, but in any case, $2,000 or $3,000 should be maintained in this account in case there are any Grievances before the end of the year. Mr. Coco asked about the increase in dues and why with the decrease in school population there was an increase. Dr. Munnelly stated there was a service used in negotiations from the National School Board Assoc. in the amount of $750.00 which had previously been included in the Superintendent's Office and had been moved to this account. Mr. Shannon asked if the money for Seminars, similar to the one attended by the Superintendent this summer, came out of the travel accounts. Dr. Wells stated they did. 2000 Series Dr. Wells stated almost all items in the 2000 series comes under the area of the budget called Per Pupil Costs, in which the Principals are given a sum of money, usually based on last year's experience, coupled with inflationary costs, and observation of per pupil costs throughout the State. Dr. Wells noted that the 2100 series was an expense for Supervisors and Directors and had nothing to do with Per Pupil Costs. He stated the overall increase in this category was 4 %. Dr. Wells stated the Per Pupil Costs related to the 2000 and 7000 series, 2000 is Supplies, and 7000 is Equipment, and that Principals' needs this year were more in the equipment area. He noted it should be kept in mind that there is still some decline in enrollment, and this year, the number of pupils is less by about 100. Dr. Wells stated Guidance was down because the State under Chapter 188, requires Basic Skills testing by every Town, and are now covering the cost of the tests. 70 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Dr. Munnelly briefly discussed Tuition Reimbursement for teachers and courses that they are taking with the School Committee. He stated this money was being spent at approximately $11,000 the past two years, therefore, there were lower expectations in this category and $5,000 had been dropped off the amount. Mr. Shannon asked why there was such a big increase on Page 3, under Senior High 2200, Graduation Printing expense? Dr. Wells stated that also covered under this category was the printing of course study booklets, student handbooks, the highlights, some publication by the Guidance Dept., and stationery with letterheads. He also asked why the 50% drop in costs for textbooks in the Middle School. Dr. Munnelly stated the Middle Schools have a 2, 3, and 4 -year plan for turning over a majority of text materials for each of the areas, and there is not a major need to increase expenditures in order to keep up with that turnover. Mrs. Philbrick asked for examples of the types of materials covered in the area of teaching expense in the 2300 category. Dr. Munnelly stated they covered supplies for Directors, for Art Department (slides; matting material), and in Music (sheet music for all schools), Physical Education buys teaching materials for workshops, and materials for office of the Director of Reading. Mr. Nissen asked why on Page 8 some items were listed 3 or 4 times under Audio - Visual, were they the same or were they different? Mr. Winslow stated one was for film rental and the other for supplies. Carol Lyons asked why the item Guidance Contract was listed on Page 8, under the Audio - Visual category? Dr. Wells stated this was a service provided by a computer company whereby students could go to the Guidance Department and getan audio - visual report which provided information on different colleges. 3000 Series Dr. Wells stated this area, Health Services, was quite stable. He stated there were some concerns from the audit committee about some items purchased by the School Department without a purchase order, such as emergency items in this department and others. Therefore, it was felt that establishing more petty cash accounts would eliminate most of these problems. Mr. Ron Winslow then reviewed the Transportation Accounts with the School Committee which covered costs for eight busses, five of which are used to transport kindergarten pupils during the noon period, and one special bus in the afternoon so that students from the Birch Meadow School area who go to the Joshua Eaton School will arrive on a timely basis. He noted this was a new contract and the cost was $122.80 a day for 182 days, for a total amount of $221,320.00. 71 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Mr. Winslow stated the contract amount was up because an additional bus was added after the budget last year, and instead of coming in at the expected $109, it came in at $119.00 per bus per day. Dr. Wells stated he had a meeting tomorrow at which some possible changes might be necessitated by the SEEM collaborative, which could mean one less class of SEEM responsibility next year. If this happens, then we may need one less bus next year. Mr. Winslow also reminded the School Committee that the Administration was authorized to pay for radios for each bus at $2.00 per day, which increased the contract price. 4000 Series Mr. Winslow stated this series represented the costs of Operating the School Department Plant and the costs in this area were up about 35 %. He noted that the Plant was worth 35 million dollars and the money that the department was investing in operating it was only 1% of this figure, or approximately $325,000. Mr. Winslow noted that under the 4110 account there were items for clothing and tuition reimbursement, which was a part of the new contract with the Custodian's. He stated the clothing allowance was $180.00 per year. Mr. Winslow also stated that the vehicle maintenance was moved from this category and put it in the 4230 series where it rightly belongs. Mr. Shannon asked about the tuition reimbursement, and Mr. Winslow stated, under the contract, the tuition reimbursement was $250.00, up to $1,000 limit. Mr. Winslow noted the cost of heating the buildinCs had dropped because oil costs have decreased. He stated the budget figure reflected a cost of $.60 a gallon, and although the cost was presently only $.41, the $.60 was budgeted because of the instability of the oil market. Mr. Winslow stated that in the 4130 series, electrical costs are down about $8,000, based on consumption. He stated that this figure fluctuates according to the fuel charges that are applied. Mr. Winslow noted that water costs have gone up 45 %. He stated this was the recommendation from the Board of Public Works. Mr. Coco asked if there were any programs in place to promote the conservation of water, in view of the rising costs. Mr. Winslow stated the Maintenance Department was making a great effort to keep abreast of plumbing repairs, and that the League of Women Voters had a project in place in which they were supplying us with devices that go into showerheads to decrease the volume of water used. Mr. Cliff Allen asked if the telephone figure that showed an increase of $2200, was an increase based on the current equipment 72 READING SC ^OOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 have? Mr. Winslow stated it was, and it represented a 5% increase. Dr. Wells stated the Administration planned to return with a new proposal for different telephone services. Mr. Coco stated he thought it was decided that this issue was over. Mr. Cliff Allen stated that just as committee members have a right to bring any cost saving proposal before the committee, it was also the right of administration to also recommend such proposals. Mr. Coco stated he thought that was why we turned it down previously. Dr. Wells stated the last proposal was done on a 5 -year lease purchase basis which did inflate the cost for 5 years, but the administration did not include the fact that after 5 years, the cost went to zero, which was a great cost savings, plus it was not made clear that less than 50% of the offices in the High School have internal communication, and in order for many to be reached, it is necessary to call out with seven numbers. Mr. Winslow stated that in the 4210 series, Ground Maintenance, the increase was 3 %. In the 4220 series, Building Maintenance, the increase overall was 30 %. He noted many items included in this category were one -tire repairs, and that the department was trying to keep up with the repair of the handrails at the High`" School, along with the stair treads and tiles in the A wing. Dr. Wells nctled that magnetic stays for fire doors were included at the High School on the recommendation of the local Building Insoector. Mr. Winslow stated that on Page 20, he has listed roof maintenance at the Barrows in the amount cf $5,000, but this item would be removed from this budget if the Bond Article was passed. Dr. Wells noted that it was his feeling that the Town Manager did not look kindly on bonding such items as repairs repairs, because he fees it is more of an operational cost. He stated he disagreed as roofs should last up to 20 years, and things with this longevity should not come cut of the School Department budget. Dr. Wells noted that if this had to be added to the Budget it would mean another 1.5% increase. Mr. Winslow noted that the Rubbish Removal figure was up 24%, which was calculated on what the Board of Public Works felt would_ be necessary due to new contracts. Mrs. Phi-'brick had some questions on repairs necessary because of vandalism. Mr. Winslow stated these were a combination of interior and exterior repairs, most of which were glass. Mrs. Philbrick stated this was an area perhaps where PTO's could be of hel_o b_v resent_nc some educational progra,s to students on school pri ce and in that way prevent some of these incidents from occurring. There was a brief discussion on vandalismi, the causes and rossib'_e solutions. Cliff Allen had a question on Page 18 on the item on Re- keying Main Building with Medeco Master. Mr. Winslow stated this was program begun by Larry Moore to try to control the use of unauthorized keys in the buildings at the High School. 73 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Mr. Winslow stated in the painting schedule this year, the figure was up from $6,000 to $19,000. He noted that last year $12,000 was spent on painting from unexpended funds, and that explained why there was such a difference. Mr. Winslow stated there was a 2 -year program to paint the exterior of Parker Middle School. Mr. Winslow stated the 4230 series, Maintenance of Building Equipment, such as heating systems, lighting systems, etc., covered costs that enabled this department to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner. He noted that on Page 26, the replacement of condensate tanks, was necessary in order to maintain the efficiency of the system. Mr. Winslow stated that an Item on Page 27, HS -74, would be moved to the category 4220. He noted that the 4230 series also included costs for repair of office equipment because it is not considered instructional equipment. Cliff Allen asked if this would include service contracts, and Mr. Winslow stated it would. Mr. Nissen had a question on the refurbishing and replacing of Exhaust Fans on Page 32, and-Mr. Winslow stated that a survey was made of this equipment to establish which areas required repairs or replacement. Mr. Nissen asked if this was a phase program? Mr. Winslow stated it was not, it was the total replacement cost. He noted that the item on Page 34, Emergency & Safety Supplies and Materials, was a result of Legislation that fire extinguishers and safety equipment had to be checked by a professional organization each year. Mr. Winslow noted that plumbing supplies are up because the department is doing a lot of their own repairs, as a result of the training that the Custodians have been taking in the Apprentice Program, but it has cut down on the number of times plumbers have had to be called, resulting in a decrease in these costs. 5000 & 6000 Series Mr. Winslow stated this area had to do with fixed charges on rental space. He noted that last year the rental for the Central office had gone up to $1,000 a month. Mr. Winslow stated the 6000 Series covered Private School transportation costs, which were for students from Reading attending' private schools such as Nazareth. He noted these costs were about $.80 per day, and there were approximately 7 students involved. 7000 Series Mr. Winslow stated the first part of this series dealt with the Capital Outlay Plan, covering remodelling for declining enrollments and alterations at Eaton of boys and girls lavatories. Dr. Wells noted that if a move by the Central Office to the High School became a reality, money would have to be made available to move the Guidance Department to another area. He stated the Town Manager feels we should be located at the High School and indicated that an Architect would be coming down to Gould Street to observe the kinds of space which we would require, etc. 74 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Dr. Wells noted that the Town Manager would like to have a member of the School Committee on the Space Study Committee. Mr. Coco asked if this included closing up additional space. Dr. Wells stated there would be a report on this in. a month. Mr. Nissen asked if the $60,000 was Bonded last year, why was it not included in the Bond this year? Dr. Wells stated the School Committee could decide whether they want that included with the roof Bond, but the administration would need some instructions on that point. Mr. Shannon stated he would like to see instructions given to include this item in the Bond as it is a permanent change to the physical plant. He noted with the budget restraints that the School Department has, he did not feel this should be included in the Operating Budget. Mr. Coco stated he would like to see the administration propose to the committee what should be included in the Bond. Mr. Wells stated the 7300 series was part of Per Pupil Cost and that is what is reflected here. Dr. Munnelly stated he felt the non - instructional computers, on a whole, were not operating on a deficit. He noted at the High School there are a series of Apples and in fact, there was a plan to consider equipping a third classroom, and also Middle Schools are using computers more. Dr.- Munnelly stated that because of expanded programs, there have recently been requests for Apples with two -disc drives. He stated the replacement of Radio Shack word processors and some Digital terminals will also need to be considered. Dr. Wells noted that there was a request on Page 45 for a refrigerator for the Health Department to keep serum, medicines, etc.. He stated previously these materials have been kept in a refrigerator in the Home Ec. Department, but there is a safety factor to be considered in continuing with this practice. Dr. Wells stated the request was only for a small apartment -size appliance. Dr. Wells stated that the replacement of 10 typewriters, might look like a large expenditure, but there were none requested last year, and these typewriters are used daily and badly in need of replacement. Dr. Wells noted that chairs and desks had been stored, due to declining enrollments and used to replace broken ones, but that this supply was running out and it had become necessary to again include the purchase of this type of equipment in the Budget. Dr. Wells stated that on Page 49, the item, High School, Basement Ceiling Corridor, should be in another area, most likely the 4000 series, but he felt anyone who questioned the need for this item in the Budget should go to the High School and view the area, which he felt was in a very shabby condition. Dr. Wells also spoke of replacement of the bleachers at Parker, and the fact that the field was used for varsity soccer, both boys and girls. He stated the bleachers were very badly in need of repair, but the work could be accomplished in 1 or 2 years. He stated he felt it READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 75 JANUARY 12, 1987 was becoming a safety factor and would also recommend replacement of the wood with aluminum because it would last longer and mean less maintenance. Mr. Nissen asked if the difference in price was significant, and Mr. Winslow stated the prices were very close to last time they received bids on a similar request. Mr. Shannon requested that administration try to get an idea of the attendance figures at these games, as possibly the amount of seating could be decreased. Mr. Coco asked if on Page 53, Vehicle Replacement, the administration was proposing deleting one vehicle, the van, and replacing it with another van. Mr. Winslow stated the request was for deleting the van for 2 small pick -ups because there are time and manhours lost because, at present,it is sometimes necessary for two men to cover one job because there is only one vehicle or one man has to wait for the other to return in order to cover another situation. Mr. Shannon had a question on Page 52 and Page 47, Replacement of Musical Instruments. Dr. Munnelly stated the item on Page 49 at the High School for $2,450 was coming from Dr. Piechota's budget, and the item on Page 52, for $6,000, Replacement at All Schools, was for the expanded program at the Middle Schools and replacement at the High School. Account Balances Mr. Winslow reviewed the Account Balances with the School Committee and noted the 2 areas showing negative balances were the Grants and that this money would be coming in shortly. He stated the Chapter 188 money was still intact and that the minimum wage adjustment will also be coming very shortly. Mr. Coco had a question on the Coolidge Roof Bond figure, and Mr. Winslow stated the work was finished and that was the money that was left. He stated his understanding was that this figure will stay in the account until the School Committee has to expend it for additional work on the roof, or decides it doesn't need it any longer and returns it to the Town. Cliff Allen stated it might be wise to maintain a balance until there is reasonable assurance there will be no more problems with the roof. Mr. Winslow also explained that the Use of School Property Account, in the amount of $72,000, covered the cost of Custodians at rental property and that these rental monies could also be used for maintenance, heating and lighting costs for the property. Mr. Shannon asked if Pearl Street was included in this, and Mr. Winslow stated it was. Mr. Allen stated these monies could be used to offset maintenance expenses in any schools, and Mr. Winslow stated that was true. Salary & Expense Report Mr. Winslow reviewed this report with the School Committee and noted that this report had an extra column which included. we READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 comparative data from a year ago. He noted the comparisons in various accounts, and especially the difference in the 1100 account wherein 97% had been expended last year as opposed to 16.76% this year which was because a great deal was being expended out of the negotiating account at this time last year. He noted that the 2000 series has expended 100% of the educational dollars this year. Mr. Winslow stated in the 5000 series, the difference was because of the rental increase. Mr. Shannon asked about the difference in the 2800 account, it showed 100% for this year as opposed to 28% last year. Dr. Munnelly stated this account did not include salaries, and he would check into the reasons for this large difference. Mr. Winslow stated that the grand totals for last year were 47% and this year they were 46.37 %. Cafeteria Statement Mr. Winslow noted that participation had picked up 1% on the' cafeteria statement for this month, but the expense side of the statement showed a loss last month of $2,685.45, which was accounted for because there were major equipment breakdowns during.- this time period. He stated this money would come out of th'e' School Lunch Program, and Cathy Cook felt there would be a smaller loss next month, but it would balance out at the end. Cliff Allen stated this was a self - supporting program then. Mr. Winslow stated it was. He also noted there was an overall participation of 41 %. January Enrollment Dr. Wells stated there was not much difference on this statement, but the School Committee should note that there was a loss of 16 students at the High School and a gain of 19 at the elementary schools, 11 at the Birch Meadow and 5 at Joshua Eaton. He noted this was obviously due to the fact of new people moving to Town and perhaps some transfers. Grant Approvals Dr. Munnelly stated there were two grants applied for which had been funded by the State Department of Education. The first was a Commonwealth In- Service Grant at Eaton in the amount of $2,018.00 and an Educational Technology Grant to support the development of an Interactive Video Classroom at Reading Memorial High School in the amount of $17,902. He noted with the work that has already been done by the Cable Company, it will be hooked up shortly to Wakefield High. Along with this project, the Cable Companies are setting up plans to link up North Reading and Lynnfield in a year or two. Dr. Munnelly stated Reading was one of few places in the country to investigate this type of program, and the State is very interested in funding this kind of project. He stated we could be a model for this kind of interaction. 77 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 Dr. Wells then briefly discussed with the School Committee the Art of the Book Speaker, Robert Coles, who would be in Reading on Jan. 21st. He recommended that the members who could, go to hear Mr. Coles as he was a very interesting speaker. Cliff Allen then read a letter he had received from the Mass. Art Association commending Sue Wheltle for her participation in a recent MAEA Fall Conference held in November at Southeastern Massachusetts University. Mr. Allen stated it was encouraging to receive letters of this sort about staff members and the committee appreciated Mrs. Wheltle's enthusiasm and efforts. Appointments Dr. Munnelly stated the Administration was recommending the appointment of Dr. Christine Redford as Asst. Principal /Intern at the Joshua Eaton School for the balance of the year and through the close of school in June 1988, as a replacement for Kate Basbas who was leaving to join the staff of the Arlington School System. A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to appoint Dr. Christine Redford as Asst. Principal /Intern at the Joshua Eaton School for the balance of the year and through the close of school in June 1988. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly then stated the Administration was recommending the appointment of Ms. Stephanie Vasilos, 72 Cottage Park Road, Winthrop, as Speech /Language teacher at the Joshua Eaton School. He noted that Ms. Vasilos's contract with the Wisnea Association, through whom she was hired during the first part of the year, was finished, and she understood this was only a 1/2 year appointment replacing Jill Pelunis while she is on child- rearing leave of absence. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to appoint Ms. Stephanie Vasilos, as Speech /Language teacher at the Joshua Eaton School, at the rate of M -1, $21,639, pro- rated, for the balance of the 1986 -87 School Year. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated the Administration was also recommending Ms. Karen J. McCormack, 8 Dundas Ave., Andover as Physical Education teacher, at the Joshua Eaton School, replacing Kate Basbas. He stated she was highly recommended by Westfield and Andover where she did her student teaching. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to appoint Ms. Karen J. McCormack, as Physical Education teacher at the Joshua Eaton School, at the rate of B -1, $20,160 pro- rated, effective 1/21/87. The vote was uanimous. Mr. Winslow then discussed with the School Committee, the breakdown of the Boiler at the Barrows School which had happened on Saturday evening. Larry had found out that this boiler is no M. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 longer manufactured and the only place parts could be found were in New York, and Larry would have to go to pick them up. Mr. Winslow stated he was going to contact DEQE regarding the removal of asbestos in the Boiler. He also noted there are only two licensed companies in the State who do this type of work. Mr. Winslow stated he was considering removing all the asbestos as had been done to another boiler, while it was being repaired, but it would cost approximately $2,200. He noted the cost to reinsulate would be $1,800 and $1,600 for the parts for the boiler, totaling approximately $5or $6,000 to make this repair. Mr. Winslow stated he was hopeful that the repairs could be computed in two weeks. He then noted that there are four more boilers in the schools of this type and age, and it was possible that there would have to be a replacement of a boiler in the near future. This cost would be approximately $30,000, but if this was done, the parts from the replaced boiler could be stored, and if there was a breakdown with the remaining boilers of this type, parts would be available. Cliff Allen then informed the committee members that the Town Manager had requested that the School Committee elect one of their membership to be a part of the new Space Study Committee, in order that the School Department's needs are fairly represented. Mr. Coco stated he would volunteer to participate in this committee. A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to elect Mr. Coco as the representative of the School Committee on the Space Study Committee. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Wells stated he would inform the Town Manager of Mr. Coco's election. Cliff Allen then proposed to the committee members that in regard to the concerns of the administration about the increased cost of transportation, that perhaps the committee should elect a sub - committee to investigate some possible alternatives that would be more efficient for the Town. He stated he, for one, would volunteer to participate and bring a report back perhaps within a month's time. Dr. Wells stated this was a concern, and other Towns had found reasonable alternatives, one of which was to purchase vans or small busses or lease them. He noted most bus companies insist that if they accept the bid for bussing, this must include use of busses for extracurricular activities also. Dr. Wells noted there is very little competition in this field and therefore, Town's are pressured to accent such terms. Mr. Philbrick stated she felt this was part of the administration's responsibility and wasn't sure a committee was necessary. Dr. Wells stated he recommended a committee only because he felt a committee would have more independence and that perhaps a citizen who had some expertise in this area could be found to participate. 7J READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 12, 1987 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to establish a committee to investigate transportation alternatives, under the direction of the Chairman of the School Committee. Mr. Coco stated he had a problem with this motion as he felt the time frame and committee structure were too loosely defined. A vote was taken on the original motion, and it was approved on a 5 -0 vote, with Mr. Coco abstaining. At 10:35 p.m., a motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Ms Lyons, to go into Executive Session, and it was unanimously voted. Mr. Allen noted that the committee would not be returning to Open Session.