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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-03-02 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Call to Order 101 MARCH 2, 1987 Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. on March 2, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present, with the exception of Mr. George Shannon, who arrived late. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. Wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Cliff Allen then stated that the meeting had been scheduled earlier because there would be a speaker from the MASC, Mr. Edward Bacherman, who would discuss the Superintendent's search with the School Committee and explain the services MASC can provide as an organization or as a consultant, if the committee felt that was what it wanted to do. Mr. Allen stated that as requested, Carol Lyons had made some calls and literature had been received from MASC and other consulting firms as a result of Dr. Wells announcement of his intention to retire. Mr. Allen then introduced Mr. Bacherman. Mr. Bacherman stated he was a field representative for MASC, and this was approximately his 6th official visit to Reading in 9 1/2 years. He stated MASC had been involved in Superintendents search processes for 5 1/2 years, assisting with brochures, applications, etc. in response to many requests from various communities. Mr. Bacherman stated MASC has become a Consultant at the request of many School Committees who do not want to do this type of searching. He noted that in a letter from Cliff Allen, which each member was given a copy of, various types of services were listed that MASC could provide as a consultant. Mr. Bacherman stated this could be one of the most important jobs that a School Committee will have, and stated it was also important for the School Committee to consider the scope of the task. He noted School Committees feel great satisfaction when the job was complete, and they have gotten the best educational leader that was possible for their community. He stated some committees, after considering the task, feel they don't have the time or expertise to do the job alone, and could be better served with hiring a consultant. Mr. Bacherman stated even if the School Committee decided not to hire them as consultants, MASC would still offer their assistance at any stage. 102 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 Mr. Bacherman stated the members of MASC had an accumulated experience of 60 years as School Committee members, and then reviewed the types of services offered by the MASC on a consultant basis. He stated the School Committee would have to decide such things as how large a search they would like to have, local, regional, or national. Mr. Bacherman stated it takes approximately 4 to 6 months to do a search correctly, and then explained the various steps of this process. Mr. Bacherman noted that it was better to go backward to estimate how much time it would take with each step. He stated the fee for their services would be $2,500 not including expenses for printing, postage, etc. which would be an additional $750.00, with a maximum charge of $1,100. He then noted some of the advertising rates of the Boston and local papers. Mr. Bacherman stated MASC would assist in determining the criteria for the job description, which he felt set the tone for the evaluation of the new Superintendent. Mr. Bacherman stated they would assist in the preparation of an application which he felt was a good source of information about thle candidate, and was a document used in the paper screening process. Mr. Bacherman noted that they were in contact with leading graduate schools in Massachusetts so there would be 2 members of faculties from each of these types of colleges, along with a member of the staff of MASC who would assist in the process and who would come up with a list of ten semi - finalists. He noted assessment sheets would be provided covering objective and subjective information which would be helpful in making a final decision. Mr. Bacherman stated the semi- finalists would be presented to the committee for consideration, and the MASC would then set up the arrangements which had to be made in order to interview these candidates. At the end of the interviews and after narrowing the candidates down to 3 or 5, certain members of the School Committee could be delegated to visit the communities of the finalists and the MASC team would tell them what to look for. Mr. Bacherman stated the MASC would provide sample questions, two of which should be used for each candidate, and that he felt it very important that all candidates be notified as soon as possible after being eliminated from consideration. He noted that when the choice for a new Superintendent had been made, MASC could be involved in the Contract process also. Mr. Bacherman stated that MASC were ready to proceed. He gave revised Open Meeting La',a, which Mr. Bacherman noted that MASC' this new revision, and he would He stated he felt that salary advertisement and announcement, after making a selection. felt they had a good process and each committee member a copy of a he felt would affect this search. s legal counsel was interpreting have this information shortly. should be clearly stated in the so as to eliminate any confusion. 103 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 Mr. Coco asked if Mr. Bacherman could give the committee a list of services from which they could pick and choose. Mr. Bacherman stated that this information was included in the brochure the committee had received, and MASC would be available at every stage of the process. Cliff Allen then stated that the School Committee Policy called for the use of a Citizens' Screening Committee. He stated this type of search affects a lot of people in the community, and perhaps, a consultant would be helpful not only for the School Committee but the Screening Committee as well. Mr. Bacherman stated that consultants have worked with Screening Committees in the past, but it would depend on what stage they wanted the Citizens' Screening Committee to be included. Mr. Nissen asked how many searches MASC had participated in. Mr. Bacherman stated there were two field representatives, who have participated in approximately 300 to 350 searches statewide, but this would be their first search, if selected, as a hired consultant. Mr. Allen then thanked Mr. Bacherman for the information he had provided to the School Committee, and for presenting it in the time frame he had been given. Approval of Minutes of February 9, 1987 A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs Philbrick, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of February 9, 1987. The vote was unanimous. At 7 :30 p.m., Chairman Cliff Allen announced the beginning of the Public Hearing on the FY88 School De artment Budget. Cliff Allen then read his message on the FY88 School Department Budget. Dr. Wells then stated that on March 10th, he would be presenting the budget at Town Meeting. He then explained there would be a $31,500 decrease in the 4220 Series of the expense budget, which covered Rubbish Disposal at the request of the Town Manager who wished this item be moved over to the Public Works Department budget. He stated he wanted the public to be aware that this deletion would be requested at the time of the Committee's return to Open Session. Dr. Wells stated this Public Hearing was held in accordance with State Law and the new Charter, in order to give citizens the opportunity to reject an item in the budget or to request additional items be listed. He noted that as the new Charter was not quite clear on these public hearings, not all departments would have one, but the School Department has elected to do so. Dr. Wells stated the major areas of increase were in 104 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Special Needs and transportation costs. department has projected that fuel oil costs next year, and he had been advised that increase, it would not rise to the levels Wells noted that there were copies of the anyone who would like one. MARCH 2, 1987 He also stated the will be $68,000 lower although it would of 2 years ago. Dr. budget available for Dr. Wells stated the department has historically been under pressure to cut their budget, but Reading for years, has had costs less than the average comparable communities in Massachussetts. He noted that the quality of the system could in some way be measured by the results of the Basic Skills Testing Program which had just been completed in which Reading had scored on the high side. Mr. Cliff Allen then asked if Mr. Winslow would review the 4220 Series line item for Rubbish Disposal. Mr. Winslow stated the administration was requesting the School Committee act on this deletion which would reduce the total budget by S31,500. He noted with the elimination of this item, it would reduce the budget to 7.5 %. Mr. Allen asked if this amount had been taken off the total figure on the budget. Mr. Winslow stated it had not been. There was a brief discussion on where this money would appear on the budget, and Mr. Winslow indicated it would be included in any cost related to the Town. Mr. Winslow indicated that on the Summary of Anticipated Income, those items with asterisks would go to the Town's General Fund to reduce the tax base. He noted that the other items will be added to the school budget. Mr. Coco asked if Mr. Winslow had any sense that there would be more of this kind of transfer of maintenance costs to the Town. Mr. Winslow stated he had not. Chairman Cliff Allen then indicated that he would now request that this would be the time for those present to speak of any questions they had on the FY88 Budget. Mrs. Kendra Cooper stated she had a question in regard to the 2000 Series. She stated since January she had been requesting a breakdown of specific budget items and had been unable to obtain it. Mr. Allen asked Mrs. Cooper to be more specific, and that Mr. Winslow would try to locate the information if possible. Mrs. Cooper stated she would like to know what the breakdown on textbooks for each of the elementary and middle schools were. Mr. Allen stated he didn't quite understand why t',?e individual school breakdowns were germaine to t,s question. Mrs. Cocper explained that last Spring one of the requests to the PTO was that we could perhaps provide some funds for textbooks, and she would like to see the amounts by schools. Mr. Winslow cave Mrs. Cooper the individual amounts she had requested. Mrs. Cooper then requested a breakdown of the field trips and assemblies which Mr. Winslow also gave her. 105 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 Cliff Allen then stated that if it were possible, the School Committee was always willing to give information to the public. At 8:00 p.m., as there were no further questions, Chairman Cliff Allen adjourned the Public Hearing, and returned to Open Session. Bills and Pavrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills March 2, 1987 - General Expense - $17,157.29 March 9, 1987 - General Expense - 77,029.81 Pavrolls March 3, 1987 - Teachers - $432,536.03 March 6, 1987 - Weekly - 31,087.63 Citizens' Inout Mr. Jim Riley, a parent, stated he had some concerns regarding the Special Needs Policy which was to be voted on a second time that evening. He stated he and some other parents were interested in becoming more involved with a PAC in the Special Needs Area. He asked if this Policy was the one Dr. Alexanian was involved in, and Mr. Allen stated it was. Mr. Riley asked if there would be some additional requests for people to participate? Mr. Allen asked exactly what he meant by people - some who would like to participate or a whole new group? Dr.'Wells then stated this vote was just to implement the Policy and• that there was no committee formed as yet. He noted the State was advising School Committees that it would be wise to have a Policy in place on this issue. Mr. Coco read the policy to Mr. Riley and stated it was just a second vote on the Policy, and he felt this would answer the concerns that Mr. Riley was trying to address. Martha Stasiowski, a parent, stated that she and others had been working as a group and were in the process of writing by -laws, which would be voted on by the School Committee after which they would bc. the PAC. Cliff Allen stated that basically it was a concern at the State level that resulted in this Policy being formulated and that in effect laid out perimeters of support that the School Committee and School Department will give for establishment of parents participation on advisory committees. He stated this Policy did not necessarily speak to committees outside the Department. He stated this did not mean you could not have a similar group, but it did not seem the practical thing to do. Mr. Nissen asked if Dr. Alexanian was aware of this committee, and stated he felt the 106 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 parents should be really discussing this with him. Cliff Allen then stated he felt this discussion could continue when this item came up for discussion later in the Agenda. Mrs. Kendra Cooper stated she felt the School Committee was well aware of all the correspondence that had been written on the breakdowns of the budget that she had requested, and the fees that had been charged to her for these copies. She stated she was addressing Dr.Wells and was not sure that he understood the request in her last letter. She stated she had asked for any documentary evidence of fees for copies for which anyone else beside her had been charged, and was she the only one who has been charged a fee. Dr. Wells stated he had understood her request and that she was the only person who had asked for such an extensive amount of material. Mrs. Cooper then stated that in October when she was charged she believed this was a School Committee Policy to charge for information, and since then has found that there is no School Committee Policy on this issue. Dr. Wells stated that what was being charged to Mrs. Cooper was allowed by the State, and that she was tl7e only person who had ever made a request for 75 to 100 copies. He also noted that it was necessary to send an employee to locate some stored files in another location in order to provide this information for her and that was what the labor charge was for. Mr. Cliff Allen then stated he felt this discussion had taken place several times, and he didn't see any reason to continue with it. He stated her concerns had been stated and noted by the committee, and he felt it was now time to go on with the next item on the Agenda. Policy - Special Needs Dr. Wells stated the requested changes had been made in the Policy from the last meeting and this was the draft, which he was recommending for a second vote. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded' by Carol Lvons, to accept Policy KM, Parent Participation on Advisory Committees, as amended in Enclosure B -2 -a, on a second vote. Cliff Allen stated he felt that parental participation on the Advisory Committees was looked at positively in this Policy. Mrs. Martha Stasiowski stated that Dr. Alexanian had been invited to their meetings on two occasions, t,-,t could net attend. She stated the parents in her group planned to have monthly meetings throughout the year, and the committee was in the process of writing by -laws which they would bring to the School Committee to vote on, and which she felt would then make them a PAC. Mr. Allen stated he did not agree with this assumption, as he felt it would 107 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 make more sense and more benefit would be realized having activities under the guise of the Policy and with guidelines from the School Department, thereby meshing the two similar groups. Carol Lyons stated it was her understanding that the School Committee did not vote on or approve by -laws for committees. Mr. Nissen and Mr. Allen stated that was correct. Dr. Munnelly stated it was a State Department regulation that PAC's be formed, and this Policy is in response to that. He stated regular budget grants need approval of the PAC before they can be submitted to the State. Dr. Wells stated the bottom paragraph of the Policy stated all meetings will be posted and open to the public. He noted that Dr. Alexanian was very anxious to get a PAC going and at that time, all imput by concerned parents will be accepted. A vote was taken on the original motion, and it was unanimously voted to accent the Policv. FY88 Budget Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to delete $31,500 for Rubbish Removal from the Series 4220 of the FY88 Expense Budget, with the understanding that these funds will be placed elsewhere in the Town Budget. The vote was unanimous. Tuition Recuest Dr. Wells stated this was a request from Sandra Censabella and her husband from North Andover to have their son, Michael Antonucci, attend Kindergarten in Reading for the SY87 -88. He noted that they had requested this because their daycare provider who had taken care of Michael for some time lives in Reading and they work nearby, and felt this would be less disruptive to his schedule. Dr. Wells stated, if approved, Michael would attend the Barrows School and there was room for him in that grade. He stated the parents understood they would have to pay tuition, and although it was an unusual request, he would recommend approval. Mr. Shannon stated normally when a pupil comes to us with this type of request he is a junior or senior and wishes to remain in the system until he graduates, which is understandable. He stated he could understand Mrs. Censabella and her husband's concern, but they are not residents of Reading. Mr. Shannon stated after Kindergarten there follows 12 years of school, and he didn't think the committee should set a precedent of accepting Kindergarten age children as non - resident pupils in Reading. Carol Lyons asked if Dr. Wells felt they would continue to ask for non - resident attendance through future grades. Dr. Wells stated he had told Mrs. Censabella that this was a unique request, and had stated his professional opinion that there comes a point in M READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2,1987 time when young people want to form friendships with children in the neighborhoods in which they live, which was not a problem at five, but could be at six or seven. _Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, to allow Michael Antonucci, to attend Kindergarten at the Barrows School as a non - resident pupil on a tuition paying basis, for the SY87 -88. Mrs. Philbrick stated she could support this motion as long as there was room in the school, but would have reservations supporting such a request for additional years. Mr. Coco stated he also could support the motion for this year, but would have the same reservations as Mrs. Philbrick did if the request came for the next school year. Mr. Shannon stated he could appreciate the parent's concern, but how would we say no to someone else who had been a resident of Reading and because of convenience made the same request. He stated for that reason he could not support the motion. Cliff Allen stated in his opinion space was the issue, as he had known of pupils attending RMHS for 4 years on a tuition basis. He stated he felt this and other similar requests should be taken one year at a time, and he would support this motion. A vote was taken on the original motion, and it was aDDroved on a vote of 5 -1, with Mr. Shannon voting in the negative. Professional Search - Superintendent Cliff Allen stated, if the committee requested, this issue could be discussed at a later time. Dr. Wells stated he realized there was a bit of awkwardness to this issue due to the fact that he had only given his intent to resign. He-stated if the committee felt it was expeditious, they could go forward with the rest of the Agenda and after Executive Session, at which time they had only one small item with the RTA to discuss, he would discuss his resignation date with the committee. Dr. Wells stated after this discussion they could return to Open Session with the results. The committee agreed to proceed in that manner. Financial Statements Account Balances Mr. Winslow stated the Account Balances were proceeding with no unusual changes. Salary & Expense Account Mr. Winslow stated the expense accounts were 53.9 % expended for this year, and noted that last year at this time the expense 109 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 budget was 55% expended. He stated this difference was probably because of fuel oil prices. Cafeteria Statement Mr. Winslow stated the Cafeteria Statement was for the month of January and showed a profit of $3,400.04 for the month, with the net loss being down to $4,640.23. He noted that Cathy Cook still felt that this loss would be down to zero by the end of the school year. Mr. Winslow also noted that Parker Middle School's participation was up to 32 %. Reqional Lab for Educational Improvement Dr. Munnelly stated the Federal Government had funded this Regional Laboratory for the Northeast and Virgin Islands as this area was the only region not having one. He stated that the lab had been awarded to a firm in North Andover. Dr. Munnelly stated there was no fee for joining the lab, but it was necessary to get a vote of approval from the Governmental Board of the community. He stated it was the request of the administration that the committee approve joining the lab and naming Dr. Wells as the designated person with whom the lab would communicate. Mrs. Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Carol Lvons, to accept the invitation of the Regional Lab for Educational Improvement of the Northeast and Islands to become a member, at no cost to the Town, and name Dr. Wells as the designee with whom the lab could communicate. The vote was unanimous. Jeff Cryan Report Dr. Wells stated this was a very good report written -by Jeff Cryan on the results of a Sabbatical Leave, and he thought the School Committee might enjoy reading it. Dr. Wells then announced to the School Committee that there had been a State Grant awarded to the Town, in the amount of S5,760, in accordance with the Governor's Alliance on Drugs. He noted that Dr.Munnelly, Jane Fiore, 2 Principals and 2 students, would be attending a ceremony at the State House on Wednesday morning to accept the Grant. Medford Citv Council - Snecial Needs Fundin Dr. Wells stated this letter, a copy of which each member had received, was in regard to a resolution by the Medford City Council to request their local representatives to introduce legislation to relieve the burden on communities for mandated Special Needs Programs. 110 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 Mr. Shannon stated he wasn't sure he wanted to support a bill on this issue. He stated conceptually he was in favor of it, but was concerned that it could adversely affect other parts of the systems, as Special Needs had broadened its scope in recent years. Cliff Allen stated he had the feeling the members would like more information on this issue before voting to support it. Mr. Coco stated when 2 1/2 was passed, wasn't there a portion of the Law which directed the State to fund mandated programs? Dr. Wells stated he thought there was. He stated he had received information from the MASC in which it gave their Legislative initiatives for this year. Dr. Wells stated MASC had sent their Legislative initiatives for this year. Dr. Wells stated Federal Legislation is also causing a rise in costs in Massachusetts, and felt the State will take the position that Special Needs was a Court Law, and was nothing they had legislated. Cliff Allen suggested this item be continued to the next meeting's Agenda, after the committee had a better chance to studv the issue. Leaves Dr. Munnelly stated he has received two requests for second -year Child - Rearing leaves from Jill Pelunis, Speech /Language teacher at Eaton, and Lynn Cameron, Grade 1 teacher at Killam. He noted that these 'Leaves were requested in accordance with the RTA contract. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to approve the second -year Child- Rearing leaves for Jill Pelunis, teacher at the Eaton School, and Lynn Cameron, teacher at Killam for the School Year 1987 -88. The vote was unanimous. Resignations Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter from Dennis Murphy stating he was resigning his position as Principal of the Birch Meadow School. He noted that Dennis had been in the School System for 32 years, 27 of which was as Principal of Birch Meadow. A motion was made by Carol Lvons, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation cf Dennis Murphy, Principal of the Birch Meadow School, effective August 31, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Cliff Allen requested Dr. Wells write a letter to Mr. Murphy expressing the School Committee's and Department's thanks for his many years of dedicated service. Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter of resignation from Catherine Powell, Kindergarten teacher at Killam, and Claudia Crocker, Physical Education at Coolidge, both of whom are presently on Child- Rearinc Leaves, in which both noted that thev were resigning because of the demands of family life. A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Catherine M. Powell, from her position READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 111 MARCH 2, 1987 at Killam School, and Claudia Crocker, from her position at Coolidge School, effective immediately. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated he had also received a letter from Fatima deGranda -Lyle, presently on Child- Rearing Leave, resigning her position as Language teacher at R.M.H.S., at the end of this school year. Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to accept the resignation of Fatima deGranda -Lyle, Language teacher at R.M.H.S. effective the end of the 1986 -87 School Year. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter from Mike Harney resigning his position as Department Head of Fine, Home and Industrial Arts at the end of the 1986 -87 School Year. Dr. Munnelly noted that Mike had stated this decision was for personal reasons, and he was anxious to return to his previous position as classroom teacher. Mr. Cocc made a meticn, seconded by Carol Lvcns, to accept the resignation of Mike Harney, as Department Head of Fine, Home and Industrial Arts at R.M.H.S., effective at the end of the 1986 -87 School Year. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Winslow then stated he had received a letter from Frank Coppola, Custodian, stating his disability retirement has been approved as of Feb. 20, 1987. Mr. Winslow stated Frank had worked in the School Department for 14 years and his health had finally forced 'him into this retirement. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to accept the resignation of Mr. Frank Coppola, Custodian, effective Feb. 20, 1987 for reasons of disability. The vote was unanimous. Cliff Allen then announced that the School Committee would be going into Executive Session for approximately 35 -40 minutes, and would return to Open Session. At 9:15 o.m., Mrs. Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to go into Executive Session to disc;:ss 3crgaining and Negotiating Issues. The vote was unanimous. At 10:30 c.m., the Committee returned to Open Session. Suoerintendent's Resignation Dr. Wells announced that he was hereby officially submitting his resignation effective August 31, 1987. He stated his present contract expired on June 30, 1987, but it was very important to him for retirement purposes to remain in his position until his birthday on July 22nd. 112 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 2, 1987 Mr. Shannon stated he would make a motion, with regret, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Dr. Robert S. Wells, as Superintendent of Reading Public School, effective August 31, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Professional Search Cliff Allen stated discussion could now take place regarding a consultant to expedite the Superintendent's search. He stated at an earlier meeting the Committee had asked Carol Lyons to gather some information, some of which each member had already received on some of these firms. Mr. Allen recalled the earlier presentation by Mr. Bacherman from MASC and stated there was also information from NESDEC and an unsolicited proposal from Romeo Marquis who had served both the School Department and Town in the past on various projects. Carol Lyons then stated that most of the firms fees did not include such things as postage, advertising, travel. She stated the basic consulting fee for NESDEC was $4,450 and the fee from Lesley College was $3,500. Cliff Allen stated that the estimated cost from the firm of Romeo Marquis would be $4,000, plus or minus $1,000 depending on activity. He remin.ded the Committee that the Citizen's Screening Committee would have to be involved and ideally, it would be helpful to have a replacement before the beginning of the next school year. Cliff Allen stated advertising costs would cost approximately $2,500 and that it could be another $3- $5,000 to have a consultant. Mrs . Philbrick stated she felt it was clear that the School Committee was going to need professional help with the search, and it would have to proceed in a timely fashion. She stated the committee needed someone with experience and who knew the Town, which she felt eliminated MASC. Mrs. Philbrick stated that Romeo Marquis had worked with the committee before and knew the schools, the Central Office and has also worked with Town Departments, and it was her suggestion that the committee contract with his consulting firm, Management and Leadership Systems. Mr. Shannon stated he had missed the presentation by Mr. Bacherman, and felt that Lesley had done good work on searches, but his concern was speed and familiarity. He stated the cost difference over the long range is not the most important consideration. He stated Mr. Marquis knew the system and the Town, and could move more quickly to assist the committee in the search. Mr. Coco stated this was a task no previous School Committee has had to face for 22 years. He noted that the committee will be putting in place an individual who will guide the system for the next 5 years or longer. Mr. Nissen stated he also felt that because of his familiarity with the Town and his experience, he would support a motion to retain Romeo Marquis. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 113 MARCH 2, 1987 Mrs. Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to contract with Management and Leadership Systems as a Consultant in the search for a new Superintendent, for a fee not to exceed $5,000. The vote was unanimous. Cliff Allen stated a Public Hearing will have to be held within a couple of weeks. He stated at this meeting citizens would have a chance to bring to the attention of the committee their thoughts and input. Mr. Nissen stated another thing to keep in mind was initiating a Citizens' Screening Committee. Mr. Allen stated there were a total of 12 needed for this committee, 4 citizens chosen by the School Committee, 6 educators employed in Reading Schools, and 2 educators not employed by the Town. He stated he hoped interested and qualified people would come forward. Mr. Allen then asked Dr. Wells to notify the Reading Chronicle of their choice of Consultant. Mr. Allen then suggested that perhaps the School Committee should plan to meet every Monday for the next month. The committee agreed. Mrs. Philbrick stated that Mr. Marquis had spoken about generic ads that could be put in some advertising media, and perhaps, the committee should ask him to initiate such an ad this week. There was a brief discussion about advertising and the time frame for it. Dr. Wells stated he would contact Mr. Marquis and inform him of his firm's selection and also tell him the committee was very anxious to begin advertising. He noted perhaps Dr. Munnelly and he could work on an ad and when it was finished give it to Cliff for review. Mr. Coco stated he felt the committee should look at the ad and a copy of the brochure or anything that goes out, and also work with the consultant. Cliff Allen stated a date for the Public Meeting could be set at the next meeting. At 11:00 p.m. on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the School Committee voted unanimously to adiourn.