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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-03-16 School Committee Minutes121 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 Call to Order In the absence of Chairman Cliff Allen, Vice - Chairman Barbara Philbrick called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on March 16, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present, with the exception of Mr. Allen and Mr. Coco. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Charles Pa_- and-recu) Principal of Barrows Elementary School, Mrs. Eileen Litterio, second grade teacher at Barrows, pa- n-I S, arc: a ze=crter fr= the Chronicle. Aoorova'_ of Minutes of March 9, 1987 A notion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Carol Lvons, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of March 9, 1987. The vote was 3 -0, with Mr. Nissen abstaining because of his absence from the meeting. Bills and Pavrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills March 23, 1987 - General Expense - $62,606.36 Payrolls March 19, 1987 - Teachers - $360, 455.22 r X01 , 19 =7 - W e e k 1 - 30, 854.81 Citizens' Innut Mrs . Kerdra Coo7)er asked to be recognized and stated s: e would like to know why the presentation last week of a Work Plan by the ccrs :lt�: t fcr t: ^e ..u- erintendent's search was done in Executive cs_ a.._ r— secs—cr.—, �!r�. _..ick stated one of the f _r_ t t= _nc_ t'- «e need tc kncw in =_ i . _ to send out an acs e e.. fvr a n=n .,..:CE _.-t t s w'-at Cal=-­ w_l l - -� .i C _ 1 be off=r=,; a-7--nq with Ct -er iene<< }G, S�_,c.i as length of cCr+ tract, et=. fir-. state.. t':= cc--_ttee felt that t:^e= -e issues belonged in Exer,lti e secsi-n at this point in the se -zr:h, as t''e-7 were bargaining and negotiating item=_. She also stated that since 122 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 this is the first time in 22 years that the committee has had to hire a new Superintendent, it will be a learning process. Mrs. Philbrick stated in looking over the Work Plan, perhaps there were a few items discussed in Executive Session that could rightly have been in Open Session, and apologized if this were the case. She stated although the committee might have strayed into some grey areas on this point, it was not with their intent to deceive the audience about what the committee was doing. Mrs. Philbrick also noted that the committee, after coming out of Executive Session last week, did make a clear explanation of the Work Plan and that the audience had a chance to give their input. Mrs. Cooper stated she did not agree that salary was an Executive Session item, as on the list of the seven reasons for going in Executive Session session, this was not one of them. Mr_. Philbrick stated although she did not agree with Mrs. Cooper on this point, she would make note of her objection and thanked her for her input. School Hichlichts cf the B arrOWS School, stated that a major portion of the second grade literature prcgra.l had to do with the study of folk art and fairy tales. He stated teachers at Barrows do a lot of planning to integrate this into the total curriculum for the children. He stated this involves arts, social studies, language, science and gv:n. Mr. Papandreou then introduced Mrs. Irene Litterio, second grade teacher at Barrows. Mrs. Litterio stated that the second grade teachers at Barrows have tried to encompass all areas of the curriculum into this literature program. Mrs. Litterio noted as the children tried to solve problems while working on the project, they learned there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, which she felt was very comforting for young children to know. She noted each teacher had chosen to highlight a different aspect of the program. Some of these areas were: giants, elves, trolls, dwarfs, along with the Grimm Brothers character, Rumpelstiltskin, and vikings. Mrs. Litterio then illustrated some of the original fairy tale books that ..c.: be_.. written and prepared by the children on subjects with the heio of herself, and also two other second grade teachers, Adele Pekins and Sharcn Patterson, who could not be DrcScnt. .,..e a_so s :owed the co:'� 4tte= the art work and wr4t -ng that ac`O.Pani_t the project. PIrS. Litterio invited tle School Committee to attend a drama of old folk tales to be held at the Barr -W= SC::col i- titn`I W 1C" W^L'i% o =�? J - .,Cluc'e an eVe ^.g _:agents. Sne a -_o _sse` out tC t_ie a::gience ant SCnCO, Co =i ttee some nu..rit_Cus SnaC = w.._ t Cn___ren h pre= are .. i ?rte. Littc�_o a_ {c �_ tnc CC". ' c any Caro- Lvons stated s'-:_ was h_ :)- v to see t::n.at the chi Itren in tnei_ zto_ies hag chosen to c_s___c a7-,d ne cti_te i.. therr dealings with the giants, elfs, etc. and not used violent means to 123 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 deal with them. Mrs. Philbrick stated she felt the art work was remarkable, and asked if this was the first year that Barrows had used this theme. Mrs. Litterio stated although they did touch upon some parts of it last year, this year was really the first year they had used this theme. Mr. Papandreou stated that eventually the School Library would have a large selection of the children's original fairy tales on the shelves. Mrs. Philbrick thanked Mr. Paoandreou and Mrs. Litterio for their program. Budcet Review Dr. Wells stated that Cliff Allen and Mr. Winslow had accompanied him to the Finance Committee budget meeting at the Town Hall last week. He noted that although the Finance Committee had voted the majority of the budget, there were some areas still in limbo. Dr. Wells stated the Finance Com.,mittee had asked the School Committee to reconsider the Special Needs bucket in the area of Tuition and Transportation, the amount of $100,000, which they did not want to delete, but wciild like tO put in the reserve account, which the could Cr-a c;, i_ t :e ne=g ar^.5 =. Dr. :wells stateg that could Cliff Allen told the FinCom that he would take the proposal back to the School Committee, although personally, he had some difficulty with it. Dr. Wells stated this would be similar to what the Town does with the Snow Removal Costs for the Public Works Department. He stated Cliff noted his concern was there might not be funds in the reserve account when the costs became evident. Dr. Wells stated another area not decided was the recommendation of the School Committee to include in a Special Article the remodelling of R.M.H.S for the declining enrollment. He noted that the FinCom didn't make a judgment, but just wanted to wait to hear from other departments on Capital Outlay items before making a decision. Dr. Wells stated he felt the FinCom was not rejecting this item, but weren't sure whether or not it would come out of new cash or bonding. Mrs. Philbrick stated it was her understanding at the all Boards' ',eeting Sc'12ral weeks ago that the Town Ma -aver wanted to include all requests into one package, therefore making it less eK�ensive to bond these itemns. She stated, on the Special Needs questiGn, ^d =r=t G t:la ,- t_"_ ^ "- Cc oily =- Wa rego -.e ._.. _-^z th e deleti cn cf S100,000 from this budget and that this will be put into a reserve account to be used if neered. Mr. Nissen stated his llnd °rat?. ^.d_ ^C 15 t� at if VCL' tike t i5 a C' nt CI , it would o^ i v be nut in the reserve aCCc-un` , whi c- hi =tori CG_ at t a ~G •• �- * e �je =._ • :ir• n. _� S _.t =... it _ .: .. =.. G.. ..._ _ tnGt the r_nCcm and Lawn Manager are in a^reere_nt that the R°.er.e Fund should ca_ry more mcney tncn it ha =_vi.. t o last 2 or 3 yea_=_. Mr. Shannon stxateg he wouic 1 t.''_e budge: to St t.. °- School Comumittee has tried to present a realistic budget, and if the FinCom wants to delete this at Town Meeting then it will be 124 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 done, but he was voting against any reduction. Carol Lyons asked how the FinCom arrived at the figure of $100,000. Dr. Wells stated he thought this just a round number and could have been derived from the fact that the total increase this year was about $200,000 and this would be half of that amount. He stated that he explained to the FinCom this was the first year there was so large an increase and was caused by three individual cases two of whom had moved into town with special needs students who had programs in place and which the School Department was committed to pay for and another family who rejected the program set up by the Reading School Department and won on an Appeal. He stated these costs are all unknowns. Carol Lyons asked if it were true that without the $100,000 and with what was known, there would be sufficient funds in this area for next year. Dr. Wells stated that $20,000 had been budgeted last year, after Dr. Alexanian had requested S40,000. As it turned out, the costs ran about S10010001 leavinc an overrun of approximately $80,000. Mrs. Philbrick stated it was her concern that no fir- decision on the amount to increase the reserve . fV.alr has been wade, and althcuch she didn't want to be in conflict with t1:e F_nCcm at Town Mee t4- ng, perhaos it would be better to leave this money where it was until the Town could give some fairly firm guarantee that there would be funds available if this Special Needs areas did experience an overrun. Dr. Wells stated if this response went back to FinCom, they might decide to just leave Special Needs budget as is, and if they don't it will be encumbent upon the FinCom to explain to Town Meeting how they are going to guarantee the School Committee $100,000. He noted that the FinCom would like every department to expedite their budget, but thought there was still time for some dialocue. A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Carol Lyons, that the School Committee was reaffirming their position that the Special Needs portion of the budget remain as is, subject to receiving further information, and the vote was unanimous. B i d=_ - Telephone Mr. Winslow __ fly r� _ew d t.. e' }"' c "V e '-e b_d� for a new t _cC Cne 5_JS'e. ^ -• for the the Cent--al Office, Enclosure B -3, with the Scheel Cc =ittee. He noted that o bids had been receive', using the A. &7 Merlin 1030 System in the Specifications for ccm^ arable cua1i *_y and canability_. He states the administration was reccmmendinc that t`e Cv, ^traCt be a`va_ ct"tC th° 1pW b:d er, `'aC'_cna_ le_CcC... SerV'_ce, - a-- fir.: 2Cit1C3^ ^,_ Le a15 st_�� that 2 7aC Ste_ :?:led cthe_ corporations ant municipalities_ who had boucht th_'s ecuic::e -�t, anc they had all s=tated then were s a t i _:ied wi -h both the cuali tv of t;,e equipnent and the service ct the company. Carol Lyons as'. {e if thev also had ccmc_arable warranties and service contracts. Mr. Winslow stated the equipment was on warranty for one year, as 125 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 called for in the specifications, and the maintenance contracts were comparable. He also noted that the company had indicated they could install the system within 7 days after signing the contract. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to award the contract for purchase and installation of a new telephone system at the Central Office, to the low bidder, National Telecom Service, 916 Pleasant Street, Norwood, MA, in the amount of $6,017.00. Mr. Shannon asked what the rental cost was for present equipment at the Central Office. Dr. Wells stated he remembered it to be about $2,000. Mr. Winslow stated he would also like to inform the committee that Jim Burke of AT &T had given him a great deal of help with the specifications and evaluating the bids and e- uionent. Mrs . Kendra COOper was recognized and asked if this system would be ccmoatibie with other Town telephone systems. Mr. Winslow stated that it would. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimouslv acoroved. Audio-Visual Ecuioment - R.M. H S Mr. Winslow stated that these bids were received in response to the Grant received at the High School for equipment for an interactive video teaching station, which made it possible for different communities to transmit classroom time back and forth, allowing 1 teacher to teach more students. Mr. Winslow stated he sent out five sets of specifications and received four responses. He then reviewed the bids with the School Committee and informed them that Joe Cain, Audio- Visual teacher at the High School, had analyzed the specifications and bids and these were his recommendations also. He stated the administration was recommending the approval of Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 7 be awarded to H.B. Communications, in the amount of S9,767.00, and Items 3, 8, 9, and 10 be awarded to Crimson Tech., in the amount of 5676.00, for a total cost of $i0,44 ?3.00. Mr. wi: ^.s1�:J state t'":15 W== $3,082, below the Grant Allocat icn S-13,525, bit Mr. Cain was proposing to amend the Grant to purchase lighting. Mr. Nissen she d= _rt- d 100 g the G -i. ..._ ..�.._ wC:._ Cn':T be SGV . S 0 b'J SCll�t lil azke.. if C =e _eC a"y risks' Mr. i'. i ns7 cw StGteC it nct as all t. =c cc �an_eS Car :' t :e Sa':e k_^_ O- e - "_D E:.t. a motion, Carol T cn_ , to award the ContraCL for .. n Durc- :a�� Of ec 'cmenz for t-:e Inte_'act - Video Tea..i g St =tic- a. c.`^....5. ;y ite -s 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, & 7 to H. B. Communications, in the amount of $9,761.00, and Items 3, 8, 9, & 10 to Crimson Tech., in the amount of $676.00. The vote was unanimous. 126 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 Medford City Council Resolution Dr. Wells stated he had received some information from the M.A.S.C., as did Mr. Shannon. Mr. Shannon stated it was decided at a previous meeting to wait for this information before moving on this resolution. He stated he now felt that it would do no harm to offer a similar resolution as the City of Medford to get the word to our Legislators that we need support in this Special Needs area. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, that the School Committee send a notice to appropriate parties indicating that it resolves that our local Representatives and Senators be rec_uested to support or introduce legislation that will relieve the burden on ccr- nunities as mandated by legislation for costs of Special Needs Programs. The vote was unanimous. Mrs. Philbrick recuested that the administration send a letter to the City of Medford and the M_=_SC i. ^.fcrr:in: t:ie.m of the School Com�-nittee's Resolution. Lease Renewal - 34 Gould Street Dr. Wells stated the lease for the rental of the space for the Central Office was a day late, as the contract stated we must inform S oloPak owners of our desire to extend the lease before March 15th. He stated Mr. Winslow has spoken to SoloPak owners, and they understood. Mr. Winslow stated that basically it is the same contract as last year with rental at $1,000 a month, and we will pay half under a tax escalation clause and half for snow removal, the cost of which has been budgeted. He noted that the contract will run from May 1987 to May 1988, with a 6 -month extension to November 1988, if notified by March 15. A motion was made by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve the lease for 34 Gould Street, as outlines in Enclosure B -3 -c, for the period May 1987 to May 1988, with a 6 -month extension to November 1988, if owners are notifies by March 15th. Mr. Shannon stated that the issue of moving to the Hic- School is still unresolved, and he would like to direct the new to Go a on t_.—t issue. Mrc. Pal ick c_ct °o s.c be =_c e' that this was C n e or t_': °_ t _.^. S ct i r, t." :e S' cr_nze::Cenz s l7C jeCt_ vie s on t':e f t -. =_ waS ester.,__.. i.eC a'1C wile :: tnGt Coi�:eS L_ ✓, it wi_1 be con _ t Dr, ' 1c S i de"e We_ n '' Cted thaw o the Town C-, =ce Vtne C u t C' i _ Co''_1 `'Lee was _=till worki ^c, ar� he knew it was ore of Tcw- Manacer's desires to have th_ Sc':ccl De_ =_ _-ent become a part of the Town READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Offices. He noted, hopefully, when the possibly by next summer, this issue will stated the Architect working with the been to the Central Office recently to requirements. 127 MARCH 16, 1987 space study is finished, be resolved. Mr. Winslow Space Study Committee had study the layout and space A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously aooroved. Pr000sed Work Plan Mrs. Philbrick stated this Plan was submitted by Romeo Marquis and each member had received a copy. Dr. Wells stated he is very impressed with the process so far as presented by the consultants. He also stated that he had sent Mr. Marquis, of Management & Leadership Systems, the address of two places within the state in which he could place free ads and also an A.A.S.A. Job Bulletin form for a free ad. Dr. Wells stated he didn't know exactly where Romeo and Cliff Allen were on the wording of the ad. Mrs. Philbrick stated at the last meeting, they had been given gL:ide1ines as to what the committee would like in the ad, such as salary range, but any further information that was needed such as a description of the school system was to come from administration. Mrs. Philbrick stated she thought there was going to be an ad in the Boston Sundav Globe this week, if possible. Mr. Winslow then stated that there had been an ad in the Globe this week. Mrs. Philbrick then noted where else the ads were to be placed and stated Cliff and Romeo would get more information about possibly advertising in the NY Times. Mrs. Philbrick stated there was also a public meeting set for March 18th, at Parker Middle School at 7 :30 p.m., and a staff meeting at R.M.H.S. Lecture Hall at 6:30 p.m. on March 25th. She noted that one thing the committee would have to do was decide who will make the arrangements and how the announcement will be made. Mrs. Philbrick stated that Dr. Wells had been in contact with the Chronicle, but the ad had not yet appeared. A reporter from The Chronicle, who was present, stated he would speak to his Editor about this. Mr . Nissen state- it was his feeling that the purpose of the meeting was to provide a time when as many staff people as possible could attend. He states: he felt 6:30 p.m. was not a good time as nany teachers, especially those who lived a distance, '.Jcu' -` no-. re =llrn for it. Mr. Nis-s" felt _give t .-em the r Leeling that their _ t ,a want ._ was not a. - thy_ to hacce. . T_.ere was a on what time would be convenient for everyone on the staff. Mr. Nis-sen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, that the time of the staff meeting on selection of a new Superintendent be set for 4:00 p.m.. The vote was taken, and it was aooved 3 -1, with Mr. Shannon voti or nc in the necat�ve. 128 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 Dr. Wells stated he would make sure that the staff was given a notice on the meeting. He also noted that when speaking to Cliff he mentioned that some discussion would have to be done on a job description. Mrs. Philbrick stated the committee probably could use as a guide the description that was used the last time a Superintendent was hired. Dr. Wells stated that he would be happy to be of assistance on this job description. Mr. Nissen stated it was his assumption that the job description would be a result of input from the public and staff meetings. Mrs. Philbrick stated each member should get the Superintendent's evaluation policy out of their policy books, which included a job description, for the public meeting, and also requested that discussion of a job description be put on the next Agenda. Dr. Wells stated he will have Dr. Munnelly contact Romeo Marquis about the time change for the staff meeting on March 25th. Basic Skills - Test Results Dr. Munnelly stated that the ir.fcrmation on the test results had arrived, and noted it was his pleasure to report that the students in Reading did quite well. He reviewed the test results with the committee, which were all in the low 90's and high 80's. Dr. Munnelly stated there were no major problems with basic skills in the Reading Schools, but a few that were identified, are already being helped. Mrs. Kendra Cooper asked to be recognized and asked if Dr. Munnelly had seen any pattern from school to school? Dr. Munnelly stated he did not, that there was high performance across the board with no pattern of weakness in any school. Birch Meadow School - Principal Selection Mrs. Philbrick stated in view of the resignation of Principal Dennis Murphy, the committee did have to focus on the process of selection for a new Principal for the Birch Meadow School. She stated she felt they could proceed following the guidelines that the committee had assuming that the search will go well and that candidates name-s will be in place by June in order that Dr. Wells could make the appointment. She also stated that the committee could postpone the selection, if they wished, and have the new Superintendent do i`_. "._. S.`.a...cn st_teo he felt the committee should mode as quickly as ocs5_t1e-, ant alt :Cllch concec'uall_J It te nice to have the ne w Co the select_ ^c, he felt t =a C^ 1^ e__jr a. Untll pOSs 1blV Fa_l, W 71Cl would not be geed for the st,.jdents or faculty at the school. Mr. Shlannon Stated l he would rat..er decend on the present ad.:,inistrat.cn to select a f_ed person. Mr. Nissen stated he fully agreed, as the present administration had always done a fine job in this area. As Chairman, Mrs. Philbrick, stated they would then direct Dr. Wells to proceed with the process of finding 129 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 a Principal at the Birch Meadow School. Dr. Wells stated the next month or two would be critical in finding a new Principal, but that the School Committee would make the final decision. He stated he would be sure they got the best qualified candidates to choose from. Dr. Munnelly reminded the committee that there will be a public meeting held on this vacancy and that a Screening Committee will also have to be appointed. Mrs. Philbrick asked if the ad would be placed before or after the public meeting, and Dr. Wells stated he felt it should be done as soon as possible. Leasing Vehicles - Athletic Events— Mrs. Philbrick stated early in the year, the committee asked Mr. Winslow and Mr. White to look for some alternatives for this transportation problem. Mr. Winslow stated that Jack White, Athletic Director, had made a survey about costs for renting vehicles for these events by the week . and the month, and noted the report which each member had been given. Mr. Winslow stated that if the coaches were willing to drive, the vans could be put to use 15 times this coning Spring at a cost of $35 per event, for a total cost of $525.00 plus insurance of $6.45 per day. Mr. White reported that he felt it would be beneficial to rent by the month, allowing for use of the van for scrimmages or other activities. He noted if this were done, storage of the vehicle would also have to be considered. Mr. White stated that there was free mileage per day up to 100 miles and monthly 2,500 miles, and that the vans are fully insured by Liberty Mutual for up to $1,000,000, although the purchase of a Collision Waiver was advisable for an additional $100 per month. Mr. Winslow stated he had checked with the Town's insurance company, and coverage is provided for non -owned vehicles used by the Town, as long as the driver has a valid driver's license. Mr. Winslow stated he felt it was a good way to go and try to get a volunteer driver or drivers. He stated there probably have to be some form of payment made for the volunteer's drivinc, but that could be worked out. The School Committee briefly discussed the various costs of renting the van. Mr. Winslow stated under the terms of the contract with North Shore Bus, the School Committee has a right to arrange trans cort__ion for gr;,ups under 15. Mr. Shannon stated he felt it might te worthwhile to try the van on a daily basis. He noted there shiculd be some discussion about storage and who exactly would be ;:sing the vehicle, and perhaps, some sort of committee should be organizer. He also noted that it might be a COOd idea to get f.._ _her prices and some additional in.formatiOn On this lSa befo__ -:a {'_ng a fin l decision. Mr. Nissen asked iF the collision wai':er was necessary under our Town policy? Mr. Winslow state- he w,,uld get that lnfor'aation for the next meeting. Dr. Wells stated he also felt the co=ittee should see a schedule of use and who the volunteers would be who would operate the van. Dr. Wells stated he recalled that Cliff was making some inquiries 130 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 16, 1987 into this matter, and also stated that in his conversation with him, Cliff had asked that the committee delay any final decision on the issue until he could discuss it with them. SEEM - Class Reorganization Mrs. Philbrick stated there was a plan to reorganize the SEEM classes for next year. Dr. Wells then stated this was the first time that declining enrollments had affected SEEM classes, as there would be three less classes next year, and one less staff person. He noted there would not be a class at Joshua Eaton next year, and only one at the High School but there would be 2 teachers. Dr. Wells stated administration would get back to them with specific recommendations on this issue. Per Pupil Cost Dr. Wells noted that this was for the School Committee's information, and there_ were not any remarkable differences in this report. He noted he still felt that Reading, although being on the end of this scale, did not suffer academically, and the report did not prove anything about the quality of a school system. Leaves Dr. Munnelly stated Noreen O'Brien Scarpitto, Science teacher at R.M.H.S., had submitted a request for maternity leave in accordancewith the RTA contract to commence from May 4, 1987 through the end of the current school year. Resignation Dr. Munnelly stated that he had received a letter from Francis P. Muccio, III, currently on unpaid leave of absence, resigning his position as elementary physical education teacher, effective February 23, 1987. He stated he felt this was a loss for the system, as Mr. Mucci: was a good teacher. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Carol Lvons, to accept the resignat_on of Francis Muccio, III, from his position as elementary physical education teacher, effective February 23, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Mrs. Philbrick stated the cc-mmittee would now be going into ExeC:tive Session t: discuss Bargaining and Negotiations iccLcc and would not return to Open Session. At 9.30 D.m on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Nissen, t:.:e cc,�u:,ittee voted unanimously to go into Executive Session.