Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-03-30 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Call to Order 131 MARCH 30, 1987 Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on March 30, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. Wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Mr. Marc Alterio, Director of Physical Education, Ted Bryson, Physical Education teacher at R.,M.H.S., Debbie Murray, Physical Education teacher at Parker Middle School, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. A z)roval of Minutes Of M-=--Ch 16, 1OS7 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Coco, to approve the Minutes of March 16, 1987. The vote was 5 -0 in favor of acorovai with Mr. Allen atstaininc because of nis- absence from the meeting. Bills and Pavrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills March 30, 1987 - General Expense - $59,759,90 April 6, 1987 - General Expense. - $68,794.48 Pavrolls March 27, 1987 - Weekly - $ 32,624.15 April 3, 1987 - Weekly - S 30,945.17 April 2, 1987 - Teachers - $363,645.21 Citize -:s' Inout There was no citizens' input. School Hichlichts Dr. We 11 E intrcd::ce�f the e_d of the P" "'s cal Educati en Department, Marc Alterio, who was to bring the School Committee up to date on the Physical Education programs at the High School and Middle Schools. Mr. Alterio stated that the staff of all the schools displayed a high level of energy. He then introduced Debra Murray, Physical Education teacher at Parker Middle School, who 132 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 stated that the Physical Education Department in the Reading School Department, has a good curriculum, a curriculum that reflects the needs of the students, and staff commitment. Ms. Murray stated the department tried to focus on different types of programs in each grade level. She noted that 8th grade students are allowed to make choices which she felt was important in the approach to middle school students. Ms. Murrav stated the programs are always being evaluated to see what can be improved. She asked if the committee had any questions. Mr. Allen asked what the participation was in intramural programs. Ms. Murrav stated it depended on the season. She stated this Sprina she was hoping to have some tennis at Washington Street Park. Mr. Alterio then stated that Ms. Murray was participating in a program at Bridgewater that was aimed at instructing teachers how to teach, which he felt was very worthwhile. Mr. Ted Brvson, Physical Education teacher at R.M.H.S.,'then spoke and statec that there were three different programs at the high school, one for fres :Tien, one for sophomores, and one for the juniors and seniors. He stated he had a video to show the committee and would then answer questions. Mr. Allen stated after seeing the video that it was clear that the Physical Education Droeram at R.M.H.S. was more than a whistle and a ball approach as most people thought. Mr. Bryson stated that the enthusiasm of the staff to try different things was a key factor in keeping the students interested. He also stated he felt the department had the cooperation of the central office and school administrators. Mr. Alterio stated that some communities are having problems with physical education because they don't pay enough attention to it as an educational concern. Mr. Cliff Allen then thanked Mr. Alterio, Ms. Murray, and Mr. Bryson for their presentation. Report - Superintendent's Search Mr. Cliff Allen stated that Romeo Marquis of Management & Le was present to review the progress of the Superintendent's search with the School Committee. Mr. marquis gave a overview of t -,e wcrk plan prcgess. 'He stated that the firs t fCur st=z=s of th :e plan had been completed, and hoped tonight to add to it whatever priorities or criteria the committee felt they would like included. Mr. Marquis stated his firm would then make t*n s inf.C.—mation available to each and every aDClicant for the Superintendent's - csition. He noted that two meetings had been held, one _c t:-.e general p ^ ^ or. for staff, c..� t^— fire DGr� of r�por` C.^.�.e~C.. �.J; Ct input wG.. i..d.._�... G'. t_•v .. meetings, with the more emphasized resconses shown in boldface type. 133 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Marquis then requested the School Committee list some of their priorities, and he stated he would include these in his report and return it to Cliff Allen for review and approval before sending the information to the applicants. Each School Committee member then gave what he personally felt were his priorities. Mr. Marquis listed them and there was discussion on various aspects of decentralization, improvement in the special needs area, kindergarten, the gifted and talented program, and intraschool communication. The committee and Mr. Mare_uis then discussed some of the qualifications they wanted to see in a new Superintendent. The School Committee discussed the possibility of having a brochure prepared to accompany the information sheet to each applicant. The consensus was to include a brochure or cover sheet giving information about the budget, number and age of the schools, staff and student population, town government, etc. Mr. Marquis stated this was possible, and he would get together with administration on the information the committee would like included, prepare a cover sheet or brochure, brochure, whi ch.7e�ver was desi_-e'", anC. S1: ....lit it for a, :-r0val 40 Cliff Allen,. here was also aVdiscussion on reviewing the job description. Mr. Allen asked at what point a jcb description would be needed, and Mr. Marquis stated he did not think it was an immediate priority, and unless the committee disagreed, it might be a possibility to do this after a new Superintendent was selected and incl'u'de him in the review, unless to committee sensed there were some inherent problems with the present job description. Cliff Allen stated he felt since this information on the job description was only received that evening, perhaps it would be better to take time to digest the information and discuss it at a later meeting. Carol Lyons stated she agreed with this suggestion. Mr. Marquis stated that after the finalists were selected might be a better time to have a job description prepared. Mr. Marquis stated that presently they were preparing files on 16 candidates who had already responded to the ads for a new Superintendent and also had 4 or 5 telephone inquiries and 6 or 7 additional mail incuir_e_. He stated he would get the infcr:n_`_c^ need fc-_ the broclure or cover sheet, and include the Sc', -,Cc 1 Committees input in the informational sheet to be mailed to eac apolic„nt and give them to Cliff Allen for his review and approval on Wednes=day of this week. Dr. Wells stated he had received a letter from the Finance Committee addressed to Cliff Allen giving the states of the Special Needs D::dcet. He stated basically, the FinCom had voted to delete the 5100,000 out of the School Operational Budget with 134 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 the understanding that there will be sufficient funds in the Reserve Account so that if there is an overexpenditure in FY88, the School Committee can get those funds for Special Needs. Dr. Wells stated he didn't have any information on the Special Article on roof reoairs and renovations because of declining enrollment until late this afternoon when Ron Winslow had brought him the reoort of the Finance Committee which indicated that the FinCom had voted not to recommend the S60,000 for the repairs for declining enrollment on a 0 -6 -1 vote. Both Dr. Wells and Cliff Allen indicated there had been no communication with either of them from the FinCom on this item. A Mr. Bill Burditt from the Finance Committee was present and stated he thought there had been a recuest from FinCom for a member of the School Committee to come to their last meeting on Wednesday to discuss the adjustment to the Special Needs Budget and at the same time, to talk about the Special Article. Mr. Cliff Allen stated he had talked to the Chairman of the FinCom, J,-Z O'Le_ry, at least on three occasions prior to this meeting, and had a`. {cf h--*-.,, if a me:n* --er of the School CCimu =ttee should be present at the meeting for any reason and he had answered no. Mr. =Alen stated there was no discussion between he and Mr. O'Leary excect in rec_ard to the $100,000 item in the Special Needs Budcet, and that was why nccne from the committee had been at the meeting. `1r. Burditt stated he felt it was the sense of the FinCom that this Article was a normal operating expense and such items had not put on a Special Article in the past. Cliff Allen stated it was his understanding at the last meeting the rationale behind delavine a vote was the fact that the FinCom wanted to look at the total number of requests for Special Articles and at some other time, determine what the bottom line would be on them and then make a decision. He stated he wished the committee had been given an opportunity to present their argument to the FinCom on this Special Article. Mr. Nissen stated he understood that the recommendation of the School Committee was to include this in the Bonding Package to be placed on a Special Article and that the L-_' ; was evaluating what method to use to pav for this expense. Mr. Burditt stated the FinCom felt this was a normal expense item and not an item for a Special Article. Mr. tii_Sen stated these re-, -__s ha: always been a par .. t of t e 5-:CC1 Depar_'7�ent's Can,itai outlay Plan as a significant expenditure and not in the normal operating budget. Mr. George Shannon stated he believed that la-st year and for the last 3 or 4 years, it had been vote' to inclut'-_ these items in a Bendinc Packac_e. He stated his concern c c b' the was nc_ c:�_y� tact c notes fro... th ec_ CC= ..i = - shelved L'nt_1 ^t'le^ t i nCcm could evaluate So.ecial .. rticles by other Town Depar _ .ents and cet back to the cc =ittee at a later date. He stated now it azpears that the item has been voted on Witn no inout from the School Committee, and he found this upsetting and irresoonsible.Cliff Allen stated if the School Committee hadn't READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES appeared the first time this came see how this might happen, but as meeting, he was very disappointed opportunity to discuss it before i 135 t MARCH 30, 1987 up for a discussion, he could they were present at the first they had not been given another went before Town Meeting. Mr. Nissen stated since there was no specific action that could be taken on this issue at this point, he felt perhaps they should discuss further the S100,000 Special Needs Budget item. He stated he had expressed concern when this item first came up that when the time came to take the FinCom up on their offer, we might find there was no money left in the Reserve Account and because we are legally obligated to pay for these expenses, would have to cut the regular School Budget by that amount in order to finance this State - Mandated program. Mr. Nissen indicated he was aware of the fact that FinCom has stated they were increasing the size of the Reserve Account, but he still felt some discomfort in approving this cut. Mr. Burditt, stated he had disagreed a lot lately with what has been writter, in the Chronicle He Statec the FinCom had been presented with the motion to add $100,000 from Soecial Needs and he had personally voted against it. He stated there was a recommendation to add $150,000 to Reserve Fund, and what had been done was they added $100,000 to the Fund, covering the Special Needs cut, S10,000 which had been cut from the FinCom budget and another $20,000 from Veterans' Budget. Mr. Burditt stated the FinCom was not earmarking any money cut from specific budgets, but these amounts had been added to the Reserve Fund to insure there would be enough money if the need arose. Mr. Nissen stated in light of this information, he would be less strongly opposed to the cut since the FinCom has stated publicly that there will be no problem in justifying this to the FinCom at a later date. Mr. Allen asked what the process would be if the committee were to need the money from the Reserve Account for Special Needs. Mr. Burditt stated the School Committee would only have to make a request to the FinCom to transfer this money, and it would not be necessary to go to Town Meeting with it. There was some discussion on the present balance in the Reserve r:cccunt, whic:l stated to be approximately $55,000 as of April. Mr. Nissen states' last year $200,000 was put In the Reserve ^_cC= '.:nt, S"C,000 of which went to Snow Removal, and another 535,000 went to miscellaneous other items. Mr. Burditt stated that thev have started with S150,000 for snow removal for next year, and if this amount went over, some coulc be deferrer' to the following Fiscal Ye_._ . A motion was mace by B_=rbar= Ph Z lbrick, s- sonde by Carol Lyons, to delete S100,000 Jc=m the Special Needs Bucget for F'1'32, So0,000 for Tuition and 5 -0,000 for Transportation:. 136 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Coco stated he was disappointed that this cut from the Special Needs Budget was being considered as it was less than 1% of the budget. Mr. Shannon stated he was still concerned with not having monies in the Reserve Fund when the money was needed and especially, when the School Department has a history of returning funds to the Town. He stated he would not sun_ocrt this motion as he felt it was not fiscally responsible. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was approved 4 -2, with Mr. Coco and Mr. Shannon votinc in the negative. Mr. Nissen_ asked Mr. Burditt from the FinCom if the FinCom would reconsider the issue of the Special Article if the School Committee members came to a subsequent meeting. He stated he felt this kind of conversation relating to money for a job that needs to be done should be held between the School Committee and the FinCom. Mr. Burditt stated he did not know what the FinCom would consider, but there was a meeting to be held on Tuesday evening and he would bring this matter before them and cet back to the School Committee. Leasinc Vehic'_es - Athletic Events Mr. Ron Winslow stated this was in response to the School Committee's request at the last meeting for more information on leasing vehicles for small athletic teams in lieu of having busses. He then reviewed the information as itemized on Enclosure B -2 -b with the School Committee. Mr. Winslow stated this alternate transportation plan would not be in violation of the contract with the North Shore Bus Co., as there was a provision which stated the School Committee had the right to provide alternate transportation for groups up to 15 members. He stated that if the School Committee approved the rental of this van, it would be stored in the Maintenance Garage, and the rental agency had full insurance coverage up to S1,000,000 and the Town of Reading also had a policy amendment that contained coverage for non -owned a hired' vehicles both property and personal liability. Mr. Winslow th4':. explained that the Collision Waiver, which he stated was to cover damage caused by backing intc a tree or c-'_t, breaking the windshield, etc., was not considered insurance by the rental agency. Mr. Coco asked if the costs for a School Year had been esti—ate� at all . _ns 1 ow state d 1 t had not been estimated because this was to be just a trial orocram for only t * -ese l:.sz t'v1 me :_ c t.^.xs Svr_nc to ceter. ine be a --s- -ec_ ve and efficient alternative. that if the Schcel Cc ittee authorized this rental on a trial basis, then it could be determined if it were in our best interests, if it were, then a program could be planned Curing the summer months for the Fall. 137 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Nissen stated he felt if this proved to be cost effective, a program could be worked out perhaps with a cost tradeoff at every juncture. Dr. Wells stated the volunteer driver aspect of the program could also be tested. Carol L_vons asked if anything had been done in approaching coaches to volunteer for driving duty. Mr. Winslow stated Jack White has spoken with the coaches and some had stated they would be willing to drive. Mr. Shannon stated it was a savings of $50.00 per trip and on a monthly basis, savings would be greater. He stated he had problem acoroving this on a monthly basis without a schedule of use, but had no problem with the daily basis rental. Mr. Shannon asked if the collision waiver cost had been coordinated with the insurance provided by the Town in order that unnecessary money would not be spent. Mr. Winslow stated this had been considered. Dr. Wells stated if this were going to be a major issue, the idea could be dropped. He stated pupil transportation was an issue. which the School Ccnmittee, he. thought, had been sensitive to and as this proposal was not a large administrative financial issue,._ he felt the School C=. —J ttee could trust the administration to,. make it cost effective. Dr. wells stated this progran, it aoaroved, could be reevaluated after the Spring season. Mrs. Philbrick stated transportation has been becoming a problem more and more and the Department did have to find some creative way to resolve it. She stated she felt the administration had presented a possible solution and the committee should trust that the administration would do this in a cost effective way. A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to instruct the administration to put into place alternative, . transportation methods for this Spring for a 2 -month period, as outlined on Enclosure B -2 -b, and report back on the plans cost effectiveness, availability of drivers, and any problems which may have occurred in June. Mr. Coco made a motion to amend the original motion, seconded by George Shannon, to state that the van be housed in the Reading Sonccl Department Maintenance Garage after hours during t`"'.e week, and on weekends. A vote was taken on the anendment, and it passed unani- cus'v. The cc m.,mlttee then voted on the criCinal ^Cticn, and it was aoeroved 5-1, with Mr. Coco voting in the neCative. r K2 .g = CoCCe'_" asKea? to be recccnizet a, ^(f wa peg to knc i G�`7 one had considered the safety factors of using vans as CoocseC to busses? Mr. Allen 5` ^t °g he was Sire that the ni st�cti On had to Cen �� that into consideration. 138 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 MIAA - Buildina Fund Cliff Allen stated this was a proposal submitted by the MIAA to fund the building of an 8,000 sc. ft. office building in Milford at a cost of $760,000, $250,000 of which would be taken from the Reserve Fund and the rest to be financed in one of 3 alternative ways. He stated prior to this the MIAA had rented office space. Mr. Allen stated this organization administered and supervised athletic programs in the Commonwealth. He stated they supported themselves by assessing dues to each High School every year, but in the last few years had returned some of that fee from tournament income. He stated that he agreed with Dr. Wells that if this construction proceeded, the less painless way to assist funding would be to forfeit the return of tournament income for a 3 to 5 year period, save for travel and ice time reimbursement. Dr. Wells stated that the MIAA was overseen by the Secondary Principals' Asscciaticn and was very careful about ellgibi llty requirements. He state, that both the Athletic Director and Principal of the High School had a vote on this issue if they attended the next meeting of the MIAA. Dr. Wells stated it was only 3 years ago that MIAA began to return this income, and it was a result of a $50,000 Grant from the Coke Company which they have applied to administrative expenses. Mr. Shannon asked was it an alternative not to support the construction of the building? He stated with the building other items of upkeep have to be considered; insurance, maintenance, taxes. Mr. Shannon asked why continuing to rent space was not suggested, and it seemed that the committee was voting after the fact. Dr. Wells stated the new building was supposed to contain enough space so that rental to other organizations was possible, therefore, producing income from the building. He stated that Jack White has made some calls on the issue. Mr. Coco agreed it was after the fact, and he felt it was more cost effective to rent space. Dr. Wells stated he had high regard for the MIAA's administrative team and their committee structure, and it is a democratic and as well run an organization as any he had encountered. Ee stated he was sure t?:=_t the 111IAA had g_ven a lot of t'` Lc^ Mr. Nissen stated perhaps the committee should instruct the Athletic Director to ccocse tl'e CCnst_'_'Ct1on of a new budding, but if this is approved, vote for the third alternative. Mr. �1 ion ct }n^ a mC)t'_Cn CC'._1C .�� C =__ c to i'?. =» our rCC'"ese7. ta_ V2 ccceCt one of the tt'_ee after.____`. , Cr C__eCt o',._ recres_nt_tive to offer some rationale for other action, or to wait until the committee can get further information. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lvons, that if the new office building is approved at the next MIAA meeting, our representative support the option to recav construction costs by returning Tournament Income over a 3 -5 year period, and the 139 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 committee further instructs the administration to provide the committee at the next meeting with as much information as can be gathered regarding the construction of such office space. The motion was unanimously approved on a 5 -0 -1 vote. Reappointment of Teachers Dr. Munnelly stated that according to State Law, the School Department must notify teachers by April 15th if they are to be reappointed. He reviewed the reappointment of teachers for 4th, tenure, contracts with the School Comumittee for the School Year 1987 -88. He stated all of the teachers, 8 full ti:-.=- and 1 2/5 music teacher, had been through the evaulation process and adminstration was recommending their reappointment. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve for reappointment the teachers listed cn Enclosure B -3- a (3) for 4th, tenure, contracts for the School Year 1987 -88. The motion was unanimcus?v acoroved. Dr. Munnelly then reviewed Enclosure B -3 -a (2) with the School Committee, which listed 26 names of teachers to be re_000inted on 2nd and 3rd -year contracts and stated that adminis= ration was recommending their contracts be approved. Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lvons, to approve the teachers 'Listed on Enclosure B -3 -a (2) for rea000int-lent on 2nd and 3rd -year contracts for the School Year 1987 -88. The motion was unanimously approved. Dr. Munnelly then reviewed the reappointment of Directors and the Principal and Assistant Principals of Reading Memorial High School for the School Year 1987 -88, as listed on Enclosure B -3 -a (4), and stated that administration was recommending approval. Carol Lyons made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, tc approve the reappointment of Directors and Principal and Asst. _ rincipals of R.M.H.S. for the School Year 1987 -88. The motion wa_= unanimously AnnrnvPr;_ Dr. Munnelly then stated that due to declining enrollment, a reduction of staff was necessary for the 1987 -88 year. He was recoi=enting tnct the Sc -.ccl C- cmamittee approved the nctification Cf two ter.c r:erC in tr:C rig _... ij _Gr �:GC- :1r .s staff ar... one teat.. -__ in the Business Ed. Decartment that their contracts will not be renewed for the following vear. Dr. munneliv stated only one is a tenured teacher, which will call for a separate mot_:�n, an sne will be notified that the reduction - in -force provi'S -ions in the contract about recall will apply t;, her. He also st-=:ed that to shift of SEEM classes, one Special Educatic -. non- tenure teacher, Ann -Marie Downing will not be renewed. Dr. Munnelly stated all the teachers had done a fine job during this year, and noted if the opportunity arose, they would certainly.- be rehired, 140 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 especially, Ellen Hayes, the Language Arts tenured teacher in the FOCUS Program. Mr. Shannon made a administration advise Verzola -Henry that reduction -in -staff wi SY1987 -88 will not aooroved. motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that Sandra Sheppard, Ann -Marie Downing, and Jean because of declining enrollment, a 11 be necessary and their contracts for the be renewed. The motion was unanimouslv Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that administration advise Ellen Haves, tenured Language Arts teacher in the FOCUS program, that a reduction -in -staff is being implemented, and her services will not be required for the SY1987 -88, but the recall provisions of the contract will apply to her. The motion was unanimouslv aecroved. Pearl Street School - Rental Recommendations Mr. Win =_low reviewed the rental recommendations for the Pearl" Street School, as indicated on Enclosure B -3 -b, with the School` Committee. He stated at the present rental there would be a Profit by June 183 of S1,600, and administration was recommending acorcval at the rental rate of S4.25 per sq. ft. from June 1987 through June 1988. Mr. Nissen asked if he was correct in assumming that if a tenant moved out and was not replaced, the surplus monies that Mr. Winslow projected would be lost. Mr. Winslow stated this was a possibility. Mr. Nissen stated he had received a lot of negative reaction at Town Meeting because of this $4.25 rate and most people felt an increase in rental was not unreasonable, and would provide additional revenue for the Town. Mr. Shannon asked if there were any major repairs that had to be made in the near future at the school, and Mr. Winslow stated nothing he was aware of. He stated he too felt a normal increase was in order and not cut c- 1i -:e with current rent -al 'rates of the Town. Carol Lyons asked if there was any indication from the tenants that they would move if an increase was a=rovec. Mr. Winslow stated he had not, bu h_s unter-sta, c_ng was t,.e intent of renting the bui ldi nc was to keep the property occupied. He noted that the Department does not have to do anything for these tenants and some of them have dcnc s: -,e re- c,4=7'_= - at their own expense of their own areas. mr. Coc3 s�atet iie agree,. WiLn a rental increase. Fe ncte� he �c_z t- - .cwn shc,,:I n ` to i n tn:e pos_t_cn c, ter=__= "_ -:7 c: n Cn rental property anc should be cettinc something more for the Town t: e^ e te.. that the than ,� 5' , 6�0 whit'.: was project e,_4. He sago s h= rental rate be increasec,to $5.00 per sq. ft. 141 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Nissen stated he felt a 5% increase, or $4.50 a sq. ft., would produce approximately $4,000 of additional income. Mr. Shannon stated that the School Department is not principally in the rental business, and if that were true, some consideration should perhaps be given to selling the building, although he felt the $4.50 sq. ft. increase was a fair one. Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to recommend the Board of Selectmen offer ,the rate of $4.50 per sq. ft. as opposed to the present rate of $4.25 for renewal of rental space at the Pearl Street School, and acceptance of other rental conditions as listed on Enclosure B -3 -b. The motion was unanimouslv approved. School Committee Member - Princioal's Screening Committee Cliff Allen stated this was the committee to fill the vacancy of Principal at the Birch Meadow School, and as Chairman he was asking for a volunteer to aepcint to represent the committee. Mr. Sl_=nnon ind'_catec' he would b-= will i nc to vclunteer. Cafeteria Statement - February Mr. Winslow reviewed the Cafeteria Statement with the School Committee and stated that the month showed a loss of S220.76 which Cathy Cook felt would be made up in subsequent months. He stated there was an increase in participation at Parker (Middle to 35% and that he has also received a reocrt from the Commonwealth of Mass. on their inspection at the Parker Middle School Cafeteria. Mr. Winslow stated each member had a copy and as indicated, the report was very favorable. He noted that the State does an unscheduled spot check of cafeterias each year, and this year Parker had been selected. Energy Grant Mr. Winslow stated this statement ind received their up- front money of 530,583 it would go into a separate account at _rojects must be complete, within a year reviewed some of the items included committee. Leaves icated that the Town had for these grants and that Town Hall. He noted the of the crant approval and in the Grant with the Dr . ...� e I I'f s L ai e,� �, e has Yece t vep f a rec -, es i- Gv vn P C -, -, 1 n I Bio1oev teacher at Readinc Memorial Hich School, for a Child- Rearine leave, due to personal circumstances, to become effective at the start of the 1987 -83 Sci,ocl Year. .:e stated administration was recomumencing approval. 142 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve the request for a Child- Rearing Leave of Absense for Paul Soule, Biology teacher at R.M.H.S. for the School Year 1987 -88. The vote was unanimous. Resignations Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter of resignation from Edgar Craver, Physical Education Instuctor at Parker Middle School, to be effective at the end of the school year, and administration was recommending acceptance. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lvons, to accept the resignation of Edgar Craver, Physical Education Instructor at Parker diddle, to be effective at the end of the school year. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Winslow stated he had received a letter of resignation from Steven Johnson, Custodian at the Barrows School, effective April 3, 1987 and was recommending acceptance. Ms. Lvons made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Steven Johnson, Custodian at the Barrows School, effective April 3, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Winslow stated he had received a letter of resignation from Grace Palmer, Teacher -Aide with the School Department for 15 years, to be effective on April 1, 1987. He stated Mrs. Palmer had also been employed as a Secretary in the School Department for a number of years. A motion was made by Mr. Philbrick, seconded by Carol Lyons, to accept the resignation of Grace Palmer, Teacher -Aide, effective April 1, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Mrs. Philbrick requested that Mr. Winslow write a letter of appreciation to Mrs. Palmer for her-many years of service. Ao 'z c_n`ments Mr. Winslow sated administration was recommending the appointment of Mr. Norbert Pinault, as Custodian at the Joshua Eaton, effective ,oril 6, 1987. Mr.-- Nissen made a I'CtlOn, seconded by "4- - a _PPrCve t" a000lntment of 'I r. tior:- ert rinault, J �cw 1v e. , Medford as Custodian at the Joshua Eaton School, at Step I of the Custodians Contract, effecti.e April 6, 1987 The vote was unanimous. Mr. Winslow stated administration was also recommending the apoointment of Mertie Dalton, as Custodian at the Barrows School, effective April 6, 1986. 143 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 30, 1987 Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the appointment of Mertie Dalton, Wildwood Street, Wilmington, as Custodian at the Barrows School, at Step I of the Custodians Contract, effective April 6, 1986. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated administration was recommending the appointment of Mr. Peter Wood as Department Head of Fine and Industrial Arts, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mike Harney, effective at the beginning of the 1987 -88 School Year. Mrs. Philbrick made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, to approve the appointment of Mr. Peter Wood as Department Head of Fine and Industrial Arts at R.M.H.S., on Step 1, effective the beginning of the 1987 -88 School Year. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated administration was recommending the appointment of Mr. James A. White as Girls' Head Soccer Coach, for the 1987 -88 School Year. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to approve the appointment of Mr. James A. White, 97 Prospect St., Reading, as Girls' Head Soccer Coach, at Step I, effective the beginning of the 1987 -88 School Year. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Wells then spoke to the School Committee regarding the guidelines in the Citizens Screening Committee for Administrative Positions Policy. He asked what their interpretation was of the role of the Superintendent in case of a lateral transfer request. Dr. Wells stated that he had received an internal transfer request for the vacancy of Principal at Birch Meadow, and he felt that it was his role to request the transfer of an administrator be approved by the School Committee, but it would have to be decided only after the public meeting for the vacancy had been held. There was a short discussion between the committee and the Superintendent on the point, and it was agreed that he could make such a transfer with the approval of the School Committee, but only after a public meeting had been held for the vacancy, and input from the public had been received and evaluated. There was then a discussion of future meeting dates for the School Committee, and it was agreed that there would be meetings on Monday, April 6, Tuesday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 28, 1987. Due to the lateness of the hour, it was agreed that the Executive Session items scheduled to be disc, -,ssed at this meeting be held over to the next meeting on April 6, 1987. It was also agreed that only a short period of time would be scheduled for Open Session on April 6th, and the remaining time would be devoted to Executive Session matters. At 11.00 T) .m. , a motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, and the vote was unanimous.