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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-05-11 School Committee Minutes167 READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 Call to Order Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on May 11, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present, with the exception of Mr. Shannon and Mrs. Philbrick who arrived late. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. Wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Don Welford and Ellen Svenson, teachers at the Coolidge School, Mike Doucette and Cheri Anderson, students at Coolidge School, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of April 28, 1987 A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Carol Lyons, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of April 28, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Bills and Pavrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills May 18, 1987 - General Expense - $82.453.85 Payrolls May 14, 1987 - Teachers - $363,269.02 May 15, 1987 - Weekly - $ 29,574.55 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights Dr. Wells introduced Don Welford, teacher at Coolidge School, who along with teacher, Ellen Svenson, and students, Michael Doucette and Cheri Anderson, were to illustrate to the School Committee the use of a computer Geography Databank of Information in the classrooms of the school. Mr. Welford stated he had been teaching this course at Coolidge for 3 years. He noted that each School Committee member had received a packet of information which he would review with them. Mr. Welford stated that the purpose of integrating database with children at this level is to teach them READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 alternative methods of getting information, to familiarize them with computers, and foster high levels of thinking. He noted that students in the course were now very comfortable using computers, and it would be a skill they would use allthrough their lives. Mr. Welford then explained how the children had answered questions listed in the packets using the computers, and had been asked to do research with printed material only. Mr. Welford then had the students demonstrate the computers for the School Committee. He stated the use of the computers would help students with literacy skills; reading, spelling, etc. Mr. Welford stated also that the program has been successful in great part because of the advocacy of the administrators at the Coolidge and also teachers who had to be flexible and creative in order to integrate the program with their curriculum. Mr. Welford stated he had 15 to 18 students in each class in grades 6, 7, 8, and courses were taught once a week for 13 weeks for grade 6, twice a week for 13 weeks in grade 7, and in grade 8 it is an elective program. He noted that 8th grade students can choose to take it twice a week for 1/2 year, focusing on programming, word processing, and database management on a more sophisticated level, or they can take a 5- period computer elective which is one class period a day 5 days a week for 1/2 the year. Mr. Allen thanked the teachers and students for their interesting presentation. He then stated that Mr. Lahood, the Principal, could not be present due to the fact that he was at a Screening Committee meeting for selecting a new Principal at Birch Meadow School. Policy on Student Attendance Dr. Wells reviewed this policy with the School Committee with changes in the wording that had been voted at the last meeting. He stated this would be the committee's second vote, and if passed, would become part of their policy books. Ms. Lyons made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve Policy JEA, Student Attendance, on a second vote. Mr. Nissen stated he had spoken to some citizens who voiced concerns about this policy, and he thought it would be helpful to allay these concerns by making the policy available to the public after approval by the committee. He noted some people had the impression that the policy had no flexibility on unscheduled vacations and would restrict the principalsor teachers from giving advance work when requested even in a timely manner. Mr. Allen stated the policy did not prohibit a teacher from providing advance school work if needed, and it was requested in a timely manner. Mr. Shannon stated he didn't feel that the policy READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 169 1987 needed to be publicized, as it was his understanding that the committee and administration just wanted to discourage unscheduled vacations, unless there was a valid reason. He stated if a parent had a concern, he should contact the school's principal. Mr. Coco stated he supported the intent of the policy, but still felt uncomfortable with the wording of the policy; therefore, he would also not vote for approval on a second vote. Dr. Wells stated he felt confident that the principals will want to get this policy out to the parents. A vote was taken on the motion and it was approved 4 -0., with Mr. Coco abstaining. Policv on Access to Public Records A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approve Policy BE, Policy on Access to Public Records, on a second vote, and it was unanimously approved., Bid - Science Supplies Mr. Winslow reviewed the tabulation of bids for Science Supplies at the high school and the two middle schools. He stated there were three bids received and the administration was recommending the low bidder for each as indicated on Enclosure B -3 -a. He stated each school had a surplus amount from the bids received and the amount budgeted which would be used for new supplies during the year. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the low bidders for Science supplies at R.M.H.S., Coolidge Middle and Parker Middle Schools, in the amounts indicated on Enclosure B -3 -a. The vote was 5 -0 in favor of the motion. Driver Education and Summer School Tuitions Dr. Munnelly stated this increase in tuition was slightly above 50. He stated in regard to the Driver Education course, private concerns charge $190, and the School Department would be charging only $125.00, which he felt was reasonable. Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to approved the revised tuition rates as indicated on Enclosure B- 3 -b -1 -2 for the 1987 -88 School Year. The motion was approved by a 5 -0 vote. At 8.05 p.m., Mr. Shannon made a motion to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Coco, in order to discuss contract negotiations with non -union personnel. The vote was unanimous. 170 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Mr. Allen stated that the committee would return to Open Session in approximately 45 minutes. At 8:55 p.m., after a proper roll call vote, the Committee voted to return to Open Session. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to retain the firm of Deutsch, Williams, Brooks, DeRensis, Holland & Drachman, as Labor Relations Counsel and Collective Bargaining Representatives for the Reading School Department, selecting Option B of their proposal as the method of payment for their services, for the period July 1, 1987 to June 30, 1988. Mr. Nissen asked Mr. Drachman to describe his new firm to the audience. Mr. Drachman then named his associates and their qualifications to the public and also his own qualifications and his experience as Labor Counsel for the Town of Reading in past years. A vote was then taken on the motion, and it was unanimousl approved. Progress Report - Superintendent's Search Cliff Allen stated that Mr. Romeo Marquis, Consultant in the Superintendent's Search, was present to give a quick review of the progress of the Screening Committee. Mr. Marquis stated that Eileen Woods, Chairperson of the Screening Committee, had hoped to come with him, but they were very busy reviewing the applications and were progressing so well, she didn't feel she could leave. He stated there had been 59 open files for the Superintendent's position, but only 25 had had complete folders, which included a recent resume, letters of reference and a personal statement in answer to information that had been given to them on what the citizens, teachers, and administrators wanted in a Superintendent. Mr. Marquis stated the Screening Committee was going through the applications and rating them using three criteria: leadership, scholarship, and resource development. He stated he had spoken with the Screening Committee about preliminary interviews, and he assumed that the new Superintendent would be interviewed twice before being voted on. Mr. Marquis stated the follow -up interviews should be done by the School Committee. Mr. Marquis stated the Screening Committee wanted the School Committee to delegate them to do some preliminary interviews. He stated there would also be some telephone reference checks during this period, and then the 6 finalists would be presented to the School Committee, who would review them and perhaps reduce that number to 2 or 3. 171 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 Mr. Nissen asked if the Screening Committee was conducting their preliminary screening of applicants in Executive Session? Mr. Marquis stated they were, but the preliminary interviews would be done in Open Session. Carol Lyons stated she had recently had a conversation with an Asst. D.A., who stated that under certain conditions, such as a candidate asserting his right to privacy, that preliminary interviews can be done in Executive Session. Mr. Marquis stated once he contacted the people selected, if some of them had a problem in that area, he would deal with it at that time. Mrs. Philbrick asked about geographic locations of the candidates, and Mr. Marquis stated they were from several states some as far away as California, Montana, South Dakota. He also stated there were several female candidates in the 25. Mr. Coco noted that at the last meeting it was not clear whether the Screening Committee was going to do any interviewing. Mr. Allen then stated he had spoken to both Mr. Marquis and Mrs. Woods in regard to the concerns the committee had at the last meeting and was very happy with the response. He stated the time schedule was aan issue, as some on the committee felt it was too optimistic. Mr. Allen asked Mr. Marquis if he thought that the schedule was still reasonable? Mr. Marquis stated that schedules were always subject to change, but he thought it was still a realistic one. Mrs. Philbrick brought up the possibility of needing some kind of budget for transportation expenses for candidates. Mr. Marquis stated that was the decision of the School Committee and probably would not be necessary until the finalist stage, at which time they would know who the candidates were and how far they had to travel. Mr. Marquis stated the Screening Committee was a very capable one and that he would like to go back to them and indicate whether the School Committee wishes them to do preliminary interviews. He stated he would work with them on getting a consistent format for these interviews. Cliff Allen stated he felt the School Committee felt strongly that the Screening Committee do the preliminary interviews. Mr. Nissen asked if Mr. Marquis felt it would be inappropriate for any members of the School Committee to be present at these interviews. Mr. Marquis stated he felt that if they attended one, they should come to them all, in order to get a clear picture of all candidates. Mr. Alllen stated there were some questions on whether the number of finalists had to be six, as this was in the policy. Mr. Marquis stated there might be four or seven, and if this occurred, the Screening Committee would explain why. Mr. Nissen stated that the guideline stated there should be 6 172 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 finalists and that there was no specific number given in the policy itself. Mrs. Philbrick requested that Mr. Marquis thank the Screening Committee for their efforts and assure them that the committee felt confident they would do an excellent job. Progress Report - Principal's Search Dr. Wells stated that on April 29th, he and Dr. Munnelly had had an organizational meeting with the Screening Committee for Birch Meadow's Principal Search, and all members had been present. He stated he spent about one -half hour with the committee on an overview of their responsibilities and Dr. Munnelly had spent an equal time on specifics. Dr. Wells stated they had chosen a Chairman, Charles Papandreou, and a Recording Secretary, Eileen Litterio. He stated there were 56 applicants, and the Screening Committee would be reviewing these applications Tuesday evening at. the Barrows School. At that time, he stated, they will prepare the process they were going to use. Dr. Wells stated the main difference between this committee and the Superintendent's Committee was that as Superintendent he could interview as many candidates as he wished, and as these are not initial interviews, if some additional screening was done, they would not be considered second interviews. Dr. Wells stated the Screening Committee would be giving him a list of six names, and he planned to interview each and every one of them. He stated he would give the School Committee a list of at least 3 with his recommendation. Dr. Wells noted that all the meetings will be held in Open Session, but the screening will be done in Executive Session. He also stated that the Screening Committee will be doing some interviewing. Mr. Allen asked if there were some candidates outside this area Dr. Munnelly stated there were applicants from a number of states and some from the midwest, Kansas, Texas, California, two or three of whom were originally from this area and wished to return. Town and School Space Issues Mr. Allen stated that each member had received a report from Dick Coco who was on the Space Study Committee in regard to their plans for moving the School Department to the new Town Complex. Dr. Wells stated there were a lot of parallels with his and Mr. Coco's report, and the School Committee had some hard choices to make in the coming weeks. One, was the possible relocation of the Superintendent's Office at the new Town Hall Complex, and whether or not they are happy with that proposal. He stated this decision should be made in time for the Architect working on the Town 173 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 Hall renovation to be informed that the School Department will not be relocating in this area. He stated the committee had already set declining enrollments, staffing patterns, course offerings, and how best to use the facilities at the High School as top priorities. Dr. Wells stated that the Town Manager had asked if the School Department could provide some space for town departments to use for a minimum of 12 months during renovations at the Town Hall. He stated he had spoken with Dr. Piechota about any negative educational effects this would have on the High School, and what possible space could be provided to be of help to the Town. Dr. Wells stated that Mark Piechota has returned with an excellent plan to provide space for the Town in the present Foreign Language and Focus areas, which he felt would not affect the quality of education at the school in any way. He stated he and Mr. Winslow had taken Peter Hechenbleikner through this space last Friday, and he had been pleased with it. Dr. Wells stated the departments could be kept in one place and parking would be near the Field House. He stated it would put the declining enrollment renovation plans behind for a year. Dr. Wells stated Dr. Piechota felt he could offer the Town two floors of the wing that houses the Focus Program now, and perhaps also the floor above. He stated that Dr. Piechota had planned to move the Focus Program to the other part of that wing anyway next year in order to get them more into the mainstream of the school. Dr. Wells stated there would be no students in this area. Dr. Wells stated Mr. Hechenbleikner did not believe that he will need to move out of the Town Hall until April of next year. Ideally, Dr. Wells noted, the School Department would like the move to be either in September 1987, during a vacation week in mid - semester, or the following September, which would probably be too late. Dr. Wells stated it was his feeling that it would be a nice gesture to attempt to help another department in the Town. Mr. Coco stated the Space Committee had had two meetings, and that each member had his comments from the April 9th meeting, which included the proposal presented last week for the inclusion of the School Department in the new Town Complex. He stated it was the second floor of the old Town Hall that would be renovated for the School Department, although it still had to go through Town Meeting for approval. Mr. Coco stated it would take the Architect approximately 3 months to put a package together, and hopefully, he would start the first part of June. He stated that is why the committee had to come to some conclusion about becoming part of the Town Hall Complex, or if we are going to consider moving to the High School, or staying here at Gould Street. Mr. Coco reviewed the report and floor plan with the School Committee. He stated the meeting room shown on the plan would not be the one used for School Committee meetings, but a larger one on the first floor which would be used by all major boards. 174 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 Mr. Coco stated he recommended supporting the proposal that the School Department provide the town with space at the High School while renovations are being completed at the Town Hall, but a decision on relocating the Central Office to the Town Hall didn't have to be voted on that night. Mrs. Philbrick asked if the space the Town was allowing the School Department was adequate? Dr. Wells stated it was the sq. footage given by Ron Winslow as to what the School Department would require. Mr. Coco stated there were some alternatives suggested he did not mention in his report, such as the Children's Library. Mr. Shannon stated he felt the more logical move for the administration would be to go to the High School, and not be integrated into the Town Hall Complex as suggested. He stated he felt the School Department's services were unique to the Town Government and should not be incorporated. Mr. Shannon stated he did support the department's providing space, if possible, to the Town employees during renovations. He noted that there might be a__ problem with the issue of access for the handicapped, and hoped; - that the School Department would not be required to incur any expenses for those items. Dr. Wells stated this would not be a ,_ problem since they were only temporary facilities, but in any`' case, the high school was already accessible for handicapped. Mrs-- - Nissen stated he didn't agree with Mr. Shannon on a few points. He stated he would like to hear from administration about where they felt the Central Offices should be located, and that he thought personally it might be a good idea to relocate to the new Town Hall Complex, as it would increase interaction with the other departments of the Town. Mr. Nissen also stated it was his feeling that perhaps having the Superintendent's Office at the High School might be less appropriate. Dr. Wells stated that during the last round of discussions on moving to the High School, it was the Central Office's and School Committee's feeling that there should be some distance between the high school operation and the Superintendent's office. Mr. Shannon stated that he felt the move to the Town. Hall Complex would be a temporary move at best, as eventually the Town would again need the space, perhaps in 4 or 5 years, and the School Department would be asked to move again. He stated at the High School there is the old and new building, and the Central Office could be located in a fairly separate area, some distance from the mainstream of the High School. There was a lengthy discussion of the reasons for relocating to the Town Hall Complex or to another location in town. After the discussion, Mr. Allen stated if the committee could come to some agreement he would be ready to accept a motion on whether or not to provide space for the Town Hall employees as requested by the Town Manager. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 175 MAY 11, 1987 Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to direct the administration to inform the Town Manager and Selectmen that the School Committee was conceptually in agreement with the Town relocating the Town Offices temporarily to the High School during renovations of the new Town Hall Complex. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Coco stated a vote on the issue of relocating the School Department to the new Town Hall Complex could be taken up at a future meeting. Financial Statements Expense & Salary Mr. Winslow reviewed the Expense & Salary statement with the School Committee. He indicated that the spending pattern was similar this year, with 73% being expended this year as compared with 79% , which was expended last year at this time. Mr. Winslow stated that next month will give a better picture of where the department is this year. Account Balances Mr. Winslow reviewed the Account Balances with the School Committee. He stated there were no significant differences this month, except in the accounts expecting State monies which would be arriving shortly. Cafeteria Mr. Winslow reviewed the Cafeteria Statements and indicated that this month showed a profit of $2,017, but that May and June would eat up some of that profit because of seniors leaving. National Science Teacher Assoc. Honors Dr. Wells stated this enclosure was delivered by Mr. Adreani, Asst. Principal at the Coolidge School, which stated that Mr. John Fasciano, Science teacher at Coolidge, had been selected as a participant in the 1987 NEWMAST Honors Workshop for Science teachers at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. He indicated this would be a two -week workshop taking place from June 21 to July 2, 1987. Dr. Wells stated this was another of the many honors that the pupils and teachers in Reading had received this year. He noted that Mr. Fasciano has also applied for the Space Shuttle program last year. Resignations Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter from Eunice Mosher informing him of her retirement as of November 1, 1987, and requesting she be granted an unpaid leave of absence from the end of this school year to her retirement date. 176 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 11, 1987 Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Eunice Mosher, teacher at R.M.H.S., effective November 1, 1987 and to approve an unpaid leave of absence from the end of the present school year to Nov. 1, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly stated he had also received a letter of resignation, effective immediately, from Sharon A. Checrallah, teacher at Birch Meadow, presently on her second child - rearing leave, who had accepted the position of Asst. Director of SEEM and DeAnn K. Porter, Math teacher at the High School who was relocating to the State of Washington, effective at the end of the school year. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignations of Sharon A. Checrallah, from her position as teacher at the Birch Meadow School, effective immediately, and DeAnn K. Porter, teacher at R.M.H.S. effective at the end of the 1986 -87 school year. The motion was unanimously approved. Leaves Dr. Munnelly stated he had received a letter from Gina Healy, teacher in the Foreign Language Department, requesting a child- rearing leave for the 1987 -88 School Year. He noted Mrs. Healy was presently on maternity leave, but planning to return this month to fulfill her duties as department head for the remainder of the current school year. A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve a child - rearing leave for the 1987 -88 School Year to Gina Healy from her teaching position at the High School. The motion was unanimously approved. Mr. Cliff Allen stated there would be a School Committee meeting held on the following Monday, May 18th. At 10:45 p.m., on a motion by Mr. Shannon, seconded by Mr. Coco it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting.