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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-06-01 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES Call to Order 187 JUNE 1, 1987 Chairman Cliff Allen called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on June 1, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present, with the exception of Barbara Philbrick, who arrived late. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert S. Wells, Assistant Superintendents, Robert J. Munnelly, and Ronald A. Winslow, Paul Guerrette, Principal of Killam School, Art Specialist, Beth Delforge, Music Specialist, Jennifer Aborn, classroom teachers, Virginia Cramer and Pam Chomsky- Higgins, fourth -grade students from.Killam School, Ed Sacco, Director of Reading, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of May 18,1987 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of May 18, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Bills and Pavrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills June 8, 1987 - General Expense - $65,967.65 June 15, 1987 - General Expense - $52,649.57 Payrolls June 11, 1987 - Teachers - $386,018.43 June 5, 1987 - Weekly - $ 33,602.74 June 12, 1987 - Weekly - $ 29,749.53 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights Dr. Wells stated that there were a number of Killam pupils and teachers present that evening who were involved in the Art of the Book activity at the Killam School. He then introduced Mr. Paul Guerrette who stated that he and the students were pleased to be Im REA -ING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 1987 there, and introduced them to the School Committee. He noted, as Dr. Wells had stated, there was much excitement at the Killam School in regard to this project. He stated it had originated out of the Art *of the Book project, and the aim was to create an original piece of work by the students. Mr. Guerrette then introduced Beth Delforge who presented illustrations of the art and literature work that had been done by the students. She stated the pupils had made 22 posters in all, one from each classroom, and then briefly explained her portion of the project. Ms. Delforge then introduced Virginia Cramer and Pamela C homsky- Higgins who explained their work on the project with the students. Mr. Guerrette then stated that Jennifer Aborn, Music Specialist, had worked with the students in setting their chosen theme to music. Ms. Aborn, after a brief explanation of how the music was created, performed the original musical piece with the children. A parent in the audience asked if there would be copies at the Library or anywhere else for anyone who would like to read the book. Beth Delforge stated there would be illustrations at the Killam School as part of their semi - permanent collection for anyone who wished to come and view them. After the performance and presentation, Mr. Cliff Allen thanked all from the Killam School for coming and stated that it was very gratifying to see and hear the end result of such a project and reflected the time and effort spent by students and teachers alike. Realloointments Dr. Munnelly stated every year at this time reappointments of Department Heads and Assistant Principals at the High School and Middle Schools, along with some Non - Athletic Differentials are brought before the School Committee for approval for the 1987 -88 School Year. He stated these were one -year appointments. Dr. Munr.elly reviewed the list with the School Committee and stated all appointments were supervised and evaluated by their Principals in cyder to insure they were doing a good job. He stated one name was to be added to the list and that was Donna Pappalardo, who had accepted the position of Student Council Advisor at the High School. Dr. Munnelly stated on the basis of the evaluation reports, the administration was recommending these reappointments as outlined on Enclosure B -3 -a (1). Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Carol Lyons, to approve the reacpointment of Department Heads, Assistant Principals, and other Non - Athletic Differential position appointments for the School Year 1987 -88, along with Donna Pappalardo, as Student Council Advisor at R.M.H.S., as outlined in Enclosure B -3 -a (1). The vote was unanimous. 189 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1987 Dr. Munnelly then briefly reviewed the list of reappointments for coaching positions for the School Year 1987 -88 with the School Committee. He stated that the Athletic Director had reviewed their performances during the year. Dr.Munnelly stated it had been an excellent year for the Athletic Coaches in Reading, and the coaches were to be complimented on the excellent records that the athletic teams had accomplished during the year. He stated that Reading had a lot of quality people in these positions. ,He noted that there are a couple of vacancies and one Head Coach position in field hockey which would be filled at a later date. D r.Munnelly also stated that he would like to note that the Track Team had been recognized by Channel 5, as one that had competed 16 years at the Track Meet, which was quite an honor. Ms. Lyons made a motion, seconded by Mr. Coco, to approve the reappointment of Athletic Coaches for the School Year 1987 -88 as outlined on Enclosure B -3 -a (2). Mr. Shannon stated he would like to note that the behavior of the students engaged in these athletics had also received excellent comments this year and their sportmanship was to be complimented. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimouslv approved. Red Sneakers School - Program Approval Dr. Wells stated that last year the Red Sneakers School had sought and been given approval for a 6th grade program for a one -year probationary period. He stated now they were asking for an approval on an ongoing basis. Dr. Wells stated Dr. Munnelly and Ed Sacco had made a visit to the school and spoken with the Director and Staff, and had reviewed their curriculum. Dr. Munnelly stated it was the recommendation of the administration that this sixth -grade program be given ongoing approval for compulsory school purposes. He stated this in no way was an endorsement of the quality of standards of the school. Dr. Munnelly noted that the School had added some features, such as standardized testing, and it was on the basis of these kinds of adjustments that the recommendation for approval had been reached. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the sixth -grade program for the Wellington /Red Sneakers School as fulfilling requirements of the compulsory school laws for a two -year period. The vote was unanimous. 190 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1987 Bids General School Supplies Mr. Winslow reviewed the bids received for these items with the School Committee which he stated were broken down into 10 groups. He noted there were 8 bidders, and the administration was recommending the low bidders, as outlined on Enclosure B- 3 -c -1. Mr. Winslow noted that samples had been received from each bidder and all met the specifications. He stated the total bid amount was. $36,214.00, and the actual budget for these items was $64 , 280. Mr. Winslow stated the balance of this budgeted amount would be used for purchasing unbiddable items throughout the year. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to award the contracts for General School Supplies to the low bidders, as outlined on Enclosure B- 3 -c -1, for a total amount of $36,214.00. Mr. Allen had some questions on what the unbiddable items were. Mr. Winslow stated they were for things like crayons, ink and various items that may have deteriorated from age. Mr. Coco asked if the balance left in the account was distributed equally among the schools? Mr. Winslow stated it was not, because it depended on what needs were indicated by the various Principals. There was a brief discussion on the use of the funds used for unbiddable items by the School Committee members. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously approved. Custodial Supplies Mr. Winslow reviewed the bids for custodial supplies with the School Committee. He stated these items are reviewed with the -u pervisor of Buildings and Maintenance at which time the specifications are written. Mr. Winslow stated 15 items were bid on and there were 8 bidders. He stated the administration was recommending the bid for Items 1, 2, 3, & 4 be awarded to the Edison Chemical Co. in the amount of $1,027.80; bids for Items 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ,10 to M. D. Stetson Co. ' in the amount of $5,365.10; Item 11 to Proctor Paper Co., in the amount of $2,125.76; Items 12, 13, & 15 to Bay Colony Paper Co., in the amount of $4,796.23; and Item 14 to G & S Paper Co., in the amount of $1,260.00, for a total bid amount of $14,574.89. He stated all were low bidders with the exception of Item 2. He stated the low bidder for this item does not deliver for less than a $500 bid, so the next bidder was selected. Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to award the bids for custodial supplies to the bidders as indicated on Enclosure B -3 -c -2 in a total amount of $14,574.89. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was approved 5 -0, with Mrs. Philbrick abstaining because of her having just arrived at the meeting. READING S :HOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Cafeteria - Ice Cream 191 JUNE 1, 1987 Mr . Winslow reviewed this bid item with the School Committee and recommended approval of the low bidder, Paul's Distributor, in the amount of $13,420.00. Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to award the contract for Ice Cream for the School Year 1987 -88 to Paul's Distributor, in the amount of $13,420.00. The vote was unanimous. Milk & Straws Mr. Winslow reviewed this bid item with the School Committee and recommended approval of the low bidder, Week's Dairy Foods, in the amount $53,588.35. Mr. Winslow stated they were a company from New Hamps -hire, who had only recently begun bidding in this area, but who met all the specifications.- A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to award the cont --act for Milk & Straws to the low bidder, Week's Dairy Foods, in the amount of $58,588.35. The vote was unanimous. Bread & Rolls Mr. Winslow reviewed this bid item with the School Committee which was for 10 varieties of bread and rolls in the cafeteria. He stated he was recommending the bids for Items 1 through 7 and Item 10 go to Country Kitchen USDA, and bids for Items 8 & 9 go to LaRonga Bakery. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Shannon, to award the bid for B=ead and Rolls, Items 1 through 7 and Item 10, to Country Kitchen, and for Items 8 and 9, to LaRonga Bakery, in the amounts indicate- on the Enclosure dated May 20, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Painting aids Mr. Winslow stated this bid item had been advertised in the Reading Chronicle and 5 sets of specifications had been distribu =ed, but only one bid had been received. He stated he had made a survey of why the other bidders did not bid and two had stated t:-.ey could not meet the staffing needs and others stated they cou_J not afford to hire people at the rates established by the Mass . Dept. of Labor and still make a prof it, and a few did not reply. Mr. Winslow stated the funding for this work at the Reading "'emorial High School, Parker Middle School, and Birch Meadow E_ementary School would be taken from the FY87 Budget in the amour.= of $4,800 and FY88 Budget in the amount of $16,700, for a total a--iount of $21,500. 192 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1987 Mr. Coco made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lycns, to award the contract for painting at the above schools to Country Shore Painting Corporation, in the amount of $21,500. Mr. Nissen asked if the estimated cost of this work for FY88 was $16,700? Mr. Winslow stated it was. He then briefly reviewed the areas where the painting would be done in the 3 schools. Curriculum Report Reading Dr. Munnelly stated that Mr. Ed Sacco, Director of Reading, Elia Dangelmaier, and Mrs. Jean Maloney Stewart, Reading teachers in the school system, were present and had spent a good part of the year examining carefully the reading performance of Reading students. He stated Mr. Sacco would review the report with the School Committee. Mr. Sacco stated he felt that reading is one of the most basic and important parts of the curriculum in the schools. He showed the School Committee a recent article in Computor World, "Keeping Up With The Future - The Necessity of Reading ", which was written about this subject. Mr. Sacco reviewed each section of the report with the co =ittee with slides on selected pages regarding test results, surveys, and opinion polls which made up the report. He stated in all areas Reading scores had been generally higher than average. Mr. Sacco stated the report had indicated some problems with communication between teachers and parents cn pupils' reading assignments, understanding of the programs being carried out in the schools, and what more the parents could do to assist the children in improving their reading skills and habits. He stated one of the goals for next year would be to close this gap. Mr.' Sacco stated he had just returned from the International Reading Association Conference and felt Reading was at the forefront of the State of the Art in reading. He stated most of the improved programs they had suggested had either already been started in Reading or were in the planning stages. Mr. Sacco stated that student performance on the Stanford Assessment Tests indicated that we are doing the right things in Reading. Mr. Allen asked if Mr. Sacco and the Reading Department felt that some programs should be implemented or changed purely to improve test results. Mr. Sacco stated he did not. He noted that the department might consider some changes to improve methods or programs, but not just to increase score=_. Mr. Sacco stated there was a feeling that the department s:-�ould do more for professional development, and with the imp _ementation of the Taskforce for Professional Development, he =elt this area was being addressed. Mr. Nissen stated 4 years ago, one of the is-ues that was never resolved was how to deal with reading in the 'Fiddle Schools. He 193 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1987 stated there was some discussion on whether 7th and 8th grades should have reading as a full -time subject or stay at 1 period a week as it was now. He asked Mr. Sacco if this had been a matter of discussion in the Department. Mr. Sacco stated that the 7th and 8th grades now met twice a week for reading, and Reading Specialists had been hired to assist with reading in the Middle Schools. Mr. Coco asked if this report would be made available to the public, perhaps at the Public Library. Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Saccc both agreed that extra copies would be made available to whomever would like them. Financial Statements Expense & Salary Mr. Winslow reviewed the Expense & Salary Report with the School Committee and indicated that the- expense accounts were 86=_ expended for this year as opposed to 83% expended last year a= this time. The salary accounts, he noted, were 81% expended this year. Account Balances Mr. Winslow reviewed the account balances with the School Committee which showed the position of the account balances as e= May 29th. He stated that there were no significant changes this month. Mr. Coco asked about the negative balance in the Bostcn University Grant Account, and Dr. Munnelly stated the check fcr this funding had arrived that afternoon. Dr. Wells then informed the School Committee that a check had been received last week from the State for $480.00 in settlement of a class action suit against some crayon and paper supply companies for price fixing. He stated this amount was Reading's share cf the settlement amount which had been divided according to a report that had been submitted from the Central Office some time ago. Cafeteria Statement Mr. Winslow stated that the statement for April reflected 16 lunch days and showed a profit of $1,139.99 and a YTD loss of $1,703.7--. He noted that participation was 44% Mr. Allen asked how the lo-cs factor looked for the end of the year. Mr. Winslow stated Cat : -._/ felt that she would break even. He stated that increased salary and labor costs have been the reason for the loss in profit. Progress Reports Superintendent's Search Dr. Wells stated it was his understanding from talking with Rorr�_o Marquis, Consultant in the Superintendent's Search, and t-.e 194 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JUNE 1, 1987 Chairpersons of both committees that both committees were on schedule. He noted that the final interviews for the Superintendent's vacancy would be held on Thursday, June 4th, barring unforeseen circumstances. He stated Mr. Marquis had hoped that the School Committee could meet on June 8th.at 9:00 p.m., as the Superintendent's Search Committee will be meeting earlier that evening, and this will give the Committee time to select the finalists for presentation to the School Committee. Mr. Marquis stated he and the Chairperson, Eileen Woods, would bring in the list of finalists. Dr. Wells stated if this schedule is disrupted for any reason, other arrangements can be made. Mr. Allen stated this was fine with him and polled the other committee members. All stated they could attend, but asked that they be notified as soon as possible, should the meeting not be necessary. Principal's Search Dr. Wells stated that there was a possibility that earlier on the evening of June 8th, the Principal's Search Committee would have their finalists ready to present to him as Superintendent. He ` stated he hoped to do his interviewing during the week of June 7th and have a recommendation for the School Committee by the June 15th meeting. Budget Format Review Committee Mr. Allen stated that he had received a communication from the Town Manager asking for a School Committee member to serve on the Budget Format Review Committee. Mr. Allen stated that Ms. Carol Lyons had volunteered to participate on this committee whose Fu rpose would be to advise the Finance Committee on the z resentation of the Annual Budget to the next Annual Town Meeting. Eoston Globe Award - Patricia Small Mr. Allen stated he had received a copy of a letter sent to a High School student, Patricia Small, which stated that she had been chosen as a Boston Globe Scholar - Athlete for 1986 -87. Ms. Small was one of nine others selected from nearly 150 other young men and women who were nominated by their school officials throughout eastern Massachusetts. Mr. Allen stated he would like to add the School Committee's congratulations to Ms. Small for this honor. Senator Brennan - Response to School Committee's Letter Mr. Allen stated each member had received a copy of this letter from Senator Brennan regarding the School Committee's letter for legislation to be introduced for assistance with escalating Special Education costs. There was a brief discussion on the letter. 195 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINU_7-S JUNE 1, 1987 Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Coco, that Administration be instructed to write a letter to Senator Brennan asking him what his stand was on this issue and the Bills presently before the Legislature for these programs. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Wells then discussed a Legislative Bulletin he had received from the Department of Education on various issues of interest to the School Committee. Res ianat ions Mr. Winslow stated he had received a letter of resignation from Joel E. Thornton, on May 27, 1987, stating he would be leaving the employment of the Reading School Department on Friday, May 29, 1987 to accept a position with the Reading Light Department which was available immediately. Mr. Winslow stated Mr. Thornton had been with the department for 10 years. The School Committee had a brief discussion on the short notice that was given, and Mr. Coco asked if this was addressed in the contract. Mr. Winslow stated it was not, but he planned to include this item in upcoming negotiations. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Mr. Joel Thornton, Custodian at R.M.H.S., in spite of insufficient notice, effective May 29, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Winslow stated he had also received a letter of resignation from Mario Iacopucci, Custodian at Parker Middle School, for purposes of retirement, effective July 31, 1987. Mr. Winslow stated Mr. Iacopucci planned to move to Scarborough, ME. He also stated that Mr.Iacoplcci had been a good asset to the department during his many years of employment with the Reading School Department. Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Mario Iacopucci, Custodian at Parker Middle School for purposes of retirement, effective July 31, 1987. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Allen stated he wanted to clarify that there would be a meeting of the School Committee on June 8, 1987 at 9:00 p.m. to meet with the Superintendent's Screening Committee Chairperson and the Consultant, Romeo M -arquis, on finalists for the Superintendent's vacancy, ant also a meeting scheduled for June 15th. At 9:50 p.m., Mr. Shannon made a motion, seconded by Mr. Coco, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous.