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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-10-19 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER OCTOBER 19, 1987 Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on October 19, 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 J. Munnelly, Spec. Ed. Director, Dr. Alexanian, Bob Lyons, Seem Director, and teachers, Betty May Graham and Kathy Gregory, Lynn Bak, Ann Murray, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 5, 1987 A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs.' Philbrick, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 5, 1987. The vote was unanimous with Carol Lyons abstaining because of her absence from the meeting. BILLS AND PAYROLLS Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills Oct. 19, 1987 - General Expense - $56,494.87 Oct. 26, 1987 - General Expense - $34,344.97 Nov. 2, 1987 - General Expense - $76,608.12 Payrolls Oct. 22, 1987 - Teachers - $385,107.21 Oct. 23, 1987 - Weekly - $ 32,175.12 Oct. 30, 1987 - Weekly - $ 31,671.47 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly discussed with the School Committee the National History Day Awards Ceremony held at R.M.H.S. on Oct. 14, 1987 sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Board of Selectmen which was to honor students who had been state and national winners. He also read a letter received from a former R.M.H.S. student, Steven Worley, thanking his Physics teachers, Mr. Kenney and Mr. Zenewicz for their teaching efforts and his excellent preparation in the sciences and math courses for competing in the International Physics Olympiad in East Germany. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 2 OCTOBER 19, 1987 Dr. Munnelly then stated that Carol Lyons would present a brief update on the AIDS Task Force. Ms. Lyons reviewed the Minutes of the Meeting of October 13th with the School Committee and stated that the members of the Task Force had formed three sub- committees: Curriculum, Public Education, and Publicity. She noted that they had discussed having Dr. Page, Director of the Red Cross, Northeastern Region, to speak at their next meeting on Oct. 26th, about the immunological side of the AIDS issue. Ms. Lyons noted that the committee had also discussed what the committee would like to see in the area of curriculum. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly stated that Dr. Alexanian, Director of Special Education, Bob Lyons, Director of SEEM, and teachers, Betty May Graham and Kathy Gregory, were present to discuss a new special education program at R.M.H.S. Dr. Alexanian then introduced Kathy Gregory, who spoke about her portion of the program. She noted there were 18 students participating between 16 and 22, and that the program was being well - received at the High School. Kathy discussed some of the goals of the program and how the program was implemented. Betty May Graham then spoke about the living skills the program hopes to foster in these students in order for them to become independent. She noted that the program had outside work placements at various local firms supervised by vocational personnel through the SEEM Collaborative. Mrs. Graham stated it was hoped there could be integration of these students eventually J into homerooms, gym, economics and art classes. After some questions from School Committee members, Mr. Shannon thanked the Special Education committee for their presentation. LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING Dr. Munnelly stated in response to their request at the last meeting, he had called Ted Cohen regarding the Letter of Understanding with the Middlesex D.A.'s office regarding Open Meeting Law Violations. He noted that Ted had stated that the D. A.'s office was making some revisions in the agreement, but hopefully, it would be ready for signature for the next meeting on November 2nd. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Dr. Munnelly stated that the School Committee at their last meeting had requested this be included on the agenda. He noted he had received some written goals from Mr. Allen, a copy of which had been given to each member, and he would turn this portion of the agenda over to the Chairman, Mr. Shannon. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 3 OCTOBER 19, 1987 Mr. Shannon thanked Mr. Allen for his efforts and stated that perhaps the committee could begin by having Mr. Allen review his goals, after which any member who had goals they would like to present could speak. Mr. Allen then stated one of his goals was to have the School Committee follow through on their preliminary strategic plan developed during its previous S.C. /Administration for the utilization of space within the RMHS complex. He stated another philosophical goal was to have the School Committee make some efforts toward educating the public about the difference between their policymaking role and the "everyday" administration of the school system. There was a long discussion between the School Committee members on these goals. Mrs. Philbrick stated she felt sometimes there was a breakdown of communication, for example, the lack of people at the recent public meeting for discussion of a search for a new Assistant Superintendent. She stated she felt parents should be informed about these and other issues, such as mainstreaming, on a more timely basis. i Mr. Nissen stated he was aware of the existence of a town -wide PTO and that perhaps the School Committee should be involved in that organization. There was a short discussion on this point. Mr. Allen then suggested that perhaps the School Committee should hold meetings occasionally at other schools in the town to encourage more attendance and participation. Mr. Coco stated he felt the committee should stay with basic goals, such as evaluation of the new Superintendent and the best possible way to obtain a new Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Personnel. There was a long discussion on these ideas. Mr. Nissen suggested the Chairman delegate a member to prepare a draft of the goals discussed at this meeting for the next meeting. Mr. Shannon delegated Mr. Nissen, who accepted. POLICY DEVELOPMENT: SELECTION OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Dr. Munnelly stated that a part of this policy, CBB, was recently written into a separate policy, "Selection of Principals and Citizen Screening Committee for Administrative Positions ", and it had been agreed that the selection of Superintendent of Schools would be a separate policy. He noted that the report of the consultant in the recent Superintendent's search, Romeo Marquis, had been given to all members to review which included Mr. Marquis's recommendations for changes in the process. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 4 OCTOBER 19, 1987 Dr. Munnelly suggested that the School Committee have some discussion tonight on this issue and make decisions on what they want to incl.:de in the policy, and he would have a draft ready for the next mee :ing . Mr. Nissen stated after reviewing the report, he felt there were basically three (3) recommendations, one of which was that the School Commi - tee have a member on the Screening Committee for the selection of a Superintendent, which, he felt, would increase communication in the selection process. Mr. Nissen read Mr. Marquis's conclusions on page 4, Quality of the Finalists, which noted that he felt some excellent candidates were perhaps excluded Because of the guidelines in Policy CBB, because there was noone -.he committee with central administrative or governance ective. Mrs. Philbrick stated she didn't agree with the .ose relationship conclusion that was in the report, and also she was distressed to see that Mr. Marquis had felt the pool candidates was disappointing. She stated she felt that the committee from the beginning had made it clear that they would be willing to readvertise if Mr. Marquis or the Screening Committee felt that should be done. Mrs. Philbrick stated she did agree that the policy needed to be changed and especially, the make -up of the Screening Committee. Mrs. Philbrick asked who had appointed the Screening Commiteee,. Dr. Munnelly stated that it was a joint decision by Cliff Allen and Dr. Wells. Mr. Allen then stated before the selection of the J Screening Committee, he and Dr. Wells had advertised that they were looking for volunteers according to the guidelines from the Policy CBB, which he read to the committee. Mrs. Philbrick stated perhaps the entire School Committee should be involved and the Superintendent not at all, and people should also be contacted personally to volunteer. There was a lengthy discussion on the make -up of the Screening Committee. Dr. Munnelly stated there could be a draft prepared for the committee to work on for the next meeting, and asked if they would like to request that Mr. Marquis appear also? There was a discussion on this point, and the committee consensus was 4 -2 against having Mr. Marquis appear. Mrs. Philbrick had some concerns about communicating to the public the need for volunteers for the search committee and asked that the administration be sure that the request be advertised allowing plenty of time for people to respond. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 OCTOBER 19, 1987 REPORT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S SELECTION MEETING Dr. Munnelly reported that, unfortunately, only a handful of people came to the public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15th and that no public discussion took place. He did state he would announce he would hold open office hours on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 22 from 3 -4:30 p.m. and from 7 -9:00 in the evening to speak with staff and citizens about the direction of the school system and the Assistant Superintendent's positon. Mrs. Philbrick requested that the Chronicle try to get this announcement in the paper in bold print and that Dr. Munnelly see that a notice was sent home with all students the next day. Mr. Shannon stated the public should also be reminded that the School Committee could be contacted individually. There was a brief discussion with parents in the audience regarding information on the formation of a screening committee. and other public meetings being disseminated more widely and on a more timely basis. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE Dr. Munnelly stated that Professional Development had been a topic of discussion at recent meetings with school faculties. He noted that on the whole, the report had received good support from the teaching staff and the directions implied in the report. Dr. - Munnelly stated it was his suggestion that a Professional Development Steering Committee be created, and after it meets, be able to give some information about staff development needs and concerns and match them with project money. Dr. Munnelly informed the School Committee, that under Title II, a grant of $8,000 had been allowed for 20 -30 small grants for the staff to pursue individual staff development projects. He stated he was requesting that each school have their own Professional Development Committee and that people from these individual committees serve on the Steering Committee . Dr. Munnelly stated this was more than a one -year type of commitment and would be an important area in the school for some time to come. He stated it would result, hopefully, in a systemwide commitment to educational excellence and perhaps, having a consultant working with teachers at all schools on instructional excellence could also become a part of the program. Dr. Munnelly stated it would help to identify educational priorities, which he now felt were Social Studies and Sciences. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 6 OCTOBER 19, 1987 PLANNING FOR CAPITAL OUTLAY PLAN SUBMISSION Dr. Munnelly stated that shortly he would be submitting a Capital Outlay Plan for the School Committee's input, so that when a vote is taken on the plan it will be done with some discussion having taken place. Dr. Munnelly then reviewed the Capital Plan for FY88 with the School Committee. He noted that on the whole, the department kept Lip with the plan, but there may be a few items that have to be put off, and some items that have to be included in a long -range plan. He noted for example, by 1990 transformers with PCP's must be replaced, which was a requirement of the EPA, and the cost of doing this work would be approximately $250,000. Dr. Munnelly stated another item that would have be done in the 1990's was implementing a program for regular replacement of underground oil tanks, which now had to be done every 20 years. He noted there might be some money from the State, as when asbestos had to be- removed in the schools, but that was in the future. Dr. Munnelly . stated there were still some items to be included to make the school buildings handicapped accessible and in fact, there was a proposal going before the Town Meeting to appropriate money to widen doors and install ramps in school buildings where voting takes place. He noted that in this regard, the installation of a four -story elevator at Parker was a probability in the near future to make it handicapped accessible. There was a brief discussion on this issue. ACCOUNT BALANCES & EXPENSE REPORT Dr. Munnelly briefly reviewed these reports with the School Committee. DECLASSIFYING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES Dr. Munnelly then stated that Stan Nissen and he had gone over the Executive Minutes in order to declassify them, and Mr. Nissen would give a brief report on their progress. Mr. Nissen stated that the rest of the members would be provided with copies of the Executive Minutes and also their recommendations. He stated that at the next meeting the School Committee could declassify in Open Session any Executive Minutes they agreed upon and then discuss in Executive Session parts of the Minutes there was disagreement on. RESIGNATIONS Dr. Munnelly stated he had received the resignation of Dr. Robert Wakeling, School Physician. He noted that Dr. Wakeling had been with the school system since 1956, and he would like to publicly thank him for his many years of service to the school READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 7 OCTOBER 19, 1987 system and the children of Reading. Dr. Munnelly stated he was recommending acceptance of Dr. Wakeling's resignation. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Dr. Robert Wakeling, as School Department Physician, effective immediately. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Coco requested that the Administration send a letter of thanks to Dr. Wakeling for his many years of service. Dr. Munnelly stated he had received three additional resignations: Helene Anzalone, Special Education teacher at Coolidge School, Patricia M. Johns, Secretary, Pupil Personnel Services and Lawrence R. O'Brien, Custodian at R.M.H.S. and was recommending acceptance. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Coco, to accept the resignations of Helene Anzalone, Special Education Teacher at Coolidge School, effective in 60 days or as soon as a replacement could be found; Patricia M. Johns, Secretary, effective October 30, 1987; and Lawrence R. O'Brien, Custodian at R.M.H.S., effective October 31, 1987. The vote was unanimous. APPOINTMENTS Dr. Munnelly stated he was recommending Nancy B. Moore as Special Education teacher at Coolidge Middle School replacing Helene Anzalone. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to appoint Nancy B. Moore, 12 Peabody Terrace, #31, Cambridge as Special Education teacher at Coolidge School, effective immediately. Dr. Munnelly stated he was also recommending Lynn Bak, as interim Assistant Superintendent for a 3 -month period. He noted that Ms. Bak was present to speak with the School Committee, and that each member had received her resume for their review. The School Committee then interviewed Ms. Bak. A motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Cliff Allen, to appoint as interim Assistant Superintendent, Ms. Lynn Bak, for a 3 -month period, at the salary of $52,000 annually, pro- rated. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly then introduced Anne Murray to the School Committee who had been helping him with the Chalkboard and other special projects. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 8 OCTOBER 19, 1987 At 10:55 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to adjourn the meeting. The vote was unanimous. Mr. Shannon, the Chairman, announced that the School Committee would not be returning to Open Session. J