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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-11-02 School Committee MinutesREADING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 1987 CALL TO ORDER Chairman George Shannon called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on November 2, 1987 in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 34 Gould Street. All members of the School Committee were present with the exception of Mr. Coco who had been called away on business. Also present were the Superintendent, Robert J. Munnelly, Assistant Superintendents, Ronald A. Winslow, and Lynn M. Bak, Al Lahood, Principal of Coolidge Middle School, Jack Fasciano, Science Dept. Head at Coolidge, parents, and a reporter from the Chronicle. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF OCTOBER 19, 1987 A motion was made by Mr. Allen, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the Minutes of the Meeting of October 19, 1987. The vote was unanimous. BILLS AND PAYROLLS Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills November 9, 1987 - General Expense - $ 57,039.37 November 16, 1987 - General Expense - $125,604.53 Payrolls November 6, 1987 - Weekly - $35,017.17 November 13, 1987 - Weekly - $31,036.70 APPROVAL OF SELECTED EXECUTIVE MINUTES Mr. Nissen reviewed the report he and Dr. Munnelly had given to the School Committee regarding the release of certain Executive Minutes. He stated he would like to vote on this unless there was some disagreement on any portion of the minutes that were recommended for release. The other School Committee members did not indicate any disagreements with the report. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Allen, to release the following Executive Session Minutes or sections thereof: Jan. 12, 1987, third paragraph, discussion on Horace Mann Agreement, and fifth paragraph, discussion on requests for information; Feb. 9, 1987, paragraph 17 and 18, discussion on retirement of READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 2 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 Dr. Wells; April 6, 1987, paragraph two, discussion of minutes; April 28, 1987 minutes in their entirety; August 3, 1987 minutes in their entirety; August 31, pararaph 8 to end, discussion of negotiations with the Superintendent, Sept. 14 and Sept. 23, 1987 minutes in their entirety. Ms. , Lyons stated she felt there was other information she felt should be released and thought the committee could be less conservative on releasing information in Executive Minutes. She stated she felt that Mr. Fabbri, from the D.A.'s office, should be invited to attend a meeting as soon as possible to discuss the Open Meeting Law and its relation to the School Committee's procedures, although she felt the delay was perhaps due to the fact that the Agreement from the D. A.'s office had not been signed as yet. Mr. Nissen stated he basically felt that the committee should hold any information on negotiating issues that might have an effect on further negotiations, or influence the School Committee's position when re- entering negotiations. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was uanimously approved. Mr. Shannon stated that the release of Executive Minutes would be an ongoing process. Mr. Nissen stated that the committee would have to determine what process they would use in releasing Executive Session Minutes, such as having them re -typed and distributed. Mr. Shannon stated he understood they would be re -typed in some form but felt it was not necessary to re- distribute them, as they would be available to anyone who was interested. CITIZENS' INPUT Mrs. Kendra Cooper stated that at the last meeting, one of the items that was mentioned during the School Committee's goals discussion was Cable coverage as a way to keep the public informed of School Department business. She noted that the camera work for over a year has been done by four volunteers and that due to job commitments, some of the volunteers would no longer be able to participate. Mrs. Cooper started unless more volunteers could be found, there was no guarantee that the School Committee meetings could continue to be covered with the same regularity. Mrs. Cooper stated she hoped that the School Committee could help by perhaps contacting the Cable Company to try to persuade them to go into their pool of volunteers so that regular coverage of the School Committee meetings could be continued. Mr. Shannon stated he appreciated all the time the volunteers took to tape the School Committee meetings, but he felt that this announcement LV n lghL would perhaps A .aac reporter from the Chronicle would make a note of the request. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 3 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 Ms. Lyons stated she felt Cable was an effective means of communication for the School Committee, and if it was the consensus of the committee, it might be helpful to send a letter to Mr. Upton in support of continuing Cable coverage. Mr. Allen stated he felt that a request for volunteers was now a part of this taping, and if people were interested, they could contact either the Cable Company or Mrs. Cooper, and did not feel it was the School Committee's place to dictate scheduling for the Cable Company. SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Munnelly introduced Mr. Al Lahood, Principal of Coolidge Middle School, who stated that Mr. Jack Fasciano, Science Department Head, had recently returned from an NASA Educational Workshop for Math and Science Teachers held at Goddard Space Center in Beltsville, Md. He stated this was the kind of project that administration was encouraging in order to excite kids about the science and technology of the future. Mr. Jack Fasciano then gave a report, with accompanying slides, of the various aspects covered during his two -week workshop with NASA engineers. Mr. Fasciano noted that this was a unique experience and one that he would be sharing with his students. He also stated this workshop made him eligible for benefits such as borrowing "Moon Rocks" from NASA for his students to study, informational materials, and other mailings from NASA. Mr. Lahood stated he had observed that Mr. Fasciano's enthusiasm had rubbed off on him and the students also. He stated it was a credit to the Reading School System that such participation was encouraged, and could only be beneficial to both staff and students. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Dr. Munnelly stated he wanted to mention to the School Committee the leadership of Special Education Teacher Vicky Griffin who would be conducting a three - session course in computers for the SEEM teachers. He also noted the Town Meeting -Award of Plaques to the Berger Award Exemplary Teachers, Barbara Kelly and Jack McHugh, and a meeting he and RTA President, Stan Quinlan, had attended for Superintendents and local MTA Presidents. Dr. Munnelly noted that this meeting was attended by approximately 300 people from other communities, and was the first time this kind of meeting had taken place. He noted they had discussed Professional Development, current Legislation affecting School Systems, and issues of community understanding. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 4 NOVEMBER 2, 198 7 LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH MIDDLESEX D.A.'S OFFICE Dr. Munnelly stated that this Agreement had been delivered late Friday afternoon. He reviewed the Agreement with the School Committee and stated that there were no major changes from the original. Mr. Shannon stated he and Dr. Munnelly had discussed it and had decided that it would be best for the School Committee to review this revised Agreement, and that it would be put on the next meeting's Agenda for a vote. Dr. Munnelly stated that he had conferred with Town Council and the Town Manager and would like to invite Mr. Fabbri from the D.A.'s office to run a workshop for discussion of the Open Meeting Law. Dr. Munnelly suggested Mr. Fabbri be invited for the next meeting on November 17th. Cliff Allen suggested in order to eliminate time c=s traints perhaps another meeting could be scheduled for November 30th specifically for Mr. Fabbri's visit. The consensus of the School Committee was to have an additional meeting scheduled for November 30th. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS Mr. Nissen stated that actually five items had been discussed at the last meeting, but the fifth was with respect to hiring the Assistant Superintendent. He stated he felt this was a normal part of the School Committee's business rather than a goal, so he had not included it. J Mr. Nissen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Allen, to adopt the School Committee Goals for 1987 -88 as stated in Enclosure B -2 -b. Mrs. Philbrick had a question on Goal #4, and there was a discussion among the School Committee members as to whether it should be included as a goal or was a part of their normal responsibilities. Mr. Nissen made a amendment to the motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to delete Goal #4. There was another brief discussion on the amendment. A vote was taken on the amendment, and it was defeated by unanimous vote. A vote was taken on the original motion, and it was unanimousl approved. POLICY ON THE SELECTION OF A SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Munnelly stated the information on this draft policy was discussed at the last meeting. Dr. Munnelly stated there were two READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 5 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 changes he would like to make in the language of the draft Policy, both on Page 2, one in the first paragraph, that the word "use" in the third line be changed to "ask ", and that the word, "agreed" in the fifth line be changed to "original ". There was a lengthy discussion among the School Committee members on the language and the make -up of the Screening Committee which should be contained in the final policy. It was the consensus of the School Committee that two School Committee members should be on the Screening Committee and that they should be non - voting members. Mr. Allen questioned the inclusion of the last paragraph on page 2, and after a short discussion, it was the consensus of the committee to eliminate it. Mr. Nissen then read the policy with the suggested revisions in the language, requesting that they be reflected in the new draft which would be reviewed again at the next meeting. CAPITAL BUDGET PLAN Dr. Munnelly stated after the last meeting at which this item was discussed, he met with the Town Manager who indicated he would like to see the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget submitted at the same time. He noted he would like the School Committee to look over the 5 -year Capital Outlay Plan in order to get their suggestions. Dr. Munnelly stated part of that discussion could include future use of buildings. He also noted that there was tentative agreement to have a meeting with Allan Drachman, someone from the Selectmen's Office, the Town Manager, himself, and the Chairman of the School Committee on November 17th similar to the one held 3 years ago, in order to discuss this and other issues. APPOINTMENT TO SCREENING COMMITTEE FOR NEW ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Munnelly stated he had held office hours in his office to allow citizens to give their input on the selection of the new Assistant Superintendent. He reviewed a report of their suggestions with the School Committee. Dr. Munnelly noted that approximately 50 inquiries had been received for the position and that ads did appear in the Boston Globe, Education Weekly, and other State Bulletins. He noted that those who had applied would be contacted this week requesting some additional information which would be given to the Screening Committee which they could use in setting up the criteria for their consideration of candidates. Dr. Munnelly then read some of the letters he had received from citizens on this issue. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 6 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 Mr. Shannon stated he wanted to announce that more volunteers would be needed in order to appoint a Screening Committee for this vacancy, and he hoped some citizens viewing the taped meeting would respond. Dr. Munnelly stated he would also be contacting the teaching staff for additional volunteers. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETINGS IN SCHOOLS Dr. Munnelly stated he would like to review with the committee, the possibility of having meetings in different schools in Town. He stated he would also like to have them consider turning some of the space that the committee now occupied for meetings into office space. Dr. Munnelly noted that the productivity of the office staff was being affected by the overcrowding presently in the office area. Mr. Allen stated he would not like to make a final decision on this issue until the meetings at other locations had been given a trial period. He noted this had been attempted a few years ago and proved unsuccessful. Mr. Allen stated he would not like to give up any current meeting space until he was sure that it would not be needed. He also had some concerns regarding the availability of needed materials from the files at meetings, and the ability of Cable to tape in all these locations. Dr. Munnelly stated he would be sure that all needed files and necessary materials would be available at the school locations, and the committee would have access to copying equipment. He noted by using the schools for their meetings they could perhaps arrange some interaction with the PTO's and also could tour the schools, viewing projects currently on display. There was a brief discussion on alternating meeting dates with the Board of Selectmen and possible consideration of meeting on another evening in the week. It was agreed that January would be the most opportune time to begin a schedule of outside meetings. Dr. Munnelly stated he would confer with Mr. Shannon on a schedule. TELEPHONE BID - R.M.H.S. Dr. Munnelly stated Mr. Winslow was present to review the bids which had been received for a new telephone system at the High School. He noted that a Consultant had been hired to help with reporting on the bids, as they were very complex. Dr. Munnelly stated that input had been received from the administrators, staff and all at the High School who would be using the telephone system regularly. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 7 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 Mr. Winslow then reviewed the bids that were received for this item with the School Committee. He noted that the low bidder, National Telecom, was the system installed recently at the Central Office and was in some respects unsatisfactory. Mr. Winslow stated that after consideration of bid- prices, quality of equipment, availability of service, and consideration of input from the Consultant and the High School personnel, that it was his recommendation that the bid be given to AT &T, and although they were not the low bidder, it was felt this recommendation was in the best- interests of the School Department. A motion was made by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to award the bid for purchase of telephone equipment at Reading Memorial High School to AT &T as described in Enclosure B -3 -c. There was a discussion among the School Committee members regarding the maintenance contracts and dollar savings that would be realized because of the new telephone system. There was a request by Mr. Shannon for additional reports on the f igures and after a brief discussion, it was- decided not to hold up a vote on the bid. A recommendation was made that in the future, this kind of information be presented before a vote on bids of this kind would be considered. Mr. Nissen requested a breakdown of all current costs associated with the telephone service at the High School for this last year, and projected costs with the new system, including all of the costs for the first five years, and the projection for the next three following be given to the School Committee at the next meeting. He noted this will allow the committee to understand where they were on a budget basis with this cost. A vote was taken on the motion, and it was unanimously approved. "UNDERSTANDING HANDICAPS" PROGRAM FOR STAFF Dr. Munnelly stated this year was designated as "Year of Opportunity for the Handicapped in Massachusetts ", and reviewed the program that would be implemented to broaden the understanding of the staff for the handicapped. Dr. Munnelly stated that four workshops would be held during the year of about 2 1/2 hours duration and would be available to all staff members. He stated he felt confident that Judy LeBlanc and Rachael Baumgartner would make this an unusual and exciting learning workshop for all who attend. RESIGNATIONS Dr. Munnelly stated that as a point of information, the person who had been appointed as Special Education teacher at Coolidge at the last meeting, Nancy Moore, had called the following morning and READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES 8 NOVEMBER 2, 1987 declined the appointment. He noted that a replacement would hopefully be found by the next meeting. Dr. Munnelly stated a letter of resignation had been received from Karen M. Stone, Focus Teacher at RMHS, who had been hired last September. He stated Ms. Stone would remain in her position until a suitable replacement could be found. A motion was made by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Carol Lyons, to accept the resignation of Karen M. Stone, Focus Teacher at RMHS, which would be effective as soon as a replacement could be found. The vote was unanimous. Dr. Munnelly then stated he had received a letter from Virginia A. Conway, Secretary to the Superintendent and School Committee, resigning her position effective November 13, 1987. Mr. Allen, Mrs. Philbrick, and Ms. Lyons thanked Mrs. Conway for her work and cooperation during her period of employment. A discussion ensued regarding the letter, and the fact that the new Secretary would not be serving as Secretary to the School Committee. Mrs. Philbrick and Ms. Lyons stated they would like to discuss this separation of duties, since they felt it was critical that the Superintendent's Secretary and the Secretary to the School Committee be the same person. Both indicated they would like to discuss this and other issues brought out in Mrs. Conway's resignation at a future meeting. Mrs. Kendra Cooper, a parent, then stated she felt that Mrs. Conway in the last few years had been a scapegoat for a lot of things that had occurred, and in her dealings with Mrs. Conway, she had always been very professional and an asset to the School Department. Ms. Lyons made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to accept the resignation of Mrs. Conway, effective Nov. 13, 1987. The vote was unanimous. At 10:10 p.m., on a motion by Mr -s. Philbrick, seconded by Mr Allen, it was voted unanimously to adiourn.