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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-02-08 School Committee MinutesSCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1982 Call to Order The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Landers on February 8, 1982, at 8:08 p. m., in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Winslow. Dr. Munnelly was unable to attend due to a death in the family. There were four visitors, among them representatives of the Finance Committee, Citi- zens Advisory Committee and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of February 1, 1982 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and the Committee voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the meeting of February 1, 1982. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills February 12, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $24,L38.39 Payrolls February 11, 1982 - Teachers - Total - $2835272.87 February 12, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $23,618.17 Citizens Input Mr. Gerald Zerfas questioned the School Committee's meeting in the Superintendent's Office preceding the Call to Order - quoting from the "Open Meeing Law." He asked why the meeting was held. Chairman Landers said the Law provides for emergency executive sessions, adding that something had come to his attention mid day which necessitated the meeting. Mr. Zerfas asked the reason for the meeting and the Chairman said it was to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. FY83 Expense Budget - Fy82 Surplus Chairman Landers said he would like the Committee to consider the budget first and then the matter of using the FY82 surplus to fund some items of the FY83 budget (expense portion). Mrs. Philbrick questioned whether the Committee had thoroughly gone over the athletic portion of the budget. Dr. Wells suggested that, due to the fact there would be a new athletic director, the School Committee vote the same amount voted in FY81 except that he recommended $1,200 for lining the fields be transferred to the custodian overtime account (4000 series). Mr. Winslow then went over a list of 27 priority ##2 and #3 items, totaling $55,2+9, which had been eliminated from the Fy83 Budget. He noted that in most cases these items could only be postponed for another year or two. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $13,505 for School Committeee Expense (1100 series) for FY83. This amount includes $3,0( to r"einstitue the publication of "Tile Chaff boaru." 4, 4 T SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1982 Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway and it was unanimously voted to allocate $15,650 for Superintendent's Office Expense (1200 series) for FY83. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to allocate $2,050 for Supervisors' Expense (2100 series) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to allocate $32,402 for Principals' Expense (2200 series) for FY83. Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $41,467 for Textbooks (2400 series) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $23,775 for Library Services (2500 series) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $21,627 for AV. Aids (2600) for FY83. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro and it was unanimously voted to allocate $6,9+5 for Guidance (2700) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $3,020 for Health Services (3200) for FY83. At this point it was brought out that the recent decision of the Selectmen to increase the mileage allowance for town employees from 16¢ to 19¢ per mile had not been figured into the budget. Since the impact is so small the School Committee decided to cover it via later amendments. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $129,645 for Transportation for regular day school (3300 series) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved seconded by Mr. Garroway, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $5+,603 for Athletic Expense (3500) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $37,360 for custodial supplies (4110) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $390,923 for Heating of Buildings (4120) for FY83. Mr. Winslow explained that fuel consumptions estimates and prices were based on the figures of the last three years and the recommenda- tions of the supplier, resulting in a $1.06 per gallon forecast for FY83. The School Departmer is currently paying $.899 per gallon, well below what both the School Department and the Finance Committee had estimated. It was also noted that consumption has been reduced about �0% due to various energy saving measures which have been taken. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $233,120 for Utilities (4130) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $17,310 for Maintenance of Grounds (4210) for FY83. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES February 8, 1982 3 4-0" Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, to allocate $102,779 for Maintenance of Buildings '4220 series) for Fiscal Year 1983. Mr. Nigro then amended his motion, with the permission of the seconder, to include an additional $10,000 - for a total of $112,779 - for archi- tectual/ engineering fees for advisory study purposes. The motion as amended carried by unanimous vote. During the discussion of the foregoing motion Dr. Wells said that he and Mr. Winslow had talked with architect Archibald MacLaren concerning utilization of surplus space in the High School and about possible uses of the Pearl Street School after it is closed. Mr. MacLaren estimated the cost of such a study at $10,000, which would include face to face interaction on the problem with the School Committee and Administration and the writing of specifications for architectural and engineering work which might be initiated as a result of the study. Dr. Wells noted that one difficulty in redesigning the High School is that some very important segments of the program are located in the perimeters of the building. Concerning the possibility of renting an unused portion of the building, it was brought out that private enterprise generally would probably have difficulty interfacing with student activities and school bus traffic. A possibility mentioned was that of closing an elementary or junior high school building and relocating the student body in the High School. It was also noted that reestablishing the Central Office in the High School would use very little of the surplus space. Various other possible uses were discussed. In connection with closing the Pearl Street School, the rapidity of deterioration and opportun- ity for vandalism inherent to a mothballed building were stressed. In conclusion, Dr. Wells said that the $10,000 is not a firm figure as Mr. Maclaren would be paid and hourly rate. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $69,305 for Maintenace of Equipment (_4230) for FY83. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $$28,9+2 for Maintenance of Instructional Equipment (4231 _series) for FY83. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unaimously voted to allocate $11,0+0 for Renting /Leasing (.5300) for FY83. This reflects rent to be paid to house the Central Office at 34 Gould Street for another year. The current lease expires on April 15, 1982. The Administration was intructed to contact Solo -Pak Electronics Corp., owner of the building regarding renewal of the lease. Dr. Wells said the earliest date the Central Office could be relocated would be July 1983. The Chairman mentioned that one of the things which came out of the informal meeting with the Finance Committee was taht the School Commmittee should establish a process to arrive at a definite date to move the Central Office to rent -free quarters. The Chairman then stated that he and Dr. Wells had come up with an alternative (other than the High School or the basement of the Highland School) for relocating the Central Office and that it is the first floor of the Pearl Street School. He noted that the Committee has Doted to close the School but plans to retain control over it, therefore, locating the Central Office in that building could help prevent the deterioration and vandalism associ- ated with a mothballed building. Dr. Wells commented that he doesn't believe moving the Central Office to the Pearl Street School would mean a major expense. He added that the second and third floor could be closed off and that the auditorium would be availabe for times when there were many visitors at School Committee meetings or when open hearings are held. Also there is ample parking space. The Superintendent said that he felt the number one priority in Town was for all boards to get together and decide on uses for the various town buildings. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $i,072 for Community Services (6000) for FY83. 1r SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1982 Mr. Nigro moved seconded by Mr. Allen to allocate $54,000 for Site Improvement (7100) for FY83. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to amend the motion by reducing the amount to zero. The amendment was defeated 5 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the only affirma- tive vote. The main motion carried 5 -1 with Mr. Coco casting the dissenting vote. The $54,000 is for refurbishing the football practice field (also used for physical educa- tion and community activities). During the discussion of the motion and amendment it was noted that refurbishing the practice field is a part of the five -year capital outlay plan. Mr. Coco said that the fall Town Meeing had appropriated $142,000 for the HIgh School varsity field and track renovation and to put an additional $54,000 into the same basic area at the same time was not, in his opinion, a wise allocation of resources. He added that he felt that there are more important things among the priority ##2 and ##3 items that were deleted from the budget. He also questions whether there would be any fields to use if both the football field and practice field were being refurbished. There was some discussion on the timing, i.e., could work on the field be done between the fall and spring seasons. Mrs. Philbrick pointed out that in its present condition the practice field is extraordinarily hazardous. Mr. Garroway agreed with her and noted that it had been said previously that it would be advantageous to work on the practice field at this time because the Board of Public Works planned to refurbish the adjacent area - which is under their control - at the same time. Mr. Winslow said that the Board of Public Works may delay their plans for a year but that their engineering department had drawn up plans for the practice field and are willing to prepare bid specifications. Dr. Wells said that the Athletic Director had mentioned using the Dave Castine Field for football practice and that he assumes it could also be used for physical education while the field was under construction. He added that he believes the track will be finished by fall and available for physical education activities. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $8,765 for Building Improvement (7200) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $21,638 for New Equipment (7300) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $128,551 for Replacement (7400) for FY83. In answer to a question regarding the replacement of three television sets, Dr. Wells noted that with the advent of Cable TV and the High School studio that television would play an increasing role in the curriculum. Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $5,072 for Programs with other Districts (9100) for FY83. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, and it was unanimously voted to allocate $343,470 for Special Education expense. Prior to the vote on the above motion there was a discussion of possible alternatives to the present system of transporting Department of Mental Health clients which under present State Law is the responsibility of local school systems. Dr. Wells will pursue the subject with Pupil Personnel Services Director Dr. Alexanian. At the conclusion of voting on and discussing the expense portion of the budget Chairman Landers noted that the Committee had approved a total of $1,9+7,885 and now should consider the expenditure of the $300,000 FY82 surplus. He added that the Administration had i presented a list of their recommendations on January 25, 1982 but that the Committee could come up with another list if they wished. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES n ! n FEBRUARY 8, 1982 Mrs. Philbrick suggested that $10,000 for architectural fees (to study surplus school building space) be added to the list. The Chairman said that he had told the Finance Committee leadership that the School Committee did not intend to return any of the FY82 surplus to the Town, but rather planned to use it to replenish textbook and teaching materials inventories depleted by the level - funded budget and to fund capital outlay projects programmed for FY83. He added that the FY83 budget would only bring expenses back to the FY81 levels, that the amount just voted is the amount needed and does not contain any hidden line items that the School Committee would attempt to have funded at the Fall Town Meeting. Mr. Garroway then moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that projects on the list dated January 25, 1982 be funded from Fy82 unexpended balances, adding $10,000 for architectural fees, the sum total being $303,415. While the vote was unanimous Mr. Coco wished to be recorded as opposed to the $5+,000 for refurbishing the practice field. After a brief discussion it was the consensus of the meeting that in addition to funding "The Chalkboard" for FY82 that the Administration would publish one issue before the close of this school year - mainly to address the middle school concept. Old Business Several members commented on the excellence of the recent Reading Memorial High School production of the musical "Good News." New Business Dr. Wells announced that the Board of Selectmen have called a meeting of all Town Employees on February 11, 1982, at 5 :30 p.m., to discuss group insurance coverage, in light of the recent announcement of a 28% increase in Blue Cross /Bj-ae Shield rates. Dr. Wells said that he and Dr. Alexanian are going before the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Education Wednesday morning in an attempt to convince them that changes are needed in the Chapter 766 appeals process. Mr. Allen announced that two Reading students, Mark Selvitelli and Kelley O'Neil were selected as recipients of Pop Warner National Scholarship awards. They were chosen among 2,000 candidates on the basis of scholastic achievement coaches' recommendations and essays. Mr. Coco said he had attended the Citizens Advisory Council meeting last week, that there had been a valuable exchange of information, and that he expects to attend the next meeting March 15th. Executive Session At 10:53 p.m. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Return to Ouen Session At 11:35 P. M. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to return to open session. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 8, 1982 Mr. Allen said he had mentioned to the Chairman a proposal that the format for presenting the budget to Town Meeting be changed. He felt that, instead of the Chairman being responsible for the entire presentation, each member of the Committee could present a portion of the budget, thereby alleviating some of the pressure on the Chairman. i Also if each person had only a portion of the budget to present he /she may be able to be better informed. The idea was discussed at length but the Committee did not reach a consensus. Also discussed, briefly, were the possiblility of budget presentations to P.T.A.'s and an open budget hearing. No decisions were reached. Adjournment At 11:42 p.m. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. dells, Secretary