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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-03-08 School Committee MinutesSCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Call to Order MARCH 8, 1982 e„ r- 60 The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Landers on March 8, 1982, at 7:32 p.m., in the Superintendent's Conference Room. All members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superin- tendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately 20 visitors, including members of the Reading Memorial High School Sutdent Council, their advisor, Mrs. Gina Healy, Miss Frances Lanouette, of the Foreign Language Department, Principal Leonard D'Orlando, and representatives of the Finance Committee, Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Chronicle. Immediately after the call to order the Chairman announced that the executive session scheduled from 7 :30 -7:45 p.m. would be postponed until all other agenda items had been addressed. Approval of the Minutes of February 22, 1982 On a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the Committee unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of February 22, 1982. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills February 19, 1982 General Expense - Total - $58,829.20 February 26, 1982 General Expense - Total - $45,672.84 February 26, 1982 - Cafeteria REvolvoing Account - Total - $22,98.2.92 March 5, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $31,498.05 March 12, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $47,288.55 Payrolls February 19, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $22,008.11 February 26, 1982 .- Weekly - Total - $22,688,51 February 25, 1282 - Teachers - Total - $284,622.83 March 5, 1982 Weekly - Total - $275,173.98 March 12, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $23,363.56 Short -Term Cultural Exchange Dr. Wells spoke about a proposal by the Foreign Language Department, brought to him by Mr. D;Orlando, which would entail 20 -25 R.M.H.S. students goint to France as guests of host families and an equal number of French students being hosted later by Reading families. He said that while he basically supported the proposal on a one -year trial basis, he did have a question as to whether those students who par- ticipated would make those who were unable to feel "left out in the cold." School Committee members expressed concerns about the screening process for host families and possible communications difficulties when students attend a school where only a foreign language is spoken. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1982 Mrs. Gina Healy, of the Foreign Language Department, said the proposed program would be a studying and learning program but would be more experiential. No credits would be given for the program. She emphasized that host families would be screened very carefully, in conjunction with AFS screening. Among the guidelines would be having an adolescent about the same age, being receptive of new, ideas, understanding the problems of dolescents, an interest in American culture, and Thatched interests. Mrs. Healy pointed out the benefits to students studying French of an immersion in the language and culture of France for 15 days. She added that there was some evident that higher grades in a foreign language correlate with higher SAT scores. Addressing Dr. Wells' question, Mrs. Healy said that every student at the High School will be affected because 20 -25 French students will be in their regular classes with them and they would become more aware of the Franch language and cul- ture. She also pointed out that because they would need only air fare and spend- ing money, more students would be able to afford to participate, noting that many . students could earn all, or at least a portion, of the cost. Regarding a possible language barrier, Mrs. Healy said students, too, would be care- fully screened. One criteria would be an interview with a member of the foreign language department. Each student would also be required to keep up his /her per- formance level. Following the discussion Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to approve the Short -term Cultural Exchange Program, as outlined in document B -3 -a, for a one -year period, subject to evaluation and final approval by the Administration and School Committee. Student Advisory Committee Chairman Landers welcomed members of the Student Advisory Council, who comprise the Student Advisory Committee. Mr. D'Orlando introduced past president Laurie Kiezulas, Phillip Daly, Kevin Daly, Marie Callahan and Cathy Pedi. President John Bashford was unable to be present because of illness. Each student spoke. Among the points they made were: -There is a very positive attitude on the part of both the student and faculty. -The Student Council has been reduced from 15 to 8, has a Focus Program member for the first time, and the constitution has been rewritten - Philanthropic activities this year included raising $2,200, $2000 of which was donated to the Globe Santa, and the remainder to the Jaycee Christmas Fund; participation in the "735" Program in conjunction with Harvard University, to present the dangers of smoking and drugs to students in the lower grades; and hosting a Red Cross Bloodbank, sign- ing up iO� donors among the students. Several students highly praised the teaching of Mr. Fred Wales, Head of the Industrial Arts Department. Mentioned too were various fund raising events sponsored by the School, and the outstanding achievements, in the academic, arts and athletic areas, of many students. Suggestions for areas neeing improvemnts included: - Smoking situation in girls lavatories -Need for more computers in the mathematics department -Use of Cable TV Studio and equipment for instructional purposes -Fund raising policies SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1982 - Awarding of "letters" for achievements in other areas, in addition to athletics When questioned on the low participation in the school lunch program the students said it was less expensive to bring their lunch, but added that the school food was of good quality and portions are adequate. Mrs. Healy invited the School Committee and Administration to the Foreign Language Festival in the Cafeteria area on the evening of March 17, which is the culmination of the observance of foreign language week at the High School. On behalf of the School Committee Chairman Landers thanked the students for the insight into the High School they offered. He added that they are extremely proud of the entire student body and feels he speaks for the entire community. Middle School Steering Committee Dr. Wells said he had received a letter from the Killam School PTA asking that each elementary school have at least one representative voice on the Middle School Steer- ing Committee. He went on to say that it is his intention to form a steering committee as soon as possible and hopes it will address the PTA concerns and actively seek out parental concerns. This committee will be asked to develop a philosophy for the Middle School Organization, along with specific goals and objectives for those being served in that unit. Other charges to the Committee are: 1. To recommend genral organizational pattern(s) or scheduling structures. 2. To suggest overall curriculum guidelines. 3. To examine the appropriateness of the facilities to meet the curricular and extra - curricular programs. 4. To suggest the implications of their study on the middle school issue for teacher selection, teacher preparation and inservice training programs. He added that the only constraints to be placed upon the committee are that the philosophy of the Reading School System and that the cost of implementation be compatible with the Town's financial commitment to its entire educational system. He asked that Dr. Munnelly serve as chairman of the committee and an appointee of the Citizens Advisory Committee as secretary and also that Parker Junior High School Principal Dr. John Delaney and Pearl Street School 'Principal Paul Guerrette be mem- bers. Further, he suggested at least five citizens be appointed by the CAC - not necessarily members - and that six members be appointed from the System's profession- al staff, following an indication of interest to serve. Dr. Wells said he anticipated the committee would be organized no later than April 1, 1982, have a report for him no later than November 1, 1982, and that the report be given at a regularly scheduled School Committee meeting. Finally, he said that he would have his report on recommendations for implementing a -middle school organi- zation ready no later than one month after the Steering Committee submitted its re- port. Following a brief discussion on the composition of the proposed Steering Committee, it was agreet that the Committee would report to the School Committee at regular intervals. " SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8. 1982 Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee accept the recommendations of the Superintendent on a middle school steering committee and that the Committee proceed with its charge as stated in document B -3-c. Metco Proposal - 1982 -83 Dr. Munnelly spoke on the preliminary proposal for next year's Metco Program - as outlined in document B -3 -d, stating that essentially it would remain the same - encompassing the same number of students - but with some salary adjustments, inclu- ding upgrading the academic tutor /adjustment counselor to the portion of teacher and paying Metco bus monitors (who also work as aides diring the day) at the teacher aide rate. There followed a brief discussion of the presentation and the relative value of the program after having been in existence lice 1965. Dr. Munnelly siad Metco reimbursed funds were always received in advance and, according to the Finance Committee study, the program is conducted at no cost to the Town. Questioned as to whether there are problems with the Program, Dr. Munnelly replied that there were no more than would occur with any group of 100 teenagers. Mr. Coco said he would like a status report on the Program to see if it is deliver- ing what it was intended to deliver when it was started. Dr. Munnelly said that in a couple of weeks, when the entire Metco proposal is preparted (part of which is the Coordinator's report), he would invite the Coordinator to meet with the School Committee. Chairman Landers then suggested that the matter be tabled and taken up in executive session due to the sensative nature of the figures as they relate to salary budget implications. Financial Statements The following financial statements were noted for the record; Cafeteria - Year -to -Year Comparison, Estimated Statement _ February, and January Operations Statement; General - Account Balances as of February 26, 1982 and Expense and Salary Accounts as of February 28, 1982. During a brief discussion of the cafeteria statements Mr. Winslow noted that there was a loss of 34+ on each Type A lunch served, and that the a la carte part of the program was carrying the program as a whole. ETA Class Grievance Chairman Landers announced that the Class Grievance submitted by the ETA concerning concerning Blue Cross /Blue Shield payroll deductions had been withdrawn. School Calendar for 1982 -83 Dr. Wells said that he had, in accordance with the Agreement, consulted with the ETA on a tentative school calendar for the upcoming year and there were no objections. Mr. Allen moved seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to approve the l nR2 R_ school calendar as delineated nn rgnr,mmant.s (' - -3-1 and C -.3 -( i) C-) /" SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 8, 1982 3 School Facilities Policy - Play Fields The Chairman appointed Mr. Coco and Mrs. Philbrick as a sub - committee of two to study policy on the use of school facilities, play fields in particular. His charge to them was to work closely with the Administration and report back to the full Committee in 30 days. Leaves- Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to grant a second childrearing leave of absence, for the 1982 -83 school year, to Mrs. Deborah Zitola, a fourth grade teacher at Birch Meadow School. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to grant a leave of absence without pay for the 1982 -83 school year to Mr. Samuel Baker, Focus teacher and counselor at R.M.H.S., so that he may pursue an opportunity to improve his personal and professional capabilities. Resignations Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mrs. Elaine Morgan, Kindergarten teacher at Birch Meadow School, effective immediately. Mrs. Morgan is presently on maternity leave. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mrs. Janice Gromyko, Guidance Secretary at R.M.H.S., effective June 30, 1982. She has been in the System since 1968. A letter of appreciation will be sent by the Administration. Appointment Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to appoint Mrs. Sally J. Muciea, 7 Olympic Lane, North Andover as a sixth grade teacher at Birch Meadow, at the rate of B -8 - $16,167 pro- rated, effective immediately. Other Mr. Allen, liaison to the Recreation Committee, said there would be a meeting of of that Committee March 10th, at which time there would be a discussion of raising funds to install a sprinkler system in one of the play fields. Mr. Allen said he had been asked to inquire as to whether there are any School Department funds available to share the expense. It was the consensus of the School Committee that they would like further detail: before discussing the matter. Chairman Landers announced that the annual meeting with State Legislators will be held March 25th at the King's Grant Restraurant. Dr. Wells announced that the date for the All Boards meeting called by the Selectmen had been changed from the 10th to the 17th of March. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10 :28 p.m. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motic carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee continued in executive session until 11 :52F�es.P�C which time it adjourned. p ully submitted,