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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-04-27 School Committee MinutesSCHOOL C014MITTEE MINUTES Call to Order APRIL 27, 1982 The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Acting Chairman Garroway at 7:34 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room, on April 27, 1982. Mr. Garroway presided until 8:10 p.m. when Chairman Landers, who had been attending a Law Committee meeting, arrived. All mem- bers were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Munnelly and Winslow. Among the 11 visitors present were representatives of the Finance Committee the Citizens Advisory Council, and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of the Minutes of April 13, 1982 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and the Committee unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of April 13, 1982. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were authorized Rills April 23, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $46,305.42 April 30, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $15,537.36 April 30, 1982 - Cafeteria Revolving Account - Total - $28,516.40 Payrolls April 23, 1982 - Weekly - Total - $21,007.60 April 30, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $30,023.87 Citizens' Input "4r. and Mrs. Thomas Ellis requested time to be heard regarding bringing a charge against a teacher. Acting Chairman Garroway ruled them out of order on the grounds that the legal ramifications of the situation are such that their speaking could prejudice the School Committee about a matter upon which they may have to act upon under due process of the law. Revised Policy, Rules and Regulations - "Use of School Facilities for Other Than Regular School Purposes." Mr. Coco, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Policy, spoke of the changes made in the draft of a policy, "Use of School Facilities for Other Than Regular School Purposes" (KG), presented at the School Committee meeting of April 13, 1982, as noted by the asterisks on document B -2 -a. He noted that the Sub- committee had attempted to update this Policy, which had been established in the 1960's, and address the rate structure, which was last changed in 1980, as well as incorporate members' comments on the draft. He added that the cost of utilities had changed considerably since 1980. Mrs. Philbrick, the other member of the Subcommittee, noted that there should be a sign on the football field stating that baseball and softball playing are prohibited. Mr. Allen objected to the portion of Section B -1 which prohibited the use of the High School Varsity Football Field by outside groups. �f SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1982 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, that the School Committee give first vote to Policy KG - "Use of School Facilities for Other Than Regular School Purposes," as described on document B -2 -a, dated April 27, 1982, to become effective on July 1, 1982. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to amend the motion by deleting from Section "B -1" the words "with the exception of Reading Memorial High School. Varsity Football Field. Mr. Allen pointed out that #13 under "Regulations Concerning School Grounds" prohibits the use of the fields when they are wet, adding that he felt this was a built in protection for any field or facility. He stated that most of the Middlesex League Towns allowed the Pop Warner Youth Football Teams to use the high school football field. Mr. Coco said he was sympathetic to certain orgainizations which want to play on the field but added thht if the field is opened up to one it could end up being in poor condition in a couple of years. Chairman Landers said he hoped that the Committee would vote in the best in- terests of whatever resources it has, adding that it is possible to destroy any facility through over -use. Mrs. Philbrick noted that the Subcommittee was sympathetic with the other groups wanting to use the field but this fall will be the first time the re- furbished field is used so it should be observed to see how much traffic it will bear. She added that at a later date it might be proper to expand the use of the field. Mr. Frank Baggs of the CAC said that the refurbishing of the field was being paid for by taxpayer money and the School Committee is restricting its use. Both he and Mr. Allen were of the opinion that a belief that use would be allowed by outside groups was a definite influencing factor in the Town Meeting vote to expend funds to refurbish the field. Mr. Garroway countered that excluding outside use was an attempt to protect what the taxpayers have paid for. The motion to amend failed to carry, the vote being 5 -1, with Mr. Allen casting the affirmative vote. The main motion carried by a unanimous vote. Mr. Winslow was asked when bids for refurbishing the football field were due and he said May 6th, adding that he hoped to bring his recommendation before the School Committee on May 10th. RTA Contract At this time the Chairman turned the meeting over to Mr. Garroway, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Bargaining and Negotiations, who announced that the School Committee and the RTA had reached an agreement, ratified by the teachers the day before, for a two -year contract giving a cost of living increase of 7.3% for the first year and 6% for the second, plus steps, covering the period from July 1, 1982 through June 30, 1984. Mr. Garroway added that he thinks it is a good package, that it meets the Finance Committee guidelines, and that it was achieved through cost efficiencies in the program and reducing the staff by four teachers. He lso said that the package is comparable to other Communities and made no change in working conditions. SCHOOL COnM1TTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1982 381 Mr. Garroway continued, saying that, although negotiations were long and dif- ficult, and they had to have a mediator, they were without rancor. He.th en thanked the Subcommittee and the Administration for their assistance and support. Mr. Garroway moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to accept and ratify the agreement reached by the negotiators for the School Committee and the Reading Teachers Association for a two -year wage contract covering the period of July 1, 1982 to June 30, 1984. Chairman Landers thanked the Subcommittee members for their efforts. Bid Mr. Coco moved, seconded on the recommendation of placement light fixtures of Winchester for $5,598 contract will complete a Eaton School . New Business by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to award, the Administration, the contract for furnishing re- at the Joshua Eaton School to W.B. Stockwood Company This amount is $902 under the budget figure. The three -year light fixture replacement program at the The Chairman stated that during a recent telephone conversation Mr. Donald Shepheard,Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC), had reminded him of the bylaws which state the CAC will meet with the School Committee four times each year in order to keep communications open. He also said that CAC membership was below the prescribed level and that he and Mr. Shepheard had agreed that a meeting of the two bodies, other than during a regular School Committee meeting, would be beneficial. He added that Mr. Shepheard had re- quested the meeting take place before the May 17th CAC meeting. The School Committee agreed to meet with the CAC on Thursday, May 13th, at 7:30 p.m. in the High School Library. Energy Management System Mr. Winslow spoke on a proposal to authorize the Administration to seek pro- posals for furnishing and installing the equipment required to provide an energy management stystem at Reading Memorial High School. In talking with representatives of companies in this field he had received cost estimates of $30- 40,000, with one firm claiming payback in a year and additional annual savings of 15 -20 %. He added that the chance of getting a federal energy grant was slim because 400 had applied for the $1.2 million to be awarded and only 88 applicants were expected to be selected. He suggested funding from FY82 budget surplus, savings realized from installation, or a combination thereof along with a matching grant from the Department of Energy if one became avail- able. He further explained that the computer - controlled system could be monitored and controlled by the company which installs it or by the School Department e.g., via a typerwriter in the Central Office. He added that while the in- staller would program the system, there would be a computer over -ride ability. In talking to officials of school systems which have energv management sys- tems, Mr. Winslow found them to be very satisfied. He noted that the cost of fuel oil for R.M.H.S. for the past year was $124,956. SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 1982 Mr. Coco expressed doubts about the payback figures. He noted that the High. School population was decreasing and questioned whether it would be wise to computerize a building which might be partially closed in a year. Mrs. Philbrick pointed out that nay closed parts of the building would still have to be heated and that na energy management system could maintain them at a correct temperature. Dr. Wells said he was not sure that a large section of the High School Could be closed down. He added that an energy management system may have to be reprogrammed each year for the next several years but that he felt it would be the most intelligent thing to do. After further discussion Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Committee authorize the Administration to go out for bid for an energy management system and potentially authorize the use of FY82 surplus funds. The motion carried on a 5 -1 vote with Mr. Coco casting the negative vote. School Committee Revised Spring - Summer Schedule The Committee took note of the revised spring- summer meeting schedule as out- lined on document C -2. Resignation Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Garroway, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mr. Raymond E. Anderson, a math teacher at Parker Junior High School and 21 -year employee of the School System, effective the last day of the current school year. A letter of appreciation will be sent. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:47 p. m. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the Committee enter into executive session for the purposes of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations and to discuss a matter which could adversely affect the character and reputation of a person. The motion carried on a un- animous roll call vote. The Chairman declared a brief recess and the executive session convened at 9:56 p. m. At 11:30 p. m. the two Assistant Superintendents and the secretary were dismissed. The executive session ended and the meeting adjourned at 12:45 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary,