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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-08-30 School Committee Minutes23 SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES - August 30, 1982 Call to Order The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Garroway on August 30, 1982, at 7 :31 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room. All Committee members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were five visitors, including High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando and a representative of the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of the Minutes of July 26, 1982 Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, and the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of July 26, 1982. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for Bills and Payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills July 30, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $3,145.56 August 13, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $37,486.24 August 20, 1982 - Cafeteria Revolving Account - Total - $764.95 August 20, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $809.58 August 27, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $31,948.58 September 3, 1982 - Cafeteria Revolving Account - Total $19,638.83 September 3, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $5,122.15 September 10, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $17,630.70 Payrolls August 12, August 13, August 20, August 26, August 27, September 1982 - 1982 - 1982 - 1982 - 1982 - 3, 1982 Teachers Weekly - Weekly - Teachers Weekly - - Weekly - Total - $67,367.70 Fatal - $17,348.25 Total - $15,807.95 - Total $62,978.07 Total - $15,113.69 - Total - $15,569.52 ecial Needs Transportation Contract With the approval of the Committee, Chairman Garroway signed the contract for special needs transportation for the 1982 -83 school year with Transcomm, Inc., of Cambridge. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Ratification of Custodial Contract Chairman Garroway announced the vote on ratification of the Custodial Contract would be postponed until after executive session as Committee members had not been briefed nn the fi—1 negotiotinn coccinn 24 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES August 30. 1982 Policy on Fiscal Management Goals and Objectives i Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and the Committee unanimously voted second and final approval and adoption of the School Committee Policy on Fiscal Management Goals and Objectives, as amended at the School Committee meeting of July 26, 1982, and as delineated on document B -2 -b. It was agreed that a copy of the policy would be sent to the Finance Committee. Rirla Milk Mr. Coco. moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to award the contract for milk to be served in the school cafeterias, and straws for same, to the low bidder, Blue Ribbon Dairy of Bedford, at a daily cost of $316.01 for milk and a cost per case of $17.50 for straws, as listed on document B- 3 -a -1. Ice Cream Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was. unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award the bid for ice cream products, as enumerated on document B- 3 -a -2, to Paul's Distributor of Canton, products to be delivered on a bi- weekly basis. Bread and Rolls Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to award the contracts for bread and rolls, as enumerated on document B- 3 -a -3, as follows: Items Nos. 1 through 7 and No. 12 at the bid price for utilizing U.S.D.A..flour to LePage Bakeries of Auburn, Maine, and Items Nos. 8 through No. 11 to Mello's Bakery of Peabody. Paper and Plastic Supplies Mr. Winslow recommended that the bid for paper and plastic supplies for the cafeterias be awarded to Bay Colony Company, lowest bidder on the total of 14 items on the bid. He explained that splitting the bid would save only $90 in a year and the company which bid lower on some items would be reluctant to make delivery on so few items. He also noted that Bay Colony offered a one percent discount for payment within 30 days. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to award the contract for cafeteria paper and plastic supplies, as enumerated on document B- 3 -a -4, to Bay Colony Company of Norwood, including the 1% discount for payment within 30 days. 25 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES August 30, 1982 Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds - Salary Adjustment for 1982 -83 Dr. Wells stated that William Pendergast, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, is the only non -union employee whose salary has not been adjusted. Because the ratification of the Custodial Contract is expected during the evening, the Administration recommends that Mr. Pendergast receive a 7% salary increase - to $22,115, for FY83. Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to increase Mr. Pendergast's salary by 7% - to $22,115 for FY83. Statement of Assurances Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and the School Committee unanimously voted to approve the fiscal year 1983 Statement of Assurances for all applicants for State and Federal funds administered by the State Department of Education and to authorize the Chairman and the Superintendnet of Schools to sign on behalf of the School Committee. Cafeteria Statements The Committee took note of the following cafeteria financial statements: July and August 1982; September 1981 - August 1982; and Comparison - FY82 versus FY81. Mr. Winslow gave a brief explanation of the statements and answered questions from Committee members. Gift from Addison Wesley Publishing Company Chairman Garroway expressed the gratitude of the Committee and Reading Public School System to the Addison Wesley Publishing Company for its gift to the System of an IBM 129 Key Punch machine. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and the Committee voted unanimously that an appropriate letter of appreciation be sent. Communication from the Recreation Committee Chairman Garroway read a letter from the Recreation Committee thanking the the School Committee for the use of school facilities for their summer program and stating that applications will be submitted for the use of school facilities for the fall and winter seasons. The Chairman suggested that Mr. Coco, as the Committee's representative to the committee studying the feasibility of a master scheduling for all Town - owned fields, and Mr. Allen, as liaison to the Recreation Committee, communicate with the Recreation Committee and the Board of Public Works to state that the School Committee is willing to cooperate but that it must consider school activities first. n (` G, U READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES August 30, 1982 Communication from Conservation Commission Referring to a letter from the Conservation Commission asking the School Committee to consider a "land swap" involving part of the Batchelder Field property, the Chairman said that research by the Administration had revealed that a 1975 Communi- cation from Tyler and Reynolds, Town Counsel, made it clear that the School Committee does not have control over this property and that any future disposition of this property must be handled by the Board of Selectmen and /or the Town Meeting. A letter to this effect will be sent to the Chairman of the Conservation Commission. Night Football Chairman Garroway said he had received a call requesting that the subject of night football games be placed on the agenda. He had then asked the Administration to do some preliminary investigation. Dr. Wells said that due to vacation schedules he had not had the opportunity to discuss the issue in depth with administrators of other communities. He did find that in the Middlesex League Wakefield, Woburn and possibly Watertown, are committed to night games this year, Burlington is fluctuating, and Winchester and Stoneham are not interested. He added that many towns are going to night football to increase income because of the effects of Proposition 22. He noted the expense of installing li a cost of about $1,000. He estimated gate by 4 -500 people to break even if said that it would have to be a local would be needed because of night -time merchants want more Police protection ;hts - adding that Woburn is renting them at that Reading would have to increase the lights were rented. Continuing; Dr. Wells decision as to whether additional Policemen activities. In some communities, he noted, if their business is in the area. Dr. Wells felt that one or two night games would not be a true test, as one or two seasons would be needed to see if interest would be sustained. He said he had not checked on electricity costs. Dr. Wells told the Committee that neither he nor Mr. D'Orlando would come before them as strong advocates of night football, because of the possible side effects. After discussing the pros and cons of the issue Committee members concluded that it is too close to the football season to consider night games for this year, that the idea should be further investigated at some point in time, and that members who have further questions should bring them to the attention of the Administration. Summer Maintenance Proerams Mr. Winslow gave a report on the summer maintenance program in general. More specifically, he said that the wiring has been completed for the new dimming panel in the High School Auditorium and delivery of the panel is expected shortly. 27 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 30. 1982 He reported that the work is progressing on the refurbishing of the football field and replacement of the running track. Despite the delay caused by a rainy June, the base course of the track is down, the material has arrived from Texas and the work crew is commencing the two - week project of putting the 3/8" surface in place. Sodding and seeding has been done, and seat boards and foot boards will be installed next week. Regarding the Birch Meadow School roof replacement, Mr. Winslow said the pros and cons of a built -up roof versus a membrane type roof are being investigated and it is expected that the job will go out for bid in September, probably to be completed in late fall. Continuing his report, Mr. Winslow said that the energy management system being installed at the High School is well on its way to completion. In conclusion he said that he was happy to report that vandalism this year has been negligible. He recommended that members tour the school buildings to observe the excellence of their condition. Massachusetts Association of School Committees The Chairman announced that the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) will hold workshops for members on September 25th and urged all who could to attend and to contact the Committee's secretary so that she can make reservations. He also announced that the MASC annual business meeting will be held November 5th and that a voting delegate must be named at the next School Committee meeting. Letter from Parent Chairman Garroway read a letter from a parent complimenting High School Guidance Counselor Jane Darveau on her efforts to assist her and her son with a problem. Resignations Dr. Wells read a letter of resignation from Mrs. Elizabeth Twomey, former assistant principal at the High School, who has been appointed Superintendent of Schools in Lincoln. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, and the Committee voted unanimously to accept Mrs. Twomey's resignation. An appropriate letter will be sent on behalf of the School Committee. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mr. David Martins as part -time (2/5's) clarinet teacher. The Committee took note of the resignation of Mr. Gary Nihan as equipment manager for the football team. C-) READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 30, 1982 Appointments Dr. Wells recommended the appointment of Mrs. Maureen Zolubos and Dr. Allan Alson to fill the assistant principal vacancies at the High School, for one -year appointments, and gave a summary of their professional backgrounds. He also summarized the selection process. The Committee, Dr. Wells, Dr. Munnelly and Principal D'Orlando discussed the candidates for some time and then the Committee agreed to suspend discussion and continue it in an executive session later in the evening as members felt that further discussion would include matters pertaining to the character and reputation of the candidates. Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Elia Dangelmaier, 35 Sherwood Road, Reading, as a second grade teacher (replacing Mrs. Webb) at the Pearl Street School, at a salary of $14,389 (Step M -1). -- Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Eileen Gagnon, 53 Beverlee Road, Tyngsborough, as a fourth grade teacher at the Pearl Street School (replacing Mrs. Gamer-man) at a salary of $15,794 (Step -4). Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, to appoint Mr. Philip Vaccaro as head soccer coach at a salary of $2000 and Ms. Debra Smith as women's gymnastics coach at a salary of $1500. The motion carried 5 -0, with Mr. Coco abstaining. Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to appoint Mrs. Terese McCauley, 269 West Street, Reading, to the position of Attendance Clerk at Reading Memorial High School, at $5.70 per hour (replacing Mrs. Serrentino). Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Robert Kurchian, 284 Franklin Street, Reading, to the position of Maintenance /General, effective two weeks after his appointment has been approved, at the salary stated in the Custodians' Contract. Leave Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to approve for Mrs. Thelma Beauchamp of the cafeteria staff a years's leave without pay from September 1, 1982 to June 30, 1983. Executive Session At 9:52p.m. Chairman Garroway polled the members and, after a unanimous roll call vote, the Committee entered into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to the character and reputation of candidates for the assistant principal positions. Mr. D'Orlando remained for the discussion. 29 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Open Session - Appointments AUGUST 30. 1982 At 10:11 p.m. the Committee returned to open session and proceeded to discuss the process used for selecting candidates and the qualifications of the candidates whom Dr. Wells recommended for the two positions of assistant principal at the High School. Dr. Wells, Dr. Munnelly and Mr. D'Orlando went over the steps taken in the selection of the finalists and Mr. D'Orlando gave a job description for the position of assistant principal. Mr. Nigro then moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that Dr. Alson be appointed to the position of acting assistant principal at R.M.H.S. for one year. The motion was defeated on a tie vote, with Mrs. Philbrick, Mr. Nigro and Chairman Garroway voting in favor and Mr. Landers, Mr. Coco and Mr. Allen against. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that Mrs. Maureen Zolubos be appointed to the position of acting assistant principal at R.M.H.S. for one year. The motion carried on a 5-1 vote with Mr. Landers opposed. Mr..Allen voiced the opinion that both positions should be filled from within the System. Mrs. Philbrick disagreed, stating that the two best candidates should be selected regardless of whether or not they were from within the System. Dr. Alson's Qualifications and the fact that his experience was mostly in urban settings were discussed at length. Brought out in the discussion was that both positions were for "acting, one - year" principalships, and that it was expected that the number of assistant principals at the High School would be reduced from three to two at the end of the 1982 -83 school year. After a lengthy discussion Mr. Landers moved for reconsideration of the vote on the appointment of Dr. Alson. Mrs. Philbrick seconded the motion and it carried on a 4 -2 vote, with Mrs. Philbrick, Chairman Garroway, Mr. Landers and Mr. Nigro voting in favor and Mr. Coco and Mr. Allen against. Mr. Coco then moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, to adjourn the meeting. This motion lost on a 4 -1 -0 vote, with Mr. Coco casting the one negative vote and Mr. Allen voting "present ". Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, to appoint Dr. Alson an acting assistant principal at R.M.H.S. for one year. The motion carried on a 4 -2 vote with Chairman Garroway, Mrs. Philbrick, Mr. Landers and Mr. Nigro voting in the affirmative and Mr. Allen and Mr. Coco in the negative. Chairman Garroway noted that he would schedule on the agenda of a future meeting, before October, a discussion of the process for selecting candidates, and - '- ,,4ted advance input from Cormnittee Member-S. 3U READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 30, 1982 EXECUTIVE SESSION At 11:35 p.m. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. Open Session - Ratification of Custodians' Contract At 11:40 p.m. the Committee returned to open meeting. Mr. Landers moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to ratify the contract with the Custodians, Maintenance Employees and Custodial Supervisors of the Town of Reading, American Federation of State, County and Municipal ..Employees (AFSCME), Council 93, Local No. 1703. Following the vote Mr. Landers said that he felt this year, with only two units with which to bargain, and because of its experience during the past year, the Committee could do most of the bargaining without professional assistance. Chairman Garroway said he intended to place this matter on an agenda in the near future. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 11:44 p.m. Respr�.c�tfu�11y submitted. Robert S. Wells, Secretary i