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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-09-27 School Committee Minutes37 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES September 27, 1982 Call to Order The regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Garroway on September 27, 1982, at 7 :30 p.m.,in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present, as well as Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Munnelly. Assistant Superintendent Winslow was unable to be present due to illness. Dr. Donald R. Walker, Chairman of the State Board of Education, was among the 12 visitors present. Other visitors included FOCUS Program Coordinator Kenneth Feit, FOCUS teachers Joan DeSalvo, Mary Jane Weinstein and Samuel Baker (currently on a year's leave of absence), and representatives of the Finance Committee, the Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of the Minutes of Se tember 13, 1982 On a motion by Mr. Landers, seconded by Mr. Allen, the minutes of the meeting of September 13, 1982 were unanimously approved. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills September 24, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $31,627.16 October 1, 1982 - General Expense - Total - $21,997.49 October 1, 1982 - Cafeteria Revolving Account - Total - $16,819.70 Payrolls September 23, 1982 - Teachers -Total - $285,371.89 September 24, 1982 - Weekly - Total $26,645.01 October 1, 1982- Weekly - Total - $24,263.42 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Old Business Under this agenda item the Chairman stated that he had requested Mr. Nigro review the policy on evaluation of the Superintendent. He added that Mr. Nigro had agreed and would work with the Superintendent in reviewing the policy. Mr. Donald Shepheard, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) said his organization members had agreed that it would be more meaningful if the Superintendent's evaluation was conducted in executive session, with a summary released to the public. Five -year Capital Outlay Plan Dr. Wells spoke on the Five -year Capital Outlay Plan, elaborating on the explanation sheets which accompanied the plan and mrritinnino fin,. cniir . fr which the figures had been obtained. During a brief discussion it was brought out that some of the figures may have M READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES September 27. 1982 to be updated when they are costed out. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, and it was voted unanimously to approve the Five -Year Capital Outlay Plan, as enumerated on document B -3 -a, and submit same to the Finance Committee. School Committee Goals Chairman Garroway presented his summary of the composite list of goals submitted by School Committee members. The ensuing discussion of the various goals suggested centered mainly on data processing, i.e., computer literacy, computer curriculum, possible equipment and personnel needs (such as a computer coordinator), and interfacing with the newly purchased Town computer, and curriculum opportunities for gifted and talented students. Mrs. Philbrick said she would like to see developed a comprehensive curriculum for the gifted and talented, if not for grades K -12, then at least for grades 3 -12. Dr. Wells noted that it has been known since the inception of Chapter 766 that the next "swell" to come would be to address the needs of the gifted and talented. He went on to say that there are outstanding examples in the School System of teachers meeting the needs of gifted and talented students, but that it would be the worst mistake possible to label these students. Dr. Munnelly memtioned the mentoring practice used, whereby people from the community with expertise in certain areas work with gifted students who show particular promise or interest in that field. He added that workshops on the gifted and talented have been held in two elementary schools. A visitor suggested that while the above practices are good, they are not done on a unified basis. CAC Chairman Shepheard said that his organization had been discussing goals and that there is a strong feeling on the part of the membership that the program for the gifted and talented should be examined. He added that they would like to know what is done by the principal and teachers when a child is identified as being gifted and talented. The Chairman noted that there is a School Committee policy on the gifted and talented, therefore it would not be appropriate as a goal. Following the discussion Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to adopt the following as a School Committee Goal for 1982 -83: Formulate a long -term plan which addresses the data processing needs for the system with attention to outlining appropriate acquisitions of hardware and software for both classroom and support operations; includes steps for staff training and personnel needs, such as a coordinator of data processing: reflects coordination with other Town departments; and maximizes such developments into the curriculum. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to adopt the following as a School Committee Goal for 1982 -83: Continue to exert A leadership role and provide the support for a smooth transition to the Middle School Reorganization, while fostering optimal professional, community and READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES parental input into the process: 39 SEPTEMBER 27. 1982 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to adopt the following as a School Committee Goal for 1982 -83: Maintain a program of effective communications with the citizenry and parents which promotes and encourages access to the Committee and which maximized the vehicles for information such as Chalkboard, P.T.A.'s and the C.A.C., and to develop, where appropriate, stronger ties with community resources to enrich, enhance and supplement curriculum and program offerings. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to adopt the following as a School Committee Goal for 1982 -83: To promote the Administration's efforts in achieving excellence in curriculum and student performance that would be challenging to each child according to his special needs both individually and collectively. Conservation Commission Request The Chairman said the School Committee had received a request from the Conservation Commission that they vote on whether or not they have a need for the Batchelder Field property. Dr. Wells said he knew of no reason why the School Department would need this property. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to inform the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission that the School Committee no longer had a need for all or any portion of the Batchelder Field for school purposes. Policy for Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals Dr. Wells stated that in order for the Reading School System to participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for the 1982 -83 school year it was necessary for the School Committee to vote to approve the Policy for Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Meals and accept the usual agreement. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to accept the "Agreement for the 1982 -83 National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Commodity Distribution Program," as described in the document from the State Bureau of Nutrition, Education and School Food Services, date stamped August 6, 1982. Review of the FOCUS Program Mr. Kenneth Feit, Director of the FOCUS Program, assisted by staff members Joan DeSalvo, Mary Jane Weinstein and Samuel Baker, reviewed the Program for School Committee members. Before the presentation began Chairman Garroway congratulated Dr. DeSalvo on ha ving been --warded u doctorate fr Va Boston Un 1 vlr jl ty • 40 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 1982 Mr. Feit and the Staff described the Program, now in its seventh year, stating that it serves students who are having difficulties and who are learning how to accept responsibilities and direct their education. It is a structured program, with about 35 students presently involved and, according to Mr. Feit, it has worked very well. One of the features of the Program is daily confidential group counselling. Another is community meetings held twice a week to discuss problems as a group. He also spoke of the action seminar, completely voluntary, which involves students in conditioning, running, bicycling, aerobics and a variety of other activities. Students are referred to the FOCUS Program by guidance counsellors, the Pupil Personnel Services Office and the School Administration, but the final decision rests with the student and each must make a commitment in order to participate in the program. After they are in the Program a while students are encouraged to integrate into mainstream classes and most graduate from the mainstream program. School Committee members asked a number of questions following the presentation. Dr. Munnelly noted that the Program had been evaluated by professionals from the University of Massachusetts, who had been very positive about it. Chairman Garroway thanked the FOCUS Staff for an enlightening presentation. R.M.H.S. Track and Football Field The Chairman said it had come to his attention that there have been inquiries regarding dedicating or naming the newly refurbished RMHS Track and Football Field. He noted that all of Reading Memorial High School wad dedicated as a memorial to all who served their country in time of war. He continued, saying that unless it was the feeling of the School Committee that the matter should be placed on a future agenda, he felt that the Committee should take note of a job well done and that the refurbished facilities would continue to serve as a memorial, as does the entire School. Mr. Allen asked if the subject could be left "open- ended" and the Chairman replied in the affirmative. Financial Statements The Committee took note of the following Financial Statements: Account Balances as of August 31, 1982 and Expense and Salary Accounts as of August 31, 1982. Leave On the recommendation of the Administration, Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to grant a thirty -day sick leave extension, covering the period from September 28 to November 9, 1982, to Mr. John Rigione, a custodian at Birch Meadow School. 41 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 1982 Executive Session — Adjournment at 10:12 p.m. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Landers, to enter into executive session to discuss matters relating to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. Following a three — minute recess the Committee entered into executive session until 11:04 p.m. at which time it adjourned. Respectfully suL-mitted, 44&W Q - ujzg'A� Robert S. Wells, Secretary