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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-01-31 School Committee Minutesi9 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31, 1983 Call to Order Chairman Garroway called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on January 31, 1983, at 7:30 p. m., in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were eleven visitors, including High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Athletic Director R. Gilbert Congdon, and representatives of the Finance Committee, Citizens Advisory Committee and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of January 10 and 17, 1983 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. -Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 10, 1983. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of the meeting of January 17, 1983. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills January 28, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $36,047.58 Payrolls January 27, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $296,528.68 January 28, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $27,083.88 February 4, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $25,110.95 Citizens' Input Mrs. Bernice Merrick spoke on the subject of finger printing school children, as an aid to locate missing children, on a voluntary basis, with only parents having possession of the prints. She inquired as to whether the Administration has given any thought to doing this through the School Department. Dr. Wells noted that there are two sides to this issue - protecting children and infringing on their civil liberties. He added that in some communities where this has been attempted the American Civil Liberties Union and /or the Civil Rights movement have come out against it. Chairman Garroway said he felt it would be an appropriate matter for the Citizens Advisory Council to look into. Formation of Debating Team Dr. Wells announced that as a citizen and as a Superintendent he was pleased to announce that Reading Memorial High School has a debating team for the first time. He said that for years they have been unable to find a coach but Dr. Munnelly has now volunteered and spent most of Saturday working with the team. He added that Dr. Munnelly deserved a vote of thanks. The Chairman offered the congratulations and thanks of the School Committee. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31. 1983 Continuing Policy Review Chairman Garroway- turned the meeting over to Mr. Nigro, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Policy, for this segment of the agenda. Mr. Nigro noted that EEA - Transportation of Students to Non - Public Schools and EEAA - School Bus Policy did not appear to need revising or updating at this time. It was noted that in the latter Policy the section on "distances" may need to be reexamined later in light of the planned Middle School Reorganization. There was a brief discussion on Policy EEACC - Student Conduct on Busses. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, for first vote, to amend policy EEACC as follows: Add at the end, "All bus drivers are to be informed of these policies and will report infractions to the Building Principals. Building Principals are authorized to suspend bus privileges if the situation warrants, according to School Department regulations;" and in the first sentence of the Policy change "State of Massachusetts" to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Dr. Wells said that whatever the Administrative Staff establishes as regulations will be brought before the School Committee. The next policy discussed was EEC - Athletic Guidelines. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, for first vote, to revise Policy EEC - Athletic Guidelines by deleting the first and last sentence of X18. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously,--for first vote, to revise Policy EECA - Post Season Participation - Athletic Contests to read as follows: "Upon majority vote of the squad and on the recommendation of the Athletic Director, Building Principal and Superintendent the School Committee shall allow teams to participate in post season games and tournaments." It was decided that policies EBCD - No School Policy and EBCE - Weather Days will be addressed at the next meeting. However, Mrs. Philbrick noted that when children are released early because of weather conditions and homeroom mothers have been asked to notify parents, home telephone numbers, or emergency numbers, have not always been available. Therefore she suggested that when this policy is reviewed the wording be changed to the effect that a public announcement would be made in the same manner that school is cancelled and that principals be allowed to release emergency telephone numbers to room mothers. Dr. Wells pointed out that the reason for emergency numbers is for notification in case of an individual emergency. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously, for second vote and adoption, to include as part of Policy CBA - Evaluation of the Superinten- dent a rating form, as shown on document B -2 -a. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to approve for second vote and adoption Policy BCF - Citizens Advisory Council, as revised. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to approve for second vote and adoption Policy DJC - School Committee Bidding Policy, to conform with the Town's bidding policy. Mr. Nigro requested members of the Committee to review policies under the "G" section for the next meeting. Jl READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31. 1983 School Calendar The Committee unanimously agreed to adopt the calendar for the 1983 -84 school year as presented by the Administration, document B -3 -a, after consultation with the Reading Teachers Association. Superintendent's Middle School Recommendations In conjunction with his written recommendations on Middle School, document B -3 -b, Superintendent Wells said that he had reviewed the Middle School Report very carefully with Dr. Munnelly and the Junior High School Principals. He praised the Middle School Advisory Committee (MSAC) for the thoroughness and thoughtfulness of the report and thanked them for their efforts. Dr. Wells said there was nothing in the report he could find fault with and that, in fact, there is so much in it that he will probably have to say at some time that all of its recommendations cannot be carried out due to the constraints of the length of the school day and the configurations of the existing facilities. Dr. Wells said that as soon as an agreement has been reached with the RTA the staffing process will start, hopefully by the end of this school year so that initial in- service programs may be conducted during the summer. He added that there is a skeletal organization of team teaching in the Junior High Schools which the Adminis- tration plans to build on, and it is expected that workshops will continue during the next school year. The Superintendent pointed out that there will be a definite improvement in some curriculum areas. In the Social Studies area six graders will be taught by subject specialists fot the first time. Science labs will be available to grade six students for the first time, giving them opportunity for more advanced studies as seventh graders. Addressing a concern voiced in the report, Dr. Wells said that children entering Middle School will not immediately be in a situation of changing classes each period because it is planned to implement the Report's recommendations for a language arts block. He added that sixth graders will be full citizens of the schools and will have the opportunity to participate in all extra - curricular activities. Mr. Coco asked if students would have the same homeroom teacher for three years. Dr. Munnelly said the value of this had been discussed but it would have to be worked out in terms of scheduling. Both Principals favor the idea if it does not cause conflicts in scheduling. Mrs. Philbrick suggested that the Superintendent make quarterly reports on the progress of Middle School Organization to the School Committee. Dr. Wells said he plans to but would not wait for a quarterly report if something comes up in the interim. Progress Report - Superintendent's Evaluation Dr. Wells spoke on his goals for the current year. Goal #1 - The Middle School Issue - "We are committed to this change by 1984 as a sound educational practice even though we readily admit that declining enrollments 92 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31. 1983 aided and abetted the decision. Dr. Munnelly, teachers, principals and parents are now working as an advisory committee on a series of suggestions that will serve as guidelines for the staffing and the programs to be offered our sixth, seventh and eighth graders in the future. Much remains to be done, and I anticipate that in- service programs will be the key to. getting this major reorganization effort off to a good start." Dr. Wells said that since he stated this goal in his opening- day -of- school remarks the School Committee has received the MSAC Report and, tonight, he had given his responses to the Report and his recommendations. He noted that by the end of the school year the School Committee would have policy decisions to make regarding Midddle School and the Administration will have in- service programs in place for the summer. Goal #2 - To Improve the Quality of Writing in the School System - Regarding Goal #2 Dr. Wells said efforts to improve the quality of writing are being continued and pointed out announcements of workshops for writing and the teaching of it which had been distributed. He said his concern was not because of the State's Basic Skills Tests but to convince the staff that the quality of writing can be improved and to impress on them that it is the responsibility of every teacher, not just English teachers. The Superintendent expressed his pleasure that the Principals and, in turn, many teachers have made this goal a part of their annual goals, adding that their support and efforts are necessary for the successful achievement of this goal. Dr. Wells said that the work he has seen displayed during his visits to the schools has shown improvement, the staff is thoroughly involved, and he feels good about this goal. Goal # 3 - The Future of Computers in Reading's Schools - Referring to this goal, Dr. Wells said, "No longer are we just thinking about computer literacy - we are much more computer literate than we were two years ago." He added that it is now time to be concerned with the incorporation of computers and related curricular into the school program, although computers will never replace the basic subjects. Dr. Wells said that a computer curriculum committee has been established, that he and other Superintendents in the Middlesex League are attempting to establish and have funded collaborative in- service programs, and that he and Dr. Munnelly plan to attend a seminar in computer planning in Lexington in March. He added that there have been grants, and more are expected, but that in the future he will probably recommend a larger amount be budgetted for computers. He concluded that he will be getting a report from the computer committee and he will, in turn, again report to the School Committee by the end of the school year. Goal #4 - The Development of Higher ThougYt Capabilities of our Students - This goal recognizes that our society is undergoing a rapid change to an informational processing society and that future occupations and ways of dealing with life's issues will be centered around the problem solving capabilities of the information. Dr. Wells said that he could not really claim this as a goal - except to be supportive possible, a tt,.. t f f t0 tribute to its advancement as the "roinc as pVJj1U1C, a11U encourage Lllc JLa1i contribute .� advancement, are in Dr. Munnelly's hands." 93 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31, 1983 Regarding Goal #4 Mr. Nigro said he had no problem with an EBO being delegated but that the Committee needs more information, which could be furnished by Dr. Munnelly. Chairman Garroway, speaking of the Superintendent's three Administrative Objectives said that the first, "Central Office Computer Application," was obviously in place and asked if Dr. Wells would care to comment on the other two. Dr. Wells said that he is satisfied with Objective #1 as the Central Office is now "on line" for payrolls and bills with the Town's central computer. He added that he hopes the School Department can transfer to the Town's computer from its small Digital computer some of the programs that will soon fill its storage capacity. Referring to Administrative Objective #2 - "School Space Needs/ Surplus School Facilities" - Dr, Wells noted that it was not yet definite where the Central Office will be located. He said there is a question as to whether the Town wants to include the Central Office in plans for use of the Library when it is vacated.. Another issue, he added, is the School Department surplus space, and he feels this should come before a larger body than the School Committee, suggesting that Chairman Garroway might give a progress report at Town Meeting. He concluded that it may be necessary for the Committee to make decisions on the use of its space before the Town makes overall decisions. Regarding Administrative Objective #3 - "Bargaining and Negotiations Issues, if Wells said that since the School Committee must now bargain with so many separate units he felt that perhaps it could be more cost effective. He said he felt his recommendations were not heeded and he has a problem with several subcommittees and different people calling the negotiating attorney. He added that in no way did his remarks infer that any subcommittee was doing a poor job or was out of place, but he thought that "the lines could be shorter and drawn tighter." Chairman Garroway commented that perhaps this should be added to the School Committee goals. He then thanked the Superintendent and said that this would be considered the first part of his evaluation. Supplemental Athletic Budget High School Principal D'Orlando and Athletic Director Congdon spoke to the School Committee about their plans to raise funds to supplement the athletic budget, working with interested parent groups, stating they are anxious to start meeting with the parents. Mr. Congdon said any funds raised would be channeled through the School Committee's revolving account and the Committee would have the final word on the use of such funds. He said they would like to meet with parents by season for sports and get their input for a type of fund raising which would last only a short time. He mentioned, as possible means of fund raising, a "Tribu e to the Youth of Reading" (demonstration of all sports in one evening), and a season's ticket. Mr. D'Orlando said they envisioned the fund raising taking place in one year - to raise $30- 35,000 by June 1984, adding that this should not be confused with users' fees. Mr. Nigro asked if this was a "catch up" and Mr. D'Orlando replied in the affirmative. • A READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31. 1983 Chairman Garroway asked if it might possibly be on -going and Mr. D'Orlando said he would prefer it to be for one year and hoped thay by then they would be caught up. Mr. Coco said he was surprised they were looking at a one -year campaign and that j he thought it might become a tradition. Mr. Congdon replied that after a year maybe it could be evaluated to see how it could be used to keep from falling behind. Superintendent wells said he too was surprised that they were talking about a one - year effort. He pointed out that bus transportation was on the supplemental budget and this could not be a one -year expense. He added that it had not been made clear to him prior to this meeting that it was a one -year plan. Chairman Garroway suggested a subcommittee be formed to work with the Administration to draft an outline of the concerns, and then asked Mr. Allen to act as liaison to meet with the Administration to clarify the concerns, to work on establishing a time table and to come back as soon as possible with recommendations. The Chairman added that one year was "hard to swallow" as the Committee has to live within its budget and cannot assume new expenditures in any area. Mr. Coco asked Mr. Congdon what he knew about other towns' experience with users' fees. Mr. Congdon said he had heard of a few problems, i. e., the fees precluded participation of some students, and there was a certain amount of pressure on coaches for students to play when paying. Chairman's Report - Appointments Chairman Garroway, reporting on a recent meeting of the Law Committee, said that concern was conveyed to him about the depth of School Committee legal representation, expecially in the special needs area. The Chairman made the following appointments: Legislative Contact - Mr. Coco. Author of the School Committee report for the Town Report - Mr. Allen School Committee representatives at the February 8th meeting with Continental Cable - Mr. Landers and Mr. Allen. Representatives to the Citizens Advisory Council - Mrs. Philbrick and Mr. Landers. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statement: Cafeteria Statement for December 1982, Expense and Salary Accounts as of January 28, 1983, and Account Balances as of January 31, 1983. Chairman Garroway asked the Administration to have for the next meeting a clarifica- tion as to why the 9400 Account (SEEM Expense) has been expended to 111% 95 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JANUARY 31. 1983 Discussion with Finance Committee Representative Mr. Willard Burditt, Finance Committee (FinCom) liaison to the School Committee, asked to discuss some concerns his Committee has with the School Committee budget, i. e., expenditure of surplus FY83 funds to offset FY84 expenses; use of surplus space (town -wide, selling or renting some); whether the 6.5 positions eliminated in the FY84 budget were enough; and money for declining enrollment expense. Chairman Garroway said that by the February 8th meeting with the FinCom the School Committee should have further information regarding declining enrollment expense. He pointed out that over 80% of the School Department budget was negotiated and suggested that perhaps the FinCom should address the town -wide surplus space, adding that all- boards meetings on the subject had been fruitless. Mr. Coco said that if funds start decreasing because of Proposition 22 that he felt strongly that more of the Town's dollars should be allocated to education. Dr. Wells pointed out that the School Committee, unlike some Town Boards, had never asked for additional funds at the Fall Town Meeting. Announcement Mr. Landers announced that he would not be a candidate for reelection in March but that he hoped to remain active in Town Government. He thanked his fellow members and the Administration for making his six years on the Committee a very rewarding experience. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10 :25 p. m. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Following a brief recess the executive session commenced and continued until the Committee adjourned at 11:23 p. m. Respectfully sub:itted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary