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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-03-28 School Committee Minutes121 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MARCH 28, 1983 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order at 7 :30 p. m. on March 28, 1983 by Acting Chairman Coco, in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Coco presided until Chairman Garroway arrived at 8:07 p. m. Acting Chairman Coco welcomed to the Committee newly elected member Stanley M. Nissen. All members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Munnelly and Winslow. There were eleven visitors, including High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, members of the Student Advisory Committee, and repre- sentatives of the Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills March 25, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $38,943.78 April 4, 1983 - Cafeteria Revolving Account - Total - $37,377.86 Payrolls March 24, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $296,907.68 March 25, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $27,196.59 April 1, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $25,277.08 Approval of Minutes of March 14, 1983 Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 14, 1983. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Policy Review For this part of the agenda Acting Chairman Coco turned the meeting over to Mr. Nigro, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Policies, who reviewed all of the Section "I" Policies with the Committee. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to adopt for second vote Policies GBE- Physical Examination Required for All Employees, GCAA - Elementary Assistant Principals - Administrative Internship and Guidelines to Accompany GCAA,GCBA - Ratio Index - Directors' Salaries, GCD - Documenting Certification and Educationa Credits, GCEA - Substitute Teachers, and GCLA - Out of State Travel - Principals. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to adopt for first vote Policy IGAJ - Driver Education, as revised on document B -2 -a. 122 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEEMINUTES MARCH 28, 1983 Policy IGBJ - Home Education of Students was discussed and the consensus was that no revision was needed. The Administration was requested to bring a revised version of Policy IGCA - Admission to Summer School Program - to the next meeting. Policy IGDD was discussed and it was the consensus that no change is needed. This policy concerns pupil participation in Sunday activities. Following a brief discussion it was decided that the Administration will review and revise the Guidelines for Policy IIBD- School Library Bill of Rights - for the next meeting. The Administration was also instructed to incorporate into one the two policies designated "IICA," both related to "Field Trips." The Committee felt the remainder of the "I" policies were adequate as written. At this point Chairman Garroway arrived and Mr. Coco turned the gavel over to him. Budget Review Dr. Wells spoke on the fine tuning which has been done on the FY83 and proposed FY84 budgets. He noted that On January 10th there was an apparent unexpended balance of $95,000 in the salary account and that the School Committee voted to transfer $94,870 of it to the expense account for priority #1 items initially approved for the FY84 budget. He said it now appears there will be an additional $15,000 in the salary account. Also, because of the mild winter and lower than expected fuel oil prices, there will be an unexpended balance of $43,500 in the heating account and, due to more favorable rates than anticipated, a balance of $15,800 in the electricity account. In addition, there will be $20,000 left in the special needs transportation account. After accommodating over - expended accounts there is a projected total unexpended balance of nearly $95,000. Dr. Wells pointed out that bids for reroofing the Birch Meadow School will be opened April 4th and there is, of course, a possibility that the low bid might exceed the $135,000 budgeted for this purpose. At this point Chairman Garroway recommended that, in view of the Town's $600,000 shortgage, the School Committee, after further fine tuning and barring unexpected cold weather, turn back to the town $59,300 - the combined projected balances in the hearing and electricity accounts. L23 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 28, 1983 He noted that the Committee had used the Finance Committee guidelines in budgeting these amounts for utilities. Chairman Garroway suggested that his recommendation be addressed at the April 4th meeting, adding that he will attempt to contact the Finance Committee Chairman before that date. In regards to the proposed FY84 expense budget, Dr. Wells recommended that $500 be added to the health services account to cover the cost of physical examinations for all new employees, now required by Town ByLaws and that $770 be added to the rental of the building account to cover a 10% increase in rent for the Central Office ($8,474 for rent and $1,500 for taxes - for a total of $9,974). Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously to increase the Health Services Account (3000 series) from $3,253 to $3,753 for FY84. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to amend the Rental of Building Account (5000 series) from $9,204 to $9,974 for FY84. Dr. Wells then recommended an increase in the salary account of $3,150 for athletic differentials for added programs. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to add to the FY84 Salary Account $3,150 for athletic differentials, as follows: Girls Soccer - $1,100, Freshman Boys Soccer - $1,114, and Freshman Field Hockey - $936. Also recommended by Dr. Wells was a $600 increase in extra curricular differentials for someone to take over the debating coach responsi- bilities initiated this year by Dr. Munnelly. This would be a person to travel with the debating teams for Saturday tournaments and sometimes serve as a judge. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to add $600 to the Extra Curricular Differentials Account for a debating coach for FY84. Dr. Wells said that the Administration had done some fine tuning on the FY84 salary figure, after becoming aware of some upcoming resignations, and was now recommending a reduction of $40,000. He added that this would mean an almost $22,000 reduction in the budget presented to the Finance Committee in February. Dr. Wells added that because of some incomplete salary negotiations details could not be discussed in open session. Peabody Museum Open House Program Upon the recommendation of Dr. Wells, Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee grant permission, under Policy IGDD - Sunday Activities, for participation in an exhibition at the Peabody Museum in Salem on Sundav Mav 22nd (in connection with the Cultural Resources Grant - as outlined on document B -3 -b). This exhibit will feature work of Reading Art Students. l READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 28, 1983 Student Advisory Committee High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando introduced Student Advisory Committee (SAC)members John Barrett, Bob Griffin, Martha Dustin, Susan Nordberg, Ron Bashford, Phil Daly and Kevin Daly. He added that Kevin was a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition Special Category. Mr. D'Orlando said that SAC Advisor Mrs. Rena Mirkin sent her regrets that she could not be present because of observing a religious holiday. Before SAC members spoke Mr. D'Orlando said that this group was the most dedicated, and spent the most amount of time on their activities, of any group he has seen since the early 1960's. SAC members listed as their achievements this year the formation of debating teams, participation in the 735, Inc. Program on Drug - alcohol Abuse Prevention, starting a speakers program, formation of a Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) program, donating to several scholarships in honor of deceased students, and purchasing equipment for the High School. They are now setting up speakers on cultural diversities and a national honor day. They have also planted a memorial grove in honor of deceased teachers and students. In addition, they donated to the Home of Little Wanderers, the Jaycees, and the Globe Santa Fund. SAC members expressed their gratitude to their Advisor, Mrs. Mirkin, for all her help, to Mr. Everett Blodgett for his help with drives to raise funds for the above listed organizations, and to Dr. Munnelly for his work with the debating teams, and praised Mr. D'Orlando for being so supportive. Each SAC member spoke about a different activity or program. Also praised by SAC members was the new fast foods program, and the High School Cafeteria in general. The success of the French Exchange Program was also discussed. The students asked the Administration and School Committee to consider introducing some new languages into the curriculum, listing German, Russian and Chinese as possibilities, and mentioned the popularity of the German Club started this year. School Committee members expressed their enthusiasm about the amount and quality of input from the SAC, thanked them for coming, and reminded them they were welcome to come more often, either as a group or individually. Salute to Youth - Fund Raiser Dr. Wells noted that the March 19th fund raiser, "Salute to Youth," to date has raised $2,235. Mr. Allen commented that it was very successful for a one -day activity and that Mrs. Gail Matthews and all others involved deserve to be commended. 125 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 28, 1983 Pearl Street School - MacLaren Report The report of Architect Archibald MacLaren on costs of remodeling the Pearl Street School for offices and the costs of totally moth- balling the building had been distributed to School Committee members prior to the meeting. Chairman Garroway asked members to make known any questions they may have so it can be determined in the future whether the Committee should discuss the report among themselves or invite Mr. MacLaren to a meeting. New Business - Tax Title Land Dr. Wells said he had received a call from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen regarding several parcels of land in the vicinity of R.M.H.S. (He distributed a map and a list of the lots involved.) The Selectmen requested a vote of the School Committee as to whether they wanted any of the lots retained, as they are planning to offer for sale a group of tax possession lots in the near future. Following a discussion of the lots in question, Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted that, in reference to "Tax Title No. 139," the School Committee would like the Town to retain Lots 41, 47 -54, 55, 122, 123, 126, 136 -139, and 108- 110. CHAPTER I Amendment It was noted for the record that the School Department has been notified that its Chapter I allotment has been increased by $441, making a new total FY83 operational budget of $50,593. U. S. Department of Education Notice of Overpayment Dr. Wells noted for the record that notice has been received from the United States Department of Education that they overpaid the Reading Schools by $2,559 under Public Law 81 -874 for FY82. Adult and Community Education Exhibition It was announced that the annual Adult and Community Education Exhibition will be held Wednesday, April 6th, 7 -8:30 p. m., at the Coolidge Junior High School and is open to the public. Cafeteria Statement Noted for the record was the Cafeteria Statement for February. Resignations Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to accept the resignations of Miss Pauline Cynkus, SEEM teacher at Killam School and Mrs. Deborah ?itnla; fourth aradP teacher at Birch Meadow School. 1?6 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MARCH 28 1983 Leaves On a motion by Mr. Coco, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the Committee unanimously voted to grant the following unpaid leaves of absence: Mrs. Rose Silver, speech and language therapist at Birch Meadow School, a second child - rearing leave for the 1983 -84 school year. Mrs. Rosalyn Epstein, High School Guidance Counselor, a leave for the 1983 -84 school year for reasons of personal enrichment, professional development and personal need. Ms. Diana King, psychologist /counselor at Killam School, an educational leave for the 1983 -84 school year. Ms. Gail Amiralian, grade 5/6 teacher at Killam School, an educational leave for the 1983 -84 school year. It was noted for the record that Mrs. Margaret -Mary Dailey Bramley, SEEM teacher at Barrows School, will be on maternity leave from May 23d through the end of the school year. Appointments Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted, to appoint Mr. William S. Holmes, 347 Charles Street, Reading, to a custodial position at the Killam School, 3 -11 shift, at the beginning salary of the current custodial contract, effective immediately. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Lawrence Q. O'Brien, 166 High Street, Reading, to a custodial position at the Field House, 3 -11 shift, at the beginning salary of the current custodial contract, effective immed- iately. Mr. Allen questioned the need for two custodians at the Field House, and Mr. Winslow replied that he felt it was not only necessary but that another one could be used for the day shift. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:54 p. m. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that the School Committee enter into executive session for the purposes of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. Following a brief recess the Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 12 :30 p, m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretar7