Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-05-09 School Committee Minutes137 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9, 1983 Call to Order Chairman Garroway called to order a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee at 7:32 p.m. on May 9, 1983 in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Allen was unable to be present as he was out of town on business. Mr. Coco arrived at 7:47. All other members were present when the meeting was called to order, as were Superintendent Wells and Assis- tant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were nine visitors, including Killam School Principal Herbert Baron, and representatives of the Killam PTA, Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of April 4 and April 11, 1983 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of April 4, 1983. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to approve the minutes of April 11, 1983 with one addition that the motion to enter into executive session was made at 8:00 p.m. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills April 15, 1983 - General Expense - Total- $27,810.66 April 22, 1983 - General Expense - Total- $38,750.80 April 29, 1983 - General Expense - Total- $70,099.82 May 6, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $38,298.19 May 13, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $24,863.86 Payrolls April 14, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $285,269.35 April 15, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,540.64 April 22, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,277.48 April 29, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,577.18 May 5, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $303,277.52 May 6, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,433.05 May 13, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,543.88 Citizens' Input Dr. Wells called to the attention of the School Committee that the May issue of the American School Board Journal contained articles, "What You Should Know When Your Staff Asks You for a Teacher_ Dismissal Hearing," written by Dr. Munnelly and "What Your Board Should Do When Administrators Ask for a Hearing to Dismiss a Tenured Teacher," by former School Com- mittee member W. Bruce MacDonald. Policy Review Chairman Garrowav turned this portion of the meeting over to Mr. Nigro, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Policies. }:3b READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9, 1983 On a motion by Mrs. Philbrick, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the Committee voted unanimously to approve for second vote policies IGCA -Summer School, IICA - Field Trips and IKF - Graduation Requirements. Mr. Nigro reviewed the "K" Series Policies with the Committee. It was the consensus that all were adequate with the exception of Policy KL - Complaints. The Administration was requested to rewrite this Policy, dividing it into two separate policies, one dealing with grievous matters and one for other complaints. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to eliminate Policy LD - 1610 - Relations Between Non- Public Educational Organizations and Schools, because it is no longer necessary as the subject matter is covered in other sections of the Policy Book. Regarding Policy LD - 2120 - Contracts with Private Schools for Special Needs Services, the Administration will look into whether it is any longer necessary for the School Committee or Superintendent to sign such contracts. At the Conclusion of the policy review Chairman Garroway commended Mr. Nigro, on behalf of the Committee, for his work and leadership in almost singlehandedly reviewing the entire Policy Book Use of Facilities - Policy Revision Dr. Wells said that Mr. Winslow had brought to his attention that since the renovation of the varsity football field and the construction of a new track there have been many requests for the use of these facilities. Mr. Winslow said that as the School Department is getting requests from private users for the track and the entire area he thought that the School Committee should determine whether a fee schedule should be extablished. He referred to the suggestions he made in document 3 -2 -b, adding that he arrived at the proposed fee schedule after checking with surrounding communities. Chairman Garroway asked if suggestions for precautions for use of these facilities could be obtained from the contractor. Mr. Winslow said that the track has no limitations but the field should not be played on when wet as cleats could cause serious damage, and good judgment must be used. He added that the newly installed sprinkler system should make it possible to maintain the turf, but using too many hours a day is not recommended. The Chairman pointed out that there were three possible actions the Committee could take: (1) Include the football field in Section A, #1 of the Policy; (2) Add fees for the field and track areas; and (3) Make Section "F" of the Policy agree with the agreement with the Board of Public Works and the Recreation Committee. I %39 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9, 1983 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick for discussion purposes, that Section "D" of Policy KG - Use of School Facilities for Other Than Regular School Purposes be amended to include an additional cost item under Field House for track and field events area - $25.00 per hour, and include that user groups will be expected to pick up any debris caused by their use and dispose of it at the conclusion of the event. He added that he purposely excluded from his motion the first and third suggestion for fees for the varsity football field ($25 per hour) and football field and track($50 per hour), respectively. He noted that Section F, #13, prohibited play on any grassy area when wet. However, he said, some non - school organizations play their games regardless of the weather. Mrs. Philbrick noted that because field events are situated on both ends of the football field that people attending an event are all over the area. She wondered if a group could use just one area. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, to amend the motion to include all three recommendations as delineated on document B -2 -b. The motion, as amended, carried 4 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the negative vote. Following a brief discussion on the use of the football field the Chair- man requested members to bring to the May 23rd meeting any recommendations they have on amending Policy KG. Mr. Nissen then moved, seconded by Mr. action and lay the matter on the table being that the entire policy should be motion failed to carry, on a 3 -2 vote, for reconsideration. Only Mr. Nissen, in favor. Nigro, to reconsider the previous until the next meeting, his reason considered at the same time. The as a two - thirds majority is needed Mr. Nigro and Mrs. Philbrick voted Disposal of Central Office Accounting Machine The Chairman read a memorandum from the Town Treasurer, informing him that an offer had been received from the Holden Municipal Electric Light Company to purchase Burroughs machines as follows: School Department's Model L8580 for $400 and the Town Hall's Model L9000 for $75; and recommending the offer be accepted. These machines are no longer used since the Town purchases a computer. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to declare the School Department's Burroughs Accounting Machine #L8580 as surplus and seek Finance Committee permission to dispose of it under Article 19 of the Town By -Laws. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee grant permission to accept the offer of the Town of Holden Municipal Electric Light Company to purchase the Burroughs Machine, Model L8580, as is. Gift from Friends of Reading Hockey Dr. Wells announced that the Friends of Reading Hockey have sent a check for $1,862 as a gift, to pay for ice rental time. I. tU READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9.'1983 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted voted of accept the gift of $1,862 from the Friends of Reading Hockey, as provided for in Sec. 53A, Chap. 44 of the General Laws, to be placed in a "Gift - Restricted" Account and to be used to pay for ice rental time. Dr. Wells will write to the Firends of Reading Hockey expressing the gratitude of the School Committee. Bids - Boiler and Burner (Joshua Eaton School) Mr. Winslow went over a tabulation of seven bids received for boiler/ burner replacement at Joshua Eaton School. Dr. Wells noted that the reason all bids had come in over budget is the recent concern about asbestos, as the boiler is 28 years old, although safe now, the precautions which must be taken while dismantling it are expensive. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award the contract for boiler /burner replacement at Joshue Eaton School to J. A. Marino Auto= matic Heating Co., Inc., of Jamaica Plain, the low bidder, at $48,123.._ ($8,123 over budgetted amount). Bids - Burner Replacement (Barrows and Parker Junior High Schools) Following a brief discussion of the four bids received for burner replacement at the Barrows and Parker Junior High Schools, Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award the contract for burner replacement at Barrows and Parker Junior High Schools to Combustion Service of New England, the low bidder, at $16,790 ($7,210) under the budgetted amount). Killam School Grade Placement 1983 -84 Dr. Wells lead a discussion of a proposal to change class groupings at the Killam School from mixed ages to straight grade groupings, in anticipation of the establishment of a Middle School in 1984 (as out- lined on document B -3 -b). Dr. Wells said this recommendation was being made at this time because of the closing of the Pearl Street School in 1984 and the large redistricting that will be necessary and, secondly, because Killam is the only school with a multi - graded system. He added that the multi - graded system was an experiment, which proved to be no better or worse than the straight -grade system and that Mr. Baron, after conferring with his staff, had convinced him that now is the time to make the change. Dr. Wells also said it would make no difference in the number of staff needed and he believed it would ease the transition for students coming from the Pearl Street School in September 1984. 141. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9, 1983 Mr. Baron answered a number of questions from School Committee members. Several members of the Killam School PTA spoke in favor of the proposed change. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the Killam School reorganize into a self - contained regular grade organization beginning in September 1983. School Calendar Revision (1982 -83) Dr. Wells pointed out that the contract with the RTA requires that is there are less than three storm days in the school year the number of school days is limited to 182 days for students. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, to revise the 1982 -83 school calendar so that the last day of school for students will be Wednesday, June 22nd and for teachers, Thursday, June 23rd. Reduction -in- Force Procedure Dr. Munnelly stated that there is a need to reduce the High School Social Studies Department by one teacher and that Mr. Peter Clarke has the least seniority. He added that Mr. Clarke has been a good teacher, has been coach of the girls' track team - leading them to the state champion- ship this year - and is a musician, contributing to the School in that respect, also. He noted that the need to RIF a Social Studies teacher happens to coincide with Mr. Clarke's decision to attend Harvard Graduate School full time. Dr. Munnelly pointed out that the RTA contract re- quires a School Committee vote on this matter. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, a reduction of the Social Staff due to a decrease in the number of pupils shall be affected by dismissing Peter Clarke as a teacher in the Reading Public Schools, effective at the close of school in June 1983. Financial Statements The Committee noted for the record the following financial statements: Expense and Salary Accounts, April; Account Balances, April; and Cafeteria Statement,March. Chairman Garroway commented that participation in the school lunch program seems to be steady - up to about 390 overall and commended Mr. Winslow and the Cafeteria staff for the continued financial upswing, even after paying for the High School Cafeteria improvements from the re- volving account. Superintendent's Newsletter School Finances Commenting on the newsletter and school finances material sent to School CoTnmittoe mn`mherc hatwean map +-ingg- TIY, WPllg ncQt.Pd that in one _ year's time Reading went from being $349 below the state average of spending for education to only $35 below. He attributed this not to the fact that Reading had made great gains but to the greater impact 1.43 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9. 1983 Proposition 22 had on other communities. He noted that in the course of 12 months there had to be a great loss for many school systems. He added that while the Reading School System is still below average it is putting more of its funds into actual instructional costs and less into such areas as the school lunch program, transportation, supervision, Central Office expense, etc. He noted that transportation costs less in Reading than in some towns because it is a geographically compact town. Artists In Residency A brief explanation of the artists -in- residency program proposed was given by Dr. Munnelly. The Reading Arts Council, upon receiving $2,500 from the Massachusetts Arts Lottery, invited the Reading Art and Music Departments to submit proposals for $500 each. Both Departments prepared proposals which invite a professional to join Reading Schools as an artist -in- residence next fall. The Music Department would like an instrumentalist to spend a series of days giving recitals in schools, presenting demonstrations, attend- ing band rehearsals and consulting with staff. The Art Department proposes to engage a printmaker for a two -week period to acquaint High School students with experimental processes of print- making and help them create their own prints. An exhibition of students' prints will be a culmination of the project. Seat Belts in Buses Tyler and Reynolds. Regarding a memorandum from Town Counsel in answer to an inquiry about seat belts in school buses from a member of the Citizens Advisory Council (a copy was sent to Mr. Winslow), Chairman Garroway said he wants to find out who authorized the CAC to use the Town Counsel (Tyler and Reynolds). Mr. Nissen said that the Town Counsel is in a position, under the By -Laws, that if anybody calls him on the telephone he has to make a judgment on whether to respond. The Chairman said the Law Committee has attempted to establish guidelines to ease the Town Counsel's burden, but the By -Laws take precedence. CAC President Donald Shepheard said he believed the memorandum was the result of a phone call, adding that he felt the caller should have been informed of procedure. Chairman Garroway said he will.pursue this matter through the Law Com- mittee. Anticipated Openings The Committee took note of anticipated openings for 1983 -84, as listed on Intra- system Posting #10. 144 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 9, 1983 Resignations Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Miss Helen Hart, who has been employed in the Guidance Department of the Reading Schools for the past 26 years, effective at the close of the current school year. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, to accept the resignation of Mrs. Doris Parry, a second grade teacher at Joshua Eaton School, at the close of the school year. She is moving out of state. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted, to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mrs. Mary E. Boghossian, second grade teacher at Pearl Street School, effective at the end of the school year. She has taught in Reading for 27 years. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unani- mously, to accept the resignation of Ms. Dawn M. Hoskin, who has been a speech /language pathologist in the System for the past year. She will complete this school year. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted-to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mr. E. William Pendergast, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, effective July 29, 1983. He has been with the System since 1961. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation for purposes of Mr. Paul Crocker, custodian at Pearl Street School, effective July 29, 1983. He has been employed by the Reading School System since 1972. Appointment Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unani- mously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award a tenure contract to Ms. Janice Pacunas, Home Economics Teacher at Parker Junior High Schook, effective July 1, 1983. Executive Session Adjournment At 9:58 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote. The Chairman declared a brief recess, after which, at 10:05 p.m., the Committee entered into executive session until it adjourned at 10:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary