Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-05-23 School Committee Minutes14 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 23, 1983 Call to Order Chairman Garroway called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:32 p.m., on May 23, 1983, in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were five visitors, including Director of Reading, Dr. Pamela Mason, reading teachers Mrs. Elizabeth Klaiman of the Joshua Eaton School and Miss Nancy Powell of Barrows School, and representatives of the Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of May 9, 1983 On a motion by Mr. Allen, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of May 9, 1983. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills May 20, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $3+,787.69 May 27, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $41,666.70 Payrolls May 19, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $305,536.77 May 20, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,369.77 May 27, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,526.24 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Policy Review Dr. Wells said that Policy LB - 2120 - Contracts with Private Schools for Special Needs Services - was established in the early days of Chapter 766 when the disposition of each case had to be signed by the Superintendent, but this was not the case now and this policy is no longer necessary. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to delete Policy LB - 2120 - Contracts with Private Schools for Special Needs Services. The Committee Reviewed drafts of Policies KL - Rules Regarding PuUil Misbehavior and KLD - Complaint Procedure, prepared by the Administration to replace KL - Complaints, as well as the State Department of Education's Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Conduct of Students (Chap. 71, Sec. 37H of the General Laws). Dr. Munnelly noted that regulations and rules regarding student conduct cannot become effective until filed with the Commissioner of Education (the same procedure is necessary if a change is made). He also distributed student handbooks from Rcaiig Schools, a wiiCi vwi°i ined rules of conduct for students. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 23, 1983 Following a brief discussion Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to adopt for first vote Policy KL - Rules Regarding Pupil Misbehavior, as presented on document B -2 -a (1). After a discussion of several sections of proposed Policy KLD, Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously to approve for first vote Policy KLD - Complaint Procedure, as presented on document B -2 -a (2). Policy KG - Use of Facilities for Other than Regular School Purposes, was discussed at length. Dr. Wells said he felt the first sentence of Section A, #1, of the regulations for the policy is confusing, in that "School Committee and Superintendent" and "School Department" were inter -used. He suggested the appointment of a committee of one to go over the regulations and clarify the language. Chairman Garroway asked Mr. Nigro to extend his role of reviewing policies and work on the language. Mr. Coco said the regulations were rewritten only a year ago and it was his opinion that the language was clear, adding that he had no objections to its being reviewed again. He said it was the intent of the Subcommittee which worked on the regulations (of which he was Chairman) to allow a great deal of flexibility for the Administration, which is why "Superintendent or his designee" was used. Mr. Allen said he did not want an exception of the football field in Section A, #1. The Chairman commented that if the policy is amended to include the football field then the rental fees voted at the last meeting should remain intact. Following a discussion of the language of the regulations and the possibility of allowing other than school use of the varsity football field, Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to delete from the first sentence of Section A, #1, of the regulations for Policy KG - Use of School Facilities for Other Than Regular School Purposes, the words "with the exception of Reading Memorial High School Varsity Field but not including the track) . The motion carried, 5 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the negative vote. The Chairman noted that because the vote amended only the regulations - not the Policy - that a second vote would not be necessary. Supplemental Athletic Budget Dr. Wells explained that the amount of the Supplemental Athletic Budget being recommended had been reduced from the $36,000 requested last winter to $12,895, that there is enough in the revolving account to cover it, and that by voting for it the Committee would still be meeting its commitment to the Finance Committee and the Town Meeting. He added that this amount would be for equipment only none of it would be spent for transportation. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to accept the Supplemental Athletic Budget of $12,895, as shown on document B -3 -a. In the discussion which preceded the vote Dr. Wells said that the Athletic Department still expects to receive funds from the "Boosters," "Friends of Reading Hockey," etc. He also termed the supplemental budget a "once in a lifetime catch -up." 149 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Reappointment of Coaches MAY 23, 1983 Chairman Garroway announced that because the coaching differentials were under negotiation this matter should be dealt with in executive session. Later in the evening, following an executive session, Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted that all coahces listed on document B -3 -b be reappointed to the assignments as listed, at stipends yet to be determined. Food Services Director - Salary Adjustment FY84 The Chairman stated that because the Committee is still negotiating with the cafeteria workers the FY84 salary for the Food Services Director would be discussed in executive session. Chapter I Budget Dr. Munnelly explained that State and Federal regulations regarding Chapter I (formerly Title I) require a School Committee vote annually, prior to submission of the budget. He added that the State advises preparing a budget using 85% of last year's amount ($50,000). Therefore the budget will be submitted for $44,250, hoping that the reduction will not become a reality. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to approve submission of a preliminary plan as described on document B -3 -d. Reading Curriculum Report A brief description of Reading's reading program was presented by Dr. Pamela Mason, Director of Reading, assisted by reading teachers Mr. Elizabeth Klaiman and Miss Nancy Powell. Dr. Mason reviewed the description of the reading program which had been distributed to School Committee members. This included the goals of the program, instructional components, and materials available to teachers for accomplishing successful instruction of the skills appropriate to the students in his /her class. Also distributed were copies of individual record cards. Dr. Mason noted that she and members of her Department are now in the process of reviewing the Comprehensive Skill Card, for revision next year. Dr. Mason, Mrs. Klaiman and Miss Powell answered a number of questions from School Committee members regarding an accelerated approach to reading when it is warranted the classroom teacher's role in the reading program, the role of the reading con- sultant, evaluation of teaching techniques, parent involvement, and the reading curriculum for sixth graders when the Middle Schools are established. Chairman Garroway thanked Dr. Mason and her associates on behalf of the Committee. National History Day Competition Dr. Wells said he was proud to announce that eight High School students and one teacher have been selected , because of i.ri nni na a state—vide nont.PCt t.n - nart.i pi -nnt.P "o e – i r-- in the the National History Day Competition in Washington, D. C., June 16 -18th. They will be transported by parents and will stay at the University of Maryland dormitory. The cost per participant will be about $90. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 23, 1983 Cafeteria Statement - April Mr. Winslow noted that although school was in session only 15 days in April, the Cafeteria still showed a profit of $3,500. The Chairman noted that there have been improvements throughout the system, in addition to the initiation of the fast foods program. Mansfield School Committee Recuest The Committee briefly discussed a request from the Mansfield School Committee to support a resolution to change the State tenure law as it affects administrative personnel. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to support the Mansfield School Committee resolution for the 1983 M.A.S.C. Annual Meeting Delegate Assembly, to amend G.L. c.17, sec. 41, by deleting the second paragraph thereof and substituting the following: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a School Committee from awarding a contract of employment for a period not exceeding six (6) years to a superintendent , principal, supervisor, or other_ professional employee who is performing the duries of a supervisor, by whatever his position may be known, in lieu of the granting of tenure as herein provided." Supervisor of Buildings and Maintenance - Job Description Discussed at length was a proposed job description for the position of Supervisor of Buildings and Maintenance - to be open August lst. The consensus of the Committee was that the educational requirements of the position should be upgraded Tyler and Reynolds Correspondence The Chairman made note of correspondence from Tyler and Reynolds regarding access to the Town Council, received May 16, 1983. It did not require Committee action. Affirmative Action Plan - Town of Reading Chairman Garroway said that Dr. Wells, at his request, had contacted the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and that he had contacted the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen concerning a proposed Affirmative Action Plan which has been sent for comment to various Town Boards by the Selectmen. The Chairman recommended that the proposed Plan be sent to Attorney Allan Drachman for review and that the School Committee delay action until the Attorney's opinion is received. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was unanimously voted to table action on the proposed Affirmative Action Plan until the June 6th meeting. Dr. Wells will communicate the vote to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. Leave Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant to Mrs. Claire Bitinas, Pearl St. School teacher, an extension of her child- rearing leave (in effect since March) through the end of the Oi�_�Ii school <rc ar READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 23, 1983 Resignation Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mr. Walter C. Webb, R.M.H.S. custodian, effective July 25, 1983. Executive Session At 10:11 p.m. Mr. Nissen 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. Following a brief recess the executive session convened at 10:16 p.m. Return to Open Session - Adjournment at 12:18 a. m. the Committee returned to open session, at which time Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to reappoint coaches as listed on document B -3 -a at stipends yet to be determined. The meeting adjourned at 12:21 a.m. Respectfully subMitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary