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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-09-12 School Committee Minutes195 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 1983 Call to Order Chairman Coco called the regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on September 12, 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. Among the eight visitors present were representatives of the Finance Committee, Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval o£ Minutes of August 29, 1983 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 29, 1983. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for fills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills September 9, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $33,470.50 September 16, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $36,398.65 Payrolls September 8, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $277,619.01 September 9, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $20,747.02 September 16, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $24,291.56 Citizens'Input There was no citizens' input. Disposition of Pearl Street School Chairman Coco turned the meeting over to Mr. Nissen, School Committee liaison to the Space Study Committee, for this agenda item. Mr. Nissen said that since the last meeting some new data have been received, i.e., an updated census report from the Town Clerk and a statement from the Finance Committee showing the Town's principal and interest payable on bonded indebtedness from July 1, 1982 to final payments. Regarding the Town census figures, Mr. Nissen noted that there was very little correlation between them and the actual enrollment figures, adding that this year there are 20 -30 more enrolled in Kindergarten than the birth statistics had indicated. He also noted that school enrollment figures of September 9th showed 30 more first graders than had been projected, but enrollments for other grades were very close to projections. Mr. Nissen pointed out that the statistics from the Finance Committee show the Town's current indebtedness to be $2 million, but that by 1990 all existing debts will be paid. He then said that a decision must be made on how long would be a reasonable time to have the Pearl Street School closed without being used; whether 19G READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 1983 enrollments will increase again; and, if a school is needed, whether the Town would vote for it. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Committee resolve that it intends to turn the Pearl Street School over to the Board of Selectmen, subject to approval of Town Meeting, to be used only as a municipal building. Chairman Coco said that he felt the Committee was really making a decision on taking a school out of use with very little information, adding that he believed the School Committee should keep the School under its control. He also said that Town Meeting should be made aware that if the school population increases to the point that another building is needed that the School Committee would go before them to seek funds. He noted that developments proposed and the possibility of a change in the law governing apartment buildings could effect enrollments. Mrs. Philbrick said that, from the data available, it appears the Pearl Street School would not be needed before 1990 and it is anticipated that at that time only about 50% of the High School building will be needed, adding that she viewed that 50% as a safety net - an area to place students if there are an extra 350 Kindergarteners by then. Dr. Wells pointed out that there is a movement sweeping the country to initiate early childhool education, which would mean two more grades would have to be housed. He questioned housing the younger students in the High School should this become a reality, and asked why the School Committee should have to take the risk at this time. Dr. Wells expressed the belief that it would be prudent for the School Committee to retain control of the Pearl Street School for a few years. He then suggested that the motion on the floor be reversed so as to state that if the Town Meeting requests it the Pearl Street School will be turned over to the town, knowing that there is a risk if the School Committee complies. Mr. Nigro felt that the disposition of the Pearl Street School should be part of a Town -wide debate. He added that he did not believe the School Committee should hold on to the School for 7 years, let alone 10 - 12 years, without using it. He then moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, that the School Committee resolve that if Town Meeting requests the Pearl Street School for a municipal building then the School Committee will vote to turn it over to the Town. Mr. Nissen then withdrew his motion. Mrs. Bernice Herrick, a visitor, asked what the cost would be to mothball the School for future use. Mr. Winslow replied that it would be $13,000, plus yearly maintenance costs. Mr. Nissen pointed out the possibility of vandalism to a mothballed building, adding that if the School is mothballed then the Committee will again be faced with the question of what to do with it in about three years. Mr. Allen felt that the motion now on the floor would circumvent the authority of the School Committee. The Chairman then called for a vote on Mr. Nigro's motion. It carried 3 -2, with Mr. Nigro, Mr. Nissen and Mrs. Philbrick voting in the affirmative and the Chairman and Mr. Allen in the negative. 197 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 1983 Goals for 1983 - Superintendent's The Chairman called on Dr. Wells to speak on his goals for the coming year. Dr. Wells listed his goals for 1983 -84 as follows: Goal #1 - Middle School A. Complete the task of implementing policy for transportation and establishing school district lines for the two Middle Schools. B. Continue development of curriculum and course options for students of Middle Schools. C. To set up criteria for staffing the Middle Schools and implement in- service programs for staff on middle school philosophy and specific curriculum work. Commenting on his first goal Dr. Wells said he would recommend a standing transportation policy for the three Middle School grades, and that early in the fall he would like to bring to the School Committee the academic plans, so that in- service training can get underway. Goal #2 - Computer Education A. To bring members of the Computer Literacy Committee before the School Committee to discuss the instructional goals, implementation schedules and budgetary implications of their report. B. To discuss plans proposed by a Reading Memorial High School Computer Faculty Workshop Group with the School Committee. There are implications in this report for construction costs, program needs and funding for hardware /software. Dr. Wells pointed out that "The Excellence Report" calls for "Computer science" as one of the basics. He said there are two committees working - one on long - range programming, and one on a computer facility, which could involve using space in the High School, probably the top floor of the Library, as there is a need to consolicate equipment in one place. He added that this is philosophically sound and efficient because students could use the facility in their free time to gain "hands on" experience. Goal #3 To extablish committees composed of parents, students, teachers and Administration that will review our present practices, policies and /or regulations in the areas of home work expectations, attendance requirements, grading philosophies, promotion policies, and graduation requirements. The Citizens Advisory Committee could become a major partner in this effort. The nature of this overall goal requires an understanding that this would probably be a series of reports to be made to the School Committee, not as one report. These are to be rnmpleted }1Pf(ll"P .111Y1f? of 19f�1�, Dr. Wells said that this goal is based on "The Excellence Report," which recommends 198 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 1983 schools strengthen academic requirements for high school graduation and demand higher quality school work from all students. He added that these changes can be made in a year or a few years, and initiated this year. He said that he visualized two or three committees working independently and reporting to the School Committee and Administration. Mr. Allen commented that with so many more students taking computer courses it was a very positive move to consolidate. The School Committee agreed that Dr. Wells' goals were excellent Chairman Coco said he believes the School System'is doing very well, but that more has to be done, and suggested, as he had stated in his opening of school remarks, that there be more homework assigned at all levels, where appropriate. He added that he would like the Administration to draw up some guidelines on homework within the next two weeks. Goals for 1983 -84 - School Committee's The Chairman said he would like to suggest that the School Committee review the "Nation at Risk" report as a goal for the coming year, with the Committee reviewing its progress in January or February, and again in the spring. Mr. Nigro commented that as he read the Report he wondered how Reading complied and how it compared with the statistics given. Mr. Allen said he felt reevaluating the School System would be a most appropriate goal. He then moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee set as its primary goal for the coming year to study and review the educational standards and achievements of the Reading School System. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that as a secondary goal the School Committee address the question of the education of gifted and talented students. Five -Year Capital Outlay Plan Chairman Coco said the Finance Committee has requested submission of a five -year Capital Outlay Plan by September 26th and added that he would prefer that the Committee discuss a Plan tonight and vote on it at the next meeting (September 27th). The Committee discussed the Plan presented by the Administration, asking questions and suggesting additions. It was agreed that the Administration would update the Plan in line with the suggestions made and present it for School Committee vote at the next meeting. School Committee Vacancy The Chairman announced that the Board of Selectmen and the remaining members of the School Committee will meet jointly Monday, September 19th, at 7:30 p. M. in the Town Hall to interview applicants and vote to fill the vacancy on the School Committee resulting from the resignation of Mr. Michael Garroway. He said two applications have been received and additional applications will be accepted through Friday, September 16th. JV READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 198 Opening Day Remarks by Mr. Coco and Dr. Wells Noted for the record were the opening day of school remarks by the Chairman and the Superintendent, copies of which had been distributed to School Committee members. Fnrnl lmPrt.. Dr. Wells noted that the only surprise in the school enrollment figures as of September 12th was the fact that there are 35 more first graders than there were kindergarteners last year. He attributed this to in- migration and /or the fact that some children attended private kindergartens last year. A slight drop in enroll- ment from eighth grade to ninth was attributed to students entering vocational or college preparatory schools. He also said he was a little concerned about a drop from 408 Juniors to 360 Seniors in the High School, but added that sometimes these students return to school late from summer jobs. He felt the October 1st figures would reflect the enrollment more accurately. The Chairman noted that there was an overall decrease since last year of about Creative Art I for Kids Noted for the record was a letter from Creative Art for Kids, Inc., asking the School Committee to consider their space needs in future planning. Resignations Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted to accept with regret the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mrs. Virginia McCormick, secretary in the Central Office, effective November 30, 1983. Leaves Dr. Munnelly recommended granting the request for a leave from Mrs. Tina Peach, held in abeyance since the last meeting. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration that Mrs. Tina Peach, second grade teacher at Killam School, be granted a child- rearing leave of absence for the 1983 -84, school year, under the usual conditions. Appointments Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint, retroactive to the beginning of the school year Mrs. Nancy K. Cleary, 142 Bancroft Avenue, Reading, as a fourth grade teacher in the Barrows School at rate B -5 on the salary scale (one -year contract, non renewable); and Mr. Edward P. Jack, 21 Concord Street, Maynard, as a 2/5 instrumental music teacher (Clarinet), at the DM -3 Rate of the salary scale. zoo READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING SEPTEMBER 12, 198 Subcommittee Assignments Chairman Coco said that Mr. Allen had agreed to accept the assignment of head of the Bargaining and Negotiations Subcommittee and to continue as liaison to the Recreation Committee; Mrs. Philbrick had agreed to continue as liaison to the Citizens Advisory Council; Mr. Nissen will continue to represent the School Committee on the Space Study Committee; and he, the Chairman, will serve on the Law Committee. He requested members contact him regarding assignments they can take on as someone is needed to serve as Legislative Representative and more members are needed on the Bargaining and Negotiations Subcommittee. Executive Session At 9:02 p.m. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. Open Session — Adjournment The Committee returned to open session at 10:10 p.m., at which time Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Committee amend Superintendent Wells': contract to include the purchase of $1,500 of tax sheltered annuities for FY84. The motion was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 10:12 p. m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Seoretary