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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-10-26 School Committee Minutes209 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 24 1983 A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order on October 24, 1983, at 7:30 P. m..in the Central Office Conference Room, by Chairman Coco. All members were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. Chairman Coco welcomed new member Mr. W. Bruce MacDonald, appointed jointly by the Board of Selectment and School Committee on October 3rd to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Garroway. There were approximately eleven visitors, including Dr. John Delaney and Mr. William Cowles, Principal and Assistant Principal, respectively, of Parker Junior High School, Mr. Albert Lahood and Mr. Louis Adreani, Principal and Vice Principal, respectively, of the Coolidge Junior High School, and representatives of the Citizens Advisory Council and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of September 27, 1983 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 27, 1983, Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills October 21, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $54,744.92 Payrolls October 14, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $2+,459.31 October 20, 1983 - Teachers - Total - $312,785.03 October 21, 1983 - Weekly Total - $26,07+.69 October 28, 1983 - Weekly - Total - $25,756•45 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Bid - Microcomputer Hardware and Printer Mr. Winslow explained that, although specifications for a microcomputer hardware and printer were sent to 11 vendors, only one bid was received because the equipment had to be compatible with equipment now owned. The one bid was from Radio Shack, and he recommended its acceptance. Dr. Munnelly added that this equipment would support the teaching of LOGO and will be used mainly in the teaching of accounting by the High School Business Department. He said specifications were prepared by that Department after receiving a grant to purchase the equipment. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to award the contract for microcomputer hardware and printer, as set forth on document B- 3 -(a), to Radio Shack, in the amount of $7,917.44 ($225.44 under the anticipated amount). L vm c instruction 11.oque -st Dr. Wells explained that Mr. & Mrs. Robert Doolittle, who have instructed their 210 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES , _ OCTOBER 24, 1983 fourth grade child at home for the past three years, requested permission to continue instructing this child and also to instruct a first - grade -age son. He said that the first instruction plan submitted by the Doolittles did not meet the guidelines set forth in School Committee policy. They revised their plan, resubmitted to Pearl Street School Principal Paul Guerrette, and he now recommends it favorably to the School Committee. The Committee reviewed the plan briefly. Mrs. Philbrick then moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to grant the request of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Doolittle to instruct their daughter, Kate, (Grade 4) and their son, Simon, (Grade 1) at home in accordance with the plan described on document B -3 -b. Middle School District Lines and Transportation Policies Dr. Wells said that it had occurred to him that there has not been sufficient advance notice to parents of children who would be effected for the School Committee to take final action on district lines for the Middle Schools. He suggested that the subject be discussed at this meeting and acted upon at a later date. Dr. Wells said the Administration was recommending a uniform bus policy for grades 6, 7 and 8, which would necessitate a revision of existing school bus policy and would have students living within the two -mile limit walking to school a year earlier (sixth grade instead of seventh). This would make bussing policy uniform for grades 6 -12. He pointed out that the Middle School Advisory Committee had made it very clear that all grades should be treated alike. If the one -mile bussing limit for sixth graders is continued it would defeat this concept. The Committee discussed various alternatives to present policy at length. If a new 12 -mile limit were to be established for grades 6--8 more bus trips would be necessary. A uniform policy of two miles for grades 6 -12 would mean the same amount of busses would be required in 1984 -85 as are currently used; elementary school starting and dismissal times would remain unchanged; and nineteen sixth graders would be eligible for bus transportation. It was brought out that "safety" passes are issued in certain cases where walking conditions are considered unsafe. In a brief exchange regarding State reimbursements, it was noted that the State pays (a varying percentage) only for students who live over a mile and a half from school. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that existing policy be revised to reflect that the limit for walking for sixth graders be changed to two miles. As policy changes require two votes, the Committee decided that the second vote on changing the walking limit for sixth graders from one to two miles will be taken at the November 21st School Committee meeting. Redistricting for Middle Schools was discussed in general terms. Dr. Wells said that the Administration will have more specific information at a later date. He added that, with the possible exception of a few students in the Village Street area, the recommendation will be that Eaton and Barrows Schools students will go to Parker, and Killam and Birch Meadow students to Coolidge Junior High School. Chairman Coco said the redistricting will be discussed at the November 21st meeting along with the bussing policy. 211 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee OCTOBER 24, 1983 Dr. Wells, in submitting a list of names of people to serve on the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee, stated that he had asked Pearl Street School Principal Paul Guerrette to serve as Chairman. He added that all of the people whose names were submitted had volunteered their services. Dr. Wells then spoke briefly on document C -1, which contains the following charges to the Committee: °Recommend processes and procedures for identifying the gifted and talented, including those definitions which speak to high performance and those which speak to those of high talent but below potential performance. Also, the Advisory Committee is to review the efficacy of differentiating the talents being identified as opposed to focusing on academic talent only. °Offer suggestions for curriculum development options and teacher in- service trainging which address the students' needs and prepare the teaching staff for more fully meeting the needs of the students. 'The various recommendations of the Advisory Committee should be developed in light of the known fixed constraints (Proposition 2') and Reading's financial commitment to its entire educational system. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee approve the Gifted and Talented Advisory Committee makeup as listed on document C -1. Junior High Schools - Review of Policies and Practices Parker Junior High Principal Dr. John Delaney and Coolidge Junior High School` Principal Mr. Albert Lahood went over junior high school policies and practices on discipline, grading, homework, promotion standards, etc. It was noted that these are contained in the student handbook.for each School and parents are made aware of them. Copies of various rules and regulations, as well as the Handbooks, were distributed to School Committee members. Mr. Lahood said that the two schools work very closely in fostering a learning environment that is friendly and in which students, and also parents, know what is expected of them and what they can expect from school personnel. He added that each year there is an orientation for the incoming class and their parents. Dr. Delaney said there is as much recognition of students as possible, i.e, "citations" for various services to the schools awarded at assemblies, a "Tip of the Hat" form for students who deserve more than a pat on the back, an honor roll and perfect attendance certificates. Also discussed was the English policy which requires proper grammar usage, spelling, composition, etc. be extended to all subject areas. Dr. Delaney said every paper - regardless of the subject- is graded for English. Regarding homework policy, he said the "rule of thumb" is that students have 1 -12 hours per night and assignments must be meaningful. Mr. Lahood mentioned that the System is concentrating on the area of higher thinking to enable students to think at a higher level and be able to solve more sophisticated problems. 212 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1983 Following a lengthy question and answer period, the Chairman thanked the two Principals for their presentation. Financial Statements - September Noted for teh record were the Account Balances Statement and the Expense and Salary Accounts Statement for the month of September. M. A. S. C. Voting Delegate - M. A. S. C. Resolutions - 1983 -84 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Nigro official delegate to the annual convention of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The Committee decided to discuss the resolutions at the next meeting. Selectmen's Memorandum on School Dances Noted for the record was a memorandum from the Board of Selectmen stating that the presence of a policeman would be required at all dances held in schools. Concern was expressed that this additional expense would make the cost of the YMCA dances for junior high students prohibitive. Discussed briefly was the possibility of waiving custodial fees. Chairman Coco said the matter may be put on the agenda for the next meeting. American Arbitration Association Memorandum Noted for the record was a communication from the American Arbitration Association stating that the matter of a Class Action - non - payment of New Year's Day (Cafeteria Workers) -will be held in abeyance until further notice. Space Study Committee --All Boards Meeting Mrs. Philbrick reported on the meeting of the Space Study Committee with all Town Boards which she and Mr. MacDonald attended. She said the meeting was poorly attended but there were a lot of legitimate concerns expressed. She added that she thinks the Committee has a lot more work to do if they are going to convince Town Meeting that the Pearl Street School should become a municipal complex. Mrs. Philbrick noted that the question was raised as to why the Space Committee presented one proposal, and offered no alternatives. Mr. MacDonald asked Mr. Nissen if the single solution was "iron clad." Mr. Nissen said the charge did not preclude making secondary motions but the Space Committee feels it is important to consolidate Town government. Several possible alternative solutions were discussed. Mrs. Philbrick said she believes the question of school population, how much space will be available in the schools, and whether a new school will be needed in 5 -6 years will be raised at Town Meeting. Chairman Coco said he would prepare a statement for Town Meeting. 213 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER. 24, 1983 Agenda Calendar - 1983 -84 Chairman Coco noted that the annual School Christmas Party had not been included in the agenda calendar, but he hoped that this event would be held again. Mrs. Philbrick stated that she felt School Committee goals should be reviewed again in June. Leave Read into the record was a notice from Mrs. Diana LaMarca, fifth grade teacher at Birch Meadow School, stating she expects to be on maternity leave from November 28, 1983 until January 23, 1984. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:45 P. m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously by roll call vote to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 10:37 P. m. Respectfully submitted,, Robert S. Wells, Secretary