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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-11-22 School Committee Minutes221 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1983 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Coco on November 22, 1983, at 7:02 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room. A quorum was present, although Mr. MacDonald did not arrive until 7:30 P. m., and Mr. Allen at 8:13 P. m. Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendent Winslow was unable to be present because of a long -term prior commitment. Among the nine visitors present were Principals Mr. Albert Lahood, Coolidge Junior High School, Dr. John Delaney, Parker Junior High School, Mr. Donald Farnham, Joshua Eaton School, and Mr. Herbert Baron, Killam School, and a representative of the Daily Times & Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of November 1 and November 7, 1983 (Executive Session Only) On a motion by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the meeting of November 1, 1983 and November 7, 1983, Executive Session) were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for payment of bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills November 10, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $20,0+3.46 November 18, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $68,761.27 November 25, 1983 - General Expense - Total - $45,085.18 Payrolls November 10, 1983 November 17, 1983 November 18, 1983 November 23, 1983 December 2, 1983 December 1, 1983 Weekly Teacher Weekly Weekly Weekly - Teachers - Total - $27,972.45 s - Total - $311+,056.91 - Total - $27,152.88 - Total $27,917.44 Total - $36,136.63 - $322,330.93 Citizens' Input Mr. Neil Sumner, 12 Bolton Street, expressed his concern about his sixth grader walking to Coolidge Junior High School if redistricting should bring this about. Transportation Policy for Middle School - Second Vote Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, for second vote and adoption, that the School Bussing Policy be revised to read as follows: "Those pupils entitled to ride shall be - Kindergarten - all pupils living one -half (2) of a mile or over from their assigned schools. Grades 1 and 2 - all pupils living three - fourths (3/4) of a mile or over from their assigned schools. READING SCHOOL COI \14ITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1983 Grades 3, 4, 5 - all pupils living one (1) mile or more from their assigned schools. Grades 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 - those pupils living two (2) miles or more from their assigned schools." Redistricting for Middle Schools Dr. Wells said that the Administration would like to withdraw the recommendation, discussed at the October 24th meeting, to revise the district line in the general area of John Street to the railroad tracks on the East side of Main Street for the 1984 -85 school year. He added that it is still a viable plan, but without changing district lines enrollments will be evenly divided between the two Middle Schools next year. Several parents were present to oppose the redistricting. Dr. Wells assured them that their children would attend Parker Middle School next year, adding that it has been the custom to have siblings attend the same school and he does not expect this custom to change in the future. Middle School Plan - 198+ -85 At the Chairman's request Dr. Wells introduced the subject of the Middle School Plan for 1984 -85. Dr. Wells prefaced his remarks by noting the incredible amount of work which went into the Plan and commending Dr. Munnelly and the Junior High School Principals for their time and effort in doing most of this work. In presenting the Middle School Plan Dr. Wells said it was divided into three parts - curriculum, staff and in- service training. Among the changes, or new opportunities for sixth graders who will be in Middle School next year he listed more opportunities for electives, more physical education to be offered - and in a different setting, and science in a laboratory setting. More reading instruction may be offered to seventh and eighth grade students, but that recommendation will not be made until staffing is further reviewed. Also it will be possible to offer Spanish and French to eighth grade students, without increasing staff. However, eighth graders will have to elect one language or the other. The other major change proposed is the integrating of shop experiences, i. e., combining wood and metal shops. Dr. Wells added that he would like to be able to offer one - quarter year of computer science. He said that initiation of Middle Schools was not the reason for this proposal, but rather the fact that enrollments are declining in both Junior and Senior High Schools and something must be done about regrouping practical arts courses. He noted that they are expensive courses because of space, instructional and material requirements. Speaking in regards to staffing, Dr. Wells said basically six teachers would be transferred from Elementary to Middle Schools and one teacher would be riffed from each of the four academic area. 223 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVaMBER 22; 1983 During the School Committee discussion it was noted that physical education in Middle School could be handled by the present staff, but elementary art and music teachers' schedules would have to be rearranged so that they will spend some time in the Middle Schools. Also, Dr. Wells told the Committee that, while it is not yet definite, they hope that some members of the Staff of Fitchburg State College will assist in designing a consolidated practical arts course for the Middle Schools. He added that one of the possibilities he is excited about is combining the use of metal, plastics and wood. Chairman Coco said he feels that learning to work with metal is important as students don't usually have that opportunity to work with that material at home, as they may wood. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that the School Committee instruct the Superintendent to extend high praise to Dr. Munnelly, the Junior High Principals and their colleagues for their spirit of professionalism in relation to formulating the curriculum for Middle Schools, as presented. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to accept the curriculum proposal for Middle Schools as shown on Document B - 3 -a (1), entitled "Curriculum Priorities for Middle School." Regarding personnel, Dr. Munnelly told the Committee that because of the language they had adopted last year regarding Middle Schools, although as yet there is no side letter, the Administration has proceeded to brief staff on Middle Schools and asked teachers who would be willing to transfer to Middle School to be a part of the planning team. He added that ten volunteered and have been tenatively assigned to a Middle School and, also, have been interfacing with the faculty on the plans (Documents B -3 -a (2) and B -3 -a (3) as part of an effort for smooth transition. Mr. Nigro said he would like the School Committee to have briefings on various parts of the above mentioned documents. Chairman Coco agreed these matters should be on future agendas, possibly in February and May. Financial Statement Noted for the record was the Cafeteria Statement for September. Elementary Schools - Review of Policy and Practices Chairman Coco noted that the review of Elementary School Policies and Practices was a part of a continuing series, following similar reviews at the Senior and Junior High levels. Joshua Eaton School Principal Mr. Donald Farnham and Killa. School Principal Mr. Herbert Baron were present, representing the Elementary School Principals. Mr. Farnham spoke on the student progress reporting system, including parent - teacher conferences, promotional guidelines, and home - school relationships, stressing the importance of communication. He noted home - school relationships start before the child enters school, through the kindergarten screening and orientation processes. Following his presentation Mr. Farnham answered questions from School Committee members. Mr. Baron then spoke about rules and regulations and homework, noting that he was giving a consensus of the five Elementary Schools. he said rules and regulations were kept to a minimum, with the emphasis being on self- discipline, i. e., that students respect others' feelings and be able to work and play without disrupting others. X24 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 198 On the subject of homework guidelines, Mr. Baron said the time spent may vary from school to school, is appropriate to students' needs and abilities, and is used to reinforce academics. At the sixth grade, he added, students have more formalized J homework. The need to budget their time is stressed to students. Grades 4 -6 students generally can expect to have one -half to one hour of homework each school night. Discussed in the ensuing question and answer period were philosophy of homework, discipline, and parental involvement. Chairman Coco then thanked Mr. Farnham and Mr. Baron for their presentations. State Board Proposals - Assessments and Curriculum There was a length discussion of the recommendations of Education Commissioner John H. Lawson concerning secondary school curriculum and changes that the Board of Education has been considering in its Basic Skills Improvement Policy. Dr. Munnelly briefed the School Committee on the changes in assessing now under consideration, I. E., the State will conduct assessments at grades four and twelve, data will be sent back to Towns and compared to State and National statistics. The State will try to identify problem areas - school by school - concentrating on a couple of curriculum areas each year. Some concern was expressed about the amount of time consumed by testing. Dr. Munnelly said the State also is considering setting up a "pool" of money to help districts overcome problems, and a smaller amount of money for schools which seem to do well. He added that it appears the State will abandon its present Basic Skills Policy. He noted that the proposed changes would require Legislative action and added that there is ample opportunity to contact Legislators. The consensus of the School Committee was to appoint a subcommittee to write reactions to the State proposals, with a letter to be sent on behalf of the Committee. The Chairman appointed Mr. MacDonald and Mrs. Philbrick to this Subcommittee. Boston University Announcement - Science Fellows It was noted for the record that Reading Memorial High School teachers Mr. Leo Kenney, Mr. Philip Blum and Mr. Kevin Zenewicz have been accepted as Boston University Science Fellows and participants in their Science Seminar Series, in recognition of them being outstanding science teachers. School Expenses Nearly Doubled in Seven Years Also noted for the record was an article, distributed to the Committee by Dr. Wells, from "Report on Education," entitled "School Expenses Neary Double in Seven Years," which enumerated percentage increases in various school budget areas. Resignations Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously, to accept the resignation of Ms.Virginia A. Ball, teacher of a Learning Disability Class at Birch Meadow School, effective November 14, 1983. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was unanimously voted to accept 225 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 22, 1983 the resignation, for purposes of retirement. of Miss Jean S. Underhill, who has been a secretary at Reading Memorial High School for 38 years, effective January 27, 1984. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Ms. Dorothy K. Ryan, reading teacher at Coolidge Jr. High School, effective December 23, 1983. Appointment Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to appoint Mrs. Kathleen Gregory, 693 Main Street, Wakefield, to replace Ms. Ball at the Birch Meadow School, on a second -year contract, retroactive to November 4, 1983, at step M -8 of the salary scale - $19,627.34 pro - rated. Leaves Noted for the record was the request of Mrs. Jean Maloney- Stewart, Assistant Principal and reading teacher at Killam School, for a maternity leave to commence on or about January 14, 1984 and to continue for approximately six weeks. On a motion by Mr. MacDonald, seconded by Mr. Nissen, the Committee voted unanimously to grant, on the recommendation of the Administration, 13 additional days of sick leave to Miss Catherine Cook, Food Services Director. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9 :40 p.m. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations and policy. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 11 :10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, 4&4z"' ,1. A/t Robert S. Pdells, Secretary