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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-04-02 School Committee Minutes287 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2. 1984 Tour of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department The first segment of the April 2, 1984 meeting of the Reading School Committee consisted of a tour of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department of Reading Memorial High School, starting at 7:30 p. m. All School Committee members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. How- ever, before the business segment of the meeting was called to order Chairman Coco and Dr. Wells left to attend a meeting with all Town Boards and Committees. High School Principal Mr. Leonard D'Orlando and Mr. Charles Symonds, former Assistant Principal at the High School, were present for the tour. Mr. Fred Wales, Head of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department, lead the tour of six classrooms /shops of the Department and introduced faculty members Mr. Russell E. Morris, (electronics), Mr. Peter T. Wood (art), Ms. Cheryl O'Halloran (art), Mr. Michael Harney (graphic arts), Mr. Stephen J. Arsenault (metal technology) and Mr. Robert F. Patterson (woodworking). Each teacher spoke about the various courses he /she teaches and the work being done by their students. Approximately 50 students were present, on a voluntary basis, in the various instructional - areas, demonstrating and explaining the many processes and projects- in which they are involved and answering questions from School Committee members.;_ -_ Following the tour Mr. Wales gave an overview of his Department and explained that the tour was representative of a usual school day, adding that many more students wanted to be present but had prior commitments to jobs or other school activities. He also briefly reviewed the recent evaluation of the Department, and listed the goals and objectives, as well as proposals for changes in the Department. Following his presentation Mr. Wales answered questions from School Committee members. Chairman Coco thanked Mr. Wales for putting together an excellent presentation and a most interesting tour. Gift from Compugraphic Corporation During the course of the tour Mr. D'Orlando announced that Mr. Carl E. Dantas, President of Compugraphic Corp., and a local resident, is interested in establishing • long -term partnership with the School System and to that end the Firm is donating • considerable amount of very expensive machinery and state -of- the -art materials, and will also allow some use of some of the Firm's equipment. This will put the High School into electronic media for the first time. Business Meeting Call to Order At 9 :35 p. m. the Committee adjourned to the Reading Memorial High School Library Conference Room and Acting Chairman Philbrick called the business meeting to order. roval of the Minutes of March 26. 1984 On a motion by Mr. Nissen, seconded by Mr. Nigro, the Committee voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of March 26, 1984 with the following two changes: (1) Page 2; last paragraph, second sentence - change dollar amount from $125,000 to $300 - 500,000; (2) Page 4, sixth paragraph, first sentence to read - "During the discussion which preceded the final vote Mr. MacDonald said he felt 238 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2. 1984 that the use of a resource teacher for gifted and talented students was preferred to the practice of removing them from their school building. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrant for bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills April 6, 1984 - General Expense - Total - $35,257.67 Payrolls April 5, 1984 - Teachers - Total - $315,574.65 April 6, 1984 - Weekly -- Total - $26,171.30 Citizens' Input There were no visitors at the business meeting. Request to Selectmen Acting Chairman Philbrick explained that because expenditures for bargaining and negotiations have exceeded the $10,000 appropriated, it was necessary to have approval from the Selectmen to expend more. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously that the Chairman rrequest approval from the Board of Selectmen for expenditures in excess of $10,000 for legal counsel for collective bargaining. Law Committee - Representative from the School Committee Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted that Chairman Richard H. Coco be appointed to the Law Committee as the School Committee's representative for the duration of the term. Staff Reappointments Acting Chairman Philbrick stated that, as April 15th is approaching, teachers have to be notified regarding reappointments, otherwise contracts would be automatically renewed. Dr. Munnelly said the Administration was recommending a reduction -in -force of 17 teachers. He reviewed with the Committee the various recommendations of the Admin- istration, as shown on Exhibits B -3 -c (1), (2) and (3). Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to reappoint to fourth year (tenure) contracts the teachers listed on Exhibit B -3 -c (1). Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to reappoint to third or second year contracts those teachers listed on Exhibit B -3 -c (2). Mr. MacDonald requested that reappointments of directors and assistant principals be voted upon separately. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Mr. James L. Roth be reappointed as Director of Music, contract 414 - as READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2. 1984 tenure. In recommending that Mr. Roth Be reappointed as Director of Music, Dr. Munnelly cited Mr. Roth's three year performance as Director and noted his strengths, especially his support for staff, and his planning and leadership abilities in working with Administrators. He added that one of Mr. Roth's goals involved leadership to the Community in the expansion of musical opportunities for students. He said that on this aspect of his work Mr. Roth has been improving, even though it is not his strong suit. Mr. MacDonald said he would vote against Mr. Roth's reappointment. He said he has tried to make himself believe that Mr. Roth is a strong director, of consequence, but feels that the Music Department does not have the strong leadership he would like to see it have. He added that he would like more discussion as to where Mr. Roth is going with the Music Department. Acting Chairman Philbrick said that Mr. Roth is not a dynamic advocate of music, as Mrs. Wheltle is for art, adding that perhaps this was an unfair comparison. She said she thinks Mr. Roth is for music in the schools, aware of what all the people are doing and knows the strengths and weaknesses of the Department, but is constantly underestimating what the students can do. Mr. Nissen expressed concern about the effect on the vote for reappointment of non - tenured teachers. Dr. Munnelly explained that Mr. Roth has tenure as a teacher, and if the School Committee voted his contract as Director was not renewed Mr. Roth would remain as a teacher. The Acting Chairman asked if the School Committee could withhold or postpone the tenure appointment. Dr. Munnelly replied that under the law the reappointment constitutes tenure. Mr. MacDonald asked if tenure for directors is covered by law. Dr. Munnelly said that it was not covered specifically, as Chapter 71 addresses demotion. He added that if the School Committee's decision was not to reappoint, they would be dropping him as Director of Music and the Committee may have to RIF some less experienced teacher at this meeting. Mr. MacDonald asked if the School Committee did not vote tenure would there be any way to specify that only an insider would be appointed. Dr. Munnelly replied that the Committee would have to if they did not reduce the force by another music teacher. Mr. Allen said he was curious as to what deficiency Mr. Roth has. He added that he felt Mr. Roth gave a lack - luster presentation to the School Committee a year ago. He asked what Mr. Roth could do to improve and whether he could attain it. Dr. Munnelly pointed out to the Committee that his recommendation of Mr. Roth was based on the process of evaluation that has been on- going through the years. He said Mr. Roth has a set of goals which he has been working on and has been receiving supervision from the Administration. He added that while Mr. Roth's work in the Community has been the source of discussion, other aspects of the job are important. 290 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2. 1984 In support of Mr. Roth's reappointment, Dr. Munnelly read Mr. Roth's evaluation. He added that given Reading's annual goal- setting approach, he recommended that the School Committee reappoint Mr. Roth now and have a follow -up School Committee meeting with him at a future date to discuss needed improvements and changes in his leadership. Mrs. Philbrick said that she felt there was a difference between Mr. Roth's Chorus and Ms. Gagnon's, adding that the latter performed and looked better. She also said the performance of "The Mikado" which she attended was "ragged" and she felt Mr. Roth should have known what students were available and then chosen a musical accordingly. She added that she was concerned about this "this type of thing." Mr. MacDonald said he felt the most strongly negative thing was the statement Mr. Roth made at the first meeting of the Band Parents when he said he didn't want the parents to have to come out another night. He added that some parents said they would go out any night in support of their child. Mr. MacDonald added that when parents have to push the Director of Music into activities which involve parents and their children it is a sad commentary. He said he wished this was not a tenure contract under consideration. Mr. MacDonald added that if the School Committee voted to give Mr. Roth tenure it is tantamount to saying he has done a;,,, great job. Dr. Munnelly said that his sense of Mr. Roth's qualities as a leader is that he is open to hearing input from the School Committee. Mr. Allen said he felt Mr. Roth should have the opportunity of talking to the School Committee, as his job is involved. Dr. Munnelly urged a reappointment, citing the Administration's process of goals and evaluation and noting that Mr. Roth had no reason to suspect the School Committee would not grant him tenure. The vote on the motion to reappoint Mr. Roth as Director of Music, contract 464 - tenure - was as follows: For - Mr. Allen; opposed - Mr. MacDonald, Mr. Nigro and acting Chairman Philbrick. Mr. Nissen abstained. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously to appoint Mrs. Susan Wheltle as Director of Art, contract 464 - tenure; Mr. R. Gilbert Congdon as Director of Athletics, contract 463; and Dr. Allan Alson and Mrs. Maureen Zolubos as Assistant Principals at Reading Memorial High School both on contract 463. Mr. Nigro said he would like to publicly acknowledge Dr. Munnelly's doing so well the job of preparing lists and reviewing teachers under consideration for reappointment. Dr. Munnelly then reviewed with the Committee all further recommendations of the Administration, as set forth on Exhibits B -3 -c (4) through (10). Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, not to renew the contract of Ms. Nancy Cook, mathematics teacher, and Mr. Conrad Shultz; teacher of Health Decisions; because of staff reductions at Reading Memorial High School necessitated by declining enrollments and staff reorganization at the middle school. 291 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 2, 1984 Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, not to renew the contract of.Ms. Ellen D. Hayes, English /Reading teacher in the FOCUS Program, because of the return of a tenured staff member at Reading Memorial High School. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, not to renew the contract of Ms. Kathleen. Gregory because of the return of a regular staff member who has been on child - rearing leave. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration not to renew the contract of Mrs. Kathy Duffy, because of declining enrollments and staff reduction. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, not to renew the contracts of Ms. Elia Dangelmaier and Ms. Eileen Gagnon due to declining enrollments and reorganization. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration to grant tenure once again to Ms. Sally Mucica. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that Mr. Stephen Arsenault be notified that he may be affected by a reduction in force. Resignation Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Mrs. Rose Silver, speech therapist at Birth Meadow School (presently on child- rearing leave), effective immediately. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of March 30, 1984 and Expense Accounts as of March 30, 1984. Vote of Appreciation Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted to enter into the records the School Committee's thanks to Mr. Fred Wales, Head of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department, for 42 years of service. Executive Session - Adjournment At 11 :10 p. m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss bargaining and negotiations matters. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 11:22 p. m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary