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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-14 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Call to Order MAY 14, 1984 297 Chairman Coco called a regular metting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:37 p.m., on May 14, 1984, in the auditorium of the Parker Junior High School. Mr. Nigro and Mr. Allen had notified the Chairman they would be late and arrived at 7:40 and 8:00 p. m., respectively. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately 60 visitors, including Reading Memorial High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Coolidge Junior High School Principal Albert Lahood, Parker Junior High School Principal John Delaney, Barrows School Principal Charles Papandreou, Eaton School Principal Donald Farnham and Pearl Street School Principal Paul Guerrette, Music Director James Roth, and representatives of the Citizens Advisory Committee, League of Women Voters, the Red Sneakers School, LaPierre School of Dance and the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of April 2 and April 11, 1984 Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and the minutes of the meeting of April 2, 1984 were unanimously accepted with the following change: Page 3, last paragraph: delete the last sentence. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously to accept the minutes of the meeting of April 11, 1984. Bills and Payrolls. Warrants for bills and payrolls were authorized as follows: Bills April 20, 1984 - General Expense - $40,666.28 April 27, 1984 - General Expense - $66,745.91 May 4, 1984 - General Expense - $22,204.14 May 11, 1984 - General Expense - $28,335.40 May 18, 1984 - General Expense - $16,075.17 Payrolls April 13, 1984 - Teachers - $298,177.40 April 14, 1984 - Weekly - $26,940.22 April 20, 1984 - Weekly - $26,432.96 April 27, 1984 - Weekly - $24,877.95 May 3, 1984 - Teachers - $323,399.62 May 4, 1984 - Weekly - $26,288.19 May 11, 1984 - Weekly - $26,079.25 May 17, 1984 - Teachers - $311,752.46 May 18, 1984 - Weekly - $27,009.89 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Director of Music Appointment Dr. Wells said that in an attempt to meet the State mandated April 15th date for notifying teachers of reappointment the Administration made recommendations for ?98 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14. 1984 Directors, as well as other appointments, for the April 2nd meeting, even though he knew that he and the Chairman would have to miss most of the meeting because of an all -board meeting called by the Selectment for the same night. He learned the next morning that his recommendation for Music Director failed to gain sufficient votes. Continuing, he said that he would make the same recommendation at this meeting as Mr. Roth has carried out his job description and because he and Dr. Munnelly have given him a favorable evaluation in the three years he has served as Music Director. Dr. Wells added that Mr. Roth has moved the Music Department along in a very favorable way. Dr. Wells said that apparently there is some misunderstanding about the direction the Music Program was taking and if a majority of the School Committee wants to change the direction of the Program he would be glad to have this on an agenda in the near future. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, to appoint Mr. James Roth, Director of Music for 1984 -85 (tenure appointment) . Mr. MacDonald then read a statement explaining that he voted against Mr. Roth's, appointment on April 2nd because it was his perception that Mr. Roth was not vigorous enough with the Program. This perception, he said, came about from numerous experiences he had and he was convinced that Mr. Roth was not being strong enough and that there was not enough aggressiveness. He added that he had spoken to a number of people since April 2nd, including Mr. Roth, and has come to believe that his perception is not the only one. He emphasized that his vote was totally spontaneous - that there had been no advanced plan among School Committee members - that it just turned out that several members had concerns - and that he was shocked by the vote. He noted that the School Committee members based their opinions on what they see in the community, as well as on the recommendation of the Administration and did not always have to agree with the Administration. His final point was that the Director of Art and Music were in a somewhat weak situation because the building Principals have so much control over their budgets. He then said that he had time to rethink the situation and would support Mr. Roth's appointment. Mr. Nigro said he felt the newspapers had dealt with the issue badly which was embarrassing for Mr. Roth. He emphasized that Mr. Roth is one of the most honorable men in Reading. Mr. Nigro said he had received some calls saying there should be more leadership in the Music Department and others that were very positive about the Department. He added that he had read Mr. Roth's evaluation since the April 2nd vote and it raises some questions but not of him as an individual or teacher. He concluded that it has not been an easy decision but he plans to support Mr. Roth's appointment. Mrs. Philbrick concurred with what the two previous speakers said, expressed her thanks to the people who took time to call her - about both sides of the issue - and concluded by stating that in the end all are interested in a good, strong music program. The vote on the motion to appoint Mr. Roth Director of Music received an affirmative vote from the five members then present and Mr. Allen, who arrived shortly after the vote was taken, stated that he too wanted to be recorded as voting in favor of the appointment. 299 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Pearl Street School - Rental? MAY 14. 1984 Chairman Coco said that two or three months ago the School Committee had debated, briefly, the question of renting the Pearl Street School, had agreed there was a potential, and that now he would like members to give it more serious thought. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously that a Subcommittee be formed to investigate all aspects of renting the Pearl Street School, form a policy, and report to the full Committee by the first meeting in June. During the discussion which preceded the above vote, the Chairman pointed out that renting the facility, 'rather than mothballing it, would probably decrease vandalism and deterioration of the building and that income could be derived from it as well. Such income he added, could go into a revolving account to help pay for upkeep of the building. The Chairman felt a policy could be adopted similar to that which governs the rental of other School Department facilities. He noted that several organizations have already expressed an interest in renting a part of the School. Mr. Nissen said the School Committee should also decide if the Central Office should be moved, adding that he had some serious questions, i. e., (1) What direction school enrollments are going to take (he noted that all elementary classes are full), (2) If the building is rented, what happens when the School Department needs it again, and (3) Could the $13,000 in the budget (for mothballing) be placed in a revolving account and used to pay for utilities or would these have to be paid from the regular budget? The Chairman noted that the Town Counsel must be consulted on the legal aspects of renting the building. Dr. Wells said all funds derived from renting or leasing the School must be used to care for it and that the Selectmen must be the rental agents. The Chairman and Mr. Nigro will constitute the Subcommittee to investigate the feasibility of renting the Pearl Street School. Student Insurance Dr. Wells said that for the first time in nineteen years the Administration was recommending that the contract for the Student Insurance Program be offered to other than a local agency because this year they were not competitive. He said that the Gerard Lefebvre Agency of Norwood has quoted a price of $3.00 for the School -time Plan and $19.00 for the 24 -Hour Plan, as opposed to $5.00 and $30.00 from the local agency. He added that Mr. Winslow has contacted several communities doing business with the Lefebvre Agency and received positive references. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the Gerard Lefebvre Agency be authorized to offer the School Insurance Program in Reading Schools for 1984 -85 and 1985 -86 at a cost of $3.00 for the School -time Plan and $19.00 for the 24 -Hour Plan. Principal - Killam School - July 1. 1984 Dr. Wells said that due to the resignation of Mr. Herbert Baron as Principal of the Killam School he was recommending that Mr. Paul Guerrette, now Principal of the Pear Street School, be transferred to the Killam School as of July 1, 1984. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee authorize the transfer of Mr. Paul Guerrette, presently Principal of the Pearl Street School, to the Principalship of the Killam School, effective 300 ING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 1984 July 1, 1984. Dr. Wells requested and received School Committee approval for a four -week extension of Mr. Baron's contract so that he may assist Mr. Guerrette during the transition period as Mr. Guerrette will also be involved with the closing of the Pearl Street School. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Account Balances as of April 30, 1984; Expense Accounts as of April 30, 1984; and the Cafeteria Statement for March 1984. Mr. Winslow noted that by the next meeting the Administration will have figures on the status of the overall budget as the fiscal year nears the end, and whether or not it appears that there will be a surplus. He also said that the Cafeteria Budget will be presented at the next meeting. Cycle Six - Energy Saving Proposal Mr. Winslow said that with the technical assistance of the MASBO Cooperative Corp- oration, now serving as the System's energy facilities consultant, the Technical Assistance Audits completed in 1982 have been reviewed and updated, resulting in the filing of applications for matching -fund Cycle Six Energy Grants. He recapitu- lated the projects, involving four schools, for which matching funds are being sought, as listed on Document C -3. Mr. Winslow said that if the applications are approved Reading's share of the $77,904 total would be only $8,611, with the remainder coming from Federal Funds. Grants will be awarded in September 1984 and the School Department does not have to commit itself until it knows whether it will receive funds and the amount. School Year. School Day Rules and Regulations Dr. Wells stated that since February word has been coming from the State Department of Education saving they will be much more stringent in granting waivers of the 180 day school year requirement, and emphasizing that the only holiday - related half -day which will be counted is the day before Thanksgiving. Because of the five snow days this year Reading students will have a full day the last day of school, instead of the traditional partial day, in order to fulfill the 180 -day requirement. Policy on Collaboration Dr. Wells said that because we have been meeting with other communities in an attempt to establish future collaborative plans, he felt that an official School Committee Policy should be formulated and adopted. Dr. Munnelly added that the State Department of Education is encouraging, especially in the awarding of grants, collaboration among school systems. He said the Administration is looking for ways to keep the curriculum as "rich" as possible and collaboration with other communities could be a way of achieving this goal. Dr. Munnelly stated that discussions have been going on among the Towns of Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield and Wakefield and that, while nothing has been worked out academically this year, it is hoped that something will be for next year. 301 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 1984 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was unanimously voted to adopt for first vote the draft of Policy LBB, Policy on Collaboration with Nearby School Districts;- -as shown on Document C -5. Understanding Handicaps Dr. Munnelly told the Committee he had been approached over a year ago by a group of parents and townspeople interested in conducting a program for third and fourth grade students about understanding handicaps. He said the program, which has units of instruction on blindness, deafness, physical limitations, mental retardation and invisible handicaps, helps students learn about handicaps and become sensitive to the special needs of handicapped people in this integrated world. He added that it stresses what handicapped people can do and emphasizes the similarities of all people. Dr. Munnelly said that in cooperation with the citizens group the program has been started in Reading Elementary Schools. Units of study are planned in cooperation with the School Staff and carried out by volunteers from the Community who have received special training. He added that people from the Community will raise funds to bring in speakers. Ms. Carol Everson, Ms. Diane Dresser and Ms. Ayse Green appeared before the School Committee, on behalf of the citizens group, to give further background and information on the Program and answer any questions they had. It was agreed by all who have observed the program that there has been excellent response from the students. Mrs. Philbrick praised the plan for spreading the Program over a two -year period instead of attempting to do it all in one year. School Committee members were enthusiastic about the program and thanked the citizens group for their presentation. Revised Spring and Summer Schedule Noted for the record was the revised spring and summer schedule of School Committee meetings, as shown on Document C -7. Discussed briefly was the possibility of having a School Committee workshop sometime in June. Leaves Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant to Ms. Carol McLaughlin, art teacher at Barrows and Eaton Schools, an unpaid professional development leave for the 1984- 85 school year. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant to Ms. Patricia Herrington, speech/ language therapist at the Pearl Street School, an unpaid personal leave for the 1984 -85 school year. Noted for the record was that Mrs. Pamela K. Chomsky- Higgins, SEEM teacher at Killam 0 L_,.7 L L., �,, t.. 1 A.. 4 1 7' r-1 d ' l l ntinuce too he until 1 0cilooI, ii as een on imia ernity 'ca`v'e —1— cFrll 2✓ - ai.. wI - READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES the end of the school year. MAY 14, 1984 Also noted for the record was that Mrs. Lynn Cameron, second grade teacher at the Joshua Eaton School, has been on maternity leave since May 7th and will be until the close of the school year. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant to Mrs. Gladys Brown, cafeteria worker at Coolidge Junior High School, an unpaid leave of absence, retroactive to April 9, 1984, until September 1, 1984, as provided for in Article XI, Section B of the Contract. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Mrs. Jean Wicks, Secretary at the Pearl Street School, be granted an extension to her sick leave of up to 30 days. After some discussion as to whether vacation time should be used before a sick leave extension is applied for, the motion carried on a 5 -1 vote, with Chairman Coco casting the dissenting vote. Resignations Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. Richard Ham as Foreign Languages Department Head only, effective at the end of the school year. Mr. Ham will return to the classroom fulltime. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Ms. Helen Scannell, a teacher in the Reading Memorial High School Business Education Department, and Ms. Carol Mishler, a biology teacher at Reading Memorial High School, both to be effective at the end of the school year. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Mr. Stephen Johnson, custodian at Barrows School, effective April 20, 1984, and Mr. Sean LeBlanc, custodian at Coolidge Junior High School, effective May 11, 1984. For the record Mr. Winslow noted that Mrs. Mabel Haugh, cafeteria manager at Coolidge Junior High School, and Mrs. Jessie Killam, cafeteria worker at Pearl Street School, will be retiring at the end of the school year. Both have been employed in the system since 1962. Appointments Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mr. Thomas C. Darrin Head of the Social Studies Department at Reading Memorial High School, effective September 1, 1984. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was unanimously voted, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Mrs. Gina M. Healy as Head of the Foreign Languages Department at Reading Memorial High School, effective September 1, 1984. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 14, 1984 JQ Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was unanimously voted, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, to appoint Mr. Michael F. Harney acting Head of the Fine and Industrial Arts Department at Reading Memorial High School, effective Sep- tember 1, 1984. The three appointments are for one year. Dr. Wells explained that the recommendation that Mr. Harney be appointing acting chairman was because that Department is in a state of flux, with major changes taking place, especially in graphic arts because of equipment being donated by Compugraphic Corporation. This way, he added, change in the Department and curriculum can be monitored. Executive Session - Adiournment At 10:15 p.m. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 10:37 p.m. Respectfully subQ: itt'ed, Robert S. Wells, Secretary