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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-05-29 School Committee Minutes307 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 1984 Call to Order Chairman Coco called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:30 p.m. on May 29, 1984, in the Central Office Conference Room. Mrs. Philbrick and Mr. MacDonald were absent. All other members were present, as were Superin- tendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were eleven visitors including members of the Student Advisory Council, their Advisor, Mrs. Rena Mirkin, High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Food Services Director Catherine Cook, Finance Committeeman James O'Leary, and a representative of the Daily Times and Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of May 14, 1984 On a motion by Mr. Nigro, seconded by Mr. Allen, the School Committee minutes for the meeting of May 14, 1984 were unanimously approved. Bills and Payroll Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills May 25, 1984 - General Expense - $34,595.43 June 1, 1984 - General Expense - $58,837.13 Payrolls May 25, 1984 - Weekly - $25,717.52 May 31, 1984 - Teachers - $313,388.52 June 1, 1984 - Weekly - $25,458.41 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Student Advisory Council Student Advisory Council members Robert Griffin, Philip Daly, Susan Nordberg, Ronald Bashford and Linda Richardson met with the School Committee. They were accompanied by their Advisor, Mrs. Rena Mirkin, and High School Principal, Mr. Leonard D'Orlando. Dr. Wells noted that he had met with the Council last week and the main topic of discussion was graduation requirements. He added that they also discussed some of their accomplishments during the year. Mr. Griffin, acting as spokesman, introduced the other members present and noted that a number of this year's seniors have been accepted to very prestigious colleges and universities. Miss Nordberg spoke on the Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) Program, telling about a pre -prom assembly the group sponsored, in conjunction with the Governor's Office, and noted that there had been no accidents on prom night. ;�08 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29. 1984 Miss Richardson explained the Peer Tutoring Program, which involves,182 pairs of students, working on a one -to -one basis. Mr. Daly spoke about several service projects, i.e., the Blood Bank Program, netting almost 100 pints this year; contributions to the Jaycees, Home for Little Wanderers - a truckload of food was collected, the Sue Sellers Fund, Band Uniform Fund; and the murals for the High School walls. He also spoke about the goals of the SAC - estab- lishing a constitution and improving public image, adding that he felt both had been accomplished. He also thanked Dr. Munnelly for framing an old photograph of the Highland School. Mr. Bashford spoke about the computer program and accessibility of computers at the High School. Mrs. Mirkin briefly explained the "Career Search" computer program now available to the students. SAC members answered a number of questions from the School Committee and then Chair- man Coco thanked them for their presentation. Collaborative Policy - Second Vote Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and the School Committee voted unanimously, a second vote, for final adoption of Policy LBB - Collaboration With Nearby School Districts. Bids - Science Supplies Mr. Winslow recapitulated the bids received for science supplies for the Senior and Junior High Schools, recommending the low bids for all items. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to award the contracts for science supplies as recommended by the Administration and shown on Document B- 3 -a -1. Bids - General Supplies In going over the bids for general supplies Mr. Winslow noted that for two items, duplicating paper and scissors, the low bid was not being recommended because of the quality of the items. The low bids were recommended for all other items. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted to award the bids for general supplies as recommended by the Administration and enumerated on Document B- 3 -a -2- Revised, for a total of $56,684.49. Bids - Partition - Science Lab - "A Wing ", R.M.H.S. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, that, on the recommendation of the Adminis- tration, the contract for partitioning of the third floor (science lab) of Reading Memorial High School (A Wing) be awarded to the low bidder, New England School Services, Inc., of Somerville, for $34,000 ($2,137 over budget allocation). Follow - ina a brief discussion of the bidding process, the motion carried by unanimous vote. 309 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29. 1984 Cafeteria Budget - 1985 Mr. Winslow summarized the proposed FY85 Cafeteria budget, outlined on Document B -3 -b, noting that it reflects a declining enrollment, an anticipated increase in the per capita expenditure, a potential reduction in the breakfast reimbursement, an increase in the participation of the Class A meal, purchasing less in larger quantities (bulk buying) at better prices, the reduction of personnel as a result of closing the Pearl Street School, and the request for a cafeteria clerk position. He said the latter would be a six -hours per day, school year position and that the clerk would assist the Director of Food Services and free her time for the managerial aspects of her position. In addition, he added, a four -hour per day cafeteria worker position would be added at the High School. Mr. Winslow said the variable components in the School Lunch Program which could have a major effect on FY85 projects are: the amount of Federal reimbursement; the kinds and quantities of commodities available in FY85; and unforeseen major repairs and replacement of equipment. He added that no increase in the price of the Type A lunch is anticipated but prices on a la carte items may vary with food costs. Mr. Winslow and Miss Cook answered questions from the School Committee concerning labor, food and direct costs, participation and the clerical position requested. Chairman Coco commented on the increased participation and how well, in general, the School Lunch Program was being operated. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was unanimously voted that the School Committee approve the FY85 Cafeteria Operating Budget, as shown on Document B -3 -b, including the personnel changes recommended on Page 2. Proposition 22 Amendment The Chairman said that this item was placed on the agenda at Mr. Nissen's request and he would, therefore, turn the floor over to him. Mr. Nissen spoke in favor of the School Committee taking a leadership position in an effort to amend Proposition 22. He noted that the Town Meeting vote was an instruc- tional one to have the question put on the ballot, but a two- thirds vote of the Selectmen is needed. He spoke of an amendment possibility - exclusion of both pre and post Proposition 22 debt, as described on Page 4 of the Document B -3 -c, which would need only a majority, rather than a two - thirds vote, on a referendum; and of Section III of B -3 -c, Guidelines of Page 7. Under Section III Towns which had been tied to a limitation percentage below 2.5% of their total valuations by low 1979 or 1981 tax rates may now go up to the 22 limit - by referendum vote. He said that Reading has never had a 22% tax rate. Mr. Nissen said it is his contention that the School Department has been "taking it on the chin" in recent budget discussions and that he feels amending Proposition 22 is one of the most important issues the School Committee will deal with, adding that { he would like the Committee to take a leadership position in convincing the Town it should override and in influencing the Board of Selectmen. Continuing, he said that he plans to make a motion that the School Committee take an active role in over- riding Proposition 22 locally, but would like to know how the other members felt about waiting until the full Committee is present. 310 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29. 1984 Mr. Nigro said he felt the Committee has the responsibility to have a good school system. He added that this year there has been an erosion of what we have come to expect and so he could support such a motion, as his position is, primarily, to have a responsibility to the schools and good, quality education. Mr. Nigro said his major concern is that a majority of people in Town do not have children in the schools. Mr. Nissen interjected that the School Committee has a primary responsibility to see that people who do have children in the schools are made aware. Mr. Allen said he has indicated in the past that since the Town voted for Proposi- tion 22j he finds it difficult as a School Committee member to separate the two issues. He said he would like to see the School Department get a "larger slice of the pie ", but in the last election the Community spoke firmly for Proposition 22. He added that he did not feel he could vote for a motion to override. Chairman Coco read the following statement into the minutes: "There is no single piece of recent legislation that has raised the level of contro- versy as has Proposition 22. From its inception, through its eventual overwhelming passage by the voters of Massachusetts, to its implementation, the message of doom at all levels of government in the Commonwealth has been proclaimed and espoused. Yet here in May of 1984, fully three years after its passage, little of those disaster scenarios have been realized." "Before its passage, Massachusetts had the dubious nickname, "TAXachusetts ", and for good reason. At all levels, taxes were choking economic growth and prosperity. Passage of 22, which took the burden of paying for government off the shoulders of the property owner, has gone a long way in changing that negative image. Proof of the strong resultant economy of our State is evident in its strong position and low unemployment during the recession just passed." "Having failed in preventing its passage, and with no sky - falling disasters due to its implementation, those who opposed it now have launched a new tack in trying to eliminate it by now describing it as flawed. Perhaps it is flawed but, in fact, many laws created by imperfect men are to some extent flawed. I view all attempts to change, alter or however metamorphose 22 as efforts toward its eventual elimi- nation, and for that reason I will continue to oppose these efforts." "If the Cities and Towns of Massachusetts need increased aid then the State Legis- lature is the place that message should be carried not to amend, change or decrease the effectiveness of 22." "Massachusetts, as it nears the end of its current fiscal year, is already taking note of the large surplus in tax revenues. These monies should be returned to the Cities and Towns as increased aid, which, in fact, was another of the goals of 22 - increased State aid to make up for the reduced property tax income." Chairman Coco added that he still supports the whole idea of Proposition 22 and opposes the idea of the Committee becoming a focal point for overriding it. 311. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29. 1984 Mr. Nigro said that he didn't want to vote against peoples' wishes but the Committee has a responsibility to surface any problem it sees. He added that the School Department "squeaked by this year ", but he thinks there will be more of a problem in the future. Mr. Nigro felt the people should be asked to take another look at the issue - as things change - and have the opportunity to vote on it. He noted that other communities have voted to modify Proposition 22. Mr. Nissen said he felt that when the Town voted for Proposition 22 it was an emo- tional vote, adding that the proponents of it "sold" it as a tax savings and very little was known about the inflation clause. He said the inflation clause is "what is choking us, not Proposition 22 ", adding that it was not made clear when the refer- endum was held. Continuing, Mr. Nissen said he felt it is a duty to provide the Town an opportunity to reconsider and educate them as to what it is they are voting for, and that the Town could then take another overall look in the context of "where we are now ". He added that dependency on State aid could leave the Town with a significant deficit if it goes down, and also puts the Town at the mercy of the State Legislature. Mr. Nissen noted that the School Department had already failed to get a roof for the Coolidge Junior High School and probably will not be able to get funds for two roofs next year. He concluded by saying that he would not make his motion at this time but would wait for a full Committee to be present. Dr. Wells said that although he could not vote on the motion that he personally will do all he can to advocate an amendment to Proposition 22. He added that he did not see how anyone, in good faith, could be an advocate of the children in Town and not favor an amendment. Dr. Wells stated that the law has a flaw in it and he does not see anything wrong with fixing that flaw. He added that they "threw the kitchen sink" into Proposition 22 but then one good thing about it is that the State can no longer legislate educational mandates and pass the costs onto the cities and town. Dr. Wells said that four years ago he was forecasting doom from Proposition 22 and people didn't understand. He reminded the Committee that at that time the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Revenue stated that only 13 communities would be allowed to use their updated valuations, without validations by a reevaluation con- tractor. However, so many towns, including Reading, would have been severely hurt by using the lower assessments that political pressures forced a relaxing of this rule. Fifty -eight communities finally were allowed to use their higher reevaluations. "Otherwise ", he said, "We would have had chaos in Town." "I maintain I was very influential in this," he added. Dr. Wells said he doesn't think the school children will get a "fair shake" until Proposition 22 is amended. Mr. Allen asked Finance Committeeman O'Leary how his Committee felt about a Propo- sition 22 override. He replied that the Committee had not met since Town Meeting, but that the subject may come up at next month's meeting. He said that personally he was not opposed. Approval - Red Sneakers School Dr. Munnelly said the Red Sneakers School has again applied for approval of their grades K -3 program and, in addition, approval of a fourth grade. He said he and Pearl Street School Principal Paul Guerrette have visited the School and observed a good, reasonable private school whose program matches the five areas which State law and School Committee Policy say it should. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29. 1984 Dr. Munnelly felt that the grades K -3 program does not need annual approval now but that grade 4 should be approved for one year only at this time. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, that the School Committee approve the Red Sneakers School program, for purposes of meeting the State's compulsory schooling and atten- dance requirements, for grades K -3 to extend for an indefinite time, but not to exceed three years, and for grade 4 for one year. Financial Statements Noted for the record were the following financial statements: Cafeteria Statement for April; Account Balances as of May 31, 1984; and Expense and Salary Accounts as of May 25, 1984. Relative to the Cafeteria Statement, Mr. Allen asked Miss Cook if a fast foods pro- gram is being considered for elementary and middle schools. She replied she is thinking of trying it in the future, especially in the middle schools. Chairman Coco noted that the food program was going nicely and told Miss Cook she .. has accomplished a lot in the last few years. Leaves Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was mendation of the Administration, to grant Mrs. Diana at the Birch Meadow School, a child rearing leave of year. Resignations unanimously voted, on the recom- C. LaMarca, fifth grade teacher absence for the 1984 -85 school Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation for purposes of retirement of Mr. Fred Wales, Head of the Industrial and Fine Arts Department at Reading Memorial High School, and that the Administration send a letter in appreciation of his 42 years of service. Appointments Dr. Munnelly said that because of resignations, leaves, etc., the Administration was recommending, with pleasure, the rehiring of some teachers who had been sent letters of non - renewal of contract. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was unanimously voted, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, to appoint the teachers listed on Document F -4 to contracts and steps as indicated, and to grant tenure to Ms. Sally J. Mucica. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Allen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, to appoint as assistant Principals /Interns for a two -year period commencing in September 1984 the following: Herbert Baron, Alice M. Barrows School; Robert Penta, Joshua Eaton School; and Rosemary Palmer, J. Warren Killam School. 313 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES MAY 29, 1984 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, to appoint or reappoint for 1984 -85 Department Heads, Assistant Principals and others as listed on Document F -3, pages 1 and 2, with the exception of Mr. Darrin, Mrs. Healy and Mr. Harney, who were appointed at a prior meeting. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, to appoint coaches for various sports as listed on Document F -4. Other Mr. Winslow reported that over the long weekend a boiler valve had malfunctioned at Birch Meadow School, causing a flood in the boiler room. He added that the electric- ity was not effected and there was no interruption of classes. He said the situation is being handled well by Mr. Moore, Head of Buildings and Grounds, and the insurance company has been notified. As a brief follow -up on the Pearl Street School situation, the Chairman reported that a member of the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee are expected to meet with the School Committee in the future to discuss the matter. He added that legally it appears that unless the building is used for school purposes its rental will be under the jurisdiction of the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Coco said that the School Department would still be liable for upkeep and maintenance, adding that if the building is rented an agreement would have to be reached with the Board of Selectmen. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10:20 p.m. Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to enter into executive session to discuss bargaining and negotiations matters. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 11:23 p.m. Rf_�peetfully submitted, Robert S. wells, Secretary