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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-07-30 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 30, 1984 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on July 30, 1984, at 7:33 p,m., in the Central Office Conference Room, All members were present, however, Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Nissen left at 7:30 to meet with the Board of Selectmen, returning at 9:36 p.m. Also present were Assistant Superintendents Dr. Munnelly and Mr. Winslow. There were approximately 20 visitors present, including RTA President Joseph Terilli and a representative of the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of July 2, 1984 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the School Committee meeting of July 2, 1984. Approval of Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills July 20, 1984 - General Expense - $5,497.77 July 27, 1984 - General Expense - $17,223.41 August 3, 1984 - General Expense - $37,700.30 Payrolls July 12, July 13, July 20, July 26, July 27, August 3 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 Citizens' Input Teachers Weekly - Weekly - Teachers Weekly - Weekly There was no citizens' input. $86,672.27 $14,848.78 $17,769.42 - $79,750.00 $16,357.42 $17,887.53 Request for Approval of Lease and /or Rental of Pearl Street School, Chapter 496, Acts of 1981 Chairman Allen noted that the Superintendent, in his memorandum to the School Committee, had specified four actions necessary before the Pearl Street School could be rented and /or leased, i.e., School Committee approval of transferring some system -wide super- visors to the Pearl Street School, a vote of the Board of Selectmen to approve the pro- posal, a School Committee vote to accept the proposal, and approval of the Commissioner of Education to declare Pearl Street School to be an active school. At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Winslow went over the various enclosures which concerned this agenda item. Mr, MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee approve the directors being moved from their present location to the Pearl Street School as soon as possible, 336 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 30, 1984 During the discussion of the above motion Mr, Coco, referring to a recent meeting with the Selectmen, said that Board agreed that the School should be rented and that this would save the Town money in the long run, They also felt that vandalism would be minimized if the building is occupied. Mr. Nigro wanted the record to show that the above vote did not specify the space to be used by the directors. Mr. Winslow added that no space has been allocated to anyone as yet. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, that the School Committee accept the proposal on Document B -3 -a (1) (Request for Approval of Lease, Chapter 496, Acts of 1981). Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to amend the motion to include the following changes: #1 - precede names of lessees with the word "Tentative ", and add "and pos- sible others "; and X12 - change "September 1984 - August 1987" to "3 -5 years ". The motion, as amended, carried by unanimous vote. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that the School Committee authorize the Superintendent or his designee to administer the rental of the Pearl Street School in as economically profitable way as possible. During the discussion which preceded the above vote, Mr. Winslow pointed out some of the problems, such as who would provide heat, electricity, etc., custodial services, and maintenance of the building. Chairman Allen asked if the above votes were sufficient to allow the Administration to proceed. Mr. Winslow replied that the process could be started but that rental structure could not be set until maintenance costs are known. He added that there is still some cleaning and relocation of furniture to be done. Mr. Coco pointed out that maintenance costs would be less in the long run if the building is occupied. The possibility of eventually using a professional management company was discussed briefly. The rent schedule is expected to be discussed at the next School Committee meeting. Letter of Thanks Noted for the record was a letter from the Old Schwamb Mill thanking the School Committee for the recent gift of the old Chandler and Price letterpress and related equipment from Reading Memorial High School. (This equipment was replaced by equip- ment donated by the Digital Corporation.) Petition - Bussing to Coolidge Middle School Chairman Allen referred to a letter from Mr. & Mrs. Carleton G. Pendexter, Jr. and a petition signed by parents in the Franklin and Pearl Streets area requesting bussing for their children who will attend the Coolidge Middle School. Mr. and Mrs. Pendexter and approximately 14 parents from the area in question expressed the opinion that traffic conditions and lack of sidewalks made it unsafe for the chil- dren to walk to the Coolidge Middle School, especially during the winter, and that the 337 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 30, 1984 School Department should provide bussing even though the children, according to School Committee Policy, are not eligible for bussing, Mr. Coco pointed out that installation of sidewalks and traffic control were not with- in the School Department's domain. He added that the bussing policy had been changed to fix limits for sixth graders to be the same as for grades 7 -12 so that they would not feel they were being treated differently when they entered the newly established middle schools. The Chairman said bussing these children would mean adding another bus, at a cost of $18,000 per year. Mr. Winslow added that seven busses were needed to carry those students who are eligible for transportation. Mr. Nigro pointed out that there is no money in the budget for an additional bus, In answer to a question from Mr. Nigro; the parents unanimously stated that their concern was not about the distance involved, but about the safety of the walkers. The subject of a "winter bus" was brought up and Mr. Winslow said this had been in effect some years ago but was discontinued at the time of the "Tax Cap ". He added that at the time the "winter bus" was used it ran for about 59 days of the year and transported some senior and junior high school students. Following a lengthy exchange between the Committee and the parents, Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that the School Committee direct the Administration to make a recommendation for implementation of a winter bus route. Mrs. Philbrick amended the motion, with Mr. Coco's consent, to add that the Administration would also provide a list of children affected by the change in sixth grade bussing policy and that they obtain a report from the Safety Officer on the safety situation in the Franklin and Pearl Streets area. The motion, as amended, carried by unanimous vote. At the urging of some of the parents Mrs. Philbrick stated that the Administration will make sure the Safety Officer knows that seventh and eighth grade students are also involved. Chairman Allen told the parents that he hoped their interest would carry over to all aspects of their children's education, noting that parental support and involvement would be appreciated by the School Committee, particularly when they go before the Finance Committee and Town Meeting with their budget requests. He added that every School Committee meeting includes a "Citizens' Input" agenda item which creates an opportunity for parental involvement in educational matters. Leaves Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to grant to Mrs. Cheryl O'Halloran, art teacher at Reading Memorial High School, a personal leave for the 1984 -85 school year. It was noted for the record that Mrs. Andra Brewer has requested an eight -week maternity leave, starting September 4th, from her position as School Adjustment Counselor /School Social Worker. 338 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 30, 1984 Resignations Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Ms. Dominique C. Vintejoux, French and Spanish Teacher, and Mrs. Deborah A. Sweeney, Foreign Language Teacher, from Reading Memorial High School, effective immediately, Mr. Coco expressed concern as to whether there is a problem in the High School Foreign Language Department, Following a brief discussion of the turnover rate at the High School, Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee direct the Administration to provide the percentage of turnover of the academic staff - for purposes other than retirement - at the High School as com- pared to that of contiguous towns. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to accept the resignation of Mrs. Ellen J. Gelpke, elementary speech /language therapist, contingent upon the Administration being able to find a replacement. The motion carried 5 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the dis- senting vote. Appointments Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, that, on the recommendation of the Admin- istration, Mr. Peter M. Moscariello be appointed head of the Mathematics Department at Reading Memorial High School, effective at the start of the school year. Dr. Munnelly said that, in regards to this recommendation, the Administration would like to look at whether being a coach makes a difference or creates a conflict (Mr. Moscariello is head baseball coach), adding that the Administration may be looking for a change in policy or asking them (referring also to Mr. Darrin, who is a depart- ment head and wrestling coach) to change their career priorities by next year. There was a discussion about combining coaching with the position of department head and policy related to this situation. Dr. Munnelly said it was an "unwritten" policy, not a School Committee policy. It was brought out that when the position was posted the notice did not refer in any way to the unwritten policy. The question came up also as to whether it made a difference if the sport was considered a "major sport ", which would require more coaching time. Mr. Nissen felt that there either should be a written policy, which should be adhered to, or no policy. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, to amend the motion by adding "contingent upon Mr. Moacariello retiring as head baseball coach." The vote on the motion to amend carried 4 -2, with Mrs. Philbrick, Mr. Coco, Mr. Nigro, and Mr. Nissen voting in favor and Mr. Allen and Mr. MacDonald opposed. The main motion, as amended, carried by a unanimous vote. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that Mr. Marc Alterio be appointed Director of Adult and Community Education, at a salary of $2,000 per year, Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously that, on the recommendation of the Administration, the following candidates be appointed: Li EST e/ READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES JULY 30. 1984 Mr. William H. Nicklasson, 14 Everett Street, Sherborn, elementary art teacher, on salary step B +15r -7, at a salary of $18,840,15, Mr. Anthony DiSanzo, 3 Cedar Ridge Drive, Bedford, Spanish teacher at Reading Memorial High School, on salary step Ph.D. -10, at a salary of $25,149,60, Ms. Christine S. Francomano, 605 Truman Parkway D -8, Hyde Park, Spanish teacher at Reading Memorial High School, on salary step B -3, at a salary of $15,913.80, Ms. Karen Wilson -- Twomey, 13 Sachem Avenue, Lynn, a speech /language therapist, on salary step M--3, at a salary of $17,138.10, Ms. Diane Slezak, 32 Mineral Street, Reading, elementary art teacher, on salary step M -10, at a salary of $22,525. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Ms. Nancy Cook be appointed to a position in the High School Mathematics Department and awarded a tenure (fourth year) contract, contingent upon the availability of a position. Proposition 22 Ballot Question Mr. Nissen reported on his and Mr. MacDonald's meeting with the Board of Selectmen, stating that the Selectmen had voted unanimously to place on the October ballot the following question: "Shall the Town of Reading be allowed to exempt from the provision of Proposition 2z the amounts required to pay for the bond(s) issued in order to renovate the Town Hall- Library complex and construct a new public works facility on John Street." Mr. Nissen added that this could mean a $600 - 650,000 increase as time goes by. He also said the Selectmen rejected the idea of a ballot question which would increase the debt limit by a fixed amount. Authorization to Accept Bids Chairman Allen pointed out that various bids will be received before the next School Committee meeting and that in order to accept them and award contracts the Adminis- tration would need a vote from the School Committee. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the Administration be authorized to accept bids, with the concurrence of the Chairman, to be brought to the School Committee for approval at the next meeting. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10 :47 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, that the Committee enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing 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 :57 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary