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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-08-27 School Committee Minutes341 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27. 1984 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on August 27, 1984, at 7 :37 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room, All members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow, There were approximately 25 visitors, including Reading Memorial High School Principal Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Mr. Peter Moscariello of the High School Mathe- matics Department, and representatives of the Finance Committee and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of July 30, 1984 On a motion by Mr. Nigro, seconded by Mr. Nissen, the minutes of the meeting of July 30, 1984 were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills August 10, 1984 - General Expense - $27,547.45 August 17, 1984 - General Expense - $22,488.75 August 24, 1984 - General Expense - $40,087.03 August 31, 1984 - General Expense - $33,312.74 Payrolls August 9, 1984 - Teachers - $84,358.84 August 10, 1984 - Weekly - $15,207.03 August 17, 1984 - Weekly - $17,192.41 August 23, 1984 - Teachers - $73,140.65 August 24, 1984 - Weekly - $16,015.84 August 31, 1984 - Weekly - $17,089.09 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Pearl Street School Leasing Policies Dr. Wells noted that time is passing quickly and that there are people anxious to occupy the Pearl Street School. He said that the day before approval had been received from the Commissioner of Education for four of the five applicants for space in the School. Dr. Wells said that the need now was for the School Committee to delegate as much authority as possible and vote that proper lease forms be drawn up by the Town Counsel. He added that a School Committee vote was also needed to establish the per square foot rate to be charged tenants, The recommendation of the Administration was $4.25 per square foot, without exceptions, The Superin- tendent stated that he feels the School Department could "break even" at that rate. Dr. Wells also said that he is not sure as to the delegation of authority between the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen. 342 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27. 1984 Mr. Coco said that it was his understanding from the last meeting with the Selectmen that they would sign a contract with whatever tenants the School Committee recommender and that they are willing to allow the School Committee to handle whatever work is necessary to "get things in place." Mr. Winslow noted that at a rate of $4.25 per square foot it is anticipated that income will be $55,000 annually, $40,000 of which would be used to maintain the building and $15,000 for limited custodial services, Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, that the School Committee authorize the Administration to collaborate with the Board of Selectmen, with the assistance of the Town Counsel, for rental of the Pearl Street School and be given the authority to select tenants, allocate space and develop leases and arrange for custodial services, at the rate of $4.25 per square foot for the first year. During the discussion before the vote on the above motion Mrs. Philbrick asked if the intent was still to locate the system -wide directors in the School. Dr. Wells replied that the four directors will be based at the Pearl Street School and they'" will occupy the principal's office and other small offices, but will not use any of the classrooms. Mrs. Philbrick agreed that locating the directors in the School was the best solution to keep the School classified as "an active school" by the State and asked if there will be any expense involved. Dr. Wells said he assumed the $13,000 budgetted for mothballing the building would be available to make suitable offices for the directors. r Mr. Winslow noted that the State Department of Education has approved four of the five prospective tenants, i.e., Dawson Bridge Studio, Red Sneakers School, LaPierre School of Dance, and Creative Arts for Kids. The fifth, the Beacon Fellowship Church, has not as yet been approved by the State. Mr. Nissen asked about escalation of maintenance and utility costs in the future. Mr. Winslow said he suggested using a three -year lease with a two -year option, the rate to be negotiated at the end of the third year. Mr. Nigro said he had in mind, when making his motion, that after a year's experi- ence the Committee and Administration would be able to determine how best to set up a three -year lease, possibly including an escalation clause. Mr. Winslow explained that the custodial services would include a person checking the building morning and evening, opening and closing it and checking the boiler. The only problem, he noted, was that two of the prospective clients would be using the building on weekends. He also said that after allocating space to the five groups interested, there is still one room available. He recommended that the facilities not be rented on a nightly basis, but rather be limited to use by the tenants. There were several questions from visitors concerning the lease, It was agreed that all questions would have to be resolved by the Town Counsel and also that the School Committee merely wants to "break even" on expenses, with no drain on the School Department's budget. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Winter Bus Information AUGUST 27, 1984 4� t; 43 Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, that the School Committee authorize the Administration to contract for a winter bus that will run for 60 days, from approximately December lst to the middle of March, following the route outlined on the proposal (Document B -2 -b). Following a lengthy discussion among the School Committee, the Administration and interested parents present, the motion carried 5 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the dissenting vote. Mr. Coco stated for the record that he voted against the motion only because, "It opens this up to other parts of the Town which have equal needs." During the discussion on the above motion Mr. Nissen suggested that if an additional bus is rented maximum use should be made of it, Mr. MacDonald questioned where the money for the bus could be taken from the budget. Dr. Wells said the Committee must make that decision, as well as one on how to finance the gifted and talented program, as neither of these had been included in the budget. Mr. Coco noted that a report from the Safety Officer of the Police Department stated that there are other areas in Town where the same walking conditions exist as in the Franklin Street area. He added that approval of a winter bus in this area would mean the Committee would open themselves to having winter busses in other sections of Town. He said the budget is not structured in a way that the Committee can "dig into it" without taking money from something more important. Several of the parents present expressed the opinion that while funding may be a problem the safety of the children of the area is far more important. There was a brief exchange between Mr. MacDonald, a parent and Mr. Frank Gorgone of the Finance Committee when Mr. MacDonald solicited votes for the upcoming ballot question on relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2. The parent said he considered it illegal to ask those present to commit themselves prior to the vote and Mr. Gorgone agreed, adding that he resented Mr. MacDonald's tactics. Further, he suggested that the Committee look into taking money for the bus from the revolving accounts. Mr. Mac- Donald apologized, adding that he felt frustrated that groups come to the School Committee on one issue only, making budgetary demands, when the Committee has prob- lems in funding education in the Town of Reading. He added that Reading is way be- low the State average in per pupil expenditures. Mr. Nigro mentioned the possibility of funding the bus by charging a user fee but no discussion ensued. Prior to the vote Mr. Nigro moved the question and all but Mr. MacDonald voted to end discussion. Bids - Tile Floor Replacement - Reading Memorial High School Mr. Winslow stated that only one bid had been received and the amount was $1,434.40 over the amount budgeted. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, on the recom- mendation of the Administration, that the contract for tile floor replacement at Reading Memorial High School be awarded to Labo, Inc., of North Reading for $8,000. This amount includes $3,346.80 for the Focus area, $3,510.00 for the ground floor and $2,577.60 for the first floor. 344 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1984 Bids - Oil Burner Replacements Reading Memorial High School Mr. Winslow briefly recapitulated the two bids received for oil burner replacement, recommending the low bidder and noting that the expenditure may be refundable under a grant. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to award the contract for oil burner re- placement at Reading Memorial High School to Combustion Service of New England of Cambridge, the low bidder, at $23,925 ($75 under the budgeted figure). School Lunch - Policy for Determining Eligibility for Free and Reduced Price Meals Dr. Wells explained that in order to participate in the Federal School Lunch pro- gram it is necessary for the School Committee to vote to abide by certain rules and regulations, a copy of which he made available to the Committee. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously that the Reading School Committee continue the Agreement Number 09 -246 with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition Education and School. Food Services, that provides for carrying out the purposes of: 1. the National School Lunch Program, 2. the School Breakfast Program, and 3. the Commodity Dis- tribution Program, effective July 1984 - June 30, 1985. Home Schooling Request - A Continuance Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, to approve the home schooling proposal for Kate Doolittle for grade five and for Simon Doolittle for grade two, as described on Document B -3 -c. During the discussion of the above motion Mr. Coco expressed the opinion that as Kate Doolittle was going into fifth grade the point has arrived where it is no longer conducive to her social development to be instructed at home, and asked if in seven years the School Department would be asked to award her a diploma. Dr. Wells replied that he would not recommend awarding her a diploma and agreed that there is a need for children to have more socialization than they would have at home. He added the Court does not agree with this theory as long as the home schooling curriculum is acceptable. He noted, however, that the children's progress is moni- tored by Principal Paul Guerrette. Dr. Munnelly added that the children have to submit to testing several times a year and, at some point, he and Mr. Guerrette may talk to the family about bringing Kate in next year to participate in the State Basic Skills tests. The motion carried 5 -1, with Mr. Coco casting the negative vote for the stated reason of signaling the parents of his concern for the socialization of the child. FY85 Salary Recommendations Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr, Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, that administrative salaries (Directors) for 1984 --85 be as recommended on Document B- 3 -d -1. 345 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1984 Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously, that FY85 salaries for school nurses and doctors be as recommended on Document B- 3 -b -2, Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that FY85 salaries for the three non -union Central Office secretaries and the School Commit- tee secretary be as recommended on Document B- 3 -d -3. Request to Move House over School Property Chairman Allen read a letter from Mr. David K. Ryan, who plans to move a house from Haven Street to Forest Street, requesting permission to move it over a part of the Coolidge Middle School property. Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to give permission to the Ryan Family to move a house, as requested, across a corner of the Coolidge Middle School property, after satisfactory arrangements have been made with the Administration and permission, with any and all conditions, is in writing. Mr. Nigro noted the faculty should be alerted as this might afford a number of learn- ing experiences for the students. Incentive Aid Program Dr. Wells said that he had received information from the State on an Incentive Aid Program, adding that there had been one meeting of Town Department heads about it, as all municipal departments can apply. He continued, stating that two weeks ago he had met with Mr. Romeo Marquis of Management and Leadership Systems, who con- ducted the School Committee workshop in June, to ascertain whether he could come up with a proposal to continue the workshop training. The Superintendent said he would like School Committee approval to seek a mini grant (up to $3,000) to im- prove relationships and planning between the School Committee and the Administration. Mr. Marquis suggested six more meetings, a continuation of the June workshop, prior to time for budget considerations. He added that he would like to meet the first deadline for submission of proposals, on September 5th, as $1 million will be awarded then and only one -half million dollars will be available on the second round. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee instruct the Administration to pursue a proposal for a mini grant under the State Incentive Aid Program. School Opening Information Noted for the record was the notice sent to School Department Staff members on the opening of schools. The professional staff will report to their assigned schools on Tuesday and Wednesday, prior to the September 6th opening of schools. Tentative Fall Schedule Also noted for the record was the tentative schedule of School Committee meetings and conferences through December. Dr. Wells mentioned that Chairman Allen would like to continue the practice of having a yearly agenda calendar and they expected to work one out soon. 346 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1984 Youth and Family Resources Letter Chairman Allen said a letter had been received from Youth and Family Resources, Inc. stating that a Public Service Ammouncement created by that organization and a group of Reading High School Peer Leaders will be aired for the next six weeks on Channel 56. Commended for their parts in this were students Laurie Brady, Myra Indars, Jennifer Quagan, Jamie Simpson and Javie Vaughn, and Mr. Joseph Cain, Audio Visual Coordi- nator. Resignations Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mr. John F. Lynch from his position as mathematics teacher at Parker Middle School, effective August 23rd, providing a proper replacement can be found. Appointments Dr. Wells recommended Mr. Peter M. Moscariello be appointed head of the Mathematics., Department at Reading Memorial High School, without any contingencies. He added that he had attempted in his memorandum to point out to the School Committee that there was a time when the faculty was larger and fewer coaches were needed. Under those conditions it was not his practice to recommend as department heads or guid- ance counselors teachers who held coaching positions. He said that now he doesn't feel that the Committee is in a position to make conditions as in the past. He added that the Administration had not asked Mr. Moscariello to give up his coaching position because they felt it was not in the best interests of the High School to do so. Chairman Allen stated, as a matter of information, that he and Dr. Wells had talked about this appointment and he had requested that Dr. Wells go through this history because of new people on the Committee. Mr. Nissen asked Mr. D'Orlando how he felt about the appointment. Mr. D'Orlando said he agreed with Dr. Wells and, in fact, had initially proposed Mr. Moscariello's appointment. He added that before passage of Proposition 22 it was easy to find good coaches among the staff, but that this was no longer the case. He said that academics would always come first but he also feels athletics are important. He concluded that he could see no reason why Mr. Moscariello could not be an excellent department head and also a good baseball coach, adding that Mr. Moscariello had other coaching duties which he had given up voluntarily at a loss of pay. After some discussion about the role of department heads at the High School, Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, that the School Committee appoint Mr. Peter Moscariello as Head of the Mathematics Department at Reading Memorial High School, without restrictions. Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously that the following teaching appointments be made: tt� READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES AUGUST 27, 1984 Ms. Bonnie E. Katz, 14 Francis Street, Watertown, art teacher at Reading Memorial High School (replacing Ms. Cheryl O'Halloran while on a one -year leave of absence) at salary step B -8 - $19,344. Mrs. Susan L. Fritz, 57 Sargent Road, Swampscott, French /Spanish teacher at Reading Memorial High School (replacing Ms. Francomano who withdrew her candidacy), at salary step M -5 - $18,186. Ms. Diane M. Pasquale, 50 Water Street, Medford, mathematics teacher-at Parker Middle School (replacing Mr. Lynch) at salary step M+3 -10 - $23,053. Ms. Kathleen M. Doyle, 8 St. Ann's Avenue, Peabody, speech /language specialist (replacing Mrs. Gelpke), at salary step M -1 - $16,090. Mr. MacDonald requested that there be a regular agenda item each meeting for the discussion of the Proposition 2 1/2 ballot question until election, to give an overview of the ballot question and a general update. Chairman Allen said it could be placed under "old business ". Mr. Coco said he wanted to go on record as opposed to this, adding that he felt the Committee is spending too much time on this issue and should concern themselves with education and the welfare of students. He said he felt this is an area in which the Committee should not be involved. Mr. Nissen countered that the Committee vote to support relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10:20 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unani- mously, by roll call vote, to enter into executive session to discuss bargaining and negotiations and matters which pertain to reputations of individuals. Eespectfully submitted, IZ�bert S. Wells, Secretary