Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-10 School Committee Minutes349 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1984 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on September 10, 1984, at 7:35 p.m., in the Central Office Conference Room. Mr. Coco was unable to attend as he was out of town on business. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There was one visitor. Approval of Minutes of August 27, 1984 Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of August 27, 1984. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills September 7, 1984 - General Expense - $29,689.51 September 14, 1984 - General Expense - $50,925.20 Payrolls September 6, 1984 - Teachers - $296,442.22 September 7, 1984 - Weekly - $20,355.54 September 14, 1984 - Weekly - $25,152.01 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. Proposition 2 1/2 Ballot Issue Chairman Allen explained that the Proposition 2 1/2 issue was on the agenda because the former Chairman had appointed a two - member Subcommittee and he felt it was in- cumbent upon him to have this Subcommittee give a report. Mr. Nissen reported that the Subcommittee, on which he and Mr. MacDonald serve, had used the past two weeks to contact other Town officials in an effort to form a coalition and make the relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2 a Town -wide issue "Which ", he added, "It is ". He said that contact people from various Town boards and departments will get to- gether for the first time Thursday evening to discuss how they will proceed. Mr. Nissen said he hopes the meeting will result in a Town -wide campaign. Mr. MacDonald said that no matter what happens at this meeting the Subcommittee plans to contact the PTA /PTO's. Dr. Wells said he could probably arrange for a meeting of all PTA /PTO Presidents. Mr. MacDonald suggested a two -stage approach have a meeting of all Presidents and then meet with each organization. 350 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1984 Mrs. Philbrick asked if there was anything that other Committee members could do to help. Mr. Nissen said there are several ways they could help, as they may have contacts which the Subcommittee do not have, and added that the Subcommittee would appre- ciate help with PTA /PTO meetings. Mr. MacDonald pointed out that the election is only seven weeks away. Chairman Allen said the matter would be on the agenda of the next School Committee meeting. Policy for PTA /PTO Answering Service - First Vote Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, for first vote the policy draft entitled "Reading School Committee Policy on PTA /PTO Answering Service for Absent Students ", as presented on Document B -3 -a. The discussion which ensued concerned such matters as whether the Middle Schools would be included, right to privacy, manner in which volunteers could have access to home telephone numbers without invading privacy of those who had unlisted numbers, parental consent to being included in the program, parental obligation to telephone the school if child is absent, and all costs being borne by the sponsoring organi- zations. Dr. Wells said that this program had been initiated at the Birch Meadow School last year and the two problems encountered were having sufficient volunteers as the year went by, and encroachment on the "right to know" law /philosophy, i.e., volunteers having access to student records. Mr. Nissen suggested that a consent form be sent to each student's home with the requirement that a form be returned for each child whether the parents wished to participate or not. Mr. MacDonald then moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to amend the policy draft as follows: at the end of the second sentence add "in which the PTA /PTO voted for it "; and, at the end of the last sentence add "or until the individual school's PTA /PTO votes to discontinue this program ". The amendment carried by unanimous vote. The main motion, as amended, carried by unanimous vote. New Business - Other - Possible Additional Bus Dr. Wells said the reorganization into a middle school structure and the closing of Pearl Street School have caused a strain on the school busses, and due to the length of the routes some students'are arriving 20 -30 minutes late for school. He added that if, within the next two weeks, things can't be worked out it may be necessary to add another bus - at a cost of at least $18,096. He added that if this request is granted hopefully, the so- called "winter bus" can be encumbered into this. He said the students on the winter bus might have to leave for school earlier so that the bus could make its scheduled run. Mr. Nissen questioned what funds are available for an additional bus. Dr. Wells said he would have a recommendation in two weeks, after studying such possibilities as delaying work on the High School computer center or requesting funds from the Finance Committee or the Town Meeting. READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1984 Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously to authorize the Administration to contract this year for one more school bus. The Chairman noted that it is to be understood that the Administration will try to work the winter bus in with the additional bus. At this point Mr. Nigro noted that a statement should be made on revolving accounts after remarks made by the representative of the Finance Committee at the last School Committee meeting. Dr. Wells said that the Finance Committee member was, in his opinion, out of order, adding that there is not the amount of $150,000 in revolving accounts as was mentioned. He said maybe Mr. Gorgone was referring to the cafeteria revolving account but, by law, that cannot be touched. Mr. Nissen noted that the statement obviously reflected the view of one member and not the Finance Committee as a whole. Chairman Allen noted that Mr. Gorgone had not attended the School Committee budget meetings. Computer Purchases for R.M.H.S. Dr. Wells noted that this item was placed on the agenda because Committee members had expressed an interest in plans for expending budget funds and grant money for com- puters. He added that reports on computers in the elementary and middle schools had been made in June but that the High School report took a little longer because of the fact that there is an academic function and an administrative function. The Superin- tendent said that it is hoped that massive in- service training for teachers will be- gin soon, although some departments are in very good condition as far as computer training is concerned. He noted that getting into microcomputers will add a lot more flexibility. Mr. Nigro inquired about the use of the equipment donated by Compugraphic Corporation. Dr. Munnelly said two teachers received training from Compugraphic during the summer, however, although the computer has arrived it has not yet been installed. He said that as soon as it is installed other teachers and students will be trained to use it and its uses will multiply. Mr. MacDonald inquired about the Apple computers. Dr. Munnelly said the decision to acquire Apple computers was made because the elementary and middle students have been using them. Dr. Wells noted that they would have to have a multi - purpose computer center built - which would have to be done in stages - which could be used more hours a day, such as late afternoon and early evening, adding that a teacher or teacher aide would have to be hired to staff it. In enlarging upon the report "Computer Education Services at RMHS" (Document C -1), Dr. Munnelly noted that the price of microcomputers is considerably less than a year ago, and there will be an expansion of their use at the High School. Agenda Calendar 1984 -1985 Dr. Wells noted that the agenda calendar as presented on Document C -2 was based on last year's and intended as a guide. 352 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1984 Mrs. Philbrick said that in view of the enrollment figures presented, the Committee should address the issue of surplus space in the High School building during the second half of the year because of the budget implications. , Dr. Wells said this will be number one on his goals. Chairman Allen noted that the Superintendent's goals had not been reviewed in June, as School Committee policy dictates, adding that he felt very strongly that this should be accomplished in June. He suggested that everyone give some thought to the agenda calendar and any member who thought something should be added could call him or Dr. Wells. The Chairman also asked all members to submit their suggestions for School Committee goals for this year to the Committee's secretary on or before September 19th. Grant Information Dr. Wells outlined three grant proposals which have been submitted, under the new Incentive Aid Program to the Office of Communities and Development. The first, Inter -Town Coordination, was submitted by the Selectmen and, if granted, would finance the hiring of a heating, ventilation and air - conditioning specialist, who would be available to all Town buildings. The second proposal, Inter -Local Cooperation, was submitted by Reading, Wakefield, Lynnfield and North Reading, under the title "Revitalizing Educational Effective- ness Through Improved Management, Leadership, Staff Motivation and Other Non -cash Incentives ". Dr. Wells said that basically the proposal requests $4,294 for a feasibility study. Dr. Wells said the third grant proposal, submitted by the Massachusetts Association of School Administrators and others - is on a much larger scale. Reading, 15 other communities, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents are re- questing $66,000 for a series of workshops centered around management, designed to increase the effectiveness of school administrators, The training program would be based on the work of Peters and Waterman, authors of "In Search of Excellence ". Agenda Format Proposal Dr. Wells pointed out that a change in the format of the agenda requires a School Committee vote. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that an item to the School Committee agenda, just prior to "Citizens' Input ", of fifteen - minutes duration and planned on a school -to- school basis, during which achievements of our schools will be highlighted by teachers and students. During the discussion which preceded the above vote Dr. Wells said the idea of an "academic spotlight" feature on the agenda on a regular basis was suggested by Dr. Munnelly. Dr. Munnelly added that a community in Oregon has used this idea successfully and the School Committee there found it learned a lot from it and found their School System was doing a lot of good things. Mr. Nigro noted that it would give the Committee an opportunity to meet a lot more of the people in the System. 353 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10. 1984 As this item is expected to be a regular agenda item Dr. Wells invited the Committee to make suggestions for "features ". Jazz Band Concert Chairman Allen noted for the record that the Reading Memorial High School Jazz Band Concert the prior Saturday was excellent, enjoyed by many, and that Mr. David Bunten, its leader, and the students should be commended. Enrollments and School Opening Highlights School enrollment figures as of September 7th and 10th were presented, and Dr. Wells noted an increase of 10 from the first to the second count, adding that High School students sometimes come back to school late from summer jobs. Mr. Nissen noted that kindergarten enrollments were stabilizing at a somewhat higher figure than had been projected two years ago. Dr. Wells said that some parents pre- fer to send their children to private kindergartens. Dr. Wells said the opening of school had gone smoothly with the exception of some bus problems. Education Legislation - H5704 Dr. Wells said that House Bill 5704 is very important and has the largest potential for educational reform of any legislation proposed in the past 25 years. He added that he sent copies of the Bill to members in advance of the discussion planned for next meeting as the Chairman wanted members to have ample time to study it. Pearl Street School Update Mr. Winslow said that two prospective tenants - Creative Arts for Kids and the Beacon Fellowship - have withdrawn their applications to rent space in the Pearl Street School building. He added that he had given the Town Counsel all informa- tion on the three remaining prospective tenants. He said that the Red Sneakers School and the LaPierre School of Dance are now using the building and are making their own renovations, as necessary. The Dawson Bridge Studio has not yet moved in but has informed Mr. Winslow of plans to install four lavatories and air condi- tioning. Mr. Winslow said he and Dr. Munnelly were in the building that morning and assigned stations to the Directors and some large - project space to the Art Department. It is expected that part -time custodial service for the building will start Monday. As electricity, heat and water are included in the rental fee, some members of the Committee expressed concern about the installation of air conditioning. Mr. Winslow was requested to look into the possibility of the Bridge Studio having a separate meter installed for the air conditioning or any other special equipment which might be contemplated in the future. Also discussed was the possibility of treating this through the lease. To date the Town Counsel has not drawn up a lease. When asked about the financial impact of two prospective tenants withdrawing Mr. ® Winslow said the anticipated income is now $42,000 instead of $50,000. He added 354 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10. 1984 that a ceramic studio has expressed interest in renting space and, if the building is not filled some advertising is contemplated. Mr. Winslow said the only other inquiry to date is from a soccer organization, requesting storage space, but he wasn't sure that they could be accommodated. Dr. Wells brought up a point discussed at a prior meeting - the possibility of having a professional firm manage the building for a fee. The Chairman asked Mr. Winslow to check with the Town Counsel regarding the legality of hiring a building manager. Opening Day Remarks to Staff - School Committee Chairman and Superintendent of Schools Noted for the record were the opening day of school remarks to the Staff by Chair- man Allen and Superintendent [Jells. Dr. Wells said that he broke a tradition by speaking about a Teachers Association matter (the riffing of a teacher by using inverse seniority). Mr. Nigro said he wished to state publicly that Dr. Wells' remarks were very much in order and he was happy to hear he had addressed the matter. Chairman Allen said that he wanted to state that the two schools he was in to give his opening remarks were immaculate and showed evidence of excellent mainte nance. Leaves Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to grant to Mrs. Margaret -Mary Dailey Bramley, SEEM teacher at the Barrows School, a maternity leave starting October 12, to be followed by a child - rearing leave to start December 7, 1984 and extend until the end of the current school year. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen and it was voted unanimously that, on the recommendation of the Administration, Mr. Leo P. Ward, custodian at the High School, be granted an extension of his sick leave of up to 30 days, as provided for in Article VIII, Section 4 of the Custodial Contract. Resignations Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignations of Mr. Edward P. Jack, part -time instrumental music teacher, effective August 20, 1984, and Ms. Eleanor Gorsey, reading teacher at Reading Memorial High School, effective September 7, 1984. Appointments Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint the following: Mrs. Joanne M. Willis, 15 North Main Street, Westford, as 2/5's time instrumental music teacher (replacing Mr, Jack) at the B -8 salary step - prorated - $7,737.66. c� READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 10, 1984 Mrs. DeAnn K, Porter, 20 Webster Street, Beverly Farms, as a mathematics teacher in the High School (replacing Mr. Turner), on salary step B -3 - $15,914. Mrs. Ellen D. Hayes, as a reappointment to the position of FOCUS /English teacher at Reading Memorial High School (replacing Mr. Feit who will assume the position vacated by Mrs. Gorsey), on salary step M -10 - $22,526, n}'}1PY Mr. Nissen, as School Committee representative on the Space Committee, gave a brief report, stating that they are now working with an architect, but no schools are in- volved in the Space Committee study. Executive Session - Adjournment At 10:05 p.m. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. Nissen, that the Committee 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 10:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary