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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-09-24 School Committee Minutes357 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24. 1984 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order at 7:32 p.m., on September 24, 1984, in the Library of Reading Memorial High School. All members were present as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately 17 visitors, including High School Principal Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Killam School Principal Mr. Paul Guerrette, Director of Art Mrs. Susan Wheltle; Mrs. Nancy Hoover, school librarian; Mrs. Mary Correia, music teacher; Mr. Philip Pacino of the Finance Committee; and a representative of the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of September 10, 1984 Mr. MacDonald moved, seconded by Mr. Coco, and it was voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the meeting of September 10, 1984, Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills September 21, 1984 - General Expense - $33,076.23 September 28, 1984 - General Expense $51,582.39 Payrolls September 20, 1984 -- Teachers - $308,774.18 September 21, 1984 - Weekly - $25,074.63 September 28, 1984 - Weekly - $26,621.10 School Highlights The spotlight was on "Arts, Athletics and Acadamia Blockbusters ", a project of the Pearl Street School in the weeks before its closing, as the first of the newly initiated "School Highlights" regular agenda item. Participating in the presentation of the interdisciplinary project were Principal Guerrette, Mrs. Wheltle, Mrs. Hoover, Mrs. Correia and former Pearl Street School students Erin Sanborn, Barbara Hickey, Lisa Mallett, Jennifer Toth, and Michael Janvrin. The students read poems they had written for the school book, "Upside Down Rainbows ", and told about their production of "Peter Pan" and about the School Olympics. Mrs. Wheltle, filling in for Mrs. Beth Delforge and the teachers, spoke about how the various subject areas were involved in the project, and Mr. Guerrette showed a short videotape on the School Olympics. Chairman Allen thanked all for their participation. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. 358 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24. 1984 PTA /PTO Answering Service Policy - Second Vote Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, for second and final vote, to approve the amended version of Reading School Committee Policy on PTA /PTO Answering Service for Absent Students (KB), as shown on Document B -2 -a. Proposition 2 1/2 Ballot Issue The Subcommittee on Relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2, made up of Mr, MacDonald and Mr. Nissen, reported that the first meeting of a "Task Force" of Town Officials had been held the previous Thursday. Mr. MacDonald said that basically the purpose of the meeting was to look at Town -wide figures and decide whether there is a problem. He added that, based on figures furnished by Town Treasurer Mrs. Beth Klepeis, it was decided there will be a serious problem - more in 1987 than in 1986 - and the Town is already running at a deficit. He said the problem is where to find funds for capital outlay expenditures to which the Town is already com- mitted. He noted that the relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2 would not take effect until the deficit is being felt, adding that relaxation of 2 1/2 seems to be the prudent course. Mr. Nissen said that even with additional funds from the sale of land to TASC and more money from the State, there will be a deficit "which will wipe us out in 1986 ". He noted that retirement costs to the Town have risen 15% and wages this year went up 5 %, adding that the inflation rate is about 5 %. Mr, Nissen said that the League of Women Voters is planning an "Information Night" in October, that the Subcommittee will meet with PTA presidents the following night and the Subcommittee, assisted by the other members of the Committee, expect to address all PTA /PTO groups. In addition various other members of the Task Force plan to speak to other groups, and everybody will try to speak to as many people as possible before election. Mr. Coco disagreed with Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Nissen, stating that he believed the real problem is not Proposition 2 1/2 but learning to prioritize expenses, adding that maybe it is time for a town manager form of government. "Revenue should be controlled ", he concluded. R.M.H.S. Graduation Requirements Dr. Wells said he and Mr. D'Orlando had gone over the results of studies during the past two years by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and an in- service team from the High School before finalizing their recommendations on High School graduation requirements. He added that both the Commissioner of Education's Office and the State Board of Education have raised questions on graduation require- ments. Dr. Wells noted that for many years School Committees were more interested in number of credits earned. Later people became more interested in the quality of the programs, he added. He said this was not a problem in Reading, and referred to a survey which showed how many years of mathematics and science the Class of 1985 had taken. He also referred to State mandated courses and noted that many students in Reading had taken practical arts courses in the High School and gone on to appren- ticeships, doing very well without going to college. c709 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 1984 Dr. Wells noted that requiring four years of math and science would force some students to drop out of High School because they do not have the type of background to go on to college or they are not academically inclined, He added that college -bound students know what courses they must take to meet admission standards. Chairman Allen noted that although many Reading Memorial High School students go on to institutions of higher learning, there are many others who are successful with- out going beyond High School. Mr. D'Orlando confirmed that Reading Memorial High School is "doing well by its students ". He said he doesn't think increasing graduation requirements would effect the program but added that he doesn't think more than two years of science should be required. Mrs. Philbrick was concerned about the recommendations required for taking certain courses but did not specify the student had to pass them. Mr. D'Orlando noted that they must pass most courses in order to have sufficient credits to graduate. Mr. D'Orlando emphasized the role of the Guidance Department in making sure students take courses which either prepare them for the college of their choice or for entry into the job market. Mr. D'Orlando pointed out that the three main concerns of the High School are (1) to reflect the Community and its desires; (2) what students should know when they leave High School; and (3) the pressures of college admission standards and national studies. At one point in the discussion Mr. Coco made a motion, which he later withdrew, to add to the recommended High School graduation requirements that by 1986 each student must take at least one course in the arts. Dr. Wells pointed out that this would have a great impact on the teaching staff, noting that the Administration would have to look into whether there would be sufficient teachers available when students could fit such a course into their schedules. After further discussion Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee adopt the recommendations for Reading Memorial High School graduation requirements as shown on Document B -3 -a, and direct the-Admin- istration to study the feasibility of requiring that each High School student take one fine arts course during their four years in High School and report the results of this study to the School Committee by the January budget process time. The High School graduation requirements adopted in the above motion are as follows: 1. English - every student must take and pass an English course each semester for four years. 2. Social Studies a. U.S. History - every student must take and pass one year of U.S. History. b. Every student must take one year of Introduction to Social Studies and one year of Decisions III: Human Behavior. 360 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24, 1984 3. Mathematics - Effective September 1984 every student must take two years of mathematics. Effective September 1986 every student must take three years of mathematics. 4. Science - Effective September 1985 every student must take one year of science. Effective September 1986 every student must take two years of science. 5. Physical Education - Every student must take physical education each semester for four years unless he /she has a medical excuse. 6. This year every Grade 9 student must take Decisions I. Effective September 1985 every student must take one semester of Decisions I and one semester of computer literacy unless he /she can pass a computer literacy competency test. School Committee Goals and Objectives 1984 -85 Chairman Allen introduced a discussion of the various suggestions for 1984 -85 School Committee goals and objects submitted by members in advance of the meeting. There were several duplications among the suggestions and the Committee, after a brief discussion, decided on three goals. Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously to adopt as a School Committee goal for 1984 -85: Improvement in lines of communication all through the School System, within the School Committee and with the public. Make sure that the Committee members and Administration are as accessible to the community and parents as is possible and reasonable. Also to make the Town aware of the School System's-needs. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. MacDonald, and it was voted unanimously to adopt as a School Committee goal for 1984 -85: Develop a plan for future utilization of the Reading Memorial High School complex, in the face of continual student popu- lation decline. Explore possible uses for those areas not essential to future operation of a compressed R,M.H.S. facility., Mrs. Philbrick moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to adopt as a School Committee goal for 1984 -85: Design and implement a gifted and talented program - complete identification for current students, and plan long- term goals and program. Mr. Nissen asked that someone look into his fourth suggestion, i.e., "Hold meet- ings with PTA Presidents at least twice a year to receive their input - once prior to budgeting and once near the end of the year to discuss the previous year." Chairman Allen suggested they might get some feedback from the PTA Presidents when they meet with them the following evening. Superintendent's Goals and Objectives 1984 -85 The Superintendent presented the following goals and objectives for 1984 -85: 361 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24. 1984 GOAL #1 RATIONALE - The decline in enrollments at Reading Memorial High School requires planning that will bring about maximum efficiency in the utilization of that facility. [000N A. Develop a long -range plan for housing a Senior High School with an enrollment of 900 -1,000 students, B. Develop for discussion purposes a plan with alternatives for utiliz- ing space not needed for the R.M.H.S. program. C. Initiate discussion and plans for an academic program that will meet the needs of a 900 -1,000 student school. D. Develop a "step- down" plan that reduces the staffing needs with as little disruption to the academic plan as possible. GOAL #2 RATIONALE - The Reading School Committee has voted to initiate a program that will provide screening to identify gifted and talented children and also to offer edu- cational strategies that will satisfy the academic needs of the gifted and talented. GOAL A. To develop a program that meets the needs of gifted and talented children. B. To develop a screening and evaluation process designed to identify the gifted and talented within our school population. C. To develop in- service training programs for our professional staff that will prepare them in the proper use of the screening process. D. To develop a program that will challenge the gifted and talented students through the development of projects and assignments especially designed for them. Speaking about his first goal Dr. Wells noted that while the High School had been studied, with the assistance of consulting architect Mr. Archibald MacLaren, a more detailed plan is needed at this time and a timetable must be established. Mr. Nigro asked if "C" under the first goal would include the Four -Town Collab- orative of which Reading is a part, and Dr. Wells replied in the affirmative. Dr. Wells said the purpose of his second goal is to carry out a vote taken by the School Committee last year, He added that he is philosophically tuned to what the School Committee plans but at this time does not have any sense of the magnitude in dollar amounts. The Superintendent said that in line with the School Committee's goal on communications he will keep them well informed, 362 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTE$ SEPTEMB.EF 243.1984 Mr. Nissen suggested that at each meeting there be a discussion of the gifted and talented program, without motions being made, before plans are too far along. The Chairman agreed that it would be an intelligent method of coming to an agree- ment, adding that there is a time factor, as the second semester is rapidly approaching. Chairman Allen felt this could be on the agenda of the next meeting and in the interim some members of the Committee could discuss it with the Admin- istration. Mr. Nissen thought perhaps an expert(s) should be available. The Chairman said he would discuss this with the Administration. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to accept the Superintendent's goals and objectives as outlined above. Adult Education - Rates for 1984 -85 Dr. Wells said the Administration was recommending increased rates for adult educa- tion courses because last year the program barely broke even, adding that even with the increases recommended there would be very little leeway in the budget. Chairman Allen noted for the record that the Adult Education revolving account had only $313 in it. Dr. Munnelly said that the Administration will keep track and report back as to the status of the program, probably in January, noting that although the increases recommended will make it self - supporting, at some time there may be a need to sub- sidize it. Mrs. Philbrick said she would rather see more charged for adult education courses and less for driver education courses. It was noted that Reading's rates are com- parable with other towns. Mr. Coco said he felt uncomfortable voting on rates which have already been published. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, to adopt the recommendations, as outlined on B -3 -d, for the first semester. The motion carried on a 5 -0 vote, with Mr. Coco abstaining. Education Reform Legislation - H5704 Because of expected major changes in House Bill 5704 the Committee postponed discus- sion until the next meeting. Five -year Capital Outlay Plan Mr. Winslow presented a proposed five -year capital outlay plan for submission to the Finance Committee. He went over each item proposed, noting those which may be par- tially reimbursable. Mr. Pacino, of the Finance Committee, pointed out that the document is simply a plan and has to be approved each year by the Town Meeting. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, and it was voted unanimously to adopt the plan as presented on the document entitled Five -year Ca- ai vu�iny i lni. , September 24, 1984. / F: 3 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 24. 1984 Chairman Allen then said Mr. Pacino would like to address the Committee. Mr. Pacino said the Finance Committee is looking for guidelines from various boards and commit- tees so that they may know what problems need to be addressed. He said the Finance Committee would like this information by mid October. He added that there is some sentiment, although it is not an official position, to place more emphasis this coming year on public safety and education. Mr. Pacino said his Committee is exploring the possibility of some departments getting more and some less, rather than giving all departments the same percentage increase. Mr. MacDonald remarked that he thinks this is a real opportunity for the School Committee to state its goals. Selectmen's Inquiry into Pearl Street School Addressing himself to a letter from the Selectmen regarding the Pearl Street School (which stated the Finance Committee has expressed some concerns regarding rental of that building), Dr. Wells said that no money has been spent on the building. Mr. Pacino asked if the building would be rented on a break -even basis or at a loss, at $4.25 per square foot. Chairman Allen noted that two prospective renters had already decided they could not afford that amount. Mr. Coco said that the Board of Selectmen appeared to think the rate was a bit high when he had met with them to discuss rental of the building. Mr. Winslow emphasized that renters took the space "as is" and had to bear the costs of any improvements they wished to make. The Chairman said he would endeavor to respond to the inquiry from the Board of Selectmen. Resignation Mr. Nigro moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to accept the resignation of Mrs. Jean Wicks as secretary at the Coolidge Middle School, effective September 14, 1984. Appointment Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to appoint Mr. William King, 24 Mansfield Road, Wellesley, as a part -time custodian, for 19 hours per week, at the Pearl Street School building. Executive Session At 10:56 Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried by a unanimous roll call vote. Return to Open Session - Custodial Contract Ratification mt n__ —s t a * .. ^t 11 •40 111C VV1IlllIlLLCC LCLU1lleu Lv open jc�$ivai u announced that the School Committee had voted unanimously to ratify the contract with AFSCME, Council 93, Local #1703 - Custodians Union. 364 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBEP, 24 1984 Adjournment The Committee adjourned by unanimous consent at 11 :42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary