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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-10-29 School Committee Minutes373 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER, 29, 1984 Call to Order Chairman Allen called a regular meeting of the Reading School Committee to order on October 29, 1984 at 7:36 p.m. in the Central Office Conference Room. Commit- teemen Coco and Nigro were unable to be present do to out -of -town business commit- ments. All other members were present, as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were approximately 16 visitors, including Parker Middle School Principal John Delaney, Eaton School Principal Donald Farnham, High School Principal Leonard D'Orlando, Science Department Head David Garland, several members of the mathematics and science teaching staffs, and representatives of the Finance Committee, League of Women Voters and the Daily Chronicle. Approval of Minutes of October 15, 1984 On a motion by Mr. MacDonald, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the meeting of October 15, 1984 were unanimously approved with the following corrections: Page 3, under Proposition 2 1/2 Update, second paragraph, second sentence, change Thursday to Tuesday, and third sentence, chance LWV to PTA /PTO. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills October 26, 1984 - General Expense - $39,908.22 Payrolls October 19, 1984 - Weekly - $25,796.75 October 26, 1984 - Weekly - $25,581.51 Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. School Highlights The educational spotlight segment of the agenda featured students and faculty members of the Parker Middle School who told of their success in Mathematics Interscholastic Competitions. Dr. John Delaney, Principal of Parker Middle School, Mrs. Mary Abegg, Mathematics Department Chairman and Andrew Larson, student member of the Math Team shared in the presentation. Dr. Delaney explained that the Math League was made up of about 35 communities which compete, with winners going on to the State level to compete with other regional winners. He added that the Parker Math Team won several regional con- tests and finished fifth in the State competition, all of which generated much interest and enthusiasm in the School. He then distributed samples of the questions used in competitions. n. 374 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 1984 Mrs. Abegg explained how the math staff tried to encourage the best students to participate in a Thursday afternoon group which meets weekly to do extra work in math. Here they are exposed to more theory than in regular math classes and are encouraged to compete. Students must be among the top ten to compete, although as many as 25 may attend meets, including alternates. After further explaining the various competitions in which the Math Team has participated, Mrs. Abegg introduced Andrew Larson. He said that being on the Math Team not only helped students generally in math, but taught them to work as a team. After the School Committee admired the trophy won by the Math Team, Chairman Allen expressed appreciation of the presentation on behalf of the Committee. Proposition 2 1/2 Ballot Issue Mr. Nissen noted that this would be the last report before election. He reported that the PTA /PTO sponsored meeting on the relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2 had been televised; that Mr. Robert Nordstrand had spoken in behalf of the relaxation at the League of Women Voters' Candidates Night; and that various letters have been in the local paper. He added that the League of Women Voters has taken a public stand in favor of the relaxation of Proposition 2 1/2. Mr. MacDonald said he felt it is really important that people understand that the relaxation question is not an effort to dismantle Proposition 2 1/2 and that the procedure the Task Force is using is allowed by the Proposition 2 1/2 Legislation. He added that under the Legislation towns have the local autonomy to relax it and that this was the intent of the Citizens for Taxation when they proposed the Legislation. He emphasized that in no way was the effort to relax it an effort to destroy Proposition 2 1/2. Mr. MacDonald noted that since he was first elected to the School Committee in 1971 that Reading's per pupil expenditure has been below the State average. He added that failure to relax Proposition 2 1/2 will necessitate deep budget cuts. Mr. Nissen said he hoped supporters of the relaxation ballot question would try to convince others to vote in favor of it. Chairman Allen thanked Mr. MacDonald and Mr. Nissen for their efforts as members of the Subcommittee promoting the relaxation question. Policy on Graduation Requirements Dr. Wells explained the need for assimilating the graduation requirements voted September 24th into School Committee Policy format, adding that the policy draft presented was simply that - a draft - open to revisions or changes. The Chairman noted that when the new requirements were voted the Committee had not taken into consideration students transferring in from other schools and American Field Service students, adding that the additional language in the draft seemed to take care of those situations. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously to adopt for first vote the draft of Policy !GAB - Graduation Requirements - Redu�ng �tCUivri�i - High School, as set forth on Document B -3 -a, dated October 25, 1984. 376 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 1984 During discussion of the motion it was noted that this policy replaces IKF and so should be renumbered. It was also noted that there needs to be a provision for students who are sophomores or juniors at the time this policy goes into effect. Dr. Wells said there could be a "grandfather" clause to give the High School "lead" time. It was also suggested that a seventh requirement be added to take care of early graduation requirements. The Administration will clarify the language before the second and final vote on the Policy. Board of Public Works, Recreation Committee and School Committee Memorandum of Agreement Chairman Allen said he had received a letter from the Board of Public Works asking that an addition be made to the Memorandum of Agreement with that Board and the Recreation Committee which the School Committee, at its October 15th meeting, voted to continue for another year. The addition requested under Section III is to add: "C. The Recreation Committee will notify the Board of Public Works of both Spring and Fall schedules." The Chairman added that apparently the Board of Public Works wanted to more clearly define their part. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously that the School Committee accept the revised Memorandum of Agreement Between the School Committee, the Board of Public Works and the Recreation Committee, dated January 10, 1983, as revised on October 19, 1984. Science Curriculum Report Dr. Wells said that staff members from the three levels of the Science Department were at the meeting to present their evaluation of the Science Curriculum and its impact on students. Present for this report were Eaton School Principal Donald Farnham, David Garland, Department Head for Science at Reading Memorial High School, John Fasciano, Department Head for Science at the Coolidge Middle School, William Carne, Department Head for Science at the Parker Middle School, and High School Science teachers Everett Blodgett and Kevin Zenewicz. Mr. Farnham spoke about the elementary level of the science curriculum, noting that the interview method of evaluating students, suggested by Dr. Munnelly, has worked well and been a good experience for students and staff. Mr. Garland spoke next, saying that the ways of evaluating are much the same as five years ago and they have some concerns about the future. He talked about new course offerings, especially the strengthening of the ninth grade science curriculum, the revision of course syllabi, and the evaluation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Mr. Garland then said one of his biggest fears is the safety of teachers and students in school as more is known now about the nature of things, particularly that some things can be carcinogenic. He added that he would like to have a separate budget for safety, Mr. Garland said last year he found a company which will inspect for safety for the sum of $100 but, after sending a purchase order to them, he was informed they usually only do it if there are substantial requests in the area. However they did say they would do it the first chance they have. 376 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 29. 1984 The other concern expressed by Mr. Garland related to graduation requirements. He said he feels the present program is a good one and prepares both college - bound and non - college -bound students, but perhaps does not provide as well for slow learners or special education students. He added that perhaps with declin- ing enrollments this can be worked out. Mr. Carne spoke about the middle school level, saying year as the junior highs were reorganized into Middle and eighth graders, but mostly for the incoming sixth pleasure to have the sixth graders and they were very he agreed that a safety audit would be a good idea, e, lent record of safety. many changes were made this Schools, some for seventh graders, He said it was a enthusiastic. He added that aen though there is an excel- When questioned by School Committee members about his safety concerns Mr. Garland said Reading Schools were no different from other school systems, but added that he thought everyone should be concerned about safety. Mr. MacDonald said this was a commendable goal and asked if there is a firm which could do a safety audit sooner. Mr. Garland said he was not sure it was his decision and not sure he had experts, adding that one reason he chose the firm mentioned was the price of $100. He also said he was not sure this should be dealt with by one person and that he was not sure all dangers could be eliminated, but that everybody should be more aware of them. Dr. Munnelly said that as far as safety is concerned that all reasonable steps society is taking have been done in Reading. He added that he thought Mr. Garland was talking about the heightened sensitivity all should have. He noted that all precautions to store materials properly, etc., have been taken in the Reading Schools. Mr. Garland reiterated that Reading is no different than other commu- nities and added that Mr. Blodgett had attended a workshop on safety three years ago, Mr. D'Orlando added that the Schools are regularly inspected by the State and that, due mainly to the efforts of Mr. Blodgett, they have stayed on top of the safety issue. Mr. MacDonald asked that Mr. Garland report back to the Committee with an update on safety. Dr. Wells suggested that Mr. Garland work through the Administration, adding that this is the first time he had heard of Mr. Garland's concerns about safety. Both Dr. Munnelly and Mr. D'Orlando pointed out that student test scores in the area of science exceed the norms and achievement test scores are up. Dr. Munnelly added that although there are improvements which could be made, the base is one of strength and the staff is enthusiastic and wants the best for the students. Incentive Aid Grant Approval Dr, Wells reported that he had received notification of State approval of the School Committee's application for a $3,000 mini -grant on "Improving Communi- cation, Planning and Conflict Management at the School Committee /Superintendent Level." Following a briefing from State officials the Committee will be able to set up dates, times and places to carry out the proposal, 377 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 1984 Dr. Wells said that the Town had also received a grant - of $5,000,- to hire some- one to conduct a feasibility study on heating, air conditioning and ventilation of Town buildings. R.M.H.S. Health Fair Dr. Wells told the Committee that last spring Physical Education Director Marc Alterio had asked the Administration if it would be acceptable to have a health fair at the High School. He was given permission and the Fair will take place in the High School Field House November 19th and 20th. In addition to the High School staff and students, Winchester Hospital, the local Board of Health, and a number of professionals and health organizations will participate. Cafeteria Statements Noted for the record were the Cafeteria Statement for September and the record of school lunch participation for the same month. Mr. Winslow pointed out that even though September is usually a slow month participation is up slightly, and, at 40% is up considerably from the 24% participation in 1981. M.A.S.S. Newsletter Dr. Wells pointed out that the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents' most recent newsletter had mentioned the litigation last year when Reading had riffed a teacher under the inverse seniority clause of the union contract, as well as similar, but unsuccessful litigation involving the Needham School Department. "Frames of Mind" - Book Review Dr. Wells spoke briefly on the two -page review of Howard Gardner's book, "Frames of Mind ", which had been distributed to the Committee. He noted it was a very interesting book, particularly in light of the Administration's goal to foster higher thought processes in students. The author claims there are seven identi- fiable intelligences, rather than only the logical and linquistic skills currently used in conventional IQ tests, and that all should be recognized in assessing students' potential. The Superintendent said he had recently had the pleasure of attending a seminar with the author and found him to be a very interesting person. Appointments Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to appoint Ms. Carol A James, 437 Medford Street, Somerville, as a SEEM Learning and Behavioral teacher in the Barrows School, on salary step B -5 - $16,960 pro- rated, retroactive to October 15, 1984, to replace Mrs. Margaret Mary Bramley for the remainder of the school year. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, and it was voted unanimously, on the recommendation of the Administration, to assign Mr. Joel Thornton, 10 Criterion Road, Reading, to the Maintenance Trainee position, as provided for in Section 3 ® of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Reading School Committee and the Custo- dians' Union, to be effective November 1, 1984 through June 30, 1985 and pay a $600 differential, pro- rated. 373 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Announcements OCTOBER 29, 1984 Chairman Allen said that he had been invited by the Guidance Department Head, Mrs. Rena Mirkin, to participate in selecting the local winner of the Century III Leaders Essay Contest in which Seniors were invited to participate. The winner, Miss Patricia Callaghan, will go on to participate at the next level, The Chairman announced that the Finance Committee has invited all Town Boards and Committees to participate in a meeting Tuesday, October 30th, in Room 11 of the Community Center, to go over the guidelines for Fiscal Year 1986, Other Mr. MacDonald said he had received a complaint from the parent of a High School student about the students having so many study periods because of a lack of substitutes when teachers are absent. Dr. Munnelly said a meeting is planned to discuss this problem. Dr. Wells said that although Reading pays a rate comparable to other communities there are no longer enough substitutes available. He added that other communities are having the same difficulty and that the Administration would report back to the Committee on any solution they may be able to find. Executive Session - Adjournment At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Nissen moved, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, to enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 10:30 p.m., by unanimous consent. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. Wells, Secretary