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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-12-03 School Committee Minutes387 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 1984 Call to Order A regular meeting of the Reading School Committee was called to order by Chairman Allen at 7:32 p.m. on December 3, 1984 in the Central Office Conference Room. All members were present, -as were Superintendent Wells and Assistant Superintendents Munnelly and Winslow. There were eleven visitors, including High School Principal Mr. Leonard D'Orlando, Assistant Principals Mrs. Maureen Zolubos, and Dr. Allen Alson, High School Science Teachers Mr. Leo Kenney, Mr. Philip Blum and Mr. Kevin Zenewicz, High School English Teachers Ms. Janet Burne, and Mr. James Chetwynd, English Department Head Mr. Terry Woody, and representatives of the Finance Committee and the Daily Chronicle. Moment of Silence in Memory of Mr. Newell Morton The Chairman announced the death of Mr. Newell Morton who, along with his many other public services, had served on the School Committee for twelve years. A moment of silence was observed in his memory. Approval of Minutes of November 20, 1984 On a motion of Mr. Nigro, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, the minutes of the meeting of November 20, 1984 were unanimously approved. Bills and Payrolls Warrants for bills and payrolls were approved as follows: Bills November 30, 1984 - General Expense - $9,294.33 Payrolls November 29, 1984 - Teachers - $331,361.51 November 30, 1984 - Weekly - $28,953.70 December 7, 1984 - Weekly - $38,099.09 School Highlights Dr. Wells said that three members of the Reading Memorial High School Science Department were selected for professional recognition and special professional development activities by the faculty of Boston University, as Science Fellows, and five members of the English Department were accepted for the University of Massachusetts - Amherst Writing Project. Mr. D'Orlando noted that all of his faculty members who had been nominated were accepted. Mrs. Zolubos introduced Science Fellows Mr. Leo Kenney, biology teacher, Mr. Philip Blum, physics teacher and Mr. Kevin Zenewicz, chemistry teacher, noting that through lectures, discussions and laboratory sessions they were provided with the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other Science Fellows in their field. ,� w � READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3. 1984 The teachers said they enjoyed the opportunity to share knowledge with people so well -known in their fields, to interact with other teachers, to see new equipment and to hear new ideas. They felt it was a great learning experience and thanked the School Committee and Administration for allowing them the time off to attend the Boston University Program, Dr. Alson introduced English teachers Mr. Chetwynd and Ms. Burne and Mr. Woody, the Department Head, noting that Ms. Barbara Lanney was unable to be present. He said that since Mr. Woody had assumed the position of Department Head last year there has been more emphasis on writing. Mr. Woody and the members of his Department present spoke about the week -long program on writing which they attended at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Campus, saying that it was an energizing experience encompassing seminars, lectures and classroom instruction, with emphasis on the "process to product" method of teaching writing. Discussed were four different approaches being used in an attempt to improve student achievement, i.e., computer assisted instruction, smaller classes, a longer day and peer tutoring. It was noted that peer tutoring has proven very successful, and the English Department hopes to set up a drop -in center in the High School Library where students can meet to discuss their writing. Dr. Alson added that the High School has a full -blown peer tutoring program, in which about 30 students participate two afternoons a week for about an hour and a half after school, that is working very well. He noted that through in- service workshops the teachers who participated in the University Program are sharing what they learned with other teachers in the English Department. Mr. Woody said the new teaching approach was radically different and the most exciting project in which the staff has been involved. He extended an invitation to the School Committee to visit the writing classes. After an exchange of questions and answers between the teachers and School Committee members, Chairman Allen thanked those involved for their interesting presentation. Citizens' Input There was no citizens' input. User Fees The Chairman asked Dr. Wells about information the Administration had gathered on the use of user fees in other communities. Dr. Wells said Mr. Winslow had gained some information on user fees through his colleagues in the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials, and that calls had been made to other communities. He summarized the information and praised Mr. Winslow for his efforts. Mrs. Philbrick said that she felt the potential amount of money which could be realized from user fees would not be worth the time and aggravation, adding that �, .o READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 1984 because of the magnitude of the budget hundreds of thousands of dollars would be needed rather than the few thousand which could be obtained through user fees. She also said that she was satisfied with the information the Administration had obtained and was willing to drop the topic. Mr. Coco said that although user fees are not used much in Massachusetts he feels that if money from them could save even one teaching position or program the Committee should keep them in mind with the thought that they may have to con- sider them in the next few months. The Chairman pointed out that the athletic budget amounts to only 1.4% of the total budget, adding that it appears that there has been a renewed interest by parents in raising funds to supplement existing programs and user fees may be a hardship to some parents already working to raise funds for these activities. He said he did not think implementing user fees would have any positive effect on the budget. He noted that as with gate receipts, the amount which might be realized could only be estimated and if the amount fell short of the estimate the School Department would have to seek funds from the Town. Mr. Nigro commented that it could be that the enthusiasm of the groups raising funds was what the Committee wanted to promote and that user fees could "sour" that feeling. He added that user fees seemed very cumbersome in relation to the funds realized. Mr. Coco thought that user fees may have the opposite effect on groups raising funds, spurring them on to raise more money. He added that he had been prepared to make a motion to initiate user fees but it was clear that the committee would not favor it at this time. Mr. MacDonald felt it would be hypocritical to think the budget problem could be solved with a "Band -aid" (user fees). Mr. Nigro commented that he had not heard anyone mention user fees for bussing, adding that this is another area that is eligible. However, he noted that it did not appear that the School System is bussing many students that they are not mandated to transport. Dr. Wells stated that if students whom the Schools were not mandated to bus were charged fees that such a system must be set up and administered by parents or it would lead to legal difficulties. He added that Lexington has had such a system for a long time but it is administered by the PTA. The consensus of the Committee was to "put user fees on hold" until the budget is prepared. School Committee Mini Grant After a brief discussion it was decided that the first workshop with Mr. Romeo Marquis, under the Mini Grant Project "Improving Communication, Planning and Conflict Management at the School Committee /Superintendent Level," will be held December 13th, at 5:00 p.m, in the High School. 390 READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES Winter Rii. DECEMBER 3. 1984 Mrs. Philbrick said she had received some calls about the winter bus schedule. Dr. Wells said the route would be the same as the winter bus that had been dis- continued in 1979. Mr. Winslow outlined the route, adding that the winter bus had just started that day and it would take about a week of observation to determine whether adjustments would be necessary. He said about 55 students are eligible. He will report back to the Committee on this subject at the next meeting. High School Space Utilization Plan Dr. Wells noted that utilization of surplus space in the High School was a multi- dimensional problem. He said that at first it was thought that the easiest thing would be to move the Central Office to the High School but the cost was so high that this idea was "put on hold ". Dr. Wells went on to say that, in his judge- ment, the first thing which should be done is to close some classrooms because of declining enrollment, in order to save custodial labor and heating costs. He said that this will have to be done somewhat arbitrarily, adding that he does not want to hurt the educational program but they will have to take a floor at a time, closing five -six classrooms a year until eventually one wing is closed. Dr. Wells said Mr. Winslow is getting information about the heating plant from the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds to make sure that in closing rooms there will not be heat going through empty rooms. Dr. Wells recommended, as the first step, a three -year plan. He spoke of the fact that the School Committee and Town is serious about large areas of space which will be available for large periods of time, adding that the amount of space which will be available in the High School is very large compared to the Pearl Street School. Dr. Wells mentioned such drastic changes as moving major entrances of the building and changing traffic patterns to make renting a large amount of space in the High School more attractive to the private sector. He added that with declining enroll- ments the Field House could accommodate all Physical Education needs and, if the cafeteria could be moved it would free -up that side of the building, with the exception of the auditorium. He concluded by saying that he would work with the High School Administration on closing classrooms but beyond that the School Committee will have to make some decisions concerning this very complicated situation. Chairman Allen asked if there will be space available as soon as next year and Dr. Wells replied that there is no doubt in his mind that there will be five -six classrooms by next fall. Mr. Nigro asked Dr. Wells if he could get an objective inventory of what will be available and Dr. Wells said he could get a computer printout of what space is being used and for how much time, adding that it then should be discussed with Mr. D'Orlando. The Chairman asked Dr. Wells what thought has been given to moving the Central Office to the High School. Dr. Wells said that move hinges basically on finances. He noted that it would cost an estimated $100,000 to move the Central Office and the present rent is only $8,000 per year. 391 READING SCHOOL C011TY41ITTEE MINUTES 1)F;CFVb'ER 3; Mr. Coco said that nov: that it has been cezermined that there will be surplus space in the Sigh School next year, he moved that the Central Office be roved to the space presently occupied by the Pupil Personnel Services by July 1, 1 ��, and that the cost of moving be limited to $50,000. He later changed the motion to state that the Central Office be relocated in an area in Reading Memorial High School Ly July 1, 1985, limiting the amount expended for moving costs to $50,000. Mrs. Philbrick seconded the motion for discussion purposes. Mrs. Philbrick noted that, obviously, space must be closed in a cluster and asked if a decision had already been made about which space would be most feasible to consolidate for closing. Dr. Wells said the easiest classes to close would be the "interchangeable classes" in "E Wing" of the old building. Mr. Winslow added that he vas checking kith: Mr. Loore as to what sections could be closed by just turning off the heat. Dr. Wells said he felt the School Committee should give serious thought to moving the Central Office to a space which we uld not be prin e space to rent to the private sector and, also, factor in moving costs with the FY86 and FY87 budget which he expects to be rather "lean ". Mrs. Philbrick added that in planning to move the Central Office the Committee should be absolutely certain that the contemplated location would never be needed again so that the move will be permanent, She did not feel that this judgement could be made by the first of May. Mr. Nissen said he would vote against the motion because, although a five -year payback would be nice, this will be a lean year. He added that he did not think the Committee should take "pot shots ", but rather should put together a 3 -5 year space - phasing plan and, in the context of that, decide if there is a reasonable space for the Central Office to move into and whether "we can afford its'. Chairman Allen asked Dr. Wells if his plan would be a multi -year one. Dr, Wells said it really would be a plan for the Committee to accept. He said the first part would be only to make the High School more efficient for the next 3 -4 years. The second part, he added, would be to plan what the Committee wants to do with the space. When the Chairman asked Dr. Wells to estimate when he could bring in a plan, he replied February or March, with possibly some progress reports earlier. Mr. Coco commented that the Committee has talked about what to do with the High School and Central Office for at least the five years he has been on the Committee, adding that the quickest way of not making a decision is to make a committee. He said space will be available in the spring and it may be in the area now occupied by Pupil Personnel Services, and that that Department could be moved into 2 -3 class- rooms which will become available. Mr. Coco added that this should be the first move in culminating the discussion which has been going on for five years. Mrs. Philbrick replied that they have made a decision each time relocating the Central Office was discussed, and that was not to move it. Dr. Wells pointed out that the Central Office had been moved to its present location from the Pupil Personnel Services area because it was so crowded that one assistant superintendent and two secretaries were in the corridor. He added that there really was not enough space for School Committee meetings if there were visitors, and the �, area in question was inappropriate for the Central Office. 39� READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE MINUTES DECEMBER 3, 1984 Chairman Allen felt the Committee should wait until March or February. He then called for the vote on Mr. Coco's motion and it was defeated 5 -1 with only Mr. Coco voting in favor. Leave On a motion by Mr. MacDonald, seconded by Mrs. Philbrick, it was voted unanimously to extend the sick leave of Mr. Gino Serrecchia, custodian at the Killam School, for up to 30 days. Executive Session - Adiournment At 10:12 p.m. Mr. Coco moved, seconded by Mr. Nigro, that the Committee enter into executive session to discuss matters pertaining to bargaining and negotiations. The motion carried on a unanimous roll call vote. The Committee remained in executive session until it adjourned at 10:33 p.m, Respectfully submitted, lea4f 'e, - G6.Z660' Robert S. Wells, Secretary