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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-09-10 School Committee Minutes REC TOWNECLERK READING, MASS, READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE Reading,Massachusetts 1001 NOV -6 A IIS 48 REGULAR SESSION September 10, 2002 CALL TO ORDER At 7:40 p.m. School Committee Chair Griset called the regular meeting to order in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, Griset, Russo, McFadden and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and Associate Superintendent Richards. INTRODUCTION OF JEFF RYAN—Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Superintendent Harmunian gave background information on Dr. Jeffrey Ryan, briefly going over his resume. He explained that he planned to have him come back during the winter. He went on to say that Dr. Ryan places children first and that he will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year. He then introduced Jeffrey Ryan and asked him to say a few words. Jeff Ryan thanked everyone. He stated that he couldn't excel in a vacuum, that he had a lot of help. He spoke of his yearly field trips to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. He feels that this field trip is vital and worthwhile. He stated that the parents thought he was crazy because he leaves Reading in the afternoon on a Friday for the 8:00 p.m. show in New York and then returns to Reading somewhere around 4:00 a.m. the next morning. He has been told that he has charming and decorous students. There are a lot of wonderful people and parents in Reading. He went on to say that he went to Peru with some youngsters from Reading. They taught English to students there. He closed by offering his thanks, his friendship and his talents. Chair Griset stated that he was proud of Dr. Ryan's achievement. INTRODUCTION OF NEW TEACHERS Chair Griset welcomed the new teachers to the Reading Public Schools Dr. Harutunian explained that since 1993 the principals have been hiring teachers for their own buildings. This is a great opportunity for the community to see all the new teachers. Principal Orlando introduced the new staff at Reading Memorial High School. He explained that the teachers were part of the new mentoring program. Principal Finigan introduced the new staff at Parker Middle School. Principal Doherty introduced the new staff at Coolidge Middle School. 4 Principal Cormier commented positively on the new mentoring program before she introduced the new staff at her school. L REGULAR SESSION - 2- September 10 2002 Principal Cormier commented positively on the new mentoring program before she introduced the new staff at her school. Principal Guerrette introduced the new staff at the Killam School. Principal Davidson thanked the School Committee for supporting the mentoring program this summer. He introduced the new members of his staff. Director of Special Education Gannon introduced a new staff member at the RISE preschool program. Chair Griset stated that he was both proud and pleased to have all these new teachers in Reading. He called for a three-minute recess at 8:27 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. Chair Griset called the meeting back to order. BILLS & PAYROLLS 4 Bills and payroll are as follows: Warrant 22 September 10, 2002 $265,676.29 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT Superintendent Harutunian explained that funds had been cut from the Technology Capital Account. He stated that some people in the community formed a group with hopes to raise funds ($250,000)for Technology at Reading Memorial High School. He introduced Deb Boschetti, Maureen LaPierre, Cynda Rohmer and Judy Osborn. Mrs. Osborn thanked the School Committee for this opportunity to speak. She explained that the Technology Fund has been approved for exemption from federal income tax under section 501(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. They are hoping to make their first $50,000 purchase by the end of the week. The purchase would be fifty portable, wireless laptop computers. They have raised $56,000 to date. She thanked Jill and Carl McFadden for their generous gift of$10,000. Principal Orlando said he could not thank the ladies enough. He spoke about a consultant from Edvance, who stated that the high school was compatible with the system. Mrs. Osborn thanked Mr. Orlando as well as all the students who helped out at the fundraisers. Mrs. Rohmer stated that they hoped to have one fundraiser per month. They were hoping to have another walk-a-thon this month. They hope to have more participation at this event than the walk-a-thon they had in May. They raised $6,000 then. REGULAR SESSION -3- Se tember10 2002 The owner of Focaccia's restaurant is to donate a percentage of one day's receipts in October to the Technology fund. The November fundraiser is to be an Oktoberfest. Tickets are available from the Technology Committee members or at the Wine Shop in Reading Square. They are hoping to have a Holiday Homes Tour on December 8, 2002. They already have three homeowners who will open their decorated homes to the public. There will be a vendor at each home selling gift items. A percentage of the sales will go to the Technology Fund. They are hoping to have ten homes for the Holiday Homes Tour. They are planning an Auction on March 14'h at Hillview Country Club. On April 13'h they are having a"Whodunnit" at the Quannapowitt Play House. Mr. McFadden stated that the group was phenomenal in their efforts to raise money. He gave credit to Mr. Orlando as well. He said that they have all gone above and beyond the call of duty. Mr. McFadden asked if the high school building project and the elementary project would include computers. Dr. Harutunian said that they would include technology. There would be no reimbursement however for prior purchases. Mr. Orlando explained how the Technology Committee went to Ipswich Public Schools to view the Technology in action that they will be purchasing. Ipswich has had this technology for three years and is very happy with it. Mr. Russo stated that he was impressed with the technology and the fundraising. Mr. Orlando stated that this is a win-win situation for the high school. Regardless of whether or not there is a renovation, the wireless computers will be utilized. Mr. Twomey stated that there is an incredible range of fund raising events. He admired their creativity. The community appreciates all your efforts. This is a real accomplishment. Mr. Dahl thanked everyone. Parents bring a sustained effort over a long period of time. Once again, thank you. Chair Griset asked for a three-minute recess. Chair Griset called the meeting back to order. OLD BUSINESS Chair Griset stated that all veteran graves should be marked appropriately with flowers each year. The Superintendent asked everyone to refer to his or her packet of information concerning the serving of liquor in the Hawkes Field House for one night for the Veteran's Memorial Trust (W REGULAR SESSION - 4- September 10, 2002 Fund function. Dr. Harutunian asked Mr. Bill Brown if he had anything to report. Mr. Hughes asked if the persons involved in this matter could move to the front table. Chair Griset said that they could if they wanted to. Mr. Brown stated that the Armory in Reading is not available for the Veteran's Memorial Trust Fund function due to world issues. Mr. Brown stated that he is deeply involved in this project to raise funds. They need to raise $20-$30,000. They would like to have the function at the field house and serve liquor. Mr. Brown stated that if a child is influenced by the use of alcohol in the field house, he feels it will not be the first time that they are influenced by alcohol. Chair Griset asked if any one else cared to speak. Mr. Hughes thanked Chair Griset for the opportunity to speak and for giving consideration to their request. He said they were paying honor and homage to the veterans. In 1957 the High School was named a memorial school. He stated that the event at the armory was so well received last year that people wanted to make reservations for this year. It was a great atmosphere at the armory. There were no incidents. He went on to say that beer and wine was served in the field house at the Reading 350 event. He is asking indulgence to have beer and wine at the field house to make the evening a success. Mr. Ryan chose to speak next. He stated he saw in a March IP Chronicle Article the annual Town Meeting deleted the budget for grave flowers for veterans. Mr. Carl McFadden formed the Veteran's Memorial Trust Fund to make the flower fund self-sufficient. He asked the School Committee to approve the permit for the veterans. He stated that at the event last year, the chief of police tended the bar. He again asked for the School Committee to vote in favor of serving liquor in the field house for one night. Tony Belcamino, Commander#62, stated that all their bartenders are tip certified. John Murphy, retired police officer, stated that when he was a police office there was always an abundance of empty beer cans up and around the high school. He stated that he wants flowers on his grave when he dies. He would like the School Committee to grant the permit. Chair Griset asked if anyone else care to speak. Principal Orlando stated that this is a tough situation for him. He could not think of a more worthy cause. He had three uncles go to RMHS who fought in World War II. To have alcohol at an event to make it a good event or profitable event implies that the only way people can have a good time is to serve alcohol. He is not sure that this is the message he would like to give out. Camille Visconti, RMHS Peer Leadership Advisor, Guidance Counselor, and Athlete's for a Healthy Lifestyle Advisor, stated that it is hard to say no to veterans. She has with her students representing each group. She hopes the celebration does not have to include alcohol. She hopes that the event is a success without alcohol. REGULAR SESSION - 5- September 10 2002 Jeff Martin, a student, stated that he is a peer leader and secretary of the senior class, and he has the utmost respect for the gentlemen. He is proud to associate the building with the town veterans. Serving liquor at the field house is not a good message for students. Mrs. Phillips asked if the revenue of the sale of liquor would profit the veteran's fund. She was told that it would profit the veteran's fund. She stated that the law says you could serve liquor in the field house. She stated that since the School Committee approved serving liquor in the field house at the Reading 350 event, is it not a matter of courtesy to approve liquor in the field house for the veterans. It is not during school hours. She commends the stand of the young people. She is asking the School Committee to make an exception. She suggested that the School Committee could show good will towards the community. Mr. Brown stated the Guidance Counselor stated that we should not lower out standards. Will the students refuse to use computers because they were paid for with money raised by beer and wine sales? Mr. Hughes stated that we are here as a veteran's group. Please consider our request to use the field house with for a one-day permit for alcohol. Chair Griset stated that he appreciates the efforts of fundraising to honor the veterans. This should not be taken as an issue that honors or dishonors veterans. There can be no confusion. He holds veterans in the highest esteem. Please, I ask you to try to disentangle the two notions. The two issues are alcohol in the field house versus honoring the veterans. We need to move forward as a community. Mr. Griset asked the Committee if they had any questions or concerns Mrs. Cavicchi stated that she was on the School Committee back in 1993 and she did vote to serve liquor in the field house for the Reading 350 Celebration. On the ride home that night, she thought she did the wrong thing. Adults do drink. Are we telling students that they cannot have a good time without drinking? She cannot support the serving of alcohol in the field house. We should not be serving alcohol in a school. She says you can have a wonderful life without drinking. She does not drink. She thinks a lot of people will come and have a wonderful time. Mr. McFadden stated that Dr. Harutunian's staff called thirty towns and asked if they served liquor in schools recently. He stated that Mr. Orlando said they never sold liquor in a school recently, but in fact there was liquor at the Reading 350. There was discussion on the definition of the recently. Mr. McFadden challenged the accuracy of the list. Mr. McFadden stated that he has to abstain from voting on this issue due to a conflict of interest. Reading Memorial High School is not a sanctuary. Private schools have liquor and gambling, and they are not morally corrupt. 4 REGULAR SESSION - 6— Se tember 10 2002 Mr. Russo stated that he could go either way on this issue. He thinks the veterans have a valid issue. Mr. Cannon stated in his memo that it was legal to serve alcohol in the field house. It is a non-school function, a non-profit function, and there are no legalities. Since liquor was allowed at the Reading 350 Celebration, we should allow the veterans to have liquor in the field house. This is a one time special event, and he will support it. He understands both sides. Mr. Twomey was also on the School Committee back at the time of the Reading 350 Celebration. He remembers back to that time. He thinks he made a mistake voting for the sale of alcohol in the field house. The event will raise a lot of money without alcohol. The event last year raised only $2,100 from the sale of alcohol. This amount of money does not even come close to what we could loose if we allowed alcohol in the field house. In the future, we will have another group before us with arguments for both sides of the argument. We do not want to set a precedent. Mr. Dahl stated that he had a lifetime of respect for his father who was a disabled veteran. This is not a decision that comes easy to him. He thought long and hard about the situation and what his father would say. His father was a simple man. His father always said do what is right and stick to it. How do you come up with what is right. He asked everyone he knew and they said they did not care. They are not elected to care, he is. He voted for liquor at the Reading 350 Celebration, but he does not regret it. We are setting a precedent. It is an unpopular decision. Setting a precedent can be dangerous. No alcohol in the field house is the best decision. Chair Griset stated that he was not a great polltaker. He did receive phone calls, and he thought about each one. We need to take a positive approach. There should not be a correlation between alcohol and having a good time. He thanked everyone for coming. Superintendent Harutunian recommended that the School Committee not endorse the decision to serve alcohol in the field house. He has the utmost respect for the veterans. Mr. Dahl made a motion in suomort of servine alcohol in the field house for one evening. There was discussion from both sides. The vote was seconded by Mrs. Cavicchi. The vote was 1-4-1. Mr. Russo voted yes. Mn. Cavicchi Mr. Griset Mr. Dahl Mr. Twomey voted no.Mr. McFadden abstained from votin GIFTS There were no gifts to report. CITIZEN'S INPUT There was no citizen's input. REGULAR SESSION - 7- September 10 2002 REPORT OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE Chair Griset stated the School Committee Meetings would be broadcast on RCTV, Channel 10. Mr. Twomey requested that RCTV inform the public on Channel 9 that the School Committee Meetings have moved. Dr. Harutunian stated that he will meet with RCTV and will report back to the Committee. The conversation shifted to the Community Meeting schedule. Dr. Harutunian asked the School Committee to consider the dates on the memorandum and report back to him. Mr. McFadden suggested a"call-in show". Mrs. Cavicchi stated that it had been done in the past but there were not enough calls. Mr. Twomey stated that when the School Committee had meetings at the schools, it proved to be problematic without a structured agenda. Mr. Dahl stated that people articulate their gripes, and there is a loose flow of conversation that you would not hear at a regular meeting. You usually get a variety of issues that you would not otherwise hear. Mr. Dahl thought that two community meetings might be sufficient. Mrs. Cavicchi suggested that they have a follow up meeting after the community meetings. Dr. Han tunian suggested that they could take 15-20 minutes following a meeting to articulate what the School Committee heard from the community. Mr. Twomey stated that the School Building Committee had a meeting scheduled for October 16, 2002 so they could not have a Community Meeting on the same night. Mr. Twomey said he would get the School Building Committee Meeting schedule from Mr. Graham. It was suggested that the Senior Center might be a better location than the Reading Public Library. Mr. Russo stated that last year there were 40 attendees at the Senior Center and 27 attendees at the Reading Public Library. Mr. Dahl stated that he has attended some of the School Building Committee Meetings as a citizen and a taxpayer. He urges people to go to these meetings. It is a dynamic process. Dr. Harmunian handed out information regarding existing conditions at Reading Memorial High School, and the three options for the renovation of RMHS distributed to the School Building Committee by Flansburgh Associates, Inc. Superintendent Harutunian made mention of the Boston Globe article concerning 56 districts with teacher contracts unsettled at the start of the school year. Having a teacher's contract adds to the smooth opening of school. Dr. Harutunian made a mention of the Board of Selectmen's Agenda for their meeting on September l&, which was in the packet of information. REGULAR SESSION - S- Sentember 10 2002 Dr. Harutunian stated that there were no instructions or directions from the state, the Department of Education, or nationally on how to handle the anniversary of September 11�. He went through the two letters, which were sent home to parents and to the staff. New bathroom doors have been received and painted at Reading Memorial High School. Dr. Harutunian asked the School Committee to review the memo concerning the tentative dates that MASC Representative Mike Gilbert will appear before the School Committee to review and discuss updated School Committee polices. He asked that the members please let him know if they cannot attend. Mr. McFadden asked that the PTO and other fund raising bodies concerning the schools be invited to a School Committee Meeting to be recognized for their efforts and hard work. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mrs. Cavicchi moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of conductinz stratesy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the Teacher's Association. Not to return to regular session. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion. The vote was 6-0 Mrs Cavicchi Mr. Dahl. Mr. Griset.Mr. Russo and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, C' K Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools