Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-16 School Committee Minutes READING SCHOOL COMMITTEkECEIVED Reading, Massachusetts TOWN CLERK READING. MddeCCC Regular Session Janua't`�;6,2001 CALL TO ORDER IWI MAR 23 Ail: Q Chair Cavicchi called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. Present were School Committee Members Cavicchi, D'Antona, Griset, Keigley and Twomey. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian, Associate Superintendent Richards and Student Representative McAleer and Finance Committee Member Lelacheur. There was no RCTV cable coverage because of exam week. BILLS & PAYROLL PR 55 January 5,2001 $165,779.76 PR 57 January 11, 2001 $687,192.09 Warrant 56 January 8, 2001 $34,733.39 Warrant 59 January 16,2001 $151,865.49 CITIZENS' INPUT There was no citizen input. SCHOOL CALENDAR Ms D'Antona made a motion to approve the 2001-2002 school calendar as presented in the memorandum dated January 12,2001. Mr. Griset seconded the motion The vote was 5-0 Ms. Cavicehi,Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Griset, Mr. Keigley and Mr. Twomey. Dr. Harutunian stated that the public hearing has been changed from January 18" to January 22nd Dr. Harutunian and Chair Cavicchi updated the Committee on the meeting they attended with the Town Manager, Chair of the Selectmen, Chair of the Finance Committee, Beth Klepeis and Richard Foley. Dr. Harutunian stated that because of the pending litigation the Town would not need to borrow as much money as thought for this year and that would be a savings, also the lower interest rates would result in additional savings. He stated that including capital in the budget process could lower the amount of the override. 4 Reeular Session 2 January 16,2001 Dr. Harutunian distributed a memorandum from Director of Special Education Steve Gannon regarding$150,000 he felt could be eliminated from the special education budget whether there is an override or not. The Harutunian stated that with that$150,000 savings he would like to add 2 elementary teachers, 1.2 middle school teachers and .8 high school teacher. Dr. Harutunian distributed questions from School Committee Griset regarding the proposed reductions. Mr. Twomey asked how many classrooms at Coolidge were being used for elementary classes this year. Dr. Harutunian advised that 3 classes for kindergarten and one DLC class was at Coolidge. He stated that next year one of those classrooms would be needed for middle school Dr. Harmunian distributed information regarding class size projections for next year at the elementary schools. Ms. D'Antona stated that the middle school operates in teams and asked if only 1.2 teacher is added how is the team concept handled. Dr. Harutunian stated that the team will move from 3 teachers to 4 teachers. Dr. Hamtunian advised that he would be addressing Mr. Griset's budget questions. Dr. Harutunian distributed a list of adaptive equipment that would be purchased. Dr. Harmunian advised that every junior and senior takes one-half year of physical education. Dr. Harutunian advised that it had been a long time since the policy manual was revised, he was unsure of an exact date. Mr. Twomey stated that as a general principal he would like to preserve as many core teaching positions as possible. He stated that it would be helpful to know what other cuts the administration considered before arriving at the recommended list. Dr. Harutunian advised that he and Associate Superintendent Richards had met with administrators and all areas had been looked at for reductions including cutting all copiers,dues and memberships, athletic programs, courier, education assistants, pay as r you go drama and band,cut all classes at RMHS with under 15 students, cut 7`"and 8"' �/ grade foreign language, and cut all substitutes at the elementary level. Regular Session 3 January 16,2001 Mr. Twomey asked if participation in sports could qualify as physical education under the state rules. Mr. Richards advised that he did not believe that it could but he was waiting to hear back from the state. Mr. Twomey stated in a tough situation he overall agrees with the Superintendent's recommended reductions however, he stated his strong concern that the science and social studies teachers at the high school were being considered as a reduction. Dr. Harmunian stated that the elimination of the science teacher would not limit student's ability to take courses, they just could not take two sciences in one year. Chair Cavicchi stated that this matter would be discussed again on January 22"d. She stated that there would not be a clear picture on the override until after the April election. She stated that two budget will have to be ready to go, one assuming an override passes and another assuming an override fails. Dr. Harutunian stated that there was $800,000 in capital that still needs to be looked at by the Board of Selectmen. 4 Mr. Lelacheur of the Finance Committee stated that the Fin Com would review each item in the capital budget. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 9:05 p.m. Mr. Griset made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of conducting strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the teachers secretaries and clerks, custodial workers,cafeteria workers, nurses and educational assistants and to discuss pending litigation and security. Not to return to regular session. Mr. Keiglev seconded the motion. The vote was 5-0 Ms. Cavicchi, Ms. D'Antona,Mr. Griset,Mr. Keiglev and Mr. Twomey. Respectfully submitted, Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools