Track stars, TV and bonuses
Published on June 30th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA -At a June 24 meeting the School Committee lauded the boys and girls of Stoneham Track for their championship achievements of 1999.
Athletic Director Mike Lahiff told the committee and assembled athletes, coaches and parents about the work and dedication that led to a Class C Relay Championship for the boys and a Class C Relay, Eastern Mass Championship, and Division II State Championship for the girls.
"The success of this program has to do a lot with the number of great coaches," Lahiff said.
He recognized the work of Girls Head Coach Alain Rocher — the Globe Spring Track Coach of the Year — and his assistants Ben Pease, Eileen DiLisio and Tom Hayes as well as Boys Head Coach Wayne Fillback and his assistants Phil Riley, Bob Powers and Scott Price.
The School Committee handed out plaques to the boys and girls.
Selectmen Al Conti and Cosmo Ciccarello presented a special banner to the girls and their coaches. Under Rocher's leadership the Lady Spartan Tracksters captured Stoneham High School's second ever state championship.
Girls Track '99 will join Boys Baseball '94 on street signs posted on major thoroughfares around town proclaiming the achievement of local youth.
"We the community have a great admiration for what you have accomplished," Conti said. "And we want to see this sign get longer and longer."
TV or not TV?
That is the question...
The School Committee is thinking about going on television.
Requests from the public prompted the committee to discuss the merits of televising meetings on public access cable.
"I don't want to spend a dollar of money that would go to the schools budget on this," member Marie Christie said.
Superintendent Joseph Connolly said the schools would not take money from the education budget, but he said setting up and taking down the equipment could cause delays in already lengthy meetings (the June 24 meeting concluded at midnight).
Even so, Connolly said he thought it was "worth a try."
Members Mary Carey, Jeanne Craigie and Mary Pecoraro expressed interest in televising the meetings to allow citizens who cannot attend to witness the workings of the committee.
Member Stephen Gucciardi was opposed.
"I think television could be a distraction," he said.
After discussing the issue, the committee decided to "pursue the issue and come back with proposals at a later meeting."
Bonuses
"I know it is unusual, but I think these bonuses are earned," Connolly said about giving three bonuses to staff members who filled the administrative void created by former Special Education Director Frank Gagliardi's swift exit in early March of 1999.
Thomas Ryan, Principal of the High School, will receive $750 for his service as Interim Special Education Director.
Dr. Paula Sline, Principal of the South School, will receive $500 for her service as the Interim Principal of the Colonial Park School.
Maureen Burke, Assistant Principal of the Central School, will receive $500 for her service as Interim Principal of the North School and Director of the Pre-School Program.
The School Committee unanimously approved the bonuses. The money will come from the fiscal 1999 unexpended funds account.
"They deserve it," said Jeanne Craigie.
You can't have it, yet
The School Committee denied a Board of Selectmen request to release the audit of the special education department conducted by the Andover firm of Melanson and Heath in December 1998.
The selectmen want to know what the report says, specifically about spending by Gagliardi.
"It's been a long time, and if it won't hinder the investigation, we should know about this (audit)," Selectmen Cosmo Ciccarello said.
The School Department, according to Connolly, is proceeding according to recommendations of Assistant District Attorneys Michael Fabbri and Ann Powers.
"They would prefer we not release the audit but have left it up to the discretion of the committee," Connolly explained.
After a 45-minute executive session and a brief pause, Gucciardi said he wanted to honor the request of the attorneys, and the rest of the board subsequently agreed.
The selectmen have contacted the Secretary of State's Office with a public records request.
"We should hear an answer soon, maybe at the Tuesday meeting," Ciccarello said.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!