2012-01-30 School Committee Minutes

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January 30, 2012 3. Director of Finance and Operations Report Ms. DeLai reported on vandalism that took place over the weekend. The granite bench in front of the Memorial Wall, the granite sign at the bottom of Oakland Road and the drama sign on the corner of Main St. had graffiti spray painted on them. She said that Mr. Huggins is handling the repair of the affected areas. She also said that we may be able to get potential evidence from the security cameras. 4. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla updated the School Committee on the Chinese Exchange Program. Five students have arrived in Reading and will spend a week attending classes. She also shared that the First Lego League Robotics competition is being held at Coolidge on February 11`h. B. Continued Business Naming of Facilities Nomination Timeline Dr. Doherty reviewed the timetable form naming nominations. Mrs. Gibbs asked if the nomination period would return to the fall next year? Chair Robinson said he would like to have the nomination period in the fall. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the Naming of Facilities timeline to accept nominations as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 26, 2012. The motion carried 6 -0. C. New Business FYI Budget Discussion and Vote Dr. Doherty shared answers to questions asked by the School Committee at the last meeting. He indicated that he met with Mr. Zaya to discuss options to fund the Fitness Center for use by all students after school. He proposed that the center would be open 150 of the 181 school days for 1.5 hours per day. The financial impact will be $8,000. Funding for the Fitness Center staffing and equipment maintenance would come from 2 sources. $5,000 would come from the Technology Cost Center (consulting services) and $3,000 from the high school per pupil funding. He then addressed Mr. Croft's request regarding a Homework Club at RMHS. He shared that a homework club exists at the high school. The Library Media Center is open to 3:30 p.m. every day and at times National Honor Society students are available to tutor students. He then discussed athletic uniform and equipment replenishment. Dr. Doherty met with Mr. Vaccaro. The Superintendent reviewed a uniform and equipment refurbishment cycle that is included in the proposed budget and as presented during the Athletic Cost Center presentation. Presently uniforms are being replaced three ways — athlete pays, parent group's purchase and