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READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS <br />Reading, Massachusetts <br />SCHOOL COMMITTEE RETREAT - OPENING SESSION <br />RETREAT MINUTES <br />2 MAY 1994 <br />The retreat was called to order by Chair Roberta D'Antona at <br />7:30 p.m. and all School Committee members were present. The <br />retreat opened with a brief roundtable discussion about a <br />letter from the Middlesex District Attorney about open <br />meeting law. The School Committee chair agreed to speak to <br />the District Attorney. Later on, the School Committee can <br />ask for a workshop session. The Superintendent advised that <br />Town Counsel Cohen will run an open meeting workshop for <br />School Councils. <br />With an eye on the long -range goals and priorities, the Chair <br />read a prepared statement about the absolute unacceptability <br />of intimidation, ridicule, and verbal and physical punishment <br />by students or teachers in our schools. School Committee <br />members supported the thrust of the statement. One said he <br />was bothered by concerns of a parent about too much emphasis <br />in winning. Another spoke about a praent rights policy <br />statement. The chair raised the issue of "where is <br />accountability." <br />A second topic of extended discussion was a Performance <br />Review of teachers and other staff members. The need for <br />standards was emphasized. One member reminded other members <br />of school committee goals about staff assignment and <br />revitalization. <br />A third topic was how to engage and involve parents. She <br />suggested, for example, the creation of support groups <br />helpful to parents such as coffee groups. <br />The retreat meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. until Thursday <br />when Professor Loveless from the Kennedy School of Government <br />will be with us to talk about school committee policymaking. <br />Respeafulty Submitted <br />I <br />Robert .1. Mun et y, Ed. D. <br />Superintendent Of Schools <br />Secretary To The School Committn <br />