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for anew building project. 11 is likely that we will need to be considering anew project <br /> in 5-10 years, so having done the study now will help its be prepared". <br /> Dr. Doherty began his report by thanking those who had stepped up to run the disirict <br /> and commending their vital work running the district in his absence. <br /> Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mr. Wise,to approve the September 12,2019 <br /> minutes as amended. The motion carried 5-0. <br /> Before moving onto New Business Chair Robinson wanted to publicly thank Elaine <br /> Webb for her 12 years of tireless work on behalf of the children of Reading. Mrs. Webb <br /> resigned from the School Committee effective September 16,2019. <br /> C. New Business <br /> 2019 Middle School YRBS Survev Results <br /> RCASA Director Erica McNamara reviewed the process. The YRBS Survey is <br /> administered every two years to middle and high school students.This year we partnered <br /> with eleven Middlesex League Schools and John Snow, Inc(data analysis). The only <br /> district that did not participate was Lexington. Lahey Health donated $50K to support the <br /> administration and analysis of data for the 2019 collection period. She shared that there <br /> is less comparative statewide data at the middle school level, so these results are being <br /> compared to the Middlesex League data. <br /> Ms. McNamara reviewed the results in areas of safety, negative stress, school stress, <br /> suicide, bullying, mental health treatment, harassment, bullying, physical fighting, <br /> weapons and dating violence. Electronic bullying incidents have doubled since the 2017 <br /> survey. The bullying rates tend to be higher at the middle school level because of the <br /> maturity level of the surveyed students. There has been a shift from face to face bullying <br /> to electronic forms of bullying. <br /> She next reviewed the results for vaping use, underage drinking, substance misuse and <br /> sexual behavior. The question was asked what the 4-month ban on the sale of vaping <br /> products will be. Ms. McNamara said it will make it harder to access but the kids will <br /> still be able to get the products whether it be illegally or travel to surrounding states. She <br /> also shared that there was a 4% increase in underage drinking since the 2017 survey. <br /> Students obtain alcohol through family members, directly or indirectly. <br /> Lastly, results regarding talking to parents about screen time, breakfast, physical activity, <br /> concussion, sleep,having a trusted adult in and out of school to talk to and perception of <br /> parental and peer disapproval regarding several behaviors were shared. <br /> School supports in place include school staff and policies that support healthy schools, <br /> social-emotional learning integration, school based and individual supports, health <br /> education in middle school, Youth Mental Health First Aid training for staff, Interface <br /> Referral Service for families and the Eliot Mobile Crisis Services for students. <br /> Next steps include a meeting of the District YRBS Data Committee to review the <br /> findings in detail, present to parents and the community and provide an opportunity for <br /> students to review and provide insight. <br /> Mrs. Borawski asked how the data is presented to the middle school students. Ms. <br /> McNamara shared at the high school level it is addressed in the health classes. Ideas are <br /> being explored regarding use of data at the middle school students. <br /> Page 1 2 <br />