2005-01-24 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session -2- January 24, 2005 Superintendent Schettini stated that Phillip Vaccaro, Athletic Director, has received the President's Award of Merit from the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors Executive Board. A congratulatory letter has been sent. Superintendent Schettini explained that Reading belongs to two Special Education Collaboratives. The North Shore Education Collaborative and the SEEM Collaborative. According to the by-laws of the North Shore Education Collaborative the Superintendent has to be appointed to Board of Directors by the School Committee each year. Ms Webb moved to appoint Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. as the Reading School Department representative on the North Shore Education Consortium's Board of Directors Mr. Carpenter seconded the motion The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Dahl, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. McFadden. Superintendent Schettini stated there would be a School Committee meeting on Thursday, January 27th and a Building Project Update on February 7, 2005. Old Business Mr. Dahl asked how the snow is effecting the culvert. He was told that the snow creates a natural barrier, keeping the ground from freezing. Mr. McFadden stated that the Superintendent gave a thorough budget presentation last Thursday. Mr. Ken Tucci asked about class size. He asked how three additional teachers would impact class size. Superintendent Schettini stated that once the redistricting is settled the number of additional teachers may be three or it may be five. Class size is still a priority. Ms. Webb stated that adding three teachers would improve three situations and adding four teachers would improve four situations and so on. Mrs. Dorothy Casalaro stated that class size at the middle school level and at the high school level is important as well. We need reasonable class sizes at those levels. Mrs. Gibbs stated that we hear your concerns about redistricting and your concerns about middle school and the high school. You have our promise. We will do our best. Mrs. Linda Phillips asked how many unanticipated placements were budgeted in FY05. She was told two public and two private.