2007-05-21 School Committee Minutes

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Regular Session 2 May 21, 2007 Mr. McFadden complimented Mr. Huggins and the Maintenance/Custodial Department for showing off the RMHS facility this past weekend. Chair Webb reported on the following: • The Coolidge Science Olympiad Team who placed I O b in the country at the National Science Olympiad at Wichita State University this past weekend. She complimented the work ethic and perseverance of the students and coaches on the team. Mrs. Webb complimented Coach Paul Guidetti, Coach John McCarthy, and Coach Karawan Kouki for their leadership throughout the year. Mr. Robinson commented that he would like the board to discuss adding an anonymous teacher survey as a component to the Superintendent's evaluation. FY07 Budget Update Director of Human Resource and Finance Mary DeLai gave an update of the FY07 Budget. A memo was distributed to the board for review. There was discussion surrounding the deficit in the Town Building Maintenance budget, caused by a malfunctioned air conditioning system at the Town Library. Calendar Personnel Superintendent Schettini introduced Mrs. Cathy Giles. as the new principal of the Killam Elementary School, effective July 1, 2007. The School Committee welcomed Mrs. Giles to the Killam School Community. It was announced that there will be a "Meet and Greet" evening at Killam. on May 22°d from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The board complimented the job that Mr. Guerrette has done over the years and that he will be missed. Superintendent Schettini introduced Susan Villani from MASCD who awarded Mrs. Giles with the Outstanding and Exemplary Mentor of New Teachers Award. Ms. Villani read an excerpt from Karen Callan, her current principal, and the protege that Cathy is currently mentoring, Liz Christo. New Business RMHS Field Trip Mr. Gary D'Entremont discussed the field trip to England that will occur in April, 2008. Mrs. Gibbs moved to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trip to England in April, 2008 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 18, 2007. Seconded by Mr. Caruso. Motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Gibbs Ms. Webb Mr. McFadden Mr. Caruso Mr. Michaud and Mr. Rnhincnn_ China Connection Sharon Burke, the RMHS Library Media Specialist, discussed the Pathways to China program, which is a new program that is being proposed at Reading Memorial High School. Superintendent Schettini commented that this is another example of expanding learning. Mrs. Gibbs moved to support the Pathways to China program as presented and to request that the Superintendent return at a later date for approval of the field trip to China portion of the program once the details of the trip have been finalized. Seconded by Mr. Robinson. Motion carried 5-1. Mr. McFadden voted in opposition to the motion. Mrs. Gibbs, Ms. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud and Mr. Robinson. Mr. McFadden voted against. There was a brief recess at 8:50 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:04 p.m.