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July 19, 2010 <br />handed out his transition plan and explained that over the next several months he will be <br />meeting with administrators, staff, town officials, media, citizens, students and parents to <br />gather information. He is planning on presenting the findings at a meeting in January. <br />Dr. Doherty handed out a copy of the latest elementary enrollment. <br />4. Director of Finance and Operations <br />5. Director of Pupil Services <br />C. Continued Business <br />First Reading of Policy ACAB/ACAC - Harassment Discrimination Bullying and Hazing <br />Mr. Caruso indicated that this is the first reading of this policy and the second reading would <br />take place at the September 13th meeting to allow for time to review the draft policy thoroughly. <br />Dr. Doherty indicated that this policy and subsequent plan will not stop bullying but will be in <br />place to address concerns. He went on to state it is important how the plan is implemented that <br />will make the difference. <br />The presentation included an Overview of Bullying Legislation. He reviewed the new <br />legislation, what is currently happening in Reading, an overview of the draft policy and allowed <br />for questions and answers. <br />Superintendent Doherty explained that there are three major components of the new law. The <br />school district's obligations are expanded to include monitoring, reporting and investigation of <br />complaints; it adds an educational component for all staff and requires an anti-bullying <br />curriculum for all students. <br />Superintendent Doherty explained that all districts must develop a plan for bullying prevention <br />and submit it to the state by the end of December. He indicated that he would be meeting with <br />administrators this week to start working on the district bullying plan. He also indicated that <br />several administrators recently attended a workshop on this new legislation. He went on to <br />review the bullying plan criteria. The DESE is required to publish a model plan that can be used <br />as a guide in bullying plan development. School districts will be required to update student <br />handbooks, provide written notices of the plans and policy annually to staff, provide training and <br />post the plan on the district website. <br />Dr. Doherty reviewed the definition of bullying and stated that cyberbullying is a new piece <br />Dr. Doherty pointed out that the district will be required to provide professional development <br />opportunities for staff. He indicated the DESE is required to provide information on alternative <br />methods to provide professional development, including no cost options. He went on to outline <br />the reporting requirements. Superintendent Doherty outlined what the Reading Public Schools <br />have been doing and what the DESE has been doing in preparation for implementation of the <br />new bullying requirements. <br />Mr. Caruso asked if there were any questions. Mrs. Gibbs asked if the Superintendent felt there <br />was enough time to get the plan done. She is also concerned that the professional development <br />requirements will lead to unforeseen costs. <br />