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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 Annual Report Town of Reading Massachusetts IFI? 6�9'INCOR���P 2019 Annual Report �NOF_Re9°' 2019 Annual Report Table of Contents a Iwo ,639'1NC0(i4"Q�S 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW.....................................................................................7 LETTER FROM THE TOWN MANAGER...................................................................................................7 TABLE OF ORGANIZATION.....................................................................................................................9 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT .......................................10 SELECTBOARD ....................................................................................................................................10 TOWNCOUNSEL..................................................................................................................................11 TOWNCLERK.......................................................................................................................................12 HUMAN RESOURCES...........................................................................................................................13 TECHNOLOGY......................................................................................................................................16 OPERATIONS.......................................................................................................................................16 PROCUREMENT...................................................................................................................................17 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT ............................................................18 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................................18 PLANNING/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION..............................................................................19 METRO NORTH REGIONAL HOUSING SERVICES OFFICE (MNRHSO)...................................................22 METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL& NORTH SUBURBAN PLANNING COUNCIL(NSPC).....22 COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ...........................................................23 CONSERVATION DIVISION...................................................................................................................23 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION.......................................................................................................25 HISTORICAL COMMISSION..................................................................................................................25 INSPECTIONS DIVISION &ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS ....................................................................29 ELDER/HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION....................................................................................................30 HEALTHDIVISION................................................................................................................................35 RECREATION DIVISION........................................................................................................................38 VETERANS SERVICES DIVISION............................................................................................................40 MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES ........................................................................................................41 TRAILS COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................................42 FINANCE DEPARTMENT ..............................................................................44 ASSESSMENT DIVISION .......................................................................................................................44 COLLECTION DIVISION ........................................................................................................................45 GENERALDIVISION..............................................................................................................................45 GENERAL FINANCE-TRUST FUNDS....................................................................................................46 BOARD OF ASSESSORS........................................................................................................................46 PUBLICSAFETY ..............................................................................................51 FIRE DEPARTMENT..............................................................................................................................51 READING FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER ................................................................................................58 POLICE DEPARTMENT.........................................................................................................................59 ANIMAL CONTROL...............................................................................................................................66 PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER .....................................................................................................66 PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH...................................................................................................................67 POLICEROSTER ...................................................................................................................................67 READING COALITION AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (RCASA) .............................................................70 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT .................................................................74 DIRECTOR'S REPORT...........................................................................................................................74 ADMINISTRATION DIVISION................................................................................................................77 CEMETERY DIVISION ...........................................................................................................................78 CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' & SAILORS' GRAVES.................................................................................78 ENGINEERING DIVISION......................................................................................................................78 HIGHWAY DIVISION.............................................................................................................................85 FORESTRY DIVISION:TREE WARDEN'S REPORT..................................................................................86 PARKS DIVISION ..................................................................................................................................87 WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT............................................................................................................87 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY........................................................................94 REPORT OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES..................................................................................94 REPORT OF THE LIBRARY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES 2019.................................................................95 HOUSING AUTHORITY................................................................................102 REPORT..............................................................................................................................................102 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT..............................................................................109 SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT..........................................................................................................109 SCHOOLDEPARTMENT.....................................................................................................................111 STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT....................................................................................................112 READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL................................................................................................117 ARTHUR W. COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL.........................................................................................133 WALTER S. PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL...............................................................................................137 A. M. BARROWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL...........................................................................................141 BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL..........................................................................................144 JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL............................................................................................146 J. W. KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.................................................................................................148 WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL..................................................................................................151 NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.....................................................166 BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS .....................................177 APPENDIX A Local Election Results ............................................................189 APPENDIX B Annual Town Meeting Warrant and Minutes .....................199 APPENDIX C Subsequent Town Meeting and Minutes ..............................375 APPENDIX D Financial Statements...............................................................581 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW LETTER FROM THE TOWN MANAGER Dear Fellow Reading Residents, The Town of Reading Annual Report covering calendar year 2019 is attached. This report both summarizes and provides great detail for many Town activities during what was a very busy year. Economic Growth In June 2019 the Town hired Erin Schaeffer as our second Economic Development Director, after our first relocated to southern California with his family. As a former planner, Erin hit the ground running in pushing some initial relationships that had been established and the community began to see significant redevelopment in the downtown area and hear about plans for both South Main Street and the Walker's Brook commercial district. Additional tax revenues from these projects are expected to outpace additional municipal costs as described in the 2017 Annual Report. Please refer to the Public Services/Community Development section of this report for significantly more details. Financial Condition The Town and Schools remain on much firmer footing after the successful 2018 Override. All planned new hires were completed within several months. In Public Safety,because of significant training requirements, the impact of those nine new personnel was finally seen in late 2019, and helped meet increasing demand for services. The Town's Free Cash position, or rainy-day savings account, reached a record level $15.6 million, and the three enterprise funds had an additional combined $12.3 million of reserves. Each of these figures helped the Town retain its AAA bond rating and led to a record low rate of 1.06% in borrowing for debt projects. Local property tax revenues represent 74% of total general fund revenues, which is a high figure for MA communities and points to the need for more self-sufficiency and a reason to encourage thoughtful economic development growth. Other revenues include State Aid, which after a significant and successful overhaul to school funding across the Commonwealth leaves Reading with a weak revenue growth around I%annually.An annual payment from RMLD is being studied by the RMLD Board of Commissioners and may be cut back significantly. The net result is that the Town is in a strong current financial position, but the annual operating budget remains challenging. Health Insurance Premiums for Employees and Retirees The Town has had good success at reigning in these costs in contrast to the national landscape. Town management and the town, school and RMLD unions plus retirees have built a very collaborative relationship over a long period of time. Costs have been shifted to employees using health care services, and several creative programs have been created. In FY20, total town general funds spent on premiums are estimated to be $10.3 million, a figure below both FY 18 and FY 19 levels. Over a longer ten-year period, annual spending is about+3%(Town)and+3.7%(Schools). 7 Local Civility There is an issue of deep concern to me and some of my peer Mayors and Managers: the fragile and decaying civility in public discourse certainly influenced by national politics. We see divides in our communities forming—if one looks carefully they are actually not easy to label or describe, let alone find a way to bridge. Some of that came out in Reading during our Community Listening and Senior Tax Relief Sessions last summer, when different groups of residents selfishly opposed each other, and this behavior has continued in different local forums since. Some residents seem bent on winning a debate as if it is a contest, instead of sitting down as a community to find common ground and solutions. Sure, it is tempting to extend both palm's outward and push each side away, hoping to enjoy a moment's peace. But the so-called Reading way has always been to sit down,talk and listen. We may not be able to solve the world's problems,but there is absolutely no reason we can't do a better job working together on Reading issues. Please learn to keep your palms in your pockets, recognize the old adage about the ratio between two ears and only one mouth, and find a way to bridge that widening gap with your neighbor -before it is too late. It is with sadness that I repeat these comments above from the 2016 Annual Report, and hope for better days ahead. In so many ways, Reading is a great community Please enjoy the remainder of our Annual Report that follows. As always, we welcome your thoughts and comments anytime! Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA Town Manager Email: townmanager(aci.reading ma.us Website: www.readingma.gov 8 TABLE OF ORGANIZATION Town of Reading, MA 'e Executive Branch o = a Table of Organization �9'rNC0R9�� April 2018 Town Meeting—no changes) VOTERS SCHOOL COMMITTEE BOARD OF SELECTMEN BOARD OF (elected) (elected) LIBRARY TRUSTEES (elected) School TownAccauntant Town Manager Town Counsel Buildings Department ADMINISTRATIVE FACILITIES PUBLIC SERVICES PUBLIC SAFETY Facilities SERVICES Assistant FINANCE Police Chief& PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC LIBRARY Director dministrative Services Town Manager Town Accountant Fire Chief Director of Public Works Library Director Director Board of Selectmen Police Finance Committee Public Svc Administration Accounting DPW Administra tion Library Administration Core Facilities Animal Control Engineering Circulation Law Building Collections Town ManagerOffice Community Development Assessment Town Buildings Traffic Engforcement Hi hwaY Children's Plannin Treasur Telecommunications Equipment Maintenance Reference Insurance g Y CASA Parks/Forestry/Cemetery ICemeter Human Resources Historical rY Y Tech Services Operations Conservation Fire Rubbish/Recycling I� Technology Community Services Emergency Managemen Street Lighting Town Clerk Elder/Human SnoWlce Elections Public Health Water Recreation Se Aer Veterans Stormwater 9 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SELECT BOARD Mark Dockser and Anne Landry were elected to three-year terms. Vanessa Alvarado served as Chair, John Halsey served as Vice Chair and Mark Dockser served as Secretary. Personnel and Appointments The Select Board reappointed Sharon Angstrom as Town Accountant with a term expiring June 30, 2020. The Board also continued the appointment of the firm of Miyares and Harrington as Town Counsel. Boards and Committees In February 2019 the Select Board met in joint session with the School Committee and appointed Geoffrey Coram to the balance of a term. In March, the Board approved a speed limit reduction to 30 mph on Haverhill Street. MassDOT informed the Town that the Select Board is not authorized to implement such a change. The Select Board then submitted a formal request to MassDOT to reduce the speed limit. The MassDOT decision is pending. In June the Board approved a Non-Union Classification and Compensation Plan for FY20. In July, The Board voted to combine the Local Election and Presidential Primary election for March 3, 2020. In October 2019 the Select Board met in joint session with the School Committee and appointed Patricia Calley to the balance of a term. In December, the Board conducted public meetings on the FY21 budgets. The Board held several hearings and made changes to their Select Board Policies Articles 1 and Articles 2, including changes to the liquor license policy. The Board's two-member Volunteer Appointment Sub Committee(VASC)met during the year as needed to review volunteer applications and fill vacancies. Board members Alvarado and Friedmann served on the VASC for the year. Licenses and Permits The Select Board approved the following liquor licenses in 2019: • A Change of Manager for Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza in March. • A Change of Manager for Oye's in April. • A Change of Manager for Bertucci's Italian Restaurant in November. • A Pledge of Collateral for Liquor Junction in December. 10 The Select Board handed down the following suspension for violations in 2019: • Bay State Liquors: License suspended September 26th through 291h for a violation that occurred on May 30, 2019, and a two-day suspension held in abeyance for three years for a violation that occurred on May 18, 2019. The Select Board approved the following Motor Vehicle Licenses in 2019: • Class II Motor Vehicle License for Ciano's Auto Sales in January. • Class I Motor Vehicle License for Prime Motors in January. TOWN COUNSEL The role of Town Counsel is to provide information about what the law requires,to advise Town officials and boards concerning the law, to protect the legal interests of the Town in the conduct of its affairs, and to represent the Town in judicial and administrative proceedings. This involves the preparation of legal memoranda and the negotiation, drafting or review of protocols, memoranda of understanding or other types of agreements and contracts. In addition, Town Counsel answers questions on topics such as procurement, contracts, insurance, land use, environmental law, wetlands protection, municipal finance, construction law, employment, open meeting and public records requirements, and ethics. In 2019, we represented Reading in four litigation matters: Anthony D'Arezzo v. Reading Zoning Board of Appeals Superior Court 1981-CV-00857 In this case, Anthony D'Arezzo appealed the comprehensive permit issued to Eaton Lakeview Development LLC. In a decision dated February 6, 2020, the Superior Court dismissed the appeal in its entirety. Nicholas J. Bonanno v. Reading Zoning Board of Appeals Land Court No. 19-MISC-000128 In a decision dated November 7, 2018, the Community Planning and Development Commission(CPDC)granted site plan approval to Meadowbrook Golf Club. This decision authorized Meadowbrook Golf Club to renovate its clubhouse on property located at 292 (aka 288) Grove Street. Nicholas J. Bonanno, an abutter to Meadowbrook Golf Club, appealed the CPDC's decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), as is provided for in Section 4.6.10 of the Zoning Bylaws. The ZBA issued a decision upholding the CPDC's grant of site plan approval, and Mr. Bonanno then filed this appeal to Land Court pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A, §17. This matter remains active. Paul Ferazzi, Trustee v. Reading Zoning Board of Appeals Superior Court 1681-CV-02881-H In a decision dated September 1, 2016, the ZBA found that the property located at 85 Bancroft Street was not a lawfully nonconforming three-family dwelling. The property I owner appealed this decision pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A, §17. This case was tried in June 2019 and is currently under advisement. Matteo Gallo, Trustee v. Town of Reading Land Court No. 15-MISC-000566 In this case,the owner of 506 Summer Avenue seeks a declaration that this property,which is located in the 5-15 zoning district, may be used as a three-family dwelling. This matter remains active. The year 2019 marked the fifth full year of our tenure as Town Counsel in Reading. We believe that each matter that comes before Town Counsel deserves careful thought, and we strive to provide the Town with personal, direct and responsive legal counsel, diligent attention to the Town's needs, and good humor. Respectfully submitted, J. Raymond Miyares Miyares and Harrington LLP Town Counsel TOWN CLERK Elections: In 2019 there was one Election. The Town Election was held on April 2nd Election Turnout: At the April 2"d Town Election, there were 3,650 votes cast with 165 Absentee Ballots, a turnout of 18.32%. Board of Registrars: Registrars Krissandra Holmes, Gloria Hulse, Harry Simmons, and Town Clerk Laura Gemme registered 927 voters;made 1,555 voter changes(name,address,status);and deleted 1,101 voters in 2019. There were 2,408 signatures certified on nomination and petition papers for the 2019 election year. Registrars also offered assistance to voters on Election Day. The Town of Reading lost a long time Board of Registrar in 2019, Gloria Hulse. Census: The Annual Town Census was conducted in January, entirely by mail, with 12,208 forms mailed to residences. The local census assists the Town Clerk in putting together the Street List and the Jury List. 12 Major functions served by an annual local census include; Information collected for municipal purposes such as School needs, Growth and planning needs, Resident identification for police and fire, Collection of dog information and Veteran Information. As well as Information for the Jury Commissioners and Determining inactive voter status for voter removal as required by the National Voter Registration Act. Town Meeting: Town of Reading held an Annual and Subsequent Town Meeting in 2019. The Annual Town Meeting was held in four nights on April 22nd, April 25th, April 29th and May 2nd. The Subsequent Town Meeting was held in three nights on November 12th, November 14th and November 181h Vital Statistics and Licensing: During the calendar year 2019, the following Vital Statistics were recorded in the Town Clerk's Office: Birth Records—252 Marriage Records—69 Death Records—421 The Town Clerk's office issued 2772 dog licenses, 2 commercial dog kennel licenses and 3 residential kennel licenses, 131 business certificates, 18 renewals for 18 underground storage tanks, and 51 cemetery deeds. The Town Clerk as the Burial Agent for the Board of Health issued 376 Burial Permits. Total Receipts: Total receipts collected in the Town Clerk's office for the calendar year 2019 amounted to $89,693.50. HUMAN RESOURCES The Human Resources Division supports the Town (under the direction of the Town Manager), Schools (under the direction of the Superintendent), Light Department (under the direction of the RMLD General Manager) and Retiree benefit activities. Employee benefits administered through this Division include health, dental and life insurance, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, the sick-leave bank, the Employee Assistance Program,paid time off, leave of absences, professional development and unemployment benefits. Job related injuries covered by worker's compensation or MGL Chapter 41 Section 111F (for public safety employees) are also administered through this department for Town, School and RMLD employees. Workers compensation is a premium-based program purchased through the Massachusetts Inter- Local Insurance Association(MIIA). The Town is self-insured for job-related injuries of its public safety employees qualifying under Section 111F. This program is fully administered within the Human Resources Division. The administration of the 111F program includes fully reviewing all medical bills, coding and rating of these bills for payment and negotiating surgical payments and rates with providers who do not accept the customary Division of Industrial Accidents rates. In 13 2019, Human Resources coded and paid over 250 multiple page bills requiring coding and manually rating each line for payment. Human Resources negotiated terms on medical billing with facilities not accepting the DIA rates for our Public Safety injuries. We managed and tracked 82 workers compensation claims and processed multiple correspondence related to these claims and payments. The Human Resources Division administers health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, deferred compensation plans, accruals, payroll deductions and other benefits for approximately 1,616 employees of the School Department, Town, and RMLD. In addition, we process 403B documentation for school employees. The Town's health insurance program is currently administered through MIIA, with large losses being shared by all members of the MIIA Health Benefits Trust. The Town occasionally reviews options of its health insurance plans available through an open bid process. Human Resources processed over 400 health insurance enrollments, 340 dental insurance enrollments, 221 death benefit applications, 167 Flexible Spending Accounts and 52 health insurance opt-out applicants and manage 633 Medex enrollments. In July of 2018,we successfully transitioned our Post 65 population to Medicare and Medex plans through an extensive process coordinating with Social Security, Retirees and MIIA. Previously, this Retiree population was disqualified from receiving Medicare benefits. This process included identifying those retirees and meeting with them to offer a more beneficial plan including Medicare and our Medex plan. This process continues with special attention given to retirees who have been absent from our plan and are still within the 10-year window to enter. Human Resources takes a hands-on approach to serving our Retirees and works directly with them through the Social Security process sometimes both visiting local offices on the Retiree's behalf and sitting with them on phone calls to assure the appropriate needs are being met to qualify them for our Medex plan. Human Resources continue to work closely with our Retirees and MIIA to identify and qualify eligible individuals to the new Medicare and Medex plans. We meet with individuals to explain the process and partner with our retirees to assist with this transition. The Post 65 transition continues to be successful and affords benefits not previously available to these retirees who had no eligibility. This successful project continues to benefit both the Town and our Retirees by reducing the costs. The Retiree experiences lower costs with the Medex plan, as the co-pays are significantly lowered or eliminated completely, and premiums are more manageable for medical expenses. The Town benefits by shifting the higher costs of this group to Medicare and stabilizing the demands on our active employee plans. This ultimately has resulted in a reduction in our premiums and lowering costs for the Town. The Public Employee Committee meets occasionally to review the status of the Town's plans and to provide input throughout the selection process. We are currently anticipating the disclosure of our FY 2021 rates and will be meeting with the Public Employee Committee to confirm our plan coverage and any other updates being considered. The PEC is currently considering a high deductible plan as an addition to our current HMO & PPO offerings. This would require the establishment of Health Savings Accounts for employees opting into the high deductible plans. 14 The management and establishment of these additional plans are additional responsibilities that will be undertaken within the Human Resources Division. Human Resources processed 271 employees through the hiring, promotion and reactivation process during the calendar year of 2019. We posted approximately 45 job opportunities,reviewed 1,108 applicants, processed over 500 CORIs and administered 308 occupational health appointments. In addition, Human Resources provided professional development trainings related to DOT reasonable suspicion certifications, sexual harassment training, managed our random drug testing program, managed FMLA requests, administered ADA reasonable accommodation requests, participated in collective bargaining, conducted internal complaint investigations and promoted a number of wellness programs through our health care provider. Human Resources also work hand-in-hand with the Finance Department to manage OPEB census data collection and updates, conduct insurance reconciliations, provide payroll support with deductions and discrepancies, and final payout calculations on exiting employees. We provide internal customer service to all our employees including: Schools 400 Reading Teachers Association Members 19 Custodians 13 School Secretaries and Clerical Workers 32 Cafeteria Workers 159 Para-educators RMLD: Benefits Only 12 Clerical Employees 27 Linemen, Station Operators and Meter Readers 29 Professionals Town 34 Police Patrolman's Association Members 11 Police Supervisors 10 Public Safety Dispatchers 45 Firefighters 8 Facilities and Maintenance Workers 40 Public Works Employees 4 Public Works Supervisors 3 Engineers 130 Non-Union Employees 345 Retirees Medex Retirees: 633 All Divisions 15 TECHNOLOGY The Technology Division is responsible for providing and maintaining the necessary computing and telecommunications infrastructure and systems that the various Town departments use, in a secure and thoughtful manner. Additionally, the division administers the geographic information system (GIS), and provides the Town's departments, boards, committees, and commissions with custom maps and analysis. Most of the work accomplished this year involved upgrading aging components of the infrastructure. Many of these are supporting services and not very interesting, but there were a few pieces that are worth mentioning. We started the process of upgrading the technology used in some of the conference rooms located in town buildings. In the past, these solutions were similar regardless of the location but during the recent upgrades the solutions have been customized according to the technology used in the department where the installation has taken place. We have also tried to position the solutions to support technology as it continues to evolve moving forward. This project will continue over the next couple of fiscal years before all of the rooms can be upgraded. The Town of Reading received a grant to purchase and configure some modules included in our financial system. Most of these solutions were Human Resources and Finance related, but involved a significant amount of the Technology Division's assistance. Between the application for the grant, the installation and configuration of the various modules, and the transition to these solutions from the Town's existing processes, this effort will take place over a couple of fiscal years. In preparation for the expiration of the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, the Technology Division focused on upgrading or replacing these computers. Due to some application limitations, and the diversity of solutions across the departments supported,this proved to be a time-consuming effort. The GIS staff provided the Community Development Division with mapping support for several economic development projects. Staff continued to work with Engineering and DPW to support field data collection. GIS staff also worked with local and state emergency management staff on local mapping for the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP). Other projects included updating snowplow maps, downtown parking updates, and mapping van- accessible handicap parking spots. 2020 US Census support continued with participation in the New Construction Program. The Town's online mapping site received a major cartographic overhaul to better serve staff and the public. Finally, the GIS Administrator worked with Technology and Permitting staff to begin the migration to a Cloud permitting platform. OPERATIONS The Operations Division includes the Department Head,Business Administrator,and Procurement Officer, and staff shared with the department and/or the organization. This division is the centralized location for insurance/risk management, procurement, communications, and 16 constituent services. The division also works with all town departments on multiple special projects,providing support across several domains. The Business Administrator manages the Reading Community Alerts system, powered by CodeRED, for both internal and external emergency and non-emergency communications. She also manages the SeeClickFix system that connects residents with town staff to report and repair issues, like potholes, around town. She crafts messaging around numerous public information campaigns, working with Public Safety, Public Works, and others to improve visibility and connectivity between municipal government and the community. She also develops infographics, aids in the budget messaging,manages social media accounts, and communications during certain critical incidents. The Business Administrator also serves as the Safety Officer,chairing the interdepartmental Safety Committee,which seeks to reduce risk and injuries across all departments, including RMLD. She also works closely with Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA) to manage all Automobile, General Liability, Property, Law Enforcement Liability, Public Officials Liability, School Board Liability, and Umbrella/Excess Liability insurance matters. PROCUREMENT The Procurement Office performs a variety of administrative duties relative to the procurement and disposition of supplies, services and real property for all town and school departments, negotiates vendor terms and prices, has working knowledge of budget and scheduling requirements, creates and maintains bid documents, and reporting required under Massachusetts General Laws. The Procurement Office issued 39 IFB/RFP's, approved 267 requisitions, and sold 11 pieces of equipment via auction. In addition, we fielded numerous calls and emails for insight on quotes and best practices. A special project of 2019 photographed 136 employees and issued IDs at no cost to the Town. 17 PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT The Public Services Department provides professional services to the public and provides varying levels of staff support to the 10 boards and commissions that fall within the departmental organizational chart. The Department is staffed with both full-time and part-time employees as well as a limited amount of outsourced professional services plus volunteers. The services provided are organized as either Community Development or Community Services. The Community Development Divisions include Planning, Economic Development, Conservation, Historical,and Inspections—Building,Plumbing/Gas,Electrical,and Mechanical.The Community Services Divisions include Health, Elder/Human Services, Recreation and Veterans Services. Cross-division coordination as well as collaboration with the Town's many community partners is paramount to the operational success of the Department. Providing services in a cost-efficient manner is an overriding goal of the Department. For example, the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office (MNRHSO) includes a full-time staff person who is shared between the communities of Reading, North Reading, Wilmington, and Saugus. Another example of cost savings is the use of three part-time building inspectors, a part-time electrical inspector and a part-time plumbing/gas inspector. A full-time Permits Coordinator oversees permitting. In most cases, permits are issued on the same day they are applied for or the following day. The Assistant Town Manager leads the Department and works closely with the Assistant Department Head (Community Development Director). Outside services are provided as needed mostly on master planning projects and grant-related projects. In mid- 2019, the position of Economic Development Director,which has been open since late 2017,was filled. In addition,the Community Services Director position will be open as of January 2020,and hiring for that position is anticipated to take place in the spring. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Within the Public Services Department, Community Development personnel comprise expertise and deliver services to the public related to the fields of planning, economic development, affordable housing, conservation, historical properties, and building inspections. In 2019, Community Development staff continued to provide regular support to the Community Planning and Development Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Historical Commission,the Historic Districts Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Planning staff also provided support to the Select Board as needed. Volunteers represent a tremendous resource for Community Development. Extensive work is undertaken because of the ongoing efforts of the many volunteers. 18 PLANNING/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIVISION Community Development Director: Julie Mercier Economic Development Director: Erin Schaeffer Regional Housing Coordinator: Laurie Stanton Permits Coordinator: Kim Saunders Staff Planner: Andrew MacNichol The Planning Division provides technical and professional planning services to the Town of Reading and the relevant land use boards. The Town of Reading Master Plan, as well as other long-range plans regarding economic development, transportation, housing, and other aspects of land use and development, serves as a guide for planning staff in helping to achieve stated goals for the Town. Planning processes aid civic leaders, businesses and citizens in envisioning and implementing new possibilities for the future. In addition to long-range planning, planning staff also develop action plans aimed at providing solutions to current community problems and at addressing daily needs. Site Plan Review(SPR) is the local zoning tool used to evaluate development projects. This is an important tool as it allows the Town to influence projects so that they respect the existing fabric of the Town as well as future planning objectives, and are carried out in harmony with the rest of the community. Planning staff work directly with the Community Planning and Development Commission(CPDC) in reviewing development proposals and drafting SPR decisions that reflect and mitigate issues elaborated by the CPDC, staff and the public during the development review process. Economic Development is the process of creating and sustaining wealth and the Town's approach is to 1)keep downtown vital, 2)preserve what is important, 3)be queued up for opportunities. In June 2019, the Town hired Erin Schaeffer, Economic Development Director to lead the implementation of the Town's economic development goals and objectives in collaboration with Town staff, stakeholders, and community partners. Reading's Economic Development Action Plan goals and objectives are outlined in the 2016 Economic Development Action Plan. The existing organizational structure of Public Services supports collaboration and communication across the department. The Planning Division regularly collaborates with all Divisions of Community Development as well as Community Services. For example, the Planning Division coordinates Development Review Team (DRT) meetings and Pre-Construction meetings with applicants to provide guidance on permitting and development. In an effort to clarify applicants' expectations during the permitting process,the Planning Division prepares annual Permitting Schedules for the CPDC and ZBA that delineate submission deadlines and staff actions for various types of projects based on meeting dates. The Community Development Division undertook other notable projects in 2019, ranging from updates and amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, updates to the Downtown Smart Growth Design Guidelines, and a number of conceptual studies around Reading's industrial and gateway area Walkers Brook Drive. 19 Zoning Amendments 2019: Zoning Amendments approved at Subsequent Town Meeting in November 2019 included allowing mixed-use development within the Business-A and Business-C Zoning Districts. A definition and regulations of mixed-use were added to the zoning bylaw in hopes to increase development within those specific areas of town. A zoning workshop was held by the CPDC in April 2019 and public hearings regarding the proposed amendments were held throughout the summer of 2019. Further amendments included changes to the definition of marijuana and creating a separate definition for hemp and adding clarity to `Footnote 1' of the Table of Uses. Housing Choice Initiative Grant: The Town was designated as a Housing Choice Community in spring 2018. Pursuant to that designation, Planning staff applied for and received a $50,000 grant to work with a consultant on a redevelopment study for the New Crossing Road area, which kicked off in early 2019. The conceptual redesign of the area was presented and well received from the Select Board and public alike. Ongoing work continues with area property owners and community groups,neighbors, and other stakeholders. The consultant has finalized a project poster that is a summary of long-term planning and design concepts. More information here: https://www.readingma.gov/public- services/economic-development/pages/economic-development-planning-initiatives Walkers Brook Drive Corridor Study: Through the Eaton Lakeview 40B process (a 40B project approved in February 2019) the public expressed the need to review the Walkers Brook Drive corridor holistically and staff responded. With a contribution from the 40B developer, staff has contracted a traffic study and conceptual redesign of the roadway alignment at and along Walkers Brook Drive,Ash Street and John Street. The scope of work also includes evaluating and identifying opportunities for multi-modal connectivity to Downtown as well as to the Walkers Brook Drive area. Work is still underway and preferred concepts are expected to be shown to the public in 2020. The third annual Economic Development Community Workshop was held on October 23, 2019,this time with a focus on said economic development efforts surrounding the Walkers Brook Drive initiatives. More information can be found here: https://www.readin_mgma.goy/public-services/economic- development/pages/economic-development-planning-initiatives `ReImagine Reading' —Downtown Initiative Grant: The Town was notified in early 2019 of another grant award for assistance with setting up a downtown organization to properly champion and manage the downtown — the project has been branded as `ReImagine Reading'. Planning and Economic Development staff have had over 30 one-on-one discussions with community leaders, held an ice cream social with more than 100 attendees, created and administered a Town-wide survey with over 1,500 responses, and held five (5) working group meetings including a very informative panelist discussion with guests from other communities who have successfully established a downtown district management organization. This planning effort was also recognized by Northshore magazine in the January/February 2020 edition. Planning and Economic Development staff have recently applied for another round of competitive state grant funds to help establish a structure and launch a future organization. More information here: https://www.readingma.gov/reimagine-reading 20 Downtown Parking Improvements: The Community Development staff also partnered with Public Safety and the Department of Public Works to address parking management within the Downtown. Planning and Economic Development staff, in collaboration with the PTTTF, has developed recommendations for improvements to Downtown Parking. As part of this work, a downtown parking survey for downtown businesses was developed and implemented by Planning and Economic Development staff to understand trends in businesses and employee parking demand and parking preferences. This information combined with recommendations from the 2018 Nelson Nygaard Downtown Parking Study informed recommendations that are before the Select Board for consideration (2/4/2020 SB mtg). Recommendations broadly will expand access to parking options for all users by aligning parking supply with demand and simplifying the regulatory system,leveling the permit `Playing Field" by expanding employee parking for employees of downtown businesses to have more parking options; Pay to Stay vs. Ticket by adjusting time limits and adding payment kiosks to public lots to disincentivize employees from parking at the front door of businesses while also maximizing parking space turn over in high volume parking areas, which will provide more parking space availability for customers. `Outside the Box' Mural Proiect: Planning and Economic Development staff are working in collaboration to bring public art to downtown Reading to support downtown businesses by sparking more year-round interest. By painting switch boxes and creating a self-guided tour,we hope this will be one of many steps that the Town can take to bring more foot traffic to downtown year-round. MassDOT—Main Street Roadway Reconfiguration: MassDOT is working in Reading to make changes to roadway configurations on North and South Main Street to reduce the number of conflict points along these corridors. Town Staff across departments have been working with MassDOT to prepare for a road diet pilot and anticipated roadway reconfigurations in 2020. DPW Yard Relocation and Regionalization: The Town of Reading and Wakefield are working together to continue planning for the potential relocation and regionalization of DPW facilities. The relocation of both DPW yard facilities would be a major opportunity to support locally-driven and locally-beneficial economic growth and allow both Towns to have new facilities to provide for future needs. Business Retainment and Recruitment: While there have been three (3)businesses that have recently closed for different business-related reasons,the Economic Development Director has had over twenty(20)positive conversations with a variety of property owners, developers, and prospective businesses. Support of existing businesses and recruitment of new businesses continues. Economic Development Communications: The Economic Development Director has conducted a review of peer community communication tools and strategies to ensure that we are marketing the Town in a competitive way and have an expanded regional and state-wide reach. Significant changes have been made to the content of the Town's Economic Development website and updates continue. 21 Website Updates: The Economic Development Director has had over 100 meetings with local business owners, property owners, local organizations, regional partners, and state entities. She has also delivered on average a presentation a month including at the 3rd Annual Economic Development Summit, Reimagine Reading District Management working group meetings, Reading-North Reading Chamber,and Town of Reading Select Board.Development of communication tools and strategies continue. METRO NORTH REGIONAL HOUSING SERVICES OFFICE (MNRHSO) In regional planning efforts,the towns of Reading,North Reading,Wilmington and Saugus jointly hired a Regional Housing Coordinator in January 2015 to provide staff support to the Metro North Regional Housing Services Office (MNRHSO), which is situated under the Planning Division at Reading Town Hall. The MNRHSO was established and set up during 2015, and initial services for each town included: the creation of monitoring databases of affordable housing developments and residents, and the collection of records for each affordable unit. During 2019, the Regional Housing Coordinator continued to work with each member town's planning staff and with a housing consultant to further the work of the MNRHSO. Ongoing core services include: annual monitoring for both ownership and rental units; reconciling municipal inventories with the DHCD's Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI); petitioning to add new units to the SHI when required; meeting on-site with staff and housing entities; creating and updating interested-buyer, interested-renter lists; on-site consulting on projects; providing guidance to unit owners on re- financing and selling, and to renters as needed; helping towns to achieve town-specific goals; attendance and outreach at regional affordable housing lotteries and events; preparation of proposals for supplemental services as needed; aid in writing grants and RFPs; assistance with regional linkages; updating the MNRHSO webpage; and attendance at the annual Mass Housing Institute conference to enhance networking and to learn new trends in the field of affordable housing. The Planning Division continues to work to further the scope and range of the Regional Housing Coordinator and MNRHSO, and to reach out to other nearby communities to expand membership when possible. METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING COUNCIL & NORTH SUBURBAN PLANNING COUNCIL (NSPC) The North Suburban Planning Council (NSPC) is composed of eight towns and one city that have formed a voluntary association to facilitate cooperative regional planning. The goals of NSPC are to facilitate communication between member communities on planning topics of interest, including issues of growth management and land use, to promote and seek opportunities for inter- municipal coordination and cooperation, and to educate participating communities on new and important issues in the planning field. NSPC provides a forum for members to create a shared agenda for action that, if thoughtfully addressed, will allow the region to continue to thrive as a desirable place to live and work. The NSPC met on a wide range of topics including clean energy, parking, and regional collaboration over delivery of services. 22 COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION In 2019,the CPDC held 13 meetings and attended Subsequent Town Meeting. With the assistance of Planning staff,the CPDC reviewed a total of 21 applications for the following: 2 Special Permit requests; 1 Site Plan Review; 1 Major Modification to an existing Site Plan Approval; 6 Sign Permit Reviews; 2 Definitive Subdivision Plans; I Modification to an existing 40R Approval; I Minor Amendment to an existing PUD-R Approval; and 3 Approval Not Required Plans. The CPDC also endorsed 2 sets of approved Definitive Subdivision Plans, and approved 3 Lot Release Requests and I Request for Release of Surety. During the course of the year, the CPDC held public hearings regarding 2019 Zoning Bylaw Amendments, participated in an Economic Development Forum facilitated by Town staff,and had an ongoing discussion of potential changes to the Downtown Smart Growth District(40R) Design Guidelines. The Planning Division is located at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, telephone (781) 942-6648. CONSERVATION DIVISION The Conservation Division is responsible for protecting Reading's streams and wetlands, provide staff support to the Reading Conservation Commission and conduct outreach and education regarding the Town's natural resources and watersheds. Principal duties include enforcement and administration of the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and the Reading Wetland Protection Bylaw. The Commission Manages over 989 acres of Town-owned conservation land and monitors conservation easements and restrictions. Office Management and Membership The Conservation office reviews permit applications from the Planning Division, Building Division, and the Public Health Division on matters within the Commission's jurisdiction. The Conservation Division is working on updating the Open Space Plan and working with the Town Engineering Department and AECOM on the Willow Street/Austin Prep Flooding and the Town Forest cutting plan. The Conservation Office has taken the lead role as Reading's representative to the mystic Stormwater Management Collaborative, sponsored by DEP and the EPA. The Conservation Commission sponsored two scout service projects in the Town Forest and Pineville Conservation Area. The Conservation Commission consists of seven volunteer members who are appointed by the Select Board to staggered three-year terms and is supported by a full-time Administrator, Charles Tirone. In 2019,the Conservation Commission Members were: Rebecca Longley- Chair,Annika Scanlon -Vice-Chair, Michael Flynn, David Pinette, Robert Hayes, and Carl Saccone. Long-time Conservation Chair, Rebecca Longley, stepped down and moved to Maine this past year and our new Chair, Michael Flynn, took over in December. 23 Conservation Land Improvement and Community Outreach The Conservation Commission controls 65 properties with a total of 989 acres. There are also 17 Conservation restrictions totaling 61 acres. The Conservation Commission remains committed to opening more land to passive recreation for the enjoyment of residents. The Conservation office continues to coordinate with Reading Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to complete service projects on public land. Reading was awarded a DCR trail grant to create a new trail by constructing 175 feet of bog bridge and boardwalk to span across swampy terrain in the Maillet Somme's & Morgan Land. The new trail will connect Willow Street, Hunt Street, and Lowell Street and open up what was once an inaccessible Open Space property. The Conservation Commission engages directly with the community during the Town's Earth Day and Friends & Family Day events. The opening of Mattera Cabin has provided a venue for many town-wide activities. Scheduling is done by both the Conservation Division and the Recreation Department, with many Town groups using the facility. The Commission implemented a tree replacement policy in an effort to be more consistent in responding to the cutting down of mature trees within the Commission's jurisdiction. This policy offers applicants the flexibility of providing replacement trees or shrubs or contributing to the Reading shade tree planting program. Reading Conservation Commission The Reading Conservation Commission (RCC) is the regulatory authority (per state statute and local bylaw) responsible for protecting and preserving wetlands and waterways and their surrounding areas. At public meetings and through site visits, RCC members work to ensure that all construction and development projects - residential and commercial - that may alter any wetlands,floodplains,rivers or streams,are in compliance with state and local wetland regulations. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, or as otherwise announced. The Conservation Office is located at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867, and the telephone number is (781) 942-6616. Wetlands Protection Activities The Commission has a primary role in administering the following statutes and regulations: • Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40; • Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act Regulations at 310 CMR 10.00; • Town of Reading Wetlands Protection Bylaw, and Reading Wetlands Protection Bylaw Regulations. In addition to the statutes and regulations listed above, the Conservation Office reviews permit applications received by the Planning, Building Inspection, and Public Health divisions on matters within the jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission. In many cases, this "sign-off' process involves a visit to the site to ascertain whether jurisdictional areas are present. 24 Conservation Commission Statistics 2018 2019 Conservation Commission Meetings 22 22 Orders of Conditions Issued 21 23 Abbreviated Notices of Resource Area Delineation 1 3 Amended Orders of Conditions Issued 1 2 Certificates of Compliance Issued 21 12 Determinations of Applicability Issued 12 16 Minor Project Permits 22 25 Extension Permits 4 2 Notification of Satisfactory Completion of Work 55 64 Enforcement Orders Issued 0 1 Emergency Certifications 1 2 Appeals 2 2 State Wetland Filing Fees Collected $6,152.00 $5,751.00 Bylaw Wetland Filing Fees Collected $12,867.25 $11,283.50 Fines Collected 0 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION The Historic District Commission oversees both the West Street and Summer Avenue Historic Districts. The purpose of the HDC is to administer Section 7.3 Local Historic District, of the General Bylaw, as it pertains to preserving the distinctive characteristics and architecture of the buildings through review of constructive projects. The HDC encourages building design compatible with the historic character of the Districts. In 2019, the HDC reviewed eleven (11) applications. Two (2) Certificates of Non-Applicability and seven (7) Certificates of Appropriateness were issued for projects in the West Street Historic District. One(1)Certificate on Non-Applicability and one(1)Certificate of Appropriateness were issued for projects in the Summer Avenue Historic District. In 2019, the Commission was composed of five (5) voting members: Everett Blodgett — Chair, Virginia Adams, Ilene Borstein, Greg Maganzini, and Priscilla Poehler and three (3) Alternates members: Amelia Freedman, Pino D'Orazio and Carl Mittnight. Currently there is one (1) open alternate position. For more information about the Historic District and the HDC please refer to the Town of Reading's website. HISTORICAL COMMISSION The broad mission of the Reading Historical Commission (RHC) is to identify and record the historic assets of the Town, and to develop and implement programs for their preservation. The RHC serves this mission each year in numerous and varied ways such as, 25 > conducting demolition delay hearings per Town Bylaw(General Bylaw Article 7.2 et seq.), > administering other provisions of that Bylaw, > working with other town boards/committees/commissions and other state entities and organizations, > participating in related town/community events, > responding to inquiries from property owners or realtors, and working with developers on projects in Reading, > overseeing compliance with several historic preservation deed restriction documents governing several historic structures in town, > maintaining the Archives. RHC membership during 2019 consisted of Jonathan Barnes,Chair; Samantha Couture, Secretary; Jack Williams,Treasurer; Sharlene Reynolds Santo,Member; and Ron Weston,Member. Virginia Adams, Pino D'Orazio and Amelia Devin Freedman continued as Associate Members. The RHC met formally 13 times (including two joint meetings with the Select Board), and several members attended various other Town meetings during the year. Demolition Delay Hearings During the year, the RHC was involved with 5 structures subject to demolition delay hearings. RHC conducted 1 formal demolition delay hearing, and actively oversaw and collaborated with owners of 4 other historic structures which had been the subject of demolition delay hearings during the preceding year. A demolition delay hearing was conducted for 136 Haven Street, Postmark Square project, in January 2019. RHC had worked extensively with the project developer in the preceding two years in a successful effort to minimize the project's impact on the iconic historic post office building. Discussions continued on various aspects of the project as it progressed during 2019. In December 2018, a demolition delay hearing had been conducted and a 6-month delay imposed for 20-24 Gould Street, an important historic commercial building in Reading's Downtown Smart Growth District. Following extensive discussions and negotiations into 2019 between RHC, the project developer and the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), an agreement was executed between the three parties, and RHC and the developer executed an early release agreement regarding the demolition delay. Per both agreements, RHC and the developer have continued to meet and confer during 2019 about several aspects of the project, particularly the design of the Community Event Room. The developer agreed that the publicly accessible room would contain an exhibit highlighting the history of the site and the Ace Art Company, and include architectural features from the historic art deco building and historic materials from the company known around the world and its owner who invented the prolific photo corner mounts produced at this address. Throughout 2019, the RHC continued to monitor and address several other structures subject to demolition delay hearings in 2018,that continued to be subject to demolition delay periods and/or RHC oversight during 2019. ■ The historic house at 186 Summer Avenue had undergone extensive RHC review and hearings in past years, and it is subject to a preservation restriction agreement (PRA) 26 administered by the RHC and the Historic District Commission(HDC). As two years had elapsed and little work apparently performed at the site, the RHC and HDC had concerns about the structural integrity of those portions of this historic house within the purview of the PRA. Exercising its rights under the PRA, the RHC and HDC had ongoing communication with the developer. In the winter 2019, RHC and HDC conducted a site inspection of the exterior and interior of the house and barn with the owner and development team. ■ RHC published articles in several newspapers and publications and collaborated with the homeowner of 24 Grove Street, in an effort to locate potential buyers willing to preserve and renovate the 166+ year old historic Reading home. Despite several expressions of interest, this effort ultimately proved unsuccessful. ■ RHC continued to monitor the historic house at 79-81 Salem Street,which was subject to a demolition delay expiring in April 2019. Though demolition appears likely, the house has remained standing throughout the year. Other Business ■ Several RHC meetings were held during the year regarding 4 historic buildings on the Town's List of Historic Structures that are subject to historic or preservation deed restrictions: Schoolhouse Condominiums (52 Sanborn Street), Reading Depot, 409 Grove Street and 186 Summer Avenue (186 Summer Ave. addressed above, see "Demolition Delay Hearings"). o Schoolhouse Condominiums - This historic building had been significantly damaged in a fire several years ago and has been undergoing extensive reconstruction and renovations. Based upon the requirements of the deed restriction, the RHC communicated with the contractor and owner several times concerning air conditioning units and other mechanical equipment recently placed on the roof. o Reading Depot— This historic building recently underwent interior renovations to accommodate a new business. This year, the owner requested to change the exterior paint colors,which are also subject to the provisions of the deed restriction. Jonathan Barnes spoke several times with the owner's architect regarding RHC's position about exterior paint colors, and RHC met jointly with the Select Board as they have ultimate decision-making authority. Based on one of RHC's recommendations, the owner decided to first conduct a paint analysis to determine historic colors used in the past and to review those colors with RHC before presentation to the Select Board. 0 409 Grove Street — Virginia Adams advised RHC that this iconic historic house subject to a historic deed restriction had been put up for sale in the summer 2019. Per the historic deed restriction, the RHC conducted a site inspection of the house and continued to collaborate with the realtor regarding the deed restriction provisions as the house was marketed to prospective buyers. 27 ■ The RHC began the process of considering two additional structures for inclusion on its List of Historic Structures in accordance with Reading General Bylaw, Article 7.2.3 et. seq. The two structures are located at 27 Hillcrest Road and 832 Main Street. After RHC spoke with the property owners, Virginia Adams and Amelia Devin Freedman reviewed the architectural composition and building typology and researched the ownership history and cultural significance of the structures. RHC drafted the necessary documentation in preparation for the public hearing process required by the General Bylaw, which the Commission expects to schedule during 2020. ■ At the suggestion of Sarah Brukilacchio,Reading resident and an influential sponsor of the successful "If This House Could Talk" program during Reading's 375th Anniversary Celebration, RHC developed the groundwork to "pilot" a historical artwork project in town. Jonathan Barnes communicated with an artist who creates digital vinyl prints of local historical site photographs and transposes them as "wrap artworks" onto town utility boxes. RHC started the process to "pilot" one example of this "wrap artwork"on a utility box near the Town Common. RHC researched appropriate historical site photographs in its possession,reviewed utility box locations around the Common and has talked with town representatives to determine if this "pilot" can be implemented in 2020. ■ As in past years, the RHC continued to work with other organizations, Town b/c/c's, and to be represented at various Town-wide activities, including the New Residents Open House, the spring Reading Garden Club Sale and the "Discover the Arts" Event on the Common. Samantha Couture continued to represent the RHC in the Town-Wide Preservation Assessment Grant Program. RHC members participated in discussions and language drafting at numerous CPDC meetings regarding CPDC Design Guidelines for the Downtown Smart Growth District. RHC worked with the MHC where there was shared authority, and RHC collaborated with MHC and other professional colleagues via MHC's email site, Masshistpres Listserve. Virginia Adams and Samantha Couture met with representatives from DPW to review items being removed from the DPW garage attic to determine whether any historically significant items should be retained with RHC. ■ The RHC continued to monitor and maintain its data systems, files and collections in the Archives. This year,the RHC acquired an additional flat file cabinet to better preserve and retain larger documents,posters and photographs. RHC also acquired glass plate negative containers to better preserve and retain certain materials. ■ The RHC continued to oversee the other processes and programs for which it is responsible. It continued to administer the Historic House Marker Program, honoring requests for historic house markers. The RHC completed other revisions to its processes, including Ron Weston's revisions to RHC's Historic Property List, associated with its Historical and Architectural Inventory. ■ Throughout the year, the RHC continued to receive and respond to numerous inquiries, typically from Reading residents, realtors and developers. These inquiries, by telephone, email or written letters, primarily concerned questions about the demolition delay bylaw, 28 contemplated modifications to historic structures or features, donations of "historic artifacts" and information about the history of specific properties or items. Respectfully Submitted, Jonathan Barnes, Chair INSPECTIONS DIVISION & ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Inspections Division is responsible for carrying out inspectional services on commercial and residential construction in the areas of building,gas,plumbing and wiring. In addition,the division is responsible for enforcing the Town's Zoning By-laws and providing staff to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Statistics Year End 2019 Previous Year End 2018 Building: Building Permits issued** 1052 1034 Inspections 2042 1834 Certificates of Inspections 112 105 Occupancy Permits Issued 164 162 Fees received $511,397* $499,302* Wiring: Wiring Permits issued 823 647 Inspections 985 937 Fees received $74,579* $60,724* Plumbing/Gas: Gas Permits issued 373 285 Gas Fees received $13,176* $12,000* Plumbing Permits issued 422 403 Plumbing Fees received $18,453* $22,606* Combined Inspections 1379 1098 Gas/Plumbing TOTAL FEES $617,605* $594,632* 29 * Totals do not include permit fees for Johnson Woods, 467 Main Street, PostMark Square, 20-24 Gould Street, School House Commons (172 Woburn Street), or the Met at Reading Station (fka Reading Village) deposited in revolving building account. * *The total Building permits issued include Building, Mechanical, Fire & Sprinkler Alarm DRT/Pre-Construction Meetings — 78 MBCIA Meetings—9 Court—0 Zoning Board of Appeals The Zoning Board of Appeals met a total of 25 times reviewing 27 new applications for 2019. The ZBA Voted on 25 of the cases,with two of these cases carrying over to 2020. There were 3 appeals (I granted, I withdrew, I denied), 7 Variances (2 granted, 3 withdrew and 2 carried over to 2020), and 17 Special Permits (15 granted, 2 withdrew, 3 were for accessory apartments). The Zoning Board of Appeals held several public hearings for the Eaton Lakeview 40B—they met 6 times in 2018 and the hearing was continued into 2019. ZBA Members are Chairman Damase Caouette,John Jarema,Robert Redfern,Erik Hagstrom,and Nick Pernice, and Associate Members Kyle Turnow and Hillary Mateev. Staff support to the ZBA was primarily provided by Mark Dupell — Building Commissioner, Julie Mercier — Community Development Director, Andrew MacNichol — Staff Planner and Amanda Beatrice — Senior Administrative Assistant. ELDER/HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION Reading Elder/Human Services provides social services,nurse advocacy, transportation, a variety of wellness, socialization programs, and nutrition for Reading residents age 60 and over. The Division also assists residents of all ages with social services, advocacy, referrals and holiday programs. In assisting residents both young and old, the Department works closely with all town departments and community partners in receiving referrals and ensuring safety and quality of life are maintained to the highest standards. Elder/Human Services partners with many outside organizations. The Department's state designated ASAP(Aging Service Access Point)is Mystic Valley Elder Services(MVES). ASAPs manage the state-based Massachusetts Home Care Program, and work with Councils on Aging (Elder Services), established under the federal Older Americans Act, to make sure that seniors have access to all essential services. Through MVES a variety of services are provided including home care, personal care, meal-site catering and home-delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program. Not all residents are eligible for MVES nor do all accept the services provided. In these situations, the Division plays a vital role in assisting Reading seniors. The staff consists of an Administrator (35 hr/wk), a Case Manager (35 hr/wk), a Senior Center Coordinator(20 hr/wk), a Van Driver(35 hr/wk), a Nurse Advocate (37.5 hr/wk) and a Clerk(20 hr/wk). 30 Social Services The Senior Case Manager addresses the needs and concerns of Reading residents of all ages. Assistance involves crisis intervention, food pantry, domestic violence, homelessness and information and referrals regarding housing, mental health, and disability-related concerns. For those age 60 and over, assistance also includes intervening in cases of neglect, loneliness, or depression,hoarding,coordinating appointments with area medical and social service agencies; as well as providing information and referrals with regard to nursing home/rehabilitation placement and eligibility for State and Federal programs. The Department receives referrals and assistance from many Town Departments as well as outside agencies. Police, Fire and the EHS Division meet monthly for a round table discussion to review critical cases. Other areas in which the Senior Case Manager partners with Town Departments include the Veterans Agent in ensuring services for veterans, the DPW in holiday programs and the Library on a variety of programs and referrals. During 2019, the Sr. Case Manager had 559 active cases in addition to daily inquiries. The Senior Case Manager provides eligibility screening and assistance with applications for the Reading Food Pantry. In order to qualify for the Food Pantry, the Case Manager meets with the applicant to review their financial qualifications and residency requirements. The Department also provides transportation to the Food Pantry which is coordinated by the Senior Case Manager. The Reading Response Program is coordinated by the Senior Case Worker and Nurse Advocate. The Adult Day Health program started in 2019 with 7 clients participating in the program. Nurse Advocacy The Nurse Advocate is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs. This position is instrumental in identifying the frailest seniors in Reading, especially those who live alone and do not have someone nearby for support. Through outreach and referrals, the Nurse Advocate is able to help seniors better understand changes in their medical conditions and/or medication. She is available to seniors at the Pleasant Street Center and home visits. Other responsibilities of the Nurse Advocate include educating, counseling and advocating for seniors. The Nurse Advocate also serves in a leadership role in coordinating a variety of wellness programs for seniors at the Pleasant Street Center. During 2019, the Nurse Advocate had 413 active cases in addition to daily inquiries. Transportation There are a variety of transportation programs available to Reading residents. The Social Services division assists with referrals for the MBTA Ride program and coordinates services for the Reading Response Medical Transportation program. This service provides taxi or chair car transportation for medical appointments throughout the Boston Area. The Reading Response Program is funded by the Town of Reading's Hospital Trust Fund, the income on which helps to defray medically related services to Reading citizens as authorized by the Commissioners. 31 As part of the Medical Transportation program, residents having day surgical procedures can be accompanied by a Home Health aide. During 2019, the division scheduled 1,533 rides through the Reading Response program. The division also operates two, 12-passenger vans for seniors and adults with disabilities. Transportation is provided in-town and surrounding shopping plazas for the following purposes: errands, grocery shopping, voting, pharmacy needs, and visiting the Pleasant Street Center. In October, one of the older vans was replaced with a brand-new vehicle, funded by the State through the efforts of all our State Representatives. For younger residents, the van service offers transportation to and from the food pantry and other vital destinations. In 2019, the van provided 6,349 one-way trips. The Division operates two vans, one on a regular route and the other offering bimonthly trips to various destinations. In 2019, 254 residents attended trips throughout the area. The Pleasant Street Center The center reorganization was completed with the part-time clerk being hired in May. This has greatly improved efficiencies at the Center. This plan allows for consistency on the reception desk and a more welcoming environment. The Pleasant Street Center provides fitness, nutrition, socialization and wellbeing for Reading seniors. The Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am—4:00 pm. Lunch is served Monday through Friday (except holidays) at 11:45 am. Meals are provided by Mystic Valley Elder Services. During the year, 3,133 lunches were served at the Pleasant street Center. During 2019, 728 residents took part in an activity at the Center. In 2019, the Division once again applied for and received at Title IIIE grant from Mystic Valley Elder Services in support of the Memory Caf6. The grant was for $1800.00 to support programming and supplies needed to operate the Caf6. The Division publishes a monthly newsletter, The Pleasantries, to increase awareness of the programs. Included in the newsletters is a listing of special events including day trips, dinner programs, Lunch n' Learn programs, musical entertainment and trivia days. In addition to the newsletter, the division also sends a weekly email newsletter to subscribers. Groups supporting special events in 2019 include the Police Department, Lions Club, and the Council on Aging. Volunteers Over the course of the last several years,there has been a decrease in the number of volunteers and volunteer hours. This is largely in part due to the staffing hours required to manage and train volunteers. As social services contacts and clients increase, the time needed to recruit volunteers has diminished. The division recognizes the importance and need for volunteers and is grateful to the residents that offer their time in service. Positions filled by volunteers include: Pleasant Street Center receptionists, gardeners, book discussion leaders, game leaders, income tax preparers, computer instructors, COA members, 32 friendly visitors, office workers, newsletter editor, kitchen helpers, shoppers for homebound seniors, and shopping escorts. In the past year, 100 registered volunteers gave an estimated 3,314 hours of service. The financial equivalent for these services is approximately$26,926. Property Tax Workers The Property Tax Worker program allows Reading seniors to perform various tasks for Town departments in exchange for an abatement on their property taxes. The program is open to Reading residents age 62 and over or disabled, who own property and have a household income that does not exceed limits set by the program. In 2019,there were 22 tax workers and each participant was permitted to earn a maximum abatement of$1,000 annually. The workers performed 2,038 hours of service. In 2019, participants were compensated at a rate of$8.00 per hour for a program total of$16,212. The program has been funded through the Assessors' Overlay account. Burbank Trust Fund The fund was established by the Burbank Family of Reading. This fund can be used in a variety of ways to benefit seniors. The fund was established with no usage restrictions,however,the COA determined the fund cannot go below $250,000. In 2019, the Council on Aging approved expenditures from the Dorothy L. Burbank Trust to pay for the following: three months of postage cost for bulk mailings of the newsletter,birthday cakes, gift certificates, lunch for the monthly birthday celebrants. The Council allows the Division Administration a discretionary budget of$3,000.00 to provide entertainment at the Pleasant Street Center. 2019 beginning balance= $266,371 2019 ending balance= $284,139 Patrons for Older Adults Fund In 2010, Town Meeting members voted to accept a gift from the Patrons for Older Adults (Article 17). This fund is used to support programs not funded by the Town of Reading. "New"programs can be funded year after year. The fund came to Elder Services/COA as a gift from The Patron for Older Adults, who donated the money when the organization dismantled. The fund when originally established was in the amount of$125,000. In 2019, the Council on Aging approved expenditures from the fund to support the Volunteer Appreciation Event and a Chinese Dinner. In addition,the Council approved funding day trips for seniors. The fund covers the cost of fuel and driver's salary for a variety of monthly excursions. In 2019, 250 residents participated in the day trip program. 2019 beginning balance = $142,853 2019 ending balance= $165,634 33 Schroeder Trust Fund The Schroeder fund is a goodwill fund that can only be used to provide small gestures of kindness to seniors. This fund allows the COA to purchase and deliver meals to seniors on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. All meals were delivered by the Senior Case worker and Nurse Advocate. In 2019, the staff also delivered a lobster roll lunch meal during the summer to 15 seniors living in isolation. The Schroeder fund allows interest only spending and cannot go below $10,000. 2019 beginning balance = $23,602 2019 ending balance= $30,209 Donations Many individuals and organizations have generously supported Elder/Human Services' efforts by providing money,gifts,and in-kind services. The Elder Services Donations Fund covers situations for persons age 60 and older who lack financial resources to cover basic needs or emergencies. The Human Service Donations Fund is for persons under age 60 who lack financial resources for emergency situations. Human Services Donations 2019 beginning balance= $8,151 Human Services Donations 2019 ending balance = $7,822 Elder Services Donations 2019 beginning balance= $47,618 Elder Services Donations 2019 ending balance = $48,428 Holiday Programs Adopt-a-Family Once again, the Reading Rotary Club and Reading CARES coordinated the Adopt-A-Family holiday program. Elder/Human Services assisted them by verifying eligibility and distributing food and gifts to families in need. The Adopt-a-Family program matches low income Reading families with confidential donors of food and gifts for children. This past year, 146 donor groups, families, and individuals made donations of food and gifts to the Adopt-A-Family program. During Thanksgiving 61 families received food baskets and during Christmas 61 families also received baskets. Thanksgiving/Christmas Baskets The Social Worker supplies the Wakefield Elks with a list of 11 seniors who would welcome receiving a basket of a complete holiday dinner. Council on Aging funded Home Delivered Meals During Thanksgiving, Christmas and August, the Council on Aging delivered 23 individual holiday dinners to residents in need. The Council works with individual businesses within the community to sponsor the meal and they are delivered by Pleasant Street Center staff members. 34 Council on Aging Board The Council on Aging is a 10-member advisory board. They meet the second Monday of the month September through June. The role of the Council is to aid the department in promoting the needs of Reading Seniors. The Council is also responsible for overseeing the Burbank Trust Fund and Patrons for Older Adults Trust Fund. The purpose of these funds is to help subsidize the activities of the Department to the benefit of Reading seniors. HEALTH DIVISION The mission of the Health Division is to educate, promote, improve and protect the public health and well-being of the citizens of the Town of Reading, while contributing to building a healthy community and environment in which to live. Under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Law and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Public Health Laws, the Health Division is mandated under a dutiful obligation to develop and implement health policies, standards,bylaws and regulations. The Division is also obligated to conduct inspections and provide public health services to the community. Functions The Division enforces local, state and federal public health laws, rules and regulations. The Division promotes, educates, offers and enforces the following: disease and injury prevention, immunization clinics, responses to bacterial illnesses, monitoring of disease outbreaks, health education and prevention programs,health advisories,health and wellness programs,nutrition and fitness information, tobacco control programs, environmental protection, responses to health hazards, ensuring water quality, monitoring of waste disposal, investigations into noise and air pollution, animal health, health monitoring, enforcement and ensuring of health and safety codes, health care access, and emergency preparedness and response. Other public health functions include enforcement of the following local, state and federal codes, regulations and State &Federal statutes: Town of Reading Board of Health Regulations, Town of Reading Code of Ordinances, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mandated Enforcement of Massachusetts State Sanitary Code(s), Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mandated Enforcement of Massachusetts State Statutes — Chapter 111 Public Health Laws, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mandated Enforcement of other Massachusetts General Laws & Statutes, Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Mandated Requirements & Inspections, U.S. Federal Mandated Requirements, Inspections and Trainings, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — The 1999 Federal Food Code, and Health Departments Other Mandated Requirements, Services & Inspections. 2019 Permitting The Health Division issued a total of 708 permits, as follows: under Title V-Well;under the Food Protection Program—Food Service/Retail, Temporary, Residential, Mobile, Church, and School; under Community Sanitation — 18 Animal/Barn/Beaver, 0 Body Art, 6 Summer Day Camp, 318 Dumpsters, 301 Food, 2 Private Wells, 8 Septage Hauler, 7 Septic Abandonment, 1 Tanning, 19 Tobacco Establishment, 17 Portable Toilets, 11 Pool. 35 Accomplishments The Division sustained a high level of public health services, maintained policies and procedures on accountability and transparency, and executed a cost savings policy. Community Health Services • Maintained compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR 300.00 "Reportable Diseases Isolation & Quarantine"requirements and immunization clinics and screenings for reportable infectious and communicable disease control investigation. • Sustained Public Health Nursing services. • Provide Influenza clinics. • Issued 985 residential vaccinations. • Sustained Influenza vaccinations for Reading home bound residents. • Sustained compliance with Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network which is a web-based disease surveillance and case management system. • Sustained compliance with MAVEN review and investigation of all reportable infectious and communicable diseases. • Reviewed summer recreational camp applications of more than 905 campers and counselors for required immunizations, physicals and CORIs/SORIs. • Sustained educational community information on opioids abuse and prevention. Food Protection Program • Maintained full compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR 590.000 — Food Protection Program by ensuring compliance with annual food service establishment inspections, code compliance, monitoring and investigation of all food borne illness outbreaks. • Conducted 274 routine Food Establishment Inspections. • Conducted approximately 150 Re-Inspections. • Conducted site plan reviews for new food establishments. • Between housing, nuisance, and food, only 46 complaints were documented. Community Sanitation Program • Maintained compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health - Community Sanitation Division for: 0 105 CMR 410.00 Minimum Standards for Human Habitation; 0 105 CMR 430.000 Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children; 0 105 CMR 435.000 Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools; 0 105 CMR 123.000 Minimum Standards Tanning Salons; 0 105 CMR 335.000 Treatment of Persons Exposed to Rabies; 0 105 CMR 460.000 Mass Regulations for Lead Poising Prevention Control; o MGL Ch. 111 s 131 Investigations into Public Health nuisances (Noise, air and odor pollution). 36 Environmental Health • Maintained compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 105 CMR 15.00—for all On-Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, Grease Traps and Private Wells. • Sustained new weekly Arbovirus/Mosquito Control Information and community statistics. • Sustained Arbovirus/Mosquito Control surveillance. • Sustained preventive maintenance by adult and larval mosquito control and ditch maintenance. • Developed a new educational seminar to the residents of Reading community on Tick borne illness-Lyme disease. • Sustained tobacco control compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Health Communities and Board of Health Tobacco regulations. Emergency Preparedness • Maintained compliance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management. • Met all FY19 State & Federal Public Health mandated deliverables required by the MDPH — Massachusetts State Public Health Department for the Region 3B Public Health Coalition. • The Coalition meets monthly to continuously prepare for emergencies and to discuss Department of Public Health's updated information. Animal Control Division • Maintained compliance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health 105 CMR 300 & 330 Division of Animals regarding the keeping of animals, rabies control, and mosquito control. Weights & Measure Division inspections for 2018 • Maintain compliance with Massachusetts Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Division of Standards. • Achieved full State Compliance Consumer&Merchants Protection Act, Chapter 295. • All business with scales and all gas stations were inspected by the Massachusetts Division of Standards. 2019 Goals The Health Division will continue to work with the Board of Health, Town staff, volunteers, elected officials, and community partners to support the essential functions of public health for the Town of Reading. This work includes: • Monitoring the Town's public health status to identify community health problems; • Diagnosing and investigating public health problems and environmental health hazards; • Informing, educating, and empowering the community about public health issues; • Mobilizing community partnerships to identify and solve public health problems; • Developing policies and plans that support Town residents and community health efforts; 37 • Enforcing public health laws and regulations that protect the health and wellness and ensure safety of the community; • Directing the community to needed personal public health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable; • Assuring a competent public health and personal healthcare workforce; • Evaluating effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of individual and population-based health services; and, • Researching new ideas and innovative solutions to public health problems. Division staff will also maintain: • Involvement with the community in helping assist in public health issues such as opioid abuse, addiction and treatment services; • Adequate community public health services; • Participation in the 3B Public Health Coalition; • On-going efforts as part of the Healthy Communities Tobacco Collaborative; and, • Outreach into the community to promote awareness of emergency preparedness for emerging public health issues including pandemic flu, bioterrorism, natural disasters and emerging diseases. Board of Health In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 41, the Board of Health is comprised of three (3) appointed officials by the Select Board; these positions are three-year terms with one member being appointed annually. The Board of Health holds monthly meetings. Additional meetings are scheduled if required. In 2019,the Board of Health members were: Emmy Dove—Chair, Eleanor Shonkoff — Vice Chair, Kevin Sexton — Member, Lara Romanowski — Associate, Annmarie Messina-Associate. In 2019,the Board of Health was staffed by Laura Vlasuk—Health Agent,Nicole Nichols—Public Health Nurse (part-time), Maria Tamagna—Public Health Nurse (part-time), Kammy Demello — Health Inspector,Daniel Markman—Health Inspector,John Fralick—Health Inspector(part-time). RECREATION DIVISION The mission of the Reading Recreation Division is to provide the community with year-round recreational activities. Recreation programs are broad based to meet the recreational needs of all segments of the population. The Recreation Division must continually update and modify its programming to meet the current needs of the community. As the community's participation in and awareness of local recreational programs increase, so do their expectations of Recreation Division programs. The Recreation Division must be ready to anticipate and adapt to these growing expectations and trends. Jenna Fiorente is the Recreation Administrator and has worked for the Town for 8 years. She has worked hard surrounding herself with 30+ seasonal staff members who she trusts and knows will do a good job for the Division when called upon. Jenna is also responsible for managing playground and field projects. In 2019, she facilitated the Joshua Eaton Playground Improvement 38 Project which included replenishing surfacing, adding a barrier wall, removing an outdated structure and replacing it with a climbing structure. The Recreation Administrator is responsible for scheduling and managing over 20 fields for the Town of Reading. She continues to work with leaders of the sports organizations to develop other field opportunities within what is already provided. Ideally, adding lights to existing fields and appropriate maintenance is the best way to expand field usage. The Recreation Administrator has been researching other towns on the following: field master planning, field use procedures and policies, and creative solutions with outsourcing mowing. The Recreation Administrator has learned much about the overall structure of departments within different Towns to include both Parks & Recreation and/or appropriate delineation of responsibilities for each of the two. The Recreation Administrator is also the liaison to the Recreation Committee and the Birch Meadow Master Plan Subcommittee, where she records and submits Public Meeting minutes. Jenna has worked hard with the Birch Meadow Master Plan Subcommittee this past year to get some movement on the project. Town Meeting approved $25,000 for a new conceptual design of the area. The Recreation Administrator and these committees work together to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Reading Recreation Division. The Recreation Administrator helps to oversee and facilitate many of the programs as there is still only a part-time Program Coordinator. She creates the Recreation Magazine that goes out 3 times a year to all families in Reading. Program Coordinator, Shannon Fratto, has completed 2 years in her part time role. She has also found some great new programming to offer to the community. She is a tremendous asset to the Division. The Recreation Administrator and Senior Administrative Assistant still help to facilitate and run programs due to the high demand of activities. In the future, the Division hopes to have a full-time Program Coordinator position approved. Last but not least, Sue Simeola has been with the Recreation Division for 11 years. She is the Senior Administrative Assistant of the Division. Sue handles many of the records for the Division including payment plans, outstanding balances, medical records, CORI records, Payroll, etc. Sue also helps out with events such as travel basketball tryouts and pre-fit night,Halloween parade and Downtown Trick or Treat. Sue has also been successful in overseeing payroll for all of Public Services. Sue handles much of the face-to-face and other customer services and is the glue of the Recreation Division. The Reading Recreation Division has been glad to offer the public over 400 recreational programs and events throughout the past year. The most popular programs are Saturday Night Lights Flag Football and Recreation Summer Camp. Reading Recreation hopes to meet the communities changing recreational needs while providing them with a combination of safe, fun,and educational programs. Suggestions of new programs are welcomed and encouraged. 39 VETERANS SERVICES DIVISION The Veterans' Services Officer (VSO) is the main point of contact for advocacy and support of veterans. A full range of benefits and services are available to veterans and their families based on certain qualifications and eligibility requirements. State Veterans' public assistance is mandated by Chapter 115, Mass. General Laws, 108 CMR Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulations. This program assists eligible Veterans and their families with income maintenance, medical care and emergency services. The number of beneficiaries and expenditures has remained level. Through continued outreach, new residents have been identified and are now receiving benefits. At the same time, some individuals have been removed from the rolls due to death, non- qualification and through VSO assistance in finding employment or financial assistance through other State or Federal programs. The State repays 75% of these costs in the following fiscal year through State aid payments. Applications for federal benefits are processed through this office, coordinated with the regional office of Department of Veterans Affairs and various Veterans Administration medical and support facilities. Utilization of VetraSpec, internet Veteran claims management software, greatly improved claim submission times and accuracy resulting in quicker decisions by the VA. Demand for these services is steadily increasing to include claims for Service Connected Disabilities, Veteran, Dependent and Survivor Pensions, Aid & Attendance, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation,medical and death benefit entitlement. In the past year,Reading residents received over$4.Om in compensation and pensions from the VA. The VSO provides outreach to veterans to ensure they are aware of and utilizing additional State benefits to include tuition waivers, motor vehicle benefits, property tax exemptions, annuities and bonuses, counseling, employment assistance, housing assistance and many more. Our goal is to accurately identify and obtain necessary assistance in a timely manner that veterans and their family have earned and deserve. The VSO provides outreach during the Reading Lions Club Reading Friends and Family Day, the Fall Street Faire, New Residents Open House and other public information gatherings. He attends school functions and worked with scouting programs to promote overall awareness and appreciation of Veterans and their sacrifices. The Veterans' office coordinates public ceremonies on Memorial Day with services at all four Reading cemeteries and Veterans Day ceremonies throughout the Town. On Veterans Day, a plaque was dedicated on the Town Common flag pole in Honored Memory of 27 Reading Veterans who Made the Supreme Sacrifice: that we may live in freedom. We can now pay our respects on common ground to those who have gone before us in service to our country. The Veterans group "Scuttlebutt" is held the first Thursday of each month, 10:00 AM at the Pleasant Street Senior Center. It is open to all Veterans and those interested in military history. Members enjoy the comradery of fellow sailors and soldiers, share sea stories and other personal experiences. The Veterans' Services office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7:30 AM—5:30 PM. Tuesday 7:30 AM—7:00 PM. Home and off-hour appointments are available upon request. You may reach Kevin Bohmiller at: 781-942-6652 or kbohmiller(cci.reading ma.us. 40 MYSTIC VALLEY ELDER SERVICES Fiscal Year 2019 Service Report: Reading In FY19 573 Reading residents used Mystic Valley's services valued at $3,193,803. Of these, 92 were eligible for Nursing Facility care while remaining at home. Mystic Valley Elder Services is a nonprofit organization, which has been helping people find practical solutions to long term care issues since 1975. Our goal is to help seniors, disabled adults and their family caregivers find the best available services that fit within family resources. We offer a wide range of services creatively designed to support the challenges of daily life and independent living. Some are free of charge, others are offered on a sliding fee scale or private pay basis. Information & Assistance: Resource consultants offer FREE advice and referrals from our extensive database of local, state and national resources. Assistance is available by telephone, email or a home visit by an experienced Care Manager. 394 Consumers served at a Cost of$29,225 Care Management&Home Care Services: A range of programs for seniors designed to provide assistance with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, etc.) for those who wish to remain in their own homes. Includes: in-home assessment by a care manager, development of a care plan, and delivery of approved services. 296 Consumers served at a Cost of$2,949,778 Caregiver Support: Services may include an in-home assessment, caregiver training and education regarding such areas as memory loss, home safety, respite care and fall prevention. Provides useful resources especially for working and long-distance caregivers. 12 Consumers served at a Cost of$14,648 Meals on Wheels: A mid-day meal and daily check in by a friendly driver for those over 60 who are homebound and unable to prepare their own food. 17,608 Meals served at a Cost of$112,471 Senior Dining Sites: Centers in 20 locations offer seniors an opportunity to meet and enjoy a nutritious lunch. Ethnic meals are available. 5,234 Meals served at a Cost of$39,457 Behavioral Health Services: Clinical Caseworker provides outreach and connects consumers to behavioral health services in home and community settings. The program provides assistance with coordination and payment of behavioral health services. 25 Consumers served at a Cost of$24,286 Minority Outreach: Services for non- and limited-English speakers include information and referral, translation of and assistance responding to important documents, health insurance information counseling, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes. 2 Consumers served at a Cost of$258 41 SHINE Health Benefits Counseling: Trained counselors provide seniors with no-cost, confidential counseling and unbiased information regarding health insurance and prescription drug options. 288 Consumers served at a Cost of$7,633 Money Management Assistance: Trained volunteers provide assistance with bill paying, budgeting and banking tasks. A volunteer may also serve as a Representative Payee. 7 Consumers served at a Cost of$12,991 Volunteer Program: Dedicated volunteers augment the agency's capacity by sharing their expertise with a variety of professional and administrative functions, providing bill-paying assistance to elders, counseling Medicare and Mass Health recipients, staffing congregate meal sites and/or food pantries, and serving as literacy tutors in area elementary schools. 11 Volunteers performing 583 hours of service Legal Assistance: No-cost legal assistance and education on issues such as public benefits, landlord tenant disputes and loss of independence. 4 Consumers served at a Cost of$2,201 TRIP Metro North: A free, passenger-controlled transportation program open to older adults and adults living with disabilities. 1 Consumer served at a Cost of$85 TRAILS COMMITTEE Throughout 2019, the Trails Committee continued its mission of planning, developing and maintaining the trails of Reading, which connect residents to the many natural features the Town has to offer. The Committee sponsored or joined a number of events including a Winter Walk in Bare Meadow in January, a New Residents' Open House in April, as well as Friends & Family Day and a"Tot Walk" in June. The Committee met eleven times in 2019. The Committee performed trail cleanups and maintenance along the Evergreen Trail (between Kylie Drive and Charles Street) and in the Kurchian, Bare Meadow, and Maillet Conservation Areas. The Committee and other volunteers also shored up failing boardwalks in the Town Forest and improved blazing. Committee members worked with the Conservation Commission on future trail plans in the Lenetta Lane and the Veterans Way subdivisions. At the request of the Recreation Committee and as part of that committee's master planning process, the Trails Committee submitted a recommendation for a network of accessible paths in the Birch Meadow complex in February. The Committee reviewed and approved two proposed Eagle Scout projects. It also worked with Conservation to facilitate Boy Scout troop 728's "adoption" of the Pinevale Conservation Area. The Committee also granted permission to a resident to lay out a trail in Timberneck Swamp. 42 Two major projects took place in the Maillet Conservation Area in 2019. In April, the Committee and the Conservation Administrator met with Willow Street abutters on-site to agree upon the location of a new boardwalk. Later that month Committee members and volunteers built a 40-foot boardwalk and renovated a trail from Lowell Street to Willow Street. Fourteen volunteers put in 85 hours of effort. The second major effort was to begin construction of the Aberjona River Headwaters Trail through the Maillet Conservation Area. The trail will connect from the trail mentioned above to Hunt Street. This project is supported by a $13,991 grant from the Recreational Trails Program of the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation. (This is the third such grant that the Committee has received since its inception in 2008.) DPW installed a trailhead kiosk at Hunt Street. The Committee and volunteers built a 24-foot bridge over the Aberjona River and cleared the trail to Hunt Street. 342 hours of labor were logged over five major work days in the fall (plus several prep days and smaller efforts). Work will continue in 2020 with the building of a 90-foot bog bridge, a 40-foot boardwalk, and a ten-foot bridge to complete the project. 43 FINANCE DEPARTMENT The Finance Department, under the direction of the Town Accountant, supports a wide variety of financial and administrative functions. The Finance Department staff are designed to be flexible and experienced in many of these divisions as work flows vary throughout the year: a.) Accounting: The Accounting Department is responsible for maintaining financial records. These records facilitate the preparation of financial reports and schedules that provide meaningful, accurate information for comparability and for management's decision-making process. The Accounting Department ensures that all financial transactions are in compliance with legal requirements and are properly recorded on a timely basis. The Town used the auditing firm of Melanson&Heath in FY 2019. b.) Assessors: Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the Town of Reading. The Assessment division's function is to provide for the fair and equitable assessment of all taxable real and personal property. A three-member Board of Assessors sets policy. c.)General Finance: Collections is responsible for collecting all taxes and other charges(including ambulance and water/sewer/storm water bills). They also receive and process all deposits (such as schools and recreation). Treasury is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town, School and Light Department functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing activities, including those on behalf of the Town's Trust Funds (assisted by the Trust Fund Commissioners). ASSESSMENT DIVISION Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the Town of Reading. The Assessment Division's function is to provide for the fair and equitable assessment of all taxable real and personal property. The Assessors trend the values each year so that the revaluations done every five years won't result in substantial changes. The Assessors must annually determine the tax levy and obtain State approval of the tax rate so that bills can be issued in a timely manner. The tax rate for FY 2020 was set at $13.95 per thousand for residential and $14.20 per thousand for commercial, a $0.28 decrease per thousand from the FY 2019 rate for residential and $.28 decrease for commercial. The total assessed value of all properties and accounts for FY 2020 is $5.467 billion which is a 5.3% increase from the previous year. The breakdown of Reading property for FY 2020 is as follows: Assessed Value Share Change Residential $5,064,907,915 92.5% +5.5% Commercial $ 341,606,043 6.3% +2.5% Industrial $ 11,352,200 0.2% +1.9% Personal $ 49,506,830 1.0% +.03% TOTAL $ 5,467,372,988 1 100.00% +5.3% 44 COLLECTION DIVISION The Collection Division is responsible for collecting all taxes and other charges (including ambulance and water/sewer/storm water bills). This Division also receives and processes all deposits (such as schools and recreation). Massachusetts does not allow Towns to pay any charges associated with electronic collection of tax bills—such as a flat fee or credit card fee. Debit card usage is comparatively inexpensive, and an economical method to pay online. Electronic Payments (*to 12/31/19) CY19* CY18* CY17* CY16* CY15* Registered Users 10,199 6,300 6,300 5,481 4,847 Electronic Payments 12,392 8,998 5,325 4,300 306 Municipal lien certificates have decreased due mainly to more mortgage companies paying overdue balances of homeowners to avoid liens. Foreclosures dropped off from a high in 2008, in sharp contrast to economic measures nationally. Municipal Lien Certificates *Fee increased 12/1/2010 Issued Fees Foreclosures (Foreclosure deeds recorded at the FY19 612 $34,000 Registry of Deeds as of 12/31/19) FY18 696 $38,100 2019 1 FY17 918 $44,250 2018 1 FY16 773 $41,350 2017 8 FY15 786 $42,000 2016 10 FY14 702 $37,600 2015 3 FY13 1251 $66,450 2014 2 FY12 1170 $61,400 2013 6- FYI 1 FY11* 1107 $40,525 2012 5 FY10 859 $24,875 2011 10 FY09 969 $26,901 Real estate taxes collected were $72.6 million — a 9.8% increase from the $66.2 million in the previous year. The large percentage increase is attributable to the approval of $4.15 million override as part of the FY 19 budget. Personal property taxes collected increased to $0.707 million from $0.612 million; and Excise tax collections increased to $4.08 million in FY19 from $3.98 million in FY 18. GENERAL DIVISION This Division is responsible for providing the cash for the operation of all Town and School functions on a timely basis. In addition, it conducts all borrowing and investing activities, including those on behalf of the Town's Trust Funds. 45 Interest earnings for the General Fund during FY19 were $1,460,158, which is a significant increase of 85.9% over the prior year. Interest earnings have been substantially increasing over the last few years due to rising interest rates. GENERAL FINANCE - TRUST FUNDS FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Beginning Balances $9,289,189 $9,556,486 $9,679,907 $9,917,213 $10,131,353 Contributions $130,471 $98,048 $147,727 $116,257 $154,213 Disbursements ($269,343) ($301,176) ($299,695) ($290,997) ($315,265) Interest $406,169 $326,549 $389,274 $388,880 $461,530 Ending Balances $9,556,486 $9,679,907 $9,917,213 $10,131,353 $10,431,831 The Trust Funds disbursed over $1.48 million in the past five years as shown in the table above. The Hospital Trust Fund continued to provide aid through the Reading Response Program, which provides skilled health care services, respite care, medical transportation and Lifeline Emergency call systems to Reading residents who meet specific health and income guidelines. Ending Ending Ending Ending Ending 1-year Balance Balance Balance Balance Balance Change FY 2015 FY 2016 FY 2017 FY 2018 FY 2019 Cemetery $4,169,742 $4,251,156 $4,419,110 $4,566,581 $4,806,780 5.3% Hospital $4,408,337 $4,466,461 $4,529,404 $4,573,768 $4,652,876 1.7% Library $61,692 $63,814 $66,397 $69,013 $72,182 4.6% Scholarships $171,706 $168,174 $166,477 $188,281 $176,240 -6.4% Veterans Memorial $122,613 $116,544 $117,066 $120,701 $120,987 .2% Downtown Imp $37,378 $39,593 $49,035 $51,241 $53,595 4.6% Celebration $45,853 $42,863 $42,286 $41,453 $20,381 -50.8% Historic Preservation $83,331 $79,080 $82,286 $85,727 $88,651 3.4% Elder Services $428,271 $423,727 $428,012 $429,540 $433,765 1.0% Loans $27,561 $28,509 $19,202 $16,008 $6,375 -60.2% Respectfully submitted, Sharon Angstrom, CPA Town Accountant BOARD OF ASSESSORS The mission of the Reading Assessment Department is to provide fiscal stability by promptly, fairly and equitably determining the valuation of all real and personal property located in the Town of Reading. The Assessment Department is obligated under law to assess all property at its full and fair market value as of January 1 of each year for the purpose of taxation. This is accomplished 46 through the maintenance and administration of all property tax data records. In addition, the department also administers motor vehicle excise tax, real, personal and motor vehicle excise tax abatements, and all statutory tax exemptions as allowed by law. Our staff is comprised of an appointed three-person board and three full-time employees. Board of Assessors: Office Staff: Michael Golden, MAA, Chairman Victor P. Santaniello, MAA, Dir. of Assessments Robert N. Marshall, MAA Phil Canniff, Assistant Appraiser Brenden Zarechian 2 Clerks During the past year, the major activities undertaken by the Assessor's office include: • Provided online access to our property record database via the internet. • Conducted a state mandated interim revaluation of all properties. • Reviewed and adjusted properties to reflect updated market conditions. • Completed a revaluation of all personal property accounts and canvassed town for new accounts. • Maintained and updated all real estate and personal property tax records. • Administered Reading Senior Circuit Breaker Program. Special projects and future goals of the Assessment Department include: • Manage ongoing state-mandated data recollection effort. • Continue review and update of valuation neighborhood designations. • Continue ongoing sales verification questionnaire mailing program. • Implement new and efficient office policies and procedures as required. • Maintain supplemental assessment program as required by state law. • Update existing tax maps. • Make select state tax forms available via the internet. • Increase public awareness relative to assessing and exemptions. FISCAL YEAR 2019 TAX RATE SUMMARY Total amount to be raised $115,612,511.73 Total estimated receipts $41,882,213.00 Residential Tax Rate: $14.23 Commercial Tax Rate: $14.48 Real Property Valuation $5,143,405,400 Personal Property Valuation $49,493,290 Total valuation of taxable property $5,192,898,690 Total real estate tax $73,013,635.89 Total personal property tax $716,662.84 Tax levy $73,730,298.73 47 FISCAL YEAR 2019 RECAP SUMMARY PAGE 1 Property Levy Valuation by Tax Levy by Class Percentage Class Rates Class Residential 92.2635% $4,799,025,435 14.23 $68,027,014 Exempt - - - Open Space 0.0000% 0 Commercial 6.5456% $333,243,565 14.48 $4,825,366.82 Exempt - - - - Industrial 0.2187% $11,136,400 14.48 $161,255.07 SUBTOTAL 99.0278% $5,143,405,400 - $73,013,635.89 Personal 0.9722% $49,493,290 14.48 $716,662.84 TOTAL 100.0000% $5,192,898,690 - $73,730,298.73 MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL FACTOR COMPUTATION (FY 019) Class Full and Fair Cash Value Percentage Share 1. Residential $4,799,025,435 92.2635% 2. Open Space 0 0.0000% 3. Commercial $333,243,565 6.5456% 4. Industrial $11,136,400 0.2187% 5. Personal Property $49,493,290 0.9722% TOTALS $5,192,898,690 100.0000% Minimum Residential .998358 Shift: 1.02 Factor MRF ASSESSMENT/CLASSIFICATION REPORT —FY2019 Property Parcel Class 1 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Type Count Residential Commercial Industrial Personal Value Value Value Prop. Value 101 6,556 $3,897,988,400 102 1,422 $546,742,100 Misc.103,109 12 $8,326,100 104 306 $172,695,200 105 25 $15,484,900 111 - 125 36 $128,377,900 130-132,106 210 $9,517,200 300 - 393 194 $319,724,400 400 -452 15 $11,136,400 Ch.61 Land 3 $554 Ch.61 A Land 0 0 Ch.61 B Land 3 $1,252,446 012 - 043 27 $19,893,635 $12,266,165 501 166 $7,689,030 502 175 $9,899,140 503 0 $0 504,550-552 3 $19,007,880 48 505 2 $10,821,400 506 1 $1,102,400 508 4 $973,440 TOTALS 9,160 $4,799,025,435 $333,243,565 $11,136,400 $49,493,290 REAL & PERSONAL PROPERTY TOTAL VALUE $5,192,898,690 TOTAL VALUE OF ALL EXEMPT PROPERTY $326,304,900 LOCAL EXPENDITURES Total appropriations $114,133,419 Other Local Expenditures $0 Snow and ice deficit/Overlay deficits $0 Allowance for abatements and exemptions $718,798.73 Total state and county charges $727,668 Total cherry sheet offsets $32,626 Total of appropriations and expenditures $115,612,511.73 ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS State cherry sheet estimates $14,376,519 Ma school bldg. auth $0 Local estimated receipts $10,115,894 Enterprise funds $14,769,235 Free cash $1,500,000 Other available funds $1,120,565 Offset receipts $0 Total: $41,882,213 STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS Clause FY 2018 FY 2019 Hardship 5 - 18 $0 $0 Deferral 5 —41 A $5,112.12 $6,643.99 Elderly 5 —41 C $13,500 $19,000 Veterans & Surviving Souses 5 —22 a- $111,980.68 $183.737.92 Surviving Souses 17D $1,050 $1,400 8 - 58 $0 $0 Blind 5 - 37 $5,500 $5,500 Reading Senior Circuit Breaker $361,514.66 $361,514.66 183 Granted 183 Granted BETTERMENTS, SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS & LIENS Category Total Committed Amounts by Category Light Liens $4,623.54 Sewer Liens $138,546.24 Water Liens $132,771.74 Storm Water $7,144.40 Sewer Betterments $1,941.48 49 Various Interest $52,705.95 Sewer Pipe Maintenance Lien $0.00 Total Committed $346,920.82 Motor Vehicle Excise (Comm. 1- 24,552 Bills $4,043,954.79 6,99 Respectfully submitted, Board of Assessors 50 PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE DEPARTMENT The Reading Fire Department is responsible for four major functions: fire suppression, fire prevention, the emergency medical system and emergency management. This Department is also responsible to coordinate and apply for all reimbursements for State and Federal disaster declarations. The Fire Department has 51.5 full time employees and 3 part time employees who maintain the municipal fire alarm system. Administrative functions are performed by the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Prevention Officer and Department Secretary. There are four Firefighting groups. Each group has a Captain,Lieutenant and 10 Firefighters and their primary focus is on the delivery of emergency services, training and routine fire prevention inspections. Each day the on-duty group staffs two engines, a ladder truck and an ambulance. The Reading Fire Department provides emergency medical treatment to sick and injured patients at the Advanced Life Support level (ALS) of care. This is the highest level of pre-hospital care available and we are continually expanding this program as the budget permits. Emergency management continues to expand in importance. The primary goal for Emergency Management is to identify areas of vulnerability to the community, to prepare for all disasters whether natural or manmade, to coordinate the response of a wide range of agencies and assist in the recovery phase. A secondary goal is to ensure the Town of Reading is in compliance with all Federal and State requirements to enable the community to remain eligible to receive reimbursement for Federal and State disaster declarations. Emergency Activit Emergency call volume has increased slightly from 2018 to 2019. In 2019, the Fire Department responded to 4,094 emergency calls for assistance. Of the total emergency responses, 2,332 involved some level of emergency medical response. In 2019 we responded to five significant structure fires all of which required mutual aid from our surrounding communities. Of these five fires, four occurred in homes that were occupied at the time of the fire. A review of our Massachusetts Fire Incident Report data indicated we responded to 51 fires defined as structure fires, 6 fires in mobile equipment and 21 outside fires. All of these fire incidents were required to be reported to the State Fire Marshal. Significant Events: On January 22, 2019 at approximately 2:45 p.m. a structure fire broke out at an occupied home located at 54 Temple Street. The building was a two family 3 story home and when Firefighters arrived on scene, fire was rapidly extending up the rear exterior wall of the house and spreading into the interior on floors 1, 2 and 3. This fire required a 3-alarm response to extinguish and included the communities of Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn, North Reading, Wilmington, Burlington and Lynnfield to extinguish. Firefighters from Andover, Saugus, Winchester and Lawrence covered our fire stations and responded to calls for assistance during the fire. 51 On February 12, 2019 a structure fire broke out at 397 South Street at approximately 8:45 p.m. Assistant Chief Jackson lives across the street and was alerted to the fire by the homeowner knocking on his door. Assistant Chief Jackson notified Central Dispatch of the fire and responded to the home. On the way he met Firefighter Dana Ballou who also lives nearby. When they arrived at the fire building they made an attempt to enter the home through a rear door to save the pets inside. This was done without a hoseline or any Firefighter protective clothing. However,the fire was too far advanced for entry without firefighting equipment. Reading Firefighters responded and made entry into the home and with the assistance of mutual aid Firefighters they were able to extinguish the fire. This was a difficult fire to extinguish due to the amount of interior void spaces fire was able to travel through. Also, the ground around the home was covered by snow from a recent snow storm and this added to the difficulties. The icy conditions slowed the extinguishing efforts of the Firefighters and resulted in an injury to a Stoneham Lieutenant who slipped and injured his knee. This fire required a 2-alarm response to extinguish and Firefighters from the communities of Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn, and North Reading responded to assist. Firefighters from Melrose, Wilmington and Burlington covered our fire stations and responded to routine calls for assistance during the fire. On April 5, 2019 at approximately 4:55 a.m. fire broke out in an occupied 2 family home located a 236-238 High Street. Fortunately, the home was equipped with smoke alarms and the alarms alerted the first floor occupants of the fire and they were able to evacuate the building, alert the 2nd floor tenant and report the fire. When Firefighters arrived on scene they were confronted with a fire in the basement that had vented out a side basement window and was spreading rapidly up the exterior siding. Firefighters knocked down the exterior fire and the basement fire. They were also able to prevent the fire from extending to the first and second floors of the home. This fire required a 2-alarm response to extinguish and Firefighters from the communities of Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn, and North Reading responded to assist. Firefighters from Melrose, Wilmington and Burlington covered our fire stations and responded to routine calls for assistance during the fire. On June 30, 2019 at approximately 4:50 p.m. a home located at 36 Lindsay Lane was struck by lightning. The lightning strike caused a fire to break out in a second floor closet that spread into the attic area. This fire required a 2-alarm response to extinguish and Firefighters from the communities of Stoneham, Wakefield, Woburn, and North Reading responded to assist. Firefighters from Melrose, Wilmington and Burlington covered our fire stations and responded to routine calls for assistance during the fire. On September 24, 2019 at approximately 6:00 a.m. a structure fire broke out in an occupied home located at 59 Howard Street. The fire began in the garage and Firefighters were able to confine the fire to the garage area and prevent it from spreading into the living areas of the home. The homeowners were home sleeping at the time of the fire. It was a neighbor who first noticed the smoke, alerted the homeowners and reported the fire. This fire required a I alarm response to extinguish and Firefighters from Stoneham assisted with extinguishment. Firefighters from Wakefield and Woburn covered our fire stations and responded to routine calls for assistance during the fire. 52 Assistance to Firefighters Grant: In August of 2018 we received a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. This is a Federal grant program that was created to provide funding directly to fire departments to help increase the number of trained, front line firefighters available in their communities. The grant pays for a portion of the community's cost to hire additional Firefighters. The grant period is for three years and under the terms of the grant, FEMA will pay the Town of Reading 75%of the cost of 4 Firefighters for 2 years and 35%of the cost of 4 Firefighters for third year. The total Federal share of the grant is $604,839. As of February 2020, we have received over$192,000 in Federal funds. Emergency Medical Services: The Reading Fire Department provides an Advanced Life Support Level (ALS) of care to the community and this allows Reading Firefighters to treat patients with a wide variety of medications and sophisticated treatment techniques. This level of care is essential to patients who are experiencing a medical emergency that is an immediate threat to their lives. Our emergency medical program is coordinated by Firefighters Joseph Lapolla and John Keough. We receive clinical oversight and direction from Dr. Alec Walker from Melrose Wakefield Hospital. We have increased our EMS training and all personnel receive regular training using the Department's high-fidelity simulation manikins. These computerized simulation manikins are very sophisticated and allow Firefighters to increase their knowledge and skills in treating patients who have high risk medical issues. The units are also being used to meet our Medical Director's requirement that all EMTs and Paramedics receive quarterly airway skills training. We are also providing a public training program called Stop the Bleed. This program was started as a result of a donation we received from the Young Women's League of Reading that was used to purchase a Stop the Bleed Training Kit. This kit gave us the tools to enable us to deliver a stop the bleed training program to the public. The total emergency medical responses provided in calendar year 2019 were 2,332 and this is down slightly from 2018 levels. However, in reviewing total ambulance responses over several years there is a clear upward trend in EMS response. Below in Figure 1 is a graph of ambulance responses from 2014 through 2019. 53 Total Emergency Medical Responses 2400 — 2300 2200 2100 2000 1900 1800 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Figure I In Fiscal year 2019 we collected$865,762 in ambulance revenue and this is an increase of 11.5% over Fiscal year 2018 levels. Ambulance revenue received for medical treatment is variable based upon the patient's insurance coverage, level of treatment and the services provided. Below in Figure 2 is a graph of ambulance revenue from Fiscal Years 2011 through 2019. Ambulance Revenue 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 FY 11 FY 12 FY 13 FY 14 FY 15 FY 16 FY 17 FY 18 FY 19 Figure 2 Emergency Management: Emergency Management is an active segment of the Department. Housed within Reading's Emergency Management System are three components, Emergency Management, the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the North East Homeland Security Region (NERAC). NERAC is one of the 5 Massachusetts homeland security regions created by the Executive Office of Public Safety. Federal and State legislation requires every community in the country to have a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) or to be part of a regional planning committee. The LEPC identifies areas where the population is most at risk from a hazardous materials release, facilities and transportation routes that contain hazardous materials and resources that would be used to mitigate an incident. 54 To pool resources the Town of Reading has joined with other communities and formed the Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee. The Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee has grown to twenty-five member communities and is designed to facilitate the sharing of resources in the event of an emergency. The Mystic Regional Emergency Planning Committee has achieved Full Certification Status by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The Reading Fire Department has developed a Hazardous Materials Emergency Plan to meet both Federal and State statutory planning requirements. For the Town of Reading the Fire Chief is the Local Emergency Planning Committee Chairman. Keeping current with State and Federal requirements is required to remain eligible for reimbursement of expenses when a Presidential Disaster Declaration is granted. Since 2001 we have seen an increase in storm events being eligible for reimbursements due to Federal Disaster Declarations. Over this period the Town of Reading and the Reading Municipal Light Department have received a total of $1,700,906 in reimbursements for emergency response and damage to infrastructure. In the late fall of 2019 the Town received its last reimbursement payment from FEMA for our eligible costs for damages and costs to respond to the March 2018 snow storm. In total we received $307,329 for Town, School and Reading Municipal Light Department costs in responding to this event. Below in Figure 3 is a graph indicating the year and event the Town of Reading received reimbursement under a Federal Disaster Declaration since 2001. FEMA Reimbursements 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 . 0 ti �ooti �oo� X005 ���� ���o�t �otiti �otiti �oti� �o�h �oti� Figure 3 The Town's emergency management response to an emergency incident was placed into operation on November 2, 2019. This was done with representatives of each Department including the School Department who staffed the Town's emergency operations center. This was done to assist and support the Department of Public Works in providing a Town wide coordinated response to a boil water order that was issued. By staffing the emergency operations center, this allowed all 55 Departments to contribute their expertise to forming a coordinated messaging system and response to the community. The Town of Reading also received an Emergency Management Performance Grant for $6,500. This grant will be used in the spring of 2020 to offset the costs of Police and Fire training to a critical incident. Fire Prevention: All Department personnel perform fire prevention duties. More complex and technical fire prevention duties are assigned to the Day Officer. This position is staffed by Captain Richard Nelson and he is responsible to ensure all life safety systems for new construction and renovations are designed and installed properly. This requires pre-construction meetings, plan review, code research and continual site visits to ensure proper installation. In 2019 the Department conducted 1,106 inspections and monitored several building renovations. Major projects include 35 Lincoln Street, 467 Main Street, Postmark Square, Johnson Woods and School House Condominiums. For existing buildings, the Day Officer is responsible to ensure all life safety systems are maintained properly. Other areas of responsibility include ensuring the safety and code compliance of flammable and combustible product storage. Refzional Initiatives: Captain Richard Nelson and Firefighter Scott Dole are both active members of the Northeast Technical Rescue Team. This is a highly trained team with specialized tools and training designed to handle a wide range of rescue operations such as: victims trapped in confined spaces, trench collapse, high angle, wide area search and building collapse. Firefighter Stephen Pelrine is an active member of the Massachusetts District 2 Hazardous Materials Team. This team is highly trained and responds regularly to a wide variety of hazardous material releases, and potential releases, to support and assist local Fire Departments throughout the State and region. SAFE and Community Education: Our community education program consists of our school based SAFE Program and the Senior SAFE Program. Funding for these programs is provided by two State grants that total $6,100. Captain Mark Dwyer coordinates the Senior SAFE program and Firefighter John Jenks coordinates our school program. The School SAFE program is funded by a$4,100 grant and features Reading Firefighters who are trained as SAFE educators. These Firefighters visit each school classroom of Kindergarten through grade 3 to deliver the fire safety and anti-smoking message. Firefighters use a specially designed trailer that is shared by the Metrofire District to present a very real fire scenario to the students. Using this training aid, the children are taught lifesaving skills in a controlled setting that is not possible to duplicate in the classroom. Our Senior SAFE program is designed for senior citizens and is funded by a $2,000 grant. Statistically, seniors have a high rate of fire injuries and our program has been designed to increase 56 the safety of this population. This year Captain Dwyer gave several group presentations, made home visits to the elderly and assisted needy elderly residents with the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire Alarm: The municipal fire alarm system in Reading is in good condition. This is a direct result of the planning, care and maintenance given to the system by our dedicated Fire Alarm Technicians, Brian Ryan, Bruce Ayer and Michael Holmes. When appropriate, we are connecting new and remodeled buildings to the municipal fire alarm system to ensure a rapid response to an incident. In addition to servicing and maintaining the municipal fire alarm system, our Fire Alarm Technicians put up and take down the Town of Reading's flag display and Christmas decorations on the decorative light poles in Reading Square. These displays take a considerable amount of time to install and remove. Personnel: This year the Department selected Firefighter John Keough as our Firefighter of the Year for 2019. Firefighter Keough was cited for his work in providing EMS education, our mentor program, and his outstanding fire and EMS skills. We also hired several new personnel. Firefighters Ashley Auld, Adam O'Doherty, Markendy Vernet and William Madden were hired and completed the recruit training program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Firefighter Steven DeBay was hired in November of 2019 and will attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in the spring of 2020. Other News: The Boston Sparks Association has indefinitely loaned the Reading Fire Department an antique hand tub that was used in Reading. Fountain Engine 3 was built by Increase S. Hill sometime around 1835 and it was purchased by Reading sometime around 1888 for $125. It is currently at the West Side Fire Station. Conclusion: Over the last year we have striven to make advancements in all areas of the Department. We have increased the level of training for our personnel, introduced new technology and equipment and aggressively pursued resources through public safety grants. The Advanced Life Support Program has been expanded to all fire apparatus and continues to provide Reading residents with the highest level of emergency medical care in this area. The condition of our fire apparatus is excellent and this increases our efficiency and capability at the scene of any emergency. I would like to thank all Town Officers, Boards, Departments, members of the Reading Fire Department and especially the citizens of Reading for their continued high level of support and assistance. Respectfully submitted, Gregory J. Burns Chief of Fire Department 57 READING FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER Chief of Department Gregory J. Burns Assistant Chief: Paul D. Jackson Captains: Paul F. Guarino Richard L.S. Nelson Peter L. Marchetti Garrett Antanavica Mark F. Dwyer Lieutenants: Scott Myette Anthony Delsignore Eric Blackman Brian Ryan Firefighters: Patrick Wallace Bruce Ayer Eric Bagby Stephen Pelrine Paul Dalton Robert Forsey Robert Beck Ryan Buckley Eric Beaulieu Stephen Murphy Joseph Lapolla Brian Roche David Robidoux Paul Damocogno Jonathan Dyer David Gentile David Ferreira Christopher Smith Michael Wood Steven Binari Nicholas DeRoche Scott Dole Robert Loring Danny Ruiz— John Jenks Robert Drake Ashley Auld Paul Roy Daniel Pouliot Adam O'Doherty Derek Loftus John Keogh Markendy Vernet Dana Ballou Matthew Berger— William Madden Thomas McCarthy Brian Yeager Steven DeBay Sean Devlin John Messer Secretary Karen Hammond *Hired to fill vacancy Resigned ^Retired Fire Department Statistics for 2019 Permit Fees collected (FY 19) $25,195 Ambulance Fees Collected(FY 19) $865,762 Total Emergency Responses (CY 19) 4,094 Emergency Ambulance Calls (CY 19) 2,332 Inspections (CY 19) 1,106 58 POLICE DEPARTMENT The Reading Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety and service to the citizens and business people within the community. The members of the Department are empowered to enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Bylaws of the TOWN OF READING to ensure that the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods are maintained and that crime and the fear of crime are reduced. We emphasize and value integrity, honesty,impartiality and professionalism from our members in order to create an environment that values differences and fosters fairness and flexibility in our mission. We encourage citizen input and interaction that will assist us in developing sound partnerships between the community and police. Working together we can protect our future and enhance the quality of life for everyone within the Town. This report summarizes the participation, activities, sponsorships, enhancements, accomplishments, and other notable events of the Reading Police Department in Calendar year 2019. Personnel Changes: The following personnel changes and adjustments were experienced by the Police Department in calendar year 2019: January 2019 ■ Public Safety Dispatcher Regina Saunders retired after 34 years of service to the department. ■ Public Safety Dispatcher Nicole Janey resigned after 1'/z years of service to the department and took a job with Chelsea Police as a dispatcher. April 2019 ■ Public Safety Dispatcher Michael Penta left after 6 months of service to the department. ■ Mark Vousboukis was hired as a Public Safety Dispatcher. ■ Brad Mickle was hired as a Public Safety Dispatcher. ■ Kelsey Good was hired as a Public Safety Dispatcher. May 2019 ■ Public Safety Dispatcher Susan Tapley, after 27 years of service to the department, took a position with the DPW. June 2019 ■ Officer Robert Toussaint left after 10 months of service to the department. ■ Chief Mark Segalla resigned after 23 years of service to the department. ■ Susan Murphy resigned as the Executive Assistant after 13 months of service to the department and relocated out of state with her family. August 2019 ■ Officer Patrick Dawley resigned after 7 years of service to the department and took a position as a Special Agent with the ATF. 59 September 2019 ■ Erika Ballard was hired as the Executive Assistant for the department. October 2019 ■ Katherine Steir was hired as a shared Police and Fire administrative assistant. ■ Sammi Salkin, who was the departments Domestic Violence Advocate through Respond, was hired as the Reading Coalition for Prevent and Support Outreach Coordinator. November 2019 ■ Tanina Dawidowicz was hired by the Respond to work at the Reading Police Department as the Domestic Violence Advocate under a grant through Respond. Awards,Recognitions and Other Noteworthv Events: September 2019 ■ Detective Michael Fitzgerald received the 2018-2019 Police Officer of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce. ■ Dispatcher Deb Haynes received the 2018-2019 Public Safety Dispatcher of the Year award from the Chamber of Commerce. ■ The department was re-accredited by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. The department met all 257 mandatory standards and 69 optional standards. The accreditation will be valid for three years. November 2019 ■ AAA Southern New England presented the Reading Police Department with The Gold Award of Excellence, which recognizes achievements in traffic safety. ■ Officer Matthew Orr received the Traffic Hero Award for his commitment to traffic safety in the Town of Reading. ■ Officer David Savio was awarded the Paul Harris Officer of the Year award by the Reading Rotary for his dedication and commitment to police service in the Town. Patrol Division: The Reading Police Patrol Division is the core of policing services in the Town of Reading. The Patrol Division falls under the command of Lieutenant John T. McKenna during daytime operations and Lieutenant Kevin M. Brown, Jr. during nights. The Patrol Division is comprised of 2 Sergeants and 8 Patrol Officers during the day; and 5 Sergeants and 12 Patrol Officers on nights. It currently operates 10 total marked vehicles: 7 Ford Police Interceptors (5 Marked Patrol cruisers, 2 SRO cruisers and 1 Safety Officer Cruiser); 2 Chevy Tahoes (1 Patrol Supervisor Unit and 1 Low-Profile Unmarked Command unit). There are also 2 Crown Victorias (1 Swat unit, 1 Detail cruiser). The last is an unmarked Ford Expedition for utility use. In addition to standard patrol vehicles,the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division also uses 4 pedal bikes, and from time to time will augment patrol as well as unmarked units. The Patrol Division is the most visible section of the Police Department and provides continuous around the clock service to both residents and visitors to Reading. They are the uniformed officers who provide the first line of defense for the public's safety. Every law enforcement Patrol Officer is committed to protect life and property, uphold the civil rights of individuals, preserve public 60 peace, provide citizen assistance, enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and respond to emergency situations. These men and women are dedicated and committed professionals who place their lives and well-being in jeopardy for the citizens of Reading on a daily basis. The Patrol Division Officers are responsible for: enforcing state and municipal laws and regulations designed to protect life and property; maintain order in an assigned sector or beat; patrol the community to preserve the peace and to prevent crime; take criminal reports and interview witnesses and suspects; apprehend fugitives and criminals; collect evidence and give testimony in court; conduct investigations for all misdemeanor and many felony cases; direct traffic, issue traffic citations, investigate motor vehicle crashes and make arrests; participate in crime prevention,public information and safety programs. Patrol officers maintain closer contact with the public than any other section of the police department. Most likely, the first person the public meets will be the uniformed Patrol Officer. The men and women of the Reading Police Department's Patrol Division take great pride in serving the citizens of Reading. The Patrol Division is the backbone of the police department. In 2019, the Patrol Division issued 3,822 moving violations, made 129 arrests, filed 392 criminal complaint applications, and answered 26,508 calls for service throughout the Reading Community. A total of 1,773 reports were written and 521 motor vehicle crashes were investigated. The Patrol Division responded to 1,036 alarm calls, 331 suspicious person calls and 188 suspicious motor vehicle calls. The Patrol Division is responsible for managing many quality of life issues. In 2019, the division responded to 406 mental health related calls, 63 calls for suicide attempts and threats to commit suicide, 19 overdoses, 139 calls involving alcohol, and 149 calls involving drugs. The division responded to 19 calls for missing adult persons and 12 calls for missing juveniles, filed 25 orders with the Department of Children and Families as required by MGL ch-119-s51A for child abuse and or neglect. The Reading Police Department also maintains specialized units functioning within the Patrol Division. Two of these are the Mountain Bike Operations Team and the Rapid Response Team which are overseen by the Day Shift Patrol Division Commander. The Mountain Bike Unit is comprised of 8 Officers who operate the 4 pedal bikes,which work on various shifts. These Officers are able to respond quickly to areas differently from the traditional response vehicle and also offers another level of Community Service by being in the public view on an additional plane. The tactical professionals of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) are Patrol Officers who are part of Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC). These officers are activated into a team with other surrounding cities and towns on a moment's notice. These Officers have further expertise designed to assist, access, and mitigate extremely volatile situations by making use of specialized equipment and additional manpower. The Reading Police Department currently has two Patrol Officers that are part of NEMLEC RRT and one of the officers is assigned to the highly trained SWAT Team. 61 Each section of the Reading Police Department is designed to work separately and augment the other departments to achieve the collective goal of maintaining a safe community. This is achieved by regular operations of all divisions and delivering customer service via daily interactions with the public and utilization of community policing initiatives. Detective Division: The Detective Division is the liaison of the Police Department to other law enforcement agencies including other local police departments, the Massachusetts State Police, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, the Attorney General's Office, and the County District Attorney's Office along with the Reading Public Schools,Austin Preparatory School and the Northeast Regional Vocational School in Wakefield. Outlined are a number of activities the Detective Division was involved in for 2019. ■ The Detective Division handles all court matters including processing the court paperwork for all arrests, summons, hearings, restraining orders, citation appeals, and any other pertinent issues that deal with the court. The Division makes all officer notifications for court appearances, gives information on the status of on-going cases. In addition, the Division is responsible for all discovery requests by the Commonwealth and Defense, which requires a significant amount of time to compile. All juvenile cases that meet the standard for diversion are monitored to make sure all of the obligations set forth for the juvenile are met. ■ Major Crimes the Detective Division investigations this past year included: Sexual Assaults/Rapes, B & E's, Larcenies, Sudden Deaths/Suicides/Overdoses, Child Enticement, Missing Person, Possession of Child Pornography, Narcotic Investigations, multiple reports from DCF,Frauds, and Cyber-Crimes. In addition,the Detective Division reviews all patrol reports, and conducts investigations on numerous other types of crimes. ■ The Detective Division Commander and the appointed Evidence Control Officer are the custodians of, and accountable for, the control of all property retained as evidence and stored in the department's Evidence Room. ■ The Detective Division registers and monitors all Level 1, 2 and 3 Sex Offenders that live and/or work in Town. In addition, Detectives make the required community wide notifications. ■ The Detective Division reviews all new/renewal or change in manger applications for Alcohol Licenses or any modifications for existing licenses. Over the past several years as the Town's business district has grown, the number of license applications, license transfers, and change in manager applications has increased substantially. ■ Detectives conducted alcohol compliance checks of all licenses and completed surveillance patrols to monitor underage drinking violations throughout the year. Since police compliance checks were launched in 2008, the average pass rate is 96% for local liquor establishments. ■ The SROs continue to be involved with "Community Based Justice" which brings all interested parties together to discuss current student issues which are involved at some level with the court system. 62 ■ The SROs and Detective Division held numerous ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter,Evacuate)trainings with all school personnel,and conducted ALICE drills in each school in the district and Austin Prep. As this program has become more established in the school system, the schools are taking on more responsibility in conducting these exercises on their own. ■ A Detective continues to work with the FBI on their, "Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force". With this assignment, he works on numerous high-level narcotics investigations both locally and nationally. ■ A Detective serves as a member of the Southern Middlesex Regional Drug Task Force, conducting narcotics investigations within Reading as well as surrounding communities. ■ In January of 2014 the Detective Division activated the Reading Police Department's Facebook. We currently total 5,826 followers. In addition, the Division has been maintaining the Department's Twitter page. The Twitter page currently has I I.1 K followers, up from 10.7K in 2018. In 2016 our Twitter account was "Verified" through Twitter. The verification is used to establish authenticity of identities on Twitter and helps users discover high-quality sources of information and trust that a legitimate source is authoring the account's Tweets. This accomplishment is highly sought after and difficult to obtain. Besides those that follow us directly, our messages get shared to thousands more on a regular basis. These pages allow the Department to get important public safety information out quickly including information on: road closures, special events, press releases,weather related concerns, Level 3 Sex Offender notifications, and safety tips. We have seen a significant increase in communication with citizens and other agencies contacting us through these sites. ■ Detectives processed 151 anonymous tips via the Department's Text-a-Tip program in 2019. Crime tips were related to drug activity, domestic violence, juvenile protection, school safety, unlicensed firearms, animal protection, noise complaints, impaired driving, cyber-crimes, harassment, neighborhood concerns, and traffic safety. ■ The SRO's participated in monthly RCASA Board of Directors meetings and quarterly special events. SRO's assisted with drug paraphernalia awareness. Detectives worked in conjunction with RCASA to collect and properly destroy prescription drugs through the "RX Round-up" program. This past year 9,495 bottles were collected and destroyed compared to 8,869 in 2018. ■ Detectives are responsible for compiling crime statistics for numerous types of reports and grant obligations throughout the year. ■ Detectives are responsible for maintenance and technical issues for the Departments Crossmatch fingerprint machine. ■ Members of the Detective Division attended many training programs in the areas of, cybercrime investigation, search warrant preparation, domestic violence, drug and narcotics investigatory techniques, legal updates, and prosecution. ■ Background investigations were conducted for new Officers and Dispatchers. ■ Detective Criminal Investigations = 145 Support Services Division: The Reading Police Department is here to serve the Town of Reading and we look forward to continuing our existing efforts and are always looking for more opportunities to work with you, our community, to address criminal activity, traffic and safety problems, quality of life, and 63 community development issues in the Town. The Police Department strongly promotes the philosophy of"working with the community". The Support Services Division is staffed with a division commander Lieutenant Christine Amendola. In the Support Services Division are the Traffic and Safety Officer, the Community Service Officer, the Armorer, the Parking Enforcement Officer, the Animal Control Officer, an Administrative Assistant, Domestic Violence Advocate, and the Crossing Guard Unit. The Support Services Division oversees all department training, equipment, and vehicles. Lt. Amendola is also the departments Accreditation Manager and ensures the accreditation policies and procedures standards are met. The Department sponsors or participates in a number of community events and/or programs. The following are a number of those: Community Service: ■ The Police Department is represented on the Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC)by Deputy Chief David Clark. ■ Members of the department visited each elementary school and served lunches to the children for the first time. This event was a huge success that we will continue to do on an annual basis. ■ The department offers the "Coffee with a Cop" program locally. Citizens are invited to join police officers for coffee and discuss any issues of concerns. There were two successful events during the past year. ■ CSO O'Shaughnessy is a member of the Respond High Risk Team which is responsible for follow up care on all high-risk domestic violence cases. ■ Under the Support Service Division,the department has a domestic violence advocate from Respond, to follow up on domestic violence concerns. ■ CSO O'Shaughnessy is an active member of the Town's Human & Elder Affairs Committee. She also schedules monthly lunches at the Senior Center,which provides them a chance to speak to the Police and keep updated on certain crimes they are at risk for. The department also completed all training for the "Dementia Friendly" program and is an active participant in Dementia Friendly Reading. ■ The department instructed two Rape Aggression Defensive (RAD) programs for women, training over 50 women in self-defense. ■ Held Annual Police Open House in May. The department was open to the public for tours. The Lions Club provided child safety kits, there were many police vehicles to observe and other various activities for the children. ■ The Support Service Division hosted a blood drive in coordination with the Kraft Family donation center for Dana Farber Research and The Brigham and Women's Hospital. ■ The division ran the Citizen's Police Academy, which was a nine-week academy and graduated over 28 individuals. In this academy, citizens are invited to learn about all aspects of policing here in Reading. It is a great interaction between the residents and officers. ■ CSO O'Shaughnessy conducted the Child's Bike Helmet Incentive Program. In coordination with local businesses, officers were able to reward children for wearing their required bike helmets with either a free pizza or ice cream ticket. 64 ■ The department participated in the Children's Special Olympics of Massachusetts and had the honor of awarding the recipients. ■ In June, the Department participated in Friends and Family Day held at Birch Meadow. ■ The division participated in the Law Enforcement Special Olympics torch run. ■ In October, the Department, in conjunction with its labor unions organized its annual Senior Ham and Bean Supper at the Senior Center. ■ The Support Service unit participated in the Middlesex DA's Office safety event in Woburn, Wilmington's Night Out, and Burlington's Safety Night. ■ Many department personnel participated in the No-Shave November and raised serval thousand dollars for the Veteran Red Sox Homebase Foundation. The department continued to raise money in December, "Don't shave December" for the Reading Food Pantry. ■ In November the department had its First Cops vs. Kids basketball game at the YMCA. It was a great partnership between the department and the YMCA and of course the kids beat us! ■ The department does a monthly book reading at the local Whitelam Books to children. The kids love to attend our monthly readings. Traffic and Safety: ■ Throughout the year, the Department participated in the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau's "Click-it or Ticket"program. This program is an intensified traffic enforcement effort subsidized by a grant that targets specific traffic issues, such as seat belt use, or impaired operation. ■ In September, the Department was awarded a grant to participate in the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau's Pedestrian Crosswalk Safety Initiative ($2,250). The officers stopped motorists who failed to yield to the decoy pedestrian in the crosswalk. The campaign raised pedestrian awareness and educated the motoring public on crosswalk safety. Forty traffic stops were executed; yielding 45 citations. ■ Safety presentations were conducted for various schools, cub scouts and girl scout troops. ■ Redesigned the Joshua Eaton School Pick-up and Drop-off procedures to enhance safety. ■ Reading Police Station tours conducted for various Brownie Troops and Cub Scout Troops. ■ Traffic assistance was provided for many town events, including: The Barrows School Fun Run, Joshua Eaton's School Jaguar Jog, The Downtown Trick or Treat, Fall Street Fair, Friends and Family Day, and St. Agnes Christmas Eve Mass, as well as many other private events. ■ Safety Officer Scouten is a member of the Town's Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force. He is accountable to bring all residential and business safety or traffic concerns to the board. A total of 20 workorders were executed for new and replacement signage throughout the town. ■ The Speed Alert Trailers were deployed to more than 55 locations in efforts to reduce speeding motorists. ■ Attended all Design Review Team (DRT) meetings for the town to ensure safety at large events in town or any construction project. Firearms Licensing: ■ Armorer Scott Craven processed 293 gun licenses to include new firearms permits and renewal applications. 65 ■ Administrative Assistant Kate Steir assists in the processing of the License to Carry permits. Record Requests: ■ Administrative Assistant Kate Steir and Senior Administrative Specialist Donna Beaulieu processed 1,153 public record requests. Crossing Guards: The school crossing guards are part-time, civilian personnel. Currently there are nineteen permanently assigned crossing guards and three substitutes. They fill in when a regular crossing guard is unable to cover his/her post. They are under the direct supervision, coordination, and control of Safety Officer Michael Scouten. Each crossing guard plays an essential role in the safe commute of children to and from school. They also serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the police department and the community as well. These crossing guards have proven to be devoted to their duties and are a great asset to the Town of Reading. ANIMAL CONTROL The Animal Control Officer is Ronald Burns and he works 13 hours per week and is on call for emergency situations. There were more than 125 calls for service received by the Animal Control Officer. There were 16 dog bites over the year resulting in injuries to humans. There were 13 dog- to-dog bites resulting in veterinary care. There were 19 bites over the year resulting from an animal of unknown origin (17 dogs and 2 cats). Over 200 citations were issued to residents for failure to keep their dog on a leash, failure to license their dog, for biting and disturbing the peace. The majority of citations were for unlicensed dogs. There was 1 bat call which tested negative for rabies. There were 2 commercial kennel inspections and 2 residential kennels inspected. ■ Investigate reports of domestic animals exposed to rabies. ■ Determine if the domestic animal has or may have been exposed to a rabid animal, and if the domestic animal has been properly vaccinated. ■ Make an evaluation of the exposure of the vaccinated animal and prescribe the appropriate action according to state regulations. ■ Inspect residential and licensed kennels that house four or more dogs. ■ Ensure that vaccinated domestic animals receive a booster vaccination if needed, and that the animal remains under appropriate strict confinement or isolation. ■ Contact local officials when exposed domestic animals have exposed humans. ■ Although the Animal Control Officer is not responsible for handling wildlife calls, he evaluates such calls and assists where possible. He provides contact numbers for the appropriate State or private agency to handle wildlife issues beyond the Town's control. PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER The Parking Enforcement Officer is Ronald Burns. He works 18 hours per week. The major responsibilities of the Parking Enforcement Officer are: 66 ■ Identify and cite motorists who violate Reading's parking regulations and reduce opportunities for violations to be committed through preventive patrols of all parking areas. ■ Identify parking problem areas within the town and forward this information to the Safety Officer. ■ Perform related duties as required. PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH The Reading Public Safety Dispatchers deliver, through communications, a lifeline for the community, Police Officers, and Firefighters. Ten full time Dispatchers are under the direct supervision of Head Dispatcher Victoria Avery and under the command of the Night Shift Patrol Division Commander Lieutenant Kevin Brown. Dispatchers provide support to the Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, Paramedics, and other ancillary personnel within the departments, as well as outside agencies to augment emergent and non-emergent operations via radio, phone, and computer related activities. Dispatchers receive requests for information and services,triage based on available resources and disseminate accordingly. Dispatchers manage 911 and administrative calls,supply Emergency Medical pre-arrival instructions when necessary,furnish customer service and information to the public, and provide valuable service to our community. The Dispatch team had positive staffing changes that brought new faces to the team, with the staffing level now at 10. Each year, Dispatchers participate in various trainings to expand their knowledge and present a higher level of service. The Dispatch section is the face of Reading Public Safety and in most cases, they are the first, first-responders, and the initial interaction the public has with a Public Safety agency. POLICE ROSTER The following is the Department Roster, a statistical analysis of our enforcement efforts and a record of revenues generated by our department for calendar year 2019. READING POLICE DEPARTMENT 2019 ROSTER CHIEF OF POLICE David J. Clark DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE David J. Clark PATROL DIVISION Lt. John T. McKenna Lt. Kevin M. Brown 67 SERGEANTS Mark J. O'Brien Christopher R. Picco Christopher E. Jones Patrick R. Silva Corey P. Santasky Justin P. Martel Matthew C. Edson PATROL OFFICERS Christopher J. Voe elin David V. Savio Michael R. Lee Keith D. Hurley Salvi A. Lavita Sean M. Wilson Ian A. Nelson Erik W. Drauschke Matthew J. Orr Kaylyn A. Gooley Timothy L. Barrett Andrew J. Kirwan Zachary T. Fontes Benjamin J. Woodward Stephen T. Pelland Paul C. Peoples Joshua P. Graciale Brendan T. Cody Z. Costa Joshua W. Griffith MacEachern Christopher M. Briere DETECTIVE DIVISION Lt. Det. Richard P. Abate Detectives: Derek R. Holmes Michelle E. Halloran Robert J. MacHugh Jr Michael P. Fitzgerald Michael A. Muolo School Resource Officers: Brian P. Lewis Matthew B. Vatcher SUPPORT SERVICES Lt. Christine M. Amendola Community Service Safety Officer Armorer/Fleet Maintenance Officer Kristen L. O'Shaughnessy Michael S. Scouten Scott A. Craven Reading Police Department 2019 Ancillary Personnel Administrative Support Staff Executive Assistant Erika S. Ballard Senior Administrative Assistant Donna M. Beaulieu Administrative Assistant Katherine C. Steir 68 DISPATCHERS Head Dispatcher Victoria Avery Ryan Mahoney Joseph Pa notta Debra Haynes Christopher Finnegan Antonio De irolamo Patrick Sullivan William McDaniel Mark Vousboukis Brad Mickle Kelsey Good ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER/PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER Ronald Burns SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS s=substitutes Cindy Asci Cindy Branga Linda Burns John Cain Peg Faulkner Bob Dewolfe James Hubbard Lucy Intonti Tina Lantz Marsha Leighton Ann Lipchus Joe Lopiccolo Louann Kris McNiel Dick Prudente MacKinnon Rosemary Barbara Thomas Gardner Robert John Parsons (s) Violante Wilson Matarazzo Peter Claude Miller Carole Scrima(s) Indrisano s s Service Statistics calendar year 2019: ■ Arrests 129 ■ Protective Custody 58 ■ Motor Vehicle Citations/warnings 3,822 ■ Parking Violations 2,218 ■ Detective Criminal Investigations 145 ■ Automobile Crashes Investigated 521 ■ Mental Health Related Calls 406 Fees Collected calendar year 2019: ■ License to Carry Permits $ 6,925.00 ■ Firearm Identification Cards $ 200.00 ■ Police Reports Copied $ 0.00 ■ Parking Fines $ 46,910.00 ■ Administrative Fees for details $ 98,001.00 ■ Community Access Stickers $180,475.00 ■ Parking Space Rentals $ 50,400.00 ■ Civil Motor Vehicle Infractions $ 31,430.00 ■ Community Room Rental fee $ 1,190.00 ■ Motor Vehicle Lease Surcharge $ 1,960.80 69 Conclusion: To summarize our Mission Statement, we are empowered to enforce the laws of our land, but in order to do this appropriately and adequately, we have to work with the community. Providing the community with the highest level of police service is a goal that will require dedication, hard work and a strong commitment to and from our community. I want to thank the citizens of our community for their support and cooperation. Working with the community your police department will accomplish its mission. Respectfully submitted, David J. Clark Deputy Chief of Police READING COALITION AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE (RCASA) SUMMARY- Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) mobilizes community partners, residents and youth to build collaborative approaches and reduce youth substance abuse. With grant support, RCASA offers educational programs for residents in Substance Abuse Prevention, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Active Parenting. To address substance use, staff operates a juvenile diversion program in concert with the Reading Police Department and a Chemical Health Education Program with the Reading Memorial High School. To increase access to mental health services, RCASA sponsors the Interface Referral Service, operated by William James College. Learn more at: www.reading.kl2.ma.us/community/readingcoalition FINANCE-The Director tracked spending and compiled state and federal reports totaling $135,000. The federal grant for 2019 totaled$125,000. The town, school and police departments contributed match resources for RCASA's office/meeting space, supervision and oversight. During this year, the Director and Town Accountant filed the federal financial reports required by federal funder (SAMHSA). At the end of 2019, the Director completed the Final Performance Report for the five-year federal grant and closed out the project. SAMHSA Grant Supporting RCASA Annual End White House Office of National Drug Control Policy $125,000 9/30/19 The Director worked with Town Leaders and Town Counsel regarding RCASA's Sustainability Plan. State Representative James Dwyer, an RCASA supporter, submitted a request to add an earmark to the state budget for $10,000 in annual funding to support RCASA's sustainability. RCASA accepted a donation from the Young Women's League of Reading ($1,350). The Chief of Police included the coalition in his public budget presentations. STAFF- This year, the RCASA staff included a full time Director(Erica McNamara). The Part- Time Outreach Coordinator(Julianne DeAngelis)retired in January of 2019. The Town Manager re-evaluated the Outreach Coordinator position and returned the role to a full-time position with town support. These changes were approved during the budget process and ultimately by Town 70 Meeting. The Full-Time Outreach Coordinator (Samantha Salkin) started her role on October 1, 2019. Changes to the classification chart concerning coalition staff were approved by the Select Board. Staff members are employees of the Town of Reading and maintain an office at the Reading Police Department. The Director oversaw fiscal management, public relations, community planning, training, coalition communication, data collection, dissemination, reporting and program evaluation. The Outreach Coordinator disseminated educational information through a variety of activities to both youth and adults. The Director and Outreach Coordinator completed their continuing education requirements including prevention training workshops with MA Bureau of Substance Abuse Services, Center for Health & Safety Culture and the National Council on Behavioral Health. LEADERSHIP- the Executive Board, comprised of the Town Manager, Police Chief, School Superintendent and Board President, met frequently with the Coalition Director to provide guidance. RCASA's Board met monthly and served as the core leadership group for the coalition. The group included 24 members representing 12-plus community sectors who live,work or attend school in Reading. The Town Manager, School Superintendent, and Chief of Police all serve on the board. The Board provided overall governance, education,public relations and strategic plan guidance. The Town provided the "Ethics Guide for Ballot Question Political Activity". A full review of board by-laws, coalition branding, budget needs and future feasibility was discussed by members. The Board focused on the transition off of grant funding to the town model and supported the coalition name change from Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse to Reading Coalition for Prevention&Support(as of 12/28/19).The coalition logo was also changed to reflect the new name. Starting in January of 2020, the leadership group will be an Advisory Board with member appointments made by the Coalition Director. GOALS- The coalition is guided by two major goals. Progress on each goal is tracked annually and in benchmark increments of five years. • Goal 1: Establish and strengthen collaboration among RCASA's partner organizations in support of the community's effort to prevent and reduce youth substance use. • Goal 2: Reduce substance use among youth in Reading,MA, and, over time,reduce substance abuse among adults by addressing the issues in our community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. FEDERAL GRANT ANNUAL ACTIVITIES-The Drug Free Communities grant administered by the US White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration in 2019 funded the following efforts: • The Director facilitated 40 hours of Mental Health First Aid training this year. • RCASA sponsored THE FIRST DAY, a documentary film featuring Chris Herren at the Jordan's IMAX Theater. • RCASA arranged for 16 doses of Narcan to be donated by the Middlesex District Attorney's Office for the Reading Public Schools to meet the state requirement for Narcan to be stored with each School Nurse in every school. • RCASA's Outreach Coordinator and the RMHS Health Educator facilitated the Chemical Health Education program monthly. More students were referred for chemical health violations due to vaping, more than any other substance. 71 • Staff presented in the Reading Memorial High School's Child Development Course on Substance Exposed Newborns in 2019 reaching 25 students. • RCASA worked with police to carry out collaborative police projects including the Reading Rx Round Up for 24/7 medication collection, text a tip program, alcohol compliance program and the School Resource Officer special projects. RCASA's grant sponsored the cost of the Citizen Observer service for Reading Police which allowed detectives to process anonymous tips via the Department's Text-a-Tip program in 2019 and paid for compliance operatives. • Staff developed and shared printed Resource Lists for Substance Abuse Prevention and Mental Health Support annually. Over 5,000 resource lists were disseminated. We increased local use of the Mobile Crisis Unit, MA Helpline for Substance Abuse, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the SAMHSA Treatment Locator through continued promotion. • RCASA contracted with William James College to offer the Interface Referral Service to connect 100 residents in 2019 to outpatient mental health services with the funding support of RCASA grants. The most frequent requests in Reading for mental health support were for Anxiety or Depression which is typical for most communities. • The Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey results for middle and high school indicate percentage declines in the four major areas of youth substance use. Results listed below are compared to the 2011/2013 baseline data points submitted in the coalition's initial federal grant application. - The percentage of middle school youth reporting o past 30-day of alcohol decreased by 8% o past 30-day of cigarettes decreased by o past 30-day of marijuana decreased by 4% o past 30-day misuse of prescription drugs decreased by - The percentage of high school youth reporting o past 30-day use of alcohol decreased b o past 30-day use of cigarettes decreased by 12% o past 30-day use of marijuana decreased by o past 30-day misuse of prescription drugs decreased by 3% MASS SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION EARMARK FUNDED ACTIVITIES- The coalition was awarded $10,000 to support additional prevention projects and support. The major activities are noted below. • The Director and School Resources Officers facilitated workshops or classes including: Vaping Prevention, which reached 218 students and parents at the Reading Public Schools and Austin Preparatory School; Opioid Prevention, which reached 180 students in the 91h grade Health program at Reading Memorial High School; and RCASA/Police Partnership, which reached 30 participants reached in the Reading Police Citizen Police Academy. • The Director served as Reading's Survey Coordinator for the 2019 Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey process. This labor-intensive process included the detailed review of 250 questions, coordination of staff proctors for data collection, working with staff to ensure available technology for 2,100 students on screening days, developed Parent Binders for three schools and survey follow-up with John Snow Inc. • The staff participated in weekly SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment)screening days and entered data for 600 students at Reading Memorial High School in grades 9 and 11 with the School Nurses. 72 • The Director served on the Reading Public Schools Parent University Committee, hosted an info table and facilitated workshops for 27 parents in March of 2019. • Staff responded to 24 requests for info or assistance from youth, parents, schools and police. • Staff conducted outreach at Reading Police Department's Open House, Reading Lions Club Friends and Family Day and the 3rd Annual Jams for Jake. REGIONAL PROJECTS- Staff and law enforcement representatives participated in regional monthly meetings including the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition on Opioid Abuse, and the Eastern Middlesex District Attorney's Task Force. RCASA is also one of 7 communities that work with the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition, funded by MASS Dept. of Public Health, to prevent underage drinking and opioid misuse. Highlights from 2019 are included below: • RCASA and the Reading Public Library were the local hosts for a special event for pediatricians on addiction medicine in June. The Mystic Valley Public Coalition,with funding support from MDPH, hosted a special workshop featuring Dr. Nicholas Chadi for Dowd Medical staff in Reading. Dr. Chadi is a Pediatric Addiction Medicine Fellow at Boston Children's Hospital (Harvard Medical School). The event's taping was shared with other medical providers in the region. • The RCASA Director participated in Regional Coordinator Meetings to discuss trends in liquor licensing in our region. Training for Select Boards and Liquor Licensing Boards will be made available next year. • Staff continued to serve on the Alcohol&Women Subcommittee,which is working towards a data review of the impact of increasing alcohol use rates amongst women and girls. • RCASA was honored to be part of the Annual Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition meeting in August at Century Bank in Medford. • RCASA was part of the 2019 Voices for Recovery & Remembrance in Wakefield which honored those living in recovery and those we have lost to addiction and overdose. AWARDS- The award for "Outstanding Youth Leadership" was presented to Mason Haynes, a coalition youth leader at Reading Memorial High School. Julianne DeAngelis, the former Coalition Outreach Coordinator was recognized by the Town of Reading (Select Board), MA House of Representatives (Rep. Brad Jones) and State Senate (Sen. Jason Lewis) with official citations for her eight years of service to the Town of Reading. 73 PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR'S REPORT I am pleased to submit the 2019 Annual Report for the Department of Public Works. I would first like to thank the Select Board and Town Manager Bob LeLacheur for their guidance and support over the past year. The Department is committed to providing excellent customer service, and high quality essential municipal services to the residents, businesses, and visitors to Reading in an efficient and cost- effective manner. I would like to thank the supervisors and staff for their continued professionalism, cooperation and dedication to this goal. The Public Works Department consists of eight(8)divisions and is responsible for maintaining all of the Town's Public Ways and infrastructure. These divisions include: Administrative Services, Engineering, Highway/Equipment Maintenance, Stormwater, Parks/Forestry, Cemetery, Water, and Sewer. The Department also provides services such as street sweeping, snow & ice removal and support services to other Town Departments. Department personnel were actively involved as members or liaisons to a number of committees and Town wide events, such as Reading's 375th Anniversary celebration, the Fall Street Faire, the annual tree lighting ceremony, and Town Day. DPW staff supported many projects and programs with the Town Forest Committee, Town Trails Committee, Cemetery Board, the Conservation Commission, Recreation Committee, Public Services, and Police and Fire Departments. Public Works continued its focus on customer service with the use of "See Click Fix", where residents can initiate requests for services, or report on issues that need attention, including potholes, missing signs, hanging tree limbs, etc. We communicate regularly through the website, quarterly newsletters,and direct mailings on upcoming events. The Department has also expanded its use of social media to communicate with residents about non-emergency issues. Staff members participated in a number of professional development/safety training programs which included driver fatigue,chainsaw safety,back injury prevention,work zone safety,effective communication in the workplace, and OSHA 10. Many of these programs were sponsored by MITA, the Town's insurance carrier, and support our goals of maintaining a qualified, highly trained staff, reducing the Town's insurance obligations, and keeping our employees safe in the workplace. The Department was extremely active in 2019 with many projects, programs, daily maintenance work, and general services to the public. It is a testament to the excellent staff that works within the Department that these projects were completed in a timely, cost effective manner,while at the same time,performing the daily routine tasks needed to serve our residents. 74 I am confident that in the year ahead this Department will continue on its path of excellence. Jane C. Kinsella Director of Public Works Department Safety Program Review: As stated in the new (MA General Law) M.G.L. c149 §6, 6 1/2, as of February 1st 2019, all Public Sector and Municipal Workplaces in MA are to comply with Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Safety Regulations which will be enforced by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS). Prior to February 2019, Municipalities were somewhat regulated by DLS as far as worker safety, but there had been a gray area of compliance with no level of enforcement. Via M.G.L. 649 §6, 6 1/2, all Massachusetts municipalities can be fined if in violation and are held accountable to comply to all Workplace OSHA Standards regarding Workplace, Work Sites, Buildings, Shops, Operations and Employee Safety and Training. The Town of Reading DPW has made significant steps forward to reach this goal. We had three Mock OSHA inspections in 2019(see dates below) and then worked with DLS to have a full review and inspection of all DPW Buildings, Operations and Safety Programs & Trainings. • 02/05/2019 Mock OSHA Walk Through and Audit by Workplace Safety Solutions • 06/20/2019 Mock OSHA Audit by DPW Management& Supervisors • 07/12/2019 Mock OSHA Walk Through and Audit by MIIA • 07/18/2019 OSHA Walk Through and Audit by Mass Department of Labor Standard Safety Program Effectiveness & Cultivation: The Town of Reading DPW 2019 Safety Program was very effective and quite successful with its growth and development throughout 2019. The DPW Safety Program at its core is the tool DPW Management uses to implement and grow Best Operational Practices and a Safety Culture within our Department, our Divisions, and most importantly in our Employees. By looking at the bigger picture and seeing the true potential of our established program of training and education, we are able to yield significant betterments to the health and safety of our DPW Workforce while also capitalizing on the return of investment via optimizing DPW output and operations through the best practices and protocols. All Reading DPW Employees participate in various scheduled DPW Safety & Operational Trainings which are held both here in Reading and throughout the State regionally. Employees are assigned some initial Safety Orientation Trainings upon hire, followed by additional trainings, as needed,throughout the year on educational,operational and regulated topics pertaining to Safety and/or Operational Practices in which all or select employees/Divisions are required to attend. One of the ways Reading DPW creates an effective employee-training program is by planning our training calendar every six months in advance of the start of either the upcoming Fiscal or Calendar year. The Reading DPW Management and Division Supervisors along with the Town's Municipal Interlocal Insurance Agency(MIIA)take the time to outline objectives, determine what training is required or needed for OSHA or DLS Compliance,and then organize these efforts towards meeting all compliancy and MIIA Reward Goals while also improving our established Safety Culture within the DPW itself. 75 Annually the Reading DPW works hard to identify what training is required by law,by contractual or Union obligations, and by our Town Human Resources Department. After all required training is identified, we explore any additional training opportunities that can help promote a safe and compliant workplace. We additionally review the past year's losses and incident trends, and then try to determine the root causes that may have contributed to such events. We look for any patterns in near-misses or other leading indicators,then try to provide Employee training(s)that could help prevent these incidents from occurring again. The Reading DPW utilizes Incident Investigations, Job Hazard Analysis,Job Safety Analysis, and employee observations all as useful sources for our Safety Program Planning and information. In producing its annual training calendar,the Reading DPW explores a multitude of resources. We rely heavily on the Training Resources that are offered through MIIA, Mass DLS, MassDEP, and MWRA, as well as a few other State and private organizations. In addition, the Reading DPW allocates funding annually to provide for the needs of its employee trainings. Some of Reading's Safety Training delivery methods include onsite person lectures, videos, on-the-job training, and online courses. Some Training Sessions are often produced then delivered by the DPW Safety Coordinator,Division Supervisors,or from experienced Town employees from other Departments (Fire, Police, and Facilities). The DPW also chooses to supplement our formal training calendar with informal brief 10 to 15-minute Division specific seasonal safety topic meetings or"Training Tailgate Talks". These talks focus on specific job-related hazards or safety best practices that are current and often seasonal specific. The Reading DPW seeks to provide all of its Employees with a greater understanding of the Department's safety and health training program so that they in turn are also able to contribute to the program's development, implementation and growth. The Department's objective is for all of its employees to gain a deep awareness and understanding of our DPW operation and workplace hazards in order to achieve the ability to identify,report,and control losses. Reading tries to ensure that all DPW managers, supervisors,and workers understand the Safety Program's structure,plans, and procedures to ensure that everyone can fully participate in developing our DPW Safety Culture. Written Safety Policies (With Employee Review & Implementation): • Snow& Ice Removal Operations DPW Written Safety Policies Section 03 • Emergency Action Plan DPW Written Safety Policies Section 04 • Smoke Free Workplace DPW Written Safety Policies Section 05 • Cell Phone Use at Work DPW Written Safety Policies Section 06 • Sharps/Needles Found DPW Written Safety Policies Section 09 • Cemetery Trench &Excavation DPW Written Safety Policies Section 15 • Fuel Spill Prevention Control DPW Written Safety Policies Section 21 • New Employee Safety Training DPW Written Safety Policies Section 02 Safety Program Training Costs: The Department costs of hiring Outside Trainers are low annually. Most of our Hired Outside Trainer costs pertain to fulfilling Union Contract obligations concerning required licensure renewal classes and provisions. Most of our annual OSHA and Safety Trainings are put on and 76 paid for by MIIA through their MIIA Insured Community Employee Safety Training and Risk Management Programs. In addition, Reading DPW does have a significant advantage regarding hosting selected MIIA Trainings (both for Reading DPW and other guest MIIA communities) due to the Department's access to multiple Town owned Community Rooms. Reading DPW is fortunate to be at the forefront of identifying and developing Municipal Safety Training and Program Sessions that are both applicable and pertinent not only to the current needs of the Department, but also of interest to MIIA for its other MIIA Insured Communities. ADMINISTRATION DIVISION The Administration Division is responsible for the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget as well as assisting all divisions with the development of the Capital Improvement Plan. This division manages all payroll and accounts payable processing for the Department, including cemetery administrative services. The Administration Division responds to public inquiries and concerns over all Public Works areas of responsibility. Significant projects included: • Project support and management oversite for contracts throughout the Public Works divisions including, but not limited to, highway projects and supplies; water, sewer, and stormwater projects; fuel; road salt; snow and ice removal; and rubbish and recycling. • Coordination of(2) Household Hazardous Waste Day collection events with the Town of Wakefield. • Coordination of(2)events for paper shredding,rigid plastic recycling,and(1)metal pickup • Coordination of(5)town-wide leaf pickups. • Coordination of drop-off recycling for Styrofoam and electronics. • Implementation of Simple Recycling program. • Overall facilitation of the Water Conservation Rebate Program including appointment scheduling;rebate processing and tracking of high-efficiency washing machines, low-flow toilets, irrigation system rain sensors; and rain barrels. • Reduction in the Town's rubbish disposal tonnage through significant strides to increase recycling efforts. The Department has increased recycling efforts through continued media and educational initiatives, which have led to new programs and new initiatives being instituted. • Oversight of the See-Click-Fix online portal, which enables residents to report issues such as potholes, downed tree limbs, and water leaks. The system is monitored by the Administration Division and work orders are routed to the Department's supervisors and foremen in the field. Emphasis continued on providing public information, responding to resident inquiries and concerns, and improving all areas of public communications. 77 CEMETERY DIVISION To the Board of Cemetery Trustees: The following is from office records for calendar year 2019. Interments— 106 Interments for all years— 15,522 Markers set—51 Foundations—21 Sale of Lots: Forest Glen— 10 lots in the Urn Garden, Total for all years—2,103 lots, 799 single graves. Charles Lawn — 3 lots, 3 single graves, Total for all years — 549 lots, 276 single and veterans' graves. Wood End — 30 lots and 0 single graves, Total for all years — 574 lots, 47 single and veterans' graves. Cooperation from other divisions of Public Works was outstanding and much appreciated. The Board of Cemetery Trustees has been very supportive of all the numerous programs and goals of this division. I thank them for all their assistance. Respectfully submitted—Michael Hannaford, Supervisor CUSTODIAN OF SOLDIERS' & SAILORS' GRAVES Calendar year 2019 Interments—WWII— 11 Korea— 5 Vietnam—3 Iraq - 0 Peacetime - 2 Total of all veterans interred—2,291 As has been the custom for many years, all veterans' graves were decorated with a flag and a potted flower for Memorial Day. Respectfully submitted—Michael Hannaford, Supervisor ENGINEERING DIVISION The Engineering Division provides engineering services to all Departments within the Town of Reading. Engineering is responsible for: preparation of plans, contract documents, specifications and estimates; survey layout, inspection, design and construction management of Town construction projects; upkeep of traffic markings and traffic signals; review of subdivision plans and site plans for accuracy and conformance with the subdivision and site plan rules and regulations; review of conservation submittals, preparation of subdivision and conservation bond 78 estimates, inspection of subdivision construction and the administration of the pavement management program, and Chapter 90 roadway improvement program. The Division also provides technical assistance and guidance on various Town projects, performs traffic studies, regulates and inspects private construction activities within Town roadways; and is responsible for the maintenance of all records concerning the subdivision of land, roadway, water, sewer and drainage construction, town maps, issuance of street addresses, updating 911 address records and the issuance of various permits. The Division provided field survey, design and construction management services for the following construction projects designed and completed during the year: Roadway Improvements: Prepared bids, provided project management and inspection for the resurfacing of 18 roadways totaling approximately 3.25 miles. Reclaim the following roadways: • Mineral Street(Bridge to Summer Avenue) • Pearl Street(Salem Street to Belmont Street) • Perkins Avenue (all) • Ridge Road(all) • Washington Street(Woburn Street to dead end) • West Hill Circle (all) • Willard Road(all) Mill and overlay the following roadways: • Dividence Road(Franklin Street to Emerson Street) • Gardner Road(all) • High Street(Middlesex Avenue to Vine Street) • Ide Street(all) • John Carver Road(Birch Meadow Drive to Hartshorn Street) • Parker Street(all) • Pearl Street(Willard Road northerly 605') • Pearl Street(Franklin Street northerly to Main Street) • Prescott Street(Summer Avenue to West Street) • Puritan Road(all) • West Street(Longwood Road to Town Line) Sidewalk and Curb Installation and Repairs: Designed plans,prepared bids,provided project management and inspection for the installation of approximately 375 linear feet (LF) of granite curb and concrete/bituminous sidewalk, including ADA compliancy improvements on the following roadways: • Birch Meadow Drive—Installed 1 new handicap ramp, improving ADA compliancy. • Parker Street—225 feet on westerly side of road. • Washington Street— 150 feet located between Woburn Street and the dead end. 79 • Woburn Street—Installed 19 new handicap ramps, improving ADA compliancy. • Washington Street—Approximately 50 feet of sidewalk. • Middlesex Avenue—Approximately 50 feet of sidewalk. Water Proiects• • Water Main improvements —During the year, the Division worked with its consultant to start a multi-year water main improvement project, which consisted of the cleaning and lining of approximately 2.7 miles of cast iron water main. Work under this project also included a major culvert crossing, new hydrants and gate valves. During this construction season all 12,313 linear feet of water main along North Main Street were cleaned and lined, in addition to completing the culvert crossing on Main Street at Percy Avenue. The work on Mill Street is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2020. Location Project Limits Length Improvement Type (feet) Main Street Salem St to Mill St 12,313 Clean&Line Mill Street Main St to Town Line 1,724 Clean&Line Location Project Limits Length Improvement Type (feet) Main Street Culvert Replace w/ 12"CLDI, Crossing Main St. @ Percy Ave. 35 sleeved and jacked under culvert • Uni-directional Flushing Program—worked with consultant to operate and manage the Town's uni-directional flushing program. The purpose of this program is to force water to flow in a single direction in the pipe thereby increasing the velocities to aid in scouring the pipe. Completed this season with successful results. The flushing program is anticipated to continue in Spring 2020. • Main Street Water Main Culvert Crossing — The culvert crossing and pipe jacking was completed in the summer of 2019. Work associated with this project was included in the Main Street Cleaning and Lining contract. • Grove Street Water Main Improvements—Engineering completed the survey and began design for improvements on the Grove Street water main from the golf course to the Town line. Work will consist of cleaning and lining and replacement. Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring/Summer 2020. • Emerald Drive Water Booster Station Replacement — construction began on the new booster station located on Emerald Drive. The booster station is designed to increase pressure and flow in this area and also eliminate the need for the Lothrop Road booster station. By eliminating a station,the Town will save on its annual operating cost and reduce maintenance. The 12"water line, which will eventually service the needs for both stations, has already been installed. The project will restart in the Spring of 2020 after the pumps have been delivered. Following that, the Emerald Drive station will be taken out of service and replaced, with the 80 Lothrop Road station being taken out of service permanently upon the completion of the Emerald Drive station replacement. • Auburn Water Tank/Cell Carrier Relocation—attended several meetings with both the Town's design consultant and cellular companies discussing possible design alternatives and the Request for Proposal(RFP)for additional cell equipment and lease extensions. The Town will be replacing the existing tank with a glass-fused-to-steel composite elevated tank. The new tank will reduce maintenance and eliminate current structural issues. Associated with this project would be the relocation of the cell carriers located on the Auburn Street water tank site. • MWRA Hopkins Street and Louanis Drive Water Valve Vaults — Engineering and Water Divisions worked with a consultant and contractors to fully automate the valve vaults with the integration of SCADA. This project was a result of the new MWRA 36"pipeline. • MWRA Reports —prepared quarterly reports for the above water main assistance projects in accordance with grant/loan agreement. • Lead Program — completed internal audit of all water records establishing an accurate inventory. The division also secured funding to hire a consultant to develop a removal program. • Worked with consultant to analyze the distribution system and perform a full system wide hydraulic study. The study emphasized on the downtown economic development area. The results of the study were used to develop a 10-year capital improvement plan with work focusing on the downtown in the first years. Sewer System and I/I: • Charles Street Sewer Station Replacement — Construction began December 2018 and was completed Summer 2019. Assisted the Town's consultant in the project management and daily inspections. The Town encountered unforeseen contaminated soil during this project. All contaminated soils were successfully documented with DEP, removed and disposed of in accordance with all State and Federal Laws. • Sturges Park Sewer Station Replacement — hired consultant to begin the design on replacing the Sturges Park sewer pump station. Construction is anticipated to begin Summer 2021. • MWRA Phase 9 Construction Funding—Projects closed out with the MWRA. • MWRA Phase 10 Construction Funding—Projects closed out with MWRA. • MWRA Phase 11 Construction Funding — applied for and awarded funding of $1,040,000 ($780,000 grant; $260,000 interest-free loan). o Work performed under this application will help to reduce inflow and infiltration into the Town's sewer system, by means of Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining. Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL) is a trenchless technology that allows the Town to rehabilitate deteriorating sewer mains by installing an epoxy coated liner inside the mains. The liner has the ability to seal up cracks and voids, eliminate leaks and return the structural integrity back to the pipe. o Currently working with consultant on the design and bid documents. • MWRA Reports o Prepared quarterly reports for above I/I projects in accordance with grant / loan agreement. o Prepared annual I/I report. o Prepared annual discharge permit application. o Updated various MWRA water and sewer system questionnaires. 81 Parks & Playgrounds: Collaborated with the Reading Facilities and Reading School Departments to replace the Turf II synthetic turf field. Assisted the Town's consultant on the design, bidding and project management. Performed daily inspections along with weekly construction meetings. Stormwater: • Sturges Park—designed,bid and performed project management for rehabilitation of a failing headwall and wingwall sections on the existing downstream conveyance system within Sturges Park. The sides of the bank, which exhibited scouring and soil loss due to erosion, were restored as well. • Joshua Eaton Elementary School — The Engineering Division designed and assisted DPW staff with installing a subsurface stormwater infiltration system. The stormwater system and associated catch basins have redirected flows from running across the fields to an underground system. Stormwater Mapping, (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) NPDES and (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) MS4 Assistance: Work continued on adhering to the requirements of the new NPDES MS4 Stormwater program, effective July 1 2018. The Town completed the Year 1 Annual Report in July for the first time under this new permit. The Department also updated system mapping, cleaned catch basins, assisted in the oversight and enforcement of the Stormwater Management bylaw and IDDE bylaw. Public awareness and participation included updating information via the Town's website, social media, school presentations, and flyers. An illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) employee training session was held at DPW. The Division attended meetings with the Mystic River Stormwater Collaborative. The division was also selected to attend a series of technical sessions hosted by the EPA and other communities which focus on improving the Mystic River and sharing resources amongst our peers. Miscellaneous Proiects: • Traffic Markings—repainted approximately 75 miles of pavement markings including roadway centerlines, edge lines, stop lines, crosswalks, roadway stencils, parking stalls and parking lot markings. • Traffic Studies — Hired a consultant to perform a speed study on Haverhill Street to apply to MassDOT to reduce the speed limit on Haverhill Street. Consultant also performed a signal warrant analysis at the intersection of Franklin Street and Haverhill Street to determine if there was a need for a traffic signal. • Conservation Notice of Intent/RDA — provided field survey, prepared plans, supplemental documentation and completed application to receive a Notice of Intent/RDA for the following projects: o Annual Paving Program Federal/State Proiects: MassDOT • West Street Roadway Reconstruction Project—Project has been closed out. • Main Street/Hopkins Street Intersection—75%/100% designed. 82 • MassDOT Reading Safety Audit/Road Diet — attended meetings and site walk with MassDOT's consultant regarding the south Main Street corridor, including the proposed road diet. • MassDOT Rt. 28 (Main Street) Resurfacing — attended meetings and coordinated with MassDOT for the repaving of Main Street (State owned) from the Stoneham Town line to North Reading Town line. MWRA • Phase II — MWRA 36-inch diameter redundant water main: attendance at several meetings with MWRA staff and consultant to review project impacts and assist with the project management decisions affecting the Town. All work has been completed in the Town. Traffic Signal Maintenance: During the year, the Division performed site and equipment investigations, and contracted consultants and contractors to perform repairs to the following traffic signals: Haverhill Street and Symonds Way • Replaced damaged loop sensor in driveway to Hospice House. Main Street at Washington Street • Removed damaged back plate. • Left hand turn arrow called when no vehicle was waiting; updated software and reset controllers. Main Street and Salem Street • Tightened signal pole base, replaced pedestrian push button, replaced signals, realigned signal head and installed temporary signals after signal was hit at various times. • Signal on flash, reset controllers. West Street and Winslow Road • Replaced faulty pedestrian push button. West Street and Woburn • Repaired damage to signal electrical conduit after vehicle collision. Inter-Departmental Reviews: The Engineering Division performed engineering reviews of plans submitted to the Community Planning and Development Commission,ZBA, and Conservation Commission and performed site inspections for site plan compliance, adherence to subdivision regulations, and conformance with DPW utility standards for the following private development projects, subdivisions, and Town projects: The Met 35 Lincoln Street 107 Willow Street 364 Lowell Street 116 West Street Randall Road 13 5,13 9 &149R Howard St. 107 Main Street Veterans Way 83 306 Main Street Lenetta Lane 475 Main Street Postmark Square Lakeview&Eaton 40B 22 Gould Street In addition to the above private developments the Division provided general oversight and field inspected work performed by NGRID in the replacement of cast iron gas mains on the following roadways: Audubon Road Tamarack Road Duck Road Prospect Street Lowell Street Charles Street Pearl Street Wakefield Street Orange Street Evergreen Road Thorndike Street Permitting and Utility Hearings: The Division reviewed and held public hearings for the expansion of public utilities for the following: Grant of Location-National Grid gas • Forest Glen Road • John Street • Walnut Street • Willow Street • Charles Street • Eaton Street Pole Hearings • West Street • Franklin Street • Gould Street • Ash Street • Main Street During the year the Engineering Division issued permits, performed utility mark outs and performed construction inspections for the following: Sewer Connections 26 Gas Permits 161 Sewer Disconnections 15 Street Occupancies 9 Sewer Repairs 15 Street Openings 29 Water Renewals 22 Driveway Permits 72 Water Connections 22 Jackie's Law Permits 49 Dig Safe Requests *300 Soil Test Inspections 6 84 *Quantity includes 9 gas main replacements, 18 road resurfacing/re-construction projects, Main Street water project,and Charles Street sewer pump station replacement,all of which encompassed entire streets, or sections of streets. In addition, on several of these projects, the areas had to be marked out more than once, throughout the duration of the project. HIGHWAY DIVISION The Highway Division consists of eighteen employees, four mechanics and fourteen staff members, who maintain and repair the infrastructure of the Town of Reading. During the past year, the Division performed street sweeping, catch basin repair (43), roadside cutting, sidewalk and street maintenance (potholes),tree lawn repair, mixing and sifting loam and compost, traffic control, street signs (59 new signs were installed plus an additional 90 that were replaced due to damage), cleaning of catch basins (approximately 1250), and ditch maintenance which is performed by priority and need. Street sweeping was started on April 9, 2019, and finished on May 7, 2019. The new program that was started for tracking catch basin cleaning, sediment levels, and the condition of the structures continued this past year and was completed. In addition, the division responds on a daily basis to trash and recycling complaints. Miscellaneous: In addition,the Division collects Styrofoam and electronics for recycling purposes on a daily basis. Twice a year, the Division conducts a Household Hazardous Waste Day (in conjunction with the Town of Wakefield), and paper shredding / Rigid Plastic recycling events. The Division also assists with ADOPT-A-FAMILY in November and December, and Town Day in June. The division provided support for the annual Fall Street Faire;performed traffic control for the Reading 375th Anniversary celebration, the Downtown Holiday tree lighting, and the Halloween Parade. The division installed light pole banners in the downtown area, and maintained Downtown street lights,which were all converted to LED this year. Vehicle Maintenance: The Division repaired and serviced the equipment from the Police, Fire, School, Building Maintenance, Council on Aging, and Public Works Departments with four mechanics and more vehicles added each year. We continued to take waste oil from the public during the week and on Saturdays, and did emergency in the field repairs as needed. Snow and Ice• During the winter season of 2018-2019 we plowed nine (9) storms and sanded twenty-three (23) times. Special Proi ects: The Division performed sidewalk repair and replacement at various locations throughout the Town. The Division also resurfaced several streets in-house: Percy Avenue, as well as sections of Pearl Street and Charles Street. Drainage upgrades were also performed at the Joshua Eaton school. The Division also assisted other Public Works Divisions as needed. 85 Special Notes: The Division installed the Camille Anthony memorial Clock on High Street. The Division also performed resurfacing work at Charles Lawn Cemetery, Laurel Hill cemetery garage parking lot, and the Woodend Cemetery material storage area. George Strazzere, Highway& Equipment Supervisor FORESTRY DIVISION: TREE WARDEN'S REPORT The Division removed eighty-four (84) trees. These trees were dead or in a dangerous condition as to be a threat to public safety. Eighty (80) hazardous tree stumps were removed from the tree lawns,parks, schools, cemeteries and playgrounds for public safety. One hundred and sixty-seven (167)trees were trimmed for dead wood and low branches were removed from the public trees as requested or observed. A street-by-street hazardous tree survey of the Town was completed during the winter months. As a result of the survey, fifteen (15) hazardous trees were identified as well as one hundred and sixty-six (166) broken hanging limbs were trimmed and removed. One hundred-twenty-five (125)trees were planted by the Town as street trees. The varieties included: Zelkova, Gingko, Elm, Red Maple, Red Oak, Kwanzan Cherry, Sugar Maple and Cleveland Pear. Trees were planted roadside as well as in the parks, schools, and cemeteries. The Compost Center on Strout Avenue continues to accept brush and leaves from residents. Twenty-seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven (27,967) cars entered the Compost Center in 2019. Residents are required to purchase stickers for use of the compost center. The holiday lighting put up by the tree crew in the town square was once again very successful. There were over 20,000 colored bulbs installed on the common. Reading was awarded "Tree City USA" for the thirty-fourth-consecutive year by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Three hundred(300)Blue Spruce trees were purchased and distributed to all the fifth graders. Thanks to the Reading Rotary Club that has sponsored and assisted in this program to make "Arbor Day 2019" a success in Reading. A special thanks to all the committees and commissions working toward the preservation of Reading's public shade trees. 86 PARKS DIVISION The division continues to maintain 80 acres of grassed area though out the Town, including the facilities within the parks and schools. This includes the renovation as well as continued maintenance of all the ballfields on school or parks grounds. The Division maintains sixteen(16) tennis and basketball courts,the tot lots, and the skating rinks. The Division maintains the grounds for all municipal and school buildings. The division also assists all Town departments, committees and commissions with tree maintenance, snow and ice removal and election set-up. Respectfully Submitted—Michael E. Hannaford, Supervisor Parks, Forestry Division WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT Water Conservation: The DPW Water Conservation Program(WCP)continued along again with great success. In 2019, the WCP awarded 36 rebates for energy efficient washing machines, 6 rebates for water saving toilets, provided 1 irrigation rain sensor, and sold 44 rain barrels, totaling $9,045.00 in rebates. Since the program's inception in July 2003, $615,765.00 has been rebated to 3,602 residents. The Reading DPW WCP incorporates an emphasis on rebates for low flow washing machines, toilets, irrigation system rain sensors, and rain barrels, along with free home and irrigation water system use audits and water use reports. Since 2003,the Reading Water Division has offered home water saving devices for Reading residents. These devices are available free of charge to residents through the Reading Department of Public Works office located at the Town Hall. The WCP school educational sessions continued with Meg Tabasco, Education Coordinator for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), making presentations to Reading's 3rd grade classrooms. The presentations focus on our Town/MWRA water supply and household water conservation. Meg also facilitated a training and educational session for our Reading High School Seniors that taught and explained the wastewater side of our Town's water system. We are very grateful to the MWRA and the programs they offer to our Residents. General: As required by the August 6, 2006 Administrative Consent Order (ACO) that the Town entered into with (MassDEP), the Town retained ownership and control of the Zone I (400' radius) and protection of the Zone II (well recharge area) of the emergency water supply wells and wellfield. As a condition of the MassDEP ACO, the water supply wells and wellfield were maintained as an emergency water supply ready to pump water, with disinfection capabilities, into our distribution system. All nine (9) of our Town wells were exercised monthly; all such wells are ready and operational in the case of a water supply emergency. In 2019, the Reading Water Division, in conjunction with the MWRA, compiled and mailed the twenty-first drinking water Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all Reading water customers this past June. 87 Under the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act requirements, the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 4) requires the monitoring of 30 chemical contaminants using analytical methods developed by EPA and other consensus organizations. This monitoring provides a basis for current and future regulatory actions to protect public health. All UCMR 4 sampling was completed together with the MWRA and we were fully within all regulations. We are proud to offer Reading residents some of the highest quality water in the country. The MWRA's Northern Intermediate High Redundant Pipeline project was completed in December of 2019. This project included a 36-48 inch diameter pipe which extended from the Gillis Pump Station, located at Spot Pond in Stoneham, continuing all the way through Stoneham and into Reading. This pipeline is of particular importance to Reading as it provides a true redundant MWRA water supply loop for the Town's MWRA water supply. The new MWRA water pipe loop will result in a more reliable and truer redundant MWRA water supply source for Reading and other neighbor service communities in the event of a localized MWRA supply pipeline failure. Reading's MWRA/Town connecting water metering and supply control vaults located on Louanis Drive and Hopkins Street moved into full supply operations for the Town in 2019. With the two new supply vaults fully operational and well tested, we next moved to decommission Reading's original metering and supply control vault located on Border Road. The dual control vaults of Louanis and Hopkins are instrumental in the operations and management of our Town's MWRA water supply for the present and foreseeable future. Throughout 2019, the Town of Reading Water Division again worked together with Reading Facilities and School Departments to continually maintain, develop, and grow our Town's robust LCCA (Lead Contamination Control Act) Plan. The LCCA Plan tests for and manages any Lead or Copper found in the drinking water of our Reading school buildings. Reading's LCCA Program has been acknowledged as excellent by MassDEP. Some portions of Reading's plan structure became part of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) LCCA Training&Educational Program for all Massachusetts Public Water Systems,along with Facilities and School Departments. In November 2019, the Town's water system, operational protocols, and Town emergency response planning, together with Town Departments and Management were all put to a real-life emergency situation test. On Friday November 1 st, the Reading Water Division was notified by the MWRA lab that a single sample from one of our routine weekly water sample sites returned positive for the presence of E. coli bacteria. The sample was collected from Cumberland Farms located at 295 Salem Street. Once the positive result was received, water staff immediately mobilized and followed all Department and MassDEP protocols by promptly performing a second round of tests at the problem site, and at two adjacent sites, in order to determine validation of the original positive finding and to further investigate any possible issue or risk that may be present in the system itself. Town Water staff, as a precautionary measure, insisted that Cumberland Farms did not serve any food or beverages to the public at that time and verified that the store's building plumbing was isolated and kept fully apart from the Town's water supply system. 88 Simultaneously, as the Water Division resampled and investigated, Town Management began contingency planning across all Town Departments together with our partners at the MWRA,Mass Department of Public Health(DPH),and MassDEP in order to respond if a second positive bacteria result were found from the Water Division's follow up sampling tests. On Saturday morning November 2nd, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was set up at the Police Department along with a water operation call center. As that EOC began its prep work,the MWRA lab called and confirmed a positive result for total coliform (a less aggressive bacteria) that was found at the original location test site's second round of water sampling done. It should be noted that the bacteria found in the second-round samples from 295 Salem Street was the lowest detectable level of coliform that can register and that both adjacent site samples had tested clear from any bacteria. Regardless, governed by required MassDEP protocols, MassDEP issued Reading a Boil Water Order for the entire Town until the situation and concern at 295 Salem Street was fully identified and completely remediated. The EOC shifted from contingency planning to action quickly.Alert notifications went out through multiple communications channels including: CodeRED, readingma.gov, social media, message boards around town, the School Department contact parent list, and partners throughout the community and state. The call center was staffed by Reading public safety Dispatchers and MWRA personnel (including the Executive Director)to take calls related to the Boil Water Order. Crews from Police, Fire, DPW, Health, and Facilities were immediately deployed to restaurants, the frail, elderly, schools, and fields, to inform, offer guidance, and to set up delivery of bottled water. Notices were hand delivered to 23 Wakefield residences receiving Reading water. All public water fountains (including all schools) were shut down. Additional police officers and dispatchers were called in to aid with service on Saturday. Two members of the Select Board offered helpful advice to the EOC from the community perspective. While notifications were going out to the public and calls answered on Saturday, water division personnel continued retesting the initial site along with all other routine testing sites Town-wide, while also investigating possible causes. Preliminary investigations revealed that it was indeed an isolated, site-specific issue that did not extend into the Town's water system. Two further rounds of sequential testing proved beyond a doubt that the Town's water system did not pose any health risks. It is very important to note that the Town's water system was never compromised as the Cumberland Farms internal plumbing, along with all other commercial buildings in Town, are isolated through Town inspected cross-connection backflow prevention devices. These required backflow prevention devices installed in Reading's commercial businesses and buildings are routinely inspected by the Town annually or semi-annually. MassDEP regulations mandate that public water systems follow specific protocols for a boil order, including informing the public, subsequent testing, and investigation, until two complete consecutive rounds of full system water testing show absolutely no trace of any bacteria system wide. Cumberland Farms was entirely cooperative with the Town through this process and ceased all food and beverage offering, as mandated, until any defective plumbing and equipment was repaired or replaced and the store was fully sanitized for food and beverage operations. The Town of Reading's Plumbing Inspector was additionally called in to verify the permitting and inspection 89 of all the required plumbing upgrades that were needed to remedy the matter. The store and incident were also fully investigated by the Town's Water Division and Health Department officials, who worked aggressively with Cumberland Farms to promptly secure their safe water quality and its provision for their customers. On Monday morning November 4th, based on clear follow up system wide sample results, MassDEP determined that the drinking water both in the Town's system and at the incident location no longer posed any threat to public health, and the Boil Water Order was lifted. The Town appreciates all the efforts of our local and state partners, particularly at the MWRA, MassDEP, and MassDPH for their support and guidance through this event and process. The Town also extended our thanks to our residents for their patience as we diligently worked to ensure the safety of their water system and supply. The Reading Water Division always goes far beyond compliance by its dedication to improving all aspects of water operations, water quality and for the testing of the many secondary contaminants and matters that some systems do not address. Reading shows exemplary efforts to attain such an excellent record and our system is seen as a water system model for thorough, efficient,progressive operational management. Water Supply: In 2019, the Reading Water Division and the DPW operated and maintained two water supply vaults, our high-end SCADA operational system, multiple security systems, and managed our emergency water supply wells, pump stations, and emergency power equipment. Annually, we collected and delivered to the MWRA lab more than 800 water system water quality samples for analysis. In 2019, a total of 555.42 MG (million gallons) of water was purchased from the MWRA. (See Reference Table: 2019 READING MWRA WATER PURCHASED). The Town of Reading's average total daily usage of water for 2019 was 1.52 MGD (million gallons per day). The highest single day consumption of water by the Town occurred on Monday July 29th for 2.55 MG. The highest seven (7) day consumption of water occurred from Friday, July 26th to Thursday August 1St for the amount of 15.00 MG. 90 2019 READING MWRA WATER PURCHASED MILLION AVERAGE MONTH GALLONS DAYS MILLION GALLONS DAY JANUARY 41.96 31 1.35 FEBRUARY 38.71 28 1.38 MARCH 42.59 31 1.37 APRIL 40.47 30 1.35 MAY 46.92 31 1.51 JUNE 50.94 30 1.70 JULY 60.99 31 1.97 AUGUST 59.19 31 1.91 SEPTEMBER 51.93 30 1.73 OCTOBER 43.97 31 1.42 NOVEMBER 38.60 30 1.29 DECEMBER 39.24 31 1.27 TOTAL 555.42 365 1.52 Water is supplied to Reading residents and businesses through 7,748 Residential Water Connections,71 Municipal Water Connections and 246 Commercial Water Connections. In 2019, our 26,881 Reading residents used a total of 413.72 MG of water. Each Reading resident has an average water use of 15,391 gallons annually, 1,283 gallons monthly or 42.17 Residential Gallons Per Capita Day (R-GPCD). A Reading resident's average water daily use of 42.17 gallons is roughly 35.1%below the MassDEP suggested limit of 65 R-GPCD. Water Distribution: • Installed 32 new water services, replaced 28 old water services. • Repaired 5 water service leaks. • Repaired 15 broken water mains. • Replaced 4 old fire hydrants, repaired 5 broken fire hydrants, rebuilt 51 fire hydrants. • Disconnected 19 water services for house demolition. • Replaced water main gate valves. • Replaced 43 old water services from the water main to the sidewalk shut off on Washington St., Winslow Rd., Glenmere Cir., Tamarack Rd., Wakefield St., and Vine St. for Chapter 90 road construction. • Assisted with Friends and Family Day and Vehicle Day at the Reading Library. • Inspected the installation of water mains at Johnson Woods, Coakley Way, County Rd., and Lenetta Lane. • Assisted with the water main lining project on North Main St. • Continued cross connection control program. • Completed the 3rd year of the uni-directional hydrant flushing program. • Inspected Auburn Street and Bear Hill water tanks. • Installed new drinking water fountains at Joshua Eaton and Killam elementary schools. • Inspected all Town drinking water fountains. 91 • Maintained all Town irrigation systems, including spring start-up and winterization. • Painted and lubricated hydrants. • Completed annual water inventory. • Loam and seed program for all water jobs. • Installed hot top on water and sewer trenches. • Checked and maintained 2 water booster stations daily. • Cleaned and maintained grounds at Auburn St. tank site. • Lowered and raised water gate boxes for construction jobs. • Conducted leak detection survey. • Assisted Highway Division during snow plowing and hauling operations. Meter Room: • Supported the quarterly water meter reading cycle. • Received and completed 340 bill-to-date readings. • Replaced 79 meters and 158 outside meter reader transponders. Sewer Distribution: • Cleaned approximately 5000 feet of sewer main. • Replaced 5 sewer manhole frames and covers. • Assisted with replacement of the sewer station on Haverhill at Charles Street. • Cleaned wet wells at all sewer stations bi-annually. • Checked and maintained 12 sewer stations daily. • Cleaned approximately 1/4 of the sanitary sewer main system. • Cleaned and maintained grounds around all sewer stations. • Completed work orders for leaks,broken gates, etc. • Exercised emergency generator weekly. • Completed the annual sewer inventory. • Assisted Highway Division during snow plowing and hauling operations. Rainfall: For annual rainfall in Reading in 2019 see the following chart: 2019 LOCAL RAINFALL RECORDS. 2019 annual total rainfall in Reading was 48.40" of rain or melted snow. Reading's 2019 rainfall was roughly 8.8%below its 2018 rainfall total which was 53.07". 92 2019 LOCAL RAINFALL RECORDS 2018 LOCAL INCHES 2019 LOCAL INCHES LOCAL AVERAGE MONTH OF RAINFALL& OF RAINFALL& INCHES (1981-2010) MELTED SNOW MELTED SNOW RAINFALL&MELTED SNOW JANUARY 3.12 3.42 3.91 FEBRUARY 3.83 3.12 3.73 MARCH 5.32 2.68 5.11 APRIL 5.49 6.29 4.47 MAY 1.92 3.35 4.20 JUNE 3.23 4.72 3.98 JULY 4.05 4.94 4.26 AUGUST 4.61 3.39 3.52 SEPTEMBER 5.54 2.42 3.86 OCTOBER 4.01 5.00 4.58 NOVEMBER 9.24 3.46 4.62 DECEMBER 2.71 5.61 4.53 INCHES TOTALS 53.07 48.40 50.77 93 READING PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT OF THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES The Reading Public Library celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019 and continues to thrive and grow in its pivotal role in our community as a center of education, engagement, advancement, and renewal. From its beginnings as a single room in the high school serving the 2,600 residents of Reading in 1869 to the 40,000 square foot multifaceted building in a diverse community over l Ox as large, the Library has admirably served the needs of the community and exceeded expectations for standards of library service. A sampling of impressive statistics on library use in 2019 include: • Total circulation of digital and physical items approaching 500,000, which ranks amongst the highest levels in the local area; • 766 total programs serving all different demographics (adult, teens, children) in the community; • Almost 227,000 patron visits; and, • Over 1,200 meeting room reservations made. What is not officially captured are the thousands of day-to-day interactions with our world class staff who deliver valuable guidance and direction on a wide range of topics, or their successful cultivation of a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment that benefits the Reading community. Significant investments were made in 2019 in the Library's organizational structure, staff professional development, and community partnerships to ensure that we can continue to meet and exceed the high standards of service that Reading expects. We are grateful to Corinne Fisher and Brenda Wettergreen,both of whom retired in 2019, for their combined 73 years of service and contributions to growing and expanding the Children's Library, and we continue to recognize and appreciate the support of the Friends of the Reading Public Library and the Reading Public Library Foundation. We look forward to 2020 and the opportunities it will bring, including a chance to revisit and update the Library long term strategic plan. John Brzezenski Chair, Library Board of Trustees 94 REPORT OF THE LIBRARY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES 2019 150 YEARS:HONORING THE PAST,CELEBRATING THE PRESENT, SHAPING THE FUTURE "There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration." —Andrew Carnegie The Reading Public Library opened its doors for the first time on February 17, 1869.As we marked our 150th year of service in 2019, the Library focused on our ongoing commitment to democracy, civic responsibility, and equitable access to information, as well as providing free and diverse opportunities for all to learn and create.After 150 years,the Library continues to offer professional services,trusted resources, cultural and educational programs, and a welcoming community space for personal growth, collaboration, and respectful discourse. As much as 2019 was a wonderful time to reflect on our past, it was also a year of transition as the Library developed and implemented a new organizational structure to meet the changing needs of the community. During this transition, the Library maintained a high level of service to the public. Notable achievements include: • Over 750 programs • 2nd Annual Eats & Beats Festival with over 700 attendees • Reading Public Library 150th Celebration Series • Participation in Town of Reading 375th Celebrations • Completion of a Town-wide Preservation Assessment/LSTA Grant • Installation of a glass safety wall on the second-floor patio LIBRARY REORGANIZATION In the fall of 2018, the Board of Library Trustees requested a complete review of the library organizational structure and job descriptions, specifically focusing on the impact of the new building, automated systems and new library services. With the input of all library employees and Trustee Monette Verrier, and in consultation with the Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, a team of senior library staff developed a streamlined staffing model that anticipates the need for flexibility, addresses issues of succession planning, and provides staff with more opportunities for career advancement. At the January 14, 2019 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved the revised organizational structure that increased the overall FTE by an additional 1.1 (41.25 hours/week). The approved model was fully budgeted, approved by Town Meeting, and implemented for the FY2020 year beginning in July 2019. The reorganization succeeded in: • condensing five Divisions to three. • raising new Division Heads equivalent to Assistant Director. 95 • Creating a "Librarian II" non-exempt, non-supervisory position. This position is class G and provides opportunity for growth for the rank of librarian and will be very helpful with succession planning. • moving all meeting room management out of Circulation and under Administration. • increasing one position from 14 to 20 hours and eligibility for paid time off benefits. • increasing one position from 26 to 32.5 hours and eligibility for pension benefits. • reducing exempt positions from 6 to 4 • increasing FTE to 22.7 (Jun.-Sep.) and 23.4 (Oct.-May) Administration Responsible for the overall operations and management of the library. This division manages the daily business functions of the library: budgeting; long-range planning; accounting; general facilities/technology oversight; and personnel management. Other areas of primary responsibility include communications, meeting room management, community outreach, and staff development. Collection Services Collection Services combines Technical Services and Circulation Services. The division is responsible for providing access to all library materials. Materials include all forms of physical and digital items that are borrowed, streamed or downloaded. Access includes acquisition (budgeting,purchasing, licensing),processing, cataloging, circulation control, and patron account management. This division is also responsible for staffing of two public service desks, shelving and collection maintenance, and management of all circulation control equipment including the AMHS, self- check stations, and RED technology. Public Services Public Services combines Reference Services and Children's Services. The division is responsible for all library programs and services. Programs include budgeting, planning and implementation of classes, lectures, meetups, and special events for all ages. Services include research, readers' advisory, one-to-one instruction, technology assistance, home bound services, and support for Reading Public Schools. This division is also responsible for staffing of 2 public desks. Specialty areas of service focus on children birth through grade 5, tweens/teens (grades 6-12), adults, older adults, and local history. PERSONNEL Staffing Changes The library bid a very fond farewell to long-time children's librarians Corinne Fisher and Brenda Wettergreen in June 2019. Miss Brenda was hired in 1984 as a library clerk, worked to earn her MLIS at Simmons College, and was eventually promoted to a full-time librarian position. Miss Corinne, a Massachusetts Library Hall of Fame inductee, started at Reading Public Library in 96 1981. During her 38-year tenure, Miss Corinne was a pioneer in establishing summer reading programs for children, building early literacy curricula and programs, and has had a memorable and positive impact on generations of young readers. While Miss Brenda and Miss Corinne will never be replaced in our hearts, the library was excited to welcome Meghan Ebbitt,Olivia McElwain, and welcome back Ashley Waring to the Children's Services Team led by Librarian II Cate Zannino and Public Services Division Head Lorraine Barry. As head of the new Public Services Division, Ms. Barry also manages the Research and Reader's Advisory Team with the assistance of Librarian II Andrea Fiorillo who has worked for the library since 2012. As part of the new reorganization, Michelle Filleul was promoted to Assistant Library Director. Michelle served as Head of Circulation from 2003-2019 and her new responsibilities include management of meeting rooms with the assistance of Senior Library Associate Louise Hetherington, as well as planning and production of library communications with the assistance of Communications Specialist Desiree Zicko who was hired in February 2019. Additionally, Jamie Penney stepped into the role of Collection Services Division Head. Ms. Penney, with the assistance of Librarian II Lauren Gardner, manages the Tech Services Team, as well as the Borrower Services Team. Lauren Gardner originally joined the library in 2015 as a substitute librarian and her promotion to the new position was effective June 2019. Finally, the library welcomed two additional Sunday/Substitute librarians, Ms. Trisha To and Ms. Pamela Aghababian in September 2019. Focused Professional Development High quality services require a continuous cycle of employee education and development. Over the course of the 2019, library staff(40 individuals/22.2 FTE)participated in over 200 continuing education activities. Engagement ranged from leadership roles in state and local professional library organizations, to webinars and workshops such as: • 2020 Census Issues & Opportunities for Libraries • Defending Access with Confidence • Dementia Friendly Communities • Engaging Indoor Classrooms: Natural Materials and Loose Parts • Equity in Action • Service to Patrons Experience Homelessness • Sound Learning: Audiobooks in the Library to Support Literacy • Trauma Informed Library Services • Using Children's Books to Approach Trauma-Informed Education • White Privilege Symposium COMMUNITY 97 The Library is a welcoming and safe environment where the community can connect and engage. In 2019, the Library continued its focus on themes of diversity, inclusion and community partnerships. Selected Programs and Events • 2nd Annual New Resident Open House • Pulse of Reading: Community Conversations Series (3 public,3 RMHS Students, 1 RMHS Faculty/Staff) • Teen Volunteer and Job Fair • Friends of the Library Music Series • 2000 Libros Service Project with Whitelam Books APPRECIATION The Library thanks the Board of Library Trustees for their guidance and support. We are also grateful for the continued generosity of the Reading Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Reading Public Library without whom we could not provide such outstanding services and programs. Lastly, but certainly not least, the Library is grateful for the constant support and kindness of the Reading community. Respectfully submitted, Amy Lannon, MLIS Library Director 98 APPENDIX A: LIBRARY STATISTICS Circulation498,093 Adult Circulation 169,405 Children's Circulation 157,361 Teen Circulation 29,967 Interlibrary Loans(Outgoing) 28,071 Interlibrary Loans(Incoming) 34,704 eBooks/eAudiobooks(downloads) 28,071 Database/Electronic Resource Retrieval(ARIS) 49,916 Library1 1 I Adult Books 48,823 Adult Media(audio/video) 17,755 Children's Books 31,550 Children's Media(audio/video) 3,398 Teen Books 5,708 Teen Media (audio/video) 145 Other Media (ARIS) 4,211 Overdrive eBooks and Downloadable Audio(ARIS) 21,488 Print Periodical Subscriptions(ARIS) 289 Digital Periodical Subscriptions(ARIS) 58 Electronic Database Licenses(ARIS) 80 Library Meeting Room Reservations—All 1,226 Meeting Room - Community Use Only 262 Museum passes borrowed 1,966 Programs- Total 766 Adults(303), Teens(95), Children (368) Program Attendance- Total 19,321 Adults(5,407), Teens(3,591), Children (10,323) Reference Consultations- Total 32,079 Library Card Holders:Registered Borrowers 15,064 Open Hours 3,054 Visitors 226,688 Volunteer Service Hours 1,626 (31.3 hrs/wk) 99 APPENDIX B:READING PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF 2019 Retirements/Departures Corinne Fisher Brenda Wettergreen Administration Amy F. Lannon, Director Michelle Filleul, Assistant Director Desiree Zicko, Communications Specialist Kathryn Melesciuc, Senior Administrative Assistant Louise Hetherington, Senior Library Associate Public Services Lorraine Barry, Division Head Andrea Fiorillo, Librarian II (Research &Reader Services) Cate Zannino, Librarian II (Children's) Staff Librarians: Rebecca Bailey Eileen Barrett Susan Beauregard Meghan Ebbitt Olivia McElwain Kathy Miksis Renee Smith Ashley Waring Collections Services Jamie Penney, Division Head Lauren Gardner, Librarian II(Borrower Services) Senior Library Associates: Library Associates: Dawn Colford Suzy Axelson Mary McIntire Susan Haggerty Allison Sloan Andrea Hogan Carol Macomber Judy Newton Christine Rutigliano Judy Terrazano Library Technician: Pages: Lisa Eng Julianna Aguja Gauri Barar Meaghan Coughlin Neftali Gonzalez Smritha Srinivasan 100 Sunday and Substitute Librarians Sunday and Substitute Associates Pamela Aghababian Rory Butler Kathryn Geoffrion-Scannell Virginia Guazzaloca Joanne McElhenney Jennifer O'Connell Marina Salenikas Susanne Sullivan Trisha To Megan White Custodians (Facilities Department) John Davis Lynda Florence READING PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019 John Brzezenski, Chair Andrew Grimes Alice Collins, Secretary Nina Pennacchio, Vice Chair Cherrie Dubois Monette Verrier READING PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019 Bruce Austin, Secretary Amy Coumounduros, Treasurer John Brzezenski Ruth Doucette Lynne Cameron Patrick Egan, President Elise Ciregna, Vice-President Bill Hecht FRIENDS OF THE READING PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD 2018 Jean Clark, Recording Secretary Eleanor Delaney, President Leslie Haley, Vice President Rosie Martel-Foley, Treasurer Denise Wyer, Assistant Treasurer Lynda Zarrow, Communications 101 HOUSING AUTHORITY REPORT "EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY" 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive Reading, MA 01867 (781) 944-6755 FROM THE CHAIR: It is with great pleasure that I share with you the activities and accomplishments of the Reading Housing Authority over the past year. The Reading Housing Authority(Authority) is authorized to administer housing programs in accordance with the Department of Housing and Community Development regulations for state- aided public housing and the Department of Housing and Urban Development/Office of Public and Indian Housing (HUD) regulations (Federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program). These programs supply the Town with a portion of its local affordable housing options. The Authority strives to assist families to obtain housing that is affordable, decent, safe and sanitary. The FY2019 state appropriation for Local Housing Authorities operating subsidies increased by 10%,6.5 million dollars. This is the highest percentage increase in a decade. Between this substantial increase and increases in capital fund dollars over the years, Housing Authorities throughout the Commonwealth received much needed financial help to improve operations and support a strong quality of life for residents. At the close of 2019, the Authority's programs provided state-aided affordable housing to 90 residents, and federally funded affordable housing to 116 families. The Authority grants preferences on its waiting list to applicants residing and/or working in Reading. In addition, Veterans receive a preference as well. As always, the Authority goes beyond the bricks and mortar and assists families, elderly and handicapped persons obtain the services they may need. We work closely with the Town of Reading Elder and Human Services Department, the Pleasant Street Center, Mystic Valley Elder Services and other home care agencies to meet the needs of our elderly residents as they strive to remain independent and age in place. On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Executive Director, Julie Johnston and her staff for their continued dedication, commitment and service to the Reading Housing Authority. We look forward to working with them as we meet the new challenges that lie ahead. Our community is very fortunate to have such caring and dedicated public safety personnel. The men and women of the Reading Police Department and Fire Department have our gratitude 102 and appreciation for the many times they have responded to emergency situations for residents of the Reading Housing Authority. We look forward to working with them and the Reading community as we meet the new challenges that lie ahead. C atdy4sC ORGANIZATION: Organized in 1963 to address the housing needs of the Town's low and moderate-income residents, the Reading Housing Authority(Authority)is "a public body politic and corporate"duly organized and authorized by Massachusetts General Laws(MGL),Chapter 121 B, s.3. The Authority receives its funds from the State and Federal government to assist our clients with their housing needs. Although the Authority does not receive any local funding,five unpaid Reading residents compose the Board of Commissioners. The Select Board appoints four of these board members and one is the Governor's appointee. Each member serves for a 5-year term. The Board is responsible for the overall operation of the Authority. The day to day responsibility is delegated to the Executive Director. The Board meets regularly and has scheduled their monthly meetings for the first Monday of each month. The Annual Meeting of the Board is currently scheduled for the month after the Select Board makes their annual appointment of a Board member. As of December 2019, the Board Members and their term of office are as follows: Richard Robbins Chair 42 Dudley Street Term expires 6/30/2020 Timothy J. Kelley Vice-Chair 56 Sunnyside Avenue Term expires 6/30/2024 Diane L. Cohen State Appointee 73 Hillcrest Avenue Term expires 5/03/2021 Charles L.Adams Assistant Treasurer 13 Riverside Drive Term expires: 6/30/2022 Marie T. Hanson Treasurer/State Tenant Representative 14 Frank D. Tanner Drive, #7 Term expires: 6/30/2023 103 Julie M.Johnston Secretary and Executive Director 22 Frank Tanner Drive ADMINISTRATIVE and MAINTENANCE STAFF: The Board contracts an Executive Director who manages the day-to-day operations of the Authority. Within State and Federal guidelines and other budgetary limits, the Executive Director hires the supporting staff necessary to achieve the goals and responsibilities of the Authority's programs. Administration: Julie M.Johnston Secretary and Executive Director Susan McLaughlin State Housing Manager Catherine Sutherland Office Manager Iris Perez-Feliciano CHA Federal Program Coordinator for RHA Maintenance: Joseph Costello Maintenance Staff Supervisor Edward Bennett Maintenance Staff SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AFFILIATIONS: Jane Burns Town of Reading,Elder & Human Services Administrator Kerry Valle Town of Reading, Case Manager Alyse Warren Town of Reading, Nurse Advocate Kevin Bohmiller Town of Reading,Veterans' Service Officer Daniel J. O'Leary Director, Mystic Valley Elder Services FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Reading Cooperative Bank AFFILIATIONS: National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) 104 Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (MassNAHRO) New England Regional Council of National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NERC/NAHRO) Section 8 Administrators Association North Shore Housing Executive Directors' Association (NSHEDA) CONSULTANTS: Accountants: Fenton, Ewald & Associates Legal: Latham Law Offices,LLC & DHCD Legal Counsel, Lori McBride,Esq. MAINTENANCE: The Authority is responsible for 115 individual units located on 10 different sites. We do it all- from the beautiful paint job to the new appointments before you move into your new apartment. The maintenance staff continues to do an excellent job maintaining all Authority properties in good condition. The maintenance staff is also responsible for the daily work orders and any emergency work that needs to be done. 2019 FUNDING RECEIVED: Each year the Authority applies for several grants or capital funding whenever available to improve our properties and better serve our residents and the community. Included in this year's awards were: MODERNIZATION OF STATE-HOUSING FUNDS The Reading Housing Authority was notified that the agency would be receiving $72,115 in Formula Funding Grants for Capital Improvement Projects for fiscal year 2022 (FY22). The Authority began working on an exterior door replacement and balcony repair project in 2018 at Frank D. Tanner Drive and completed the project in June 2019. In addition, the Authority utilized additional modernization funds to repair cement walkways at its group home located at 74 Bancroft Street as well as much needed tree removal throughout its properties. 105 AUDITS: The Authority has a Single Audit of all programs by an independent auditor each year. Guyder/Hurley of Braintree, MA was engaged to perform the latest review of the Authority's programs for fiscal year end June 2019. At this time, the audit is currently underway and has not been completed. Upon its completion, copies will be disseminated accordingly. A new compliance audit, Performance Management Review, mandated by DHCD for FYE June 2019 has been completed as of November 2019. Final reports revealed no findings as noted in the details of the report. The Authority continues to be a High Performer with its Federal Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). MANAGEMENT REVIEW: The Authority has had a current Management Review done of all State programs. The Asset Managers from the State's Department of Housing and Community Development reviewed all the operations of the State programs to ensure compliance in the daily operation of the Authority's budget, occupancy, administration, maintenance, services and tenant participation. The Authority received an excellent review with minor comments. As of September 2015, the Reading Housing Authority entered into an inter-agency agreement with Chelsea Housing Authority to administer its Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. That agreement was extended through August 31, 2020. This cost-effective measure has enabled the RHA to maintain the federal housing program with the assistance of personnel from another agency.The Reading Housing Authority continues to oversee the program and remains responsible for all reporting requirements to HUD. STATE PROGRAMS: The Authority currently manages three (3)programs under the State's Department of Housing and Community Development: 667 Housing (elderly/handicapped housing); 705 Housing (Family housing); 689 Housing (Special Needs Housing). All our wait lists are open now; however, estimated wait times can be long. All information regarding our agency and the programs we administer can be found on our website at www.readinghousing.org. We encourage applicants to apply for our elderly/handicapped (667) housing by contacting the Housing Authority at (781) 944-6755 or by accessing the application on our website. HOUSING FOR ELDERLYIHANDICAPPED PERSONS(667) effective March 1, 2019 80, one-bedroom units located at Frank D. Tanner Drive Housing Complex Eligibility: 60 years of age or disabled Income: 1 person - $56,800 2 persons - $64,900 106 HOUSING FOR FAMILIES(705) effective March 1, 2019 6 units Waverly and Oakland Road(6, three-bedroom units) 4 units Pleasant and Parker Street(2, two-bedroom units; 2 three-bedroom units) Eligibility: Family of 2 or more depending on Bedroom Size Income: 2 persons - $64,900 6 persons - $ 94,100 3 persons - $73,000 7 persons - $100,600 4 persons - $81,100 8 persons - $107,100 5 persons - $87,600 FEDERAL PROGRAMS The Authority manages 103 subsidies for persons of very low income under the Federal Section 8 program. However, the Chelsea Housing Authority is currently managing this program for the RHA through an interagency agreement. Currently, the RHA participates in a centralized waiting list administered by the MASSNAHRO organization. Applications for this wait list are available at the administration office building at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading or online @ www.gosection8.com/MASSCWL. The income limits for 2019 are: SECTION 8 RENTAL ASSISTANCE Income limits: 1 person- $41,500 2 persons - $47,400 3 persons - $53,350 4 persons - $59,250 5 persons - $64,000 6 persons - $68,750 7 persons - $73,500 8 persons - $78,250 RHA-OWNED PROPERTIES The Authority presently owns and manages seventeen family units located in various locations throughout the Town of Reading. Four of the seventeen units were located at the condominiums of the Old Reading Schoolhouse. However, in June 2017 the RHA lost these four units due to fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt as a result of the fire but all forty (40) units were determined to be uninhabitable. Efforts are underway to rebuild and restore the units to their original condition as soon as possible. The RHA is hopeful that it will be able to retain the affordability component to all 4 units once construction is complete.The Certificate of Occupancy is anticipated to be received in February 2020. APPLICATIONS: ***NEWAPPLICATIONPROCEDURES *** CHAMP- COMMON HOUSING APPLICATION FOR MASSACHUSETTS PUBLIC- HOUSING In August 2014, legislation as part of Chapter 235, an Act Relative to Local Housing Authorities, was passed to establish a centralized on-line wait list system for persons seeking state-aided public housing assistance. CHAMP will enable Local Housing Authorities and the Department of Community Development to manage state-aided housing applications for all situations - emergency, standard and transfer. On April 10,2019, the Department of Housing and Community Development launched the internet-based, statewide public housing application and centralized wait list system known as 107 CHAMP to the public. Applicants will be able to submit and self-manage their applications through the on-line portal from a computer, smart phone, or tablet. You may obtain a paper application at the office of the Authority,22 Frank D. Tanner Drive, Reading,MA 01867 or by accessing it online at www.readinghousing.org. ELDERLYIHANDICAPPED HOUSING(66 7) The Authority manages 80 one-bedroom units of housing for elderly/handicapped persons at our Frank D. Tanner Drive complex in Reading. To qualify for this housing, a single person or couple must meet the eligibility guidelines and be 60 years of age or older or handicapped. The Authority sets aside 13.5% of these units for non-elderly handicapped persons. FAMIL Y HO USING-STATE(705) The Authority operates the State's Family Housing Program with 2 different developments. The first family housing development that was built by the Authority is located at Oakland and Waverly Roads and is called Waverly Oaks. There are six 3-bedroom units. Our second state family development is near the center of Town and is referred to as our Pleasant/Parker location. There are only four units available at this site. Our wait list is open. Approximate wait times for those presently on the list remains in excess of ten years. SECTION 8 FEDERAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Currently the wait list for our Section 8 Program is open. We participate in the centralized wait list program administered by Mass NAHRO and Go Section 8. Applications are available at our administrative office or online at www.gosection8/MASSCWL.com SUMMIT VILLAGE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS PROGRAM: The Authority continues to oversee the maintenance of the wait list for qualified and eligible applicants for the affordable units at Summit Village through the First Time Homebuyers Program. We presently have no potential buyers on our waidist. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Authority. CONCLUSION: The Reading Housing Authority is proud to provide this information to you. Anyone interested in obtaining information about any of our housing programs: elderly/handicapped housing, state family or the Federal Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, should contact the Authority at 22 Frank D. Tanner Drive or by calling the office at(781) 944-6755. 108 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT SCHOOL COMMITTEE REPORT Chuck Robinson, Chair Leadership There were several changes in leadership of the Reading School Committee. Sherry Vanden Akker resigned from the School Committee in January. She was replaced by Geoffrey Coram until the spring election. Mr. Coram chose not to seek the seat. Nick Boivin announced he would not be seeking re-election. Chuck Robinson and Thomas Wise were elected for a three-year term. John Parks was elected to the one-year term. Elaine Webb resigned in September and was replaced by Patricia Calley until the spring election. At the Committee's annual reorganization in July, Chuck Robinson was elected as Chair, and Jeanne Borawski,Vice Chair. Other members of the Committee are Patricia Calley,Thomas Wise, John Parks, and Linda Snow Dockser. Budget The School Committee engaged in a comprehensive process of establishing FY20 budget. Numerous meetings were conducted to discuss the various priorities and how the budget should support the District mission and goals. The final budget, while below the initial recommended budget put forth by the Superintendent,met the guidelines as proposed by the Finance Committee. At the Annual Town Meeting that commenced in April the following school department budget was approved. Reading Public Schools Budget Summary Fiscal Year 2020 Recommended Budget Administration $1,931,892 Regular Day $27,015,632 Special Education $15,227,638 District Wide Programs $2,041,343 School Facilities $1,338,844 Total $46,767,348 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System(MCAS) Reading's statewide prominence in the MCAS rankings continued in 2019 as Reading,once again, placed in the upper third of all Massachusetts districts in MCAS performance. This represents a significant accomplishment for a system that continues to spend below the state average on per pupil spending. This achievement continues to define Reading as a school system that always gets more performance for less money. We continue to be a frugal district that sets high expectation and achieves these goals through a collaborative effort of the administration, the teachers, the 109 students, and the parents. This is certainly a model to be envied throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The School Committee is very proud of our accomplishments in this regard and sees this as the standard for accountability... high scores, low cost. Student Enrollment As students returned to school in September of 2019, it is apparent that our students are staying in the school system. We have seen enrollment remain steady. Student enrollment in the fall of 2019(FY2020) stood at 4,151 students. See chart below. Reading Public Schools Student Enrollment FY2020 Preschool 95 Elementary Schools K-5 1,877 Middle Schools 6— 8 917 High School 9— 12 1,217 Special Education *45 Total 4,151 * This is the number of enrollees in our"substantially separate" Special Education classrooms. Reading students who receive full- time Special Education services outside of Reading are not counted in this chart. Achievements Reading Memorial High School graduated 302 young men and women in 2019. While many of our graduating seniors are attending some of the most prestigious universities in the country, all are moving into the future with a solid portfolio of skills, which will help their success in any environment they choose. While we naturally point to acceptances at schools like Cornell and Boston College as an indication of our system's success, it is the goal of the School Committee, and a better measure of success that we find appropriate placements for all of our students, that will further prepare them to be productive, contributing citizens of our country. In addition to the success of our graduates, we can continue to take pride in the success of our students at all levels. Our athletic programs continue to be one of the best in Massachusetts,with our student athletes demonstrating athleticism, academic achievement, and above all, sportsmanship. Our students take part in a number of statewide competitions, including the Science Olympiad program, Drama Fest, and numerous Band competitions. Our success at all levels is almost too numerous to repeat but continues to reflect on the efforts of the students, staff, and parents. We are always indebted to those in the community who provide the additional support when the school department cannot. It is this support from our PTO's,the Boosters,the Band and Drama Parents support organizations,the Reading Education Fund,just to name a few,that provide that added support and encouragement that fosters a sense community and promotes participation and success. 110 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Christine M. Kelley Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Jennifer A. Stys,Ed.D. Gail Dowd Director of Student Services Chief Financial Officer This report represents the activities, accomplishments and events of note that occurred in the Reading Public Schools during the 2019 calendar year. Leadership Change Chuck Robinson was elected Chair of the Reading School Committee for the 2019-2020 school year. Jeanne Borawski was elected Vice Chair of the Reading School Committee. Sharon Stewart left as Interim Director of Student Services and was replaced by Jennifer Stys as Director of Student Services. Notable Events The Reading Public Schools enters the fourth year of the partnership with the Wakefield Public Schools to offer programming for our post-graduate special education students. Reading Public Schools hosted the 1st Reading Institute attended by the teachers, staff and administrators of the Reading Public Schools. All district staff participated — Many teachers presented workshops in all areas of curriculum. Reading Public Schools held the 14th annual Artsfest which showcased student artwork, drama and musical performances. The Class of 2019 experienced an extraordinary level of success in their efforts to matriculate into our nation's most academically challenging programs. The following is a report on their plans: 87.2 % — Four Year Colleges, 7.5% — Two Year Colleges, and 0.9% — Business/Technical/Prep Schools. Once again,the Reading Memorial High School students have attained scores that place the school within the top echelon of all high schools in the Commonwealth. Once again, all the seniors in the class of 2019 met the MCAS graduation requirement. 97% graduation rate for the Class of 2019. Several faculty and staff members were recognized by local and national educational and professional organizations for outstanding achievement. "A World of Difference" program began its tenth year with the focus on the commitment to a positive school culture. iii Middle School students successfully compete in local, state and national competitions including National Science Olympiad, Wordmasters Challenge, District Music competitions and writing contests. The district continues to upgrade technology. Safe Routes to school program sponsored by the MA Department of Transportation is adopted by several schools. Birch Meadow continued to use the "Birch Meadow Yay" program to immediately recognize students and staff who demonstrate positive behaviors in and around school. The Barrows School continues with the"STARS"Program—Students that Act Responsibly Shine. Joshua Eaton hosted the annual Jr. Author Fest to celebrate student writing. Over 600 pieces of student writing was on display and shared during the day and at night. TRRFCC (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship) Character Program continues to be strong in the Killam community and school-wide expectations were developed and shared with the entire community based on the MTSS model. Several schools continue the Curriculum Initiatives — Open Circle and Differentiated Instruction with many teachers participating in professional development activities and workshops. At Wood End, the Leadership Team, with the tremendous support of teaching staff, successfully implemented a mentoring program as part of our Tier 2 system of supports to better meet the individual needs of students requiring more targeted interventions. Several students participated in the School Games Day sponsored by the Special Olympics The Pupil Services Department continues to work, in conjunction with regular education, in the creation of internal programs and supports to assist student's access the curriculum, and on their goal of controlling out of district costs by developing new programs. STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT Jennifer A. Stys, Ed.D. Reading Public Schools is committed to the provision of quality education for all students and offers an array of support services and programs in all our schools. We view all students as capable learners and the Department of Student Services offers a broad range of general education support services to assist Reading students in their access to the rich general education curriculum and co- curricular experiences offered by our district. A few of these general education supports include guidance and intervention from social workers, psychologists and nurses. In addition, special education and related services are available to students who meet mandated eligibility criteria, including but not limited to,speech pathology services,occupational therapy services,and physical 112 therapy services for eligible students. Special and general educators work closely to facilitate positive and cohesive inclusive educational experiences. Student Services Include: • Community Partnerships • Preschool Programs • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act • Special Education • Health Services • Home/Hospital Tutoring • Homeless Liaison Services • Guidance • Social Workers • Psychologists • Behavior Analysts Special Education is the largest mission of the student services office. The Student Services Director, part-time Assistant Director, and 1.5 Administrative Assistants are the central administrative support staff for the district. Assigned to each school are the TEAM chairpersons who facilitate the evaluation process and work to support the Principals in the oversight of each school's special education programs/services, as well as facilitate the program participation and progress monitoring of those students educated outside of our in-district programs, and ensure compliance with all state and federal special education regulations. Special Education Programs All special education programs are individualized to address each eligible student's documented disability related learning challenges. Special education programs can be provided to support a student for a few years or throughout their educational career. Eligibility standards apply to every special education student and are redetermined at least once every three years. Each eligible student has a written IEP (Individual Education Program) detailing the impact of identified disability(ies) upon learning and participation within the school's general education programs; services are aligned with disability impact. Most special education programs are provided within the context of the general education classroom and both instructional and related services are described in each student's IEP. Some special and related services are provided to students in separate instructional spaces. Reading Schools has also developed programs that serve students whose disability impact is broad-based and causes substantial learning challenges; these district- wide programs typically provide more services in a pull-out setting, up to the full school day, if necessary. For elementary and middle school students whose IEP development teams recommend a constellation of services offered through a district-wide program, this may require a student to attend a school different than her/his neighborhood school. However, we do take into consideration the natural movement between neighborhood elementary and middle schools so that if a student attends a district-wide program in an elementary school, and the student continues to require the district-wide special education program in middle school that s/he will attend the same middle school as the other students from that elementary school. (See 5-year vertical plan below for more information about program locations.) 113 The comprehensive and cohesive nature of service delivery provided in our district-wide programs focus upon central philosophical beliefs regarding different population types and apply these learner types research-informed instructional and supportive strategies throughout the student's day. General and special education staff within the schools hosting a district-wide program receive ongoing support, training opportunities, in order to provide the specialized instruction in a collaborative manner. We recognize that each student is unique and that every learner will progress at different rates. Each learner could participate in different special education programs during their educational career, thus it is important for the reader to understand that special education is to be considered a dynamic experience with students being able to move between `programs' based upon current evaluation and performance data available to the IEP development teams. As Reading Public Schools is a district of high standards and embraces the notion of a continuous improvement approach, our special education department reviews available data from multiple sources to inform our program needs, thus the current district-wide program descriptions should be considered as reflective of our current population needs and is subject to change over time. Each of our programs are listed below: • LEARNING CENTER PROGRAMS • BRIDGE PROGRAM • CONNECTIONS PROGRAM • CROSSROADS PROGRAM • COMPASS PROGRAM • THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT PROGRAM • RELATED SERVICES PROGRAM • EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAM • REGIONAL COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMS • SEEM • NORTHSHORE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM Nursing After several years of collaborating to develop health office guidelines, the guidelines have been approved and a copy is now in every health office. This will be a resource for all of our nurses and improve consistency in nursing practice throughout the district. This will be updated annually as needed. The nursing staff has been an integral part of our updated 504 practice to ensure it is efficient and accurate. All 504s are reviewed annually with additional supportive plans as students transition in 5th and 8th grade to new schools for students currently requiring medical accommodations. There is a formal program for students with allergies transitioning to middle school and high school,with type one diabetes as well as life threatening allergies, and other health issues as needed. Another focus this year has been improving our emergency preparedness. As a group, the nurses participated in a "School Emergency Triage training" online through National Association of School Nurses during a PD day. After Dr. Doherty was able to provide the district with tourniquet kits, all of the nurses participated in "stop the bleed" training with our Fire Dept. The nurses are now able to be trainers, working with our Fire Dept colleagues. Over the 114 school year so far, we as a group have trained more than 50 staff members throughout the district in CPR and AED as well as some in first aid. There will be continued work to update the supplies in our emergency bags and we would like to continue to work on improving protocols for emergency response throughout the district. Home/Hospital Tutoring Temporary Home/Hospital tutoring is provided for students whose physician has determined that due to medical necessity, the student may not safely attend or participate in school and must be confined to a hospital or home. Confined to means that the student is experiencing a medical illness or condition that prevents the student from leaving the home or hospital, thus tutoring is required to support the student in maintaining progress in his/her curriculum and coursework. Tutoring is not a substitute for school attendance and therefore is provided only with proper medical documentation;there is a specific form required by the attending physician and is available through your child's school nurse. Preschool Partnerships The Learning and Teaching and Student Support Departments have been meeting with our community preschool partners to ensure shared resources and develop an alignment of general education screenings and Child Find protocols. Professional Development Professional development of our staff is an exciting and collaborative process. We work closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Teaching to ensure we FIRST consider how to support all educators in their understanding of special education students, as most students are best educated within a `full inclusion' setting. (Full inclusion is defined as spending at least 80% of the school cycle being educated in a general education classroom.) Currently, the district is developing a 5-year program review and professional development plan. Specific training will include using evaluation results to ensure appropriate reading supports and executive functioning skills. Furthermore, the district has created a 504 manual to ensure consistency in practice within the district. Legal counsel has provided training on 504s, suspension, and attendance to continue building consistency across all schools. Social,Emotional, Behavioral Supports Students may access social, emotional, and behavioral supports as a general education student. Students who have been classified as special education eligible and whose disability impacts development in any of these domains may have specialized support services from personnel with advanced training in these areas. We have different roles that can provide these specialized services detailed in a student's IEP. School Psychologists, School Adjustment Counselors, School Social Workers, or School Guidance Counselors have all participated in advanced education and training in the social, emotional and behavior development and intervention strategies in these domains. We also have BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) to consult to students' educational teams to support students with behavior focused goals. Consultation services from BCBA staff is provided in a variety of formats and for different periods of time. 115 Homeless Liaison Services The purpose of Homeless Liaison services is to ensure children of a homeless individual and homeless youth have equal access to the same free,appropriate public education,including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths. The federal government enacted legislation in 2002 to ensure students whose permanent housing is interrupted do not also experience educational disruption. (Follow this link to read more about the McKinney-Vento act including definitions of`homeless' and explanations: https:Hnehe.ed.gov/mckinney-vento/) Generally, the student services department works with principals to identify children who may be eligible for McKinny-Vento protection to ensure the child's best interests are considered when assisting a family in making decisions regarding where their child or youth will be educated during a period of housing instability; either remaining within the school of origin or accessing a school closer to the temporary housing situation. Transportation to and from the temporary housing situation may also be arranged and cost-shared between the two school districts. If any family is experiencing housing challenges or may be facing housing instability, please contact your child's school principal or the student services office for information and help. 116 READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL John F.Doherty,Ed.D. Kathleen M.Boynton Superintendent Principal 62 Oakland Road,Reading,Massachusetts 01867 Craig Murray Tel: 781-944-8200 Fax: 781-942-5435 Jessica Theriault Website:http://www.edline.net/pages/Reading_HS Thomas J.Zaya Assistant Principals RMHS Core values and Beliefs The primary concern of Reading Memorial High School is the preparation of students to be literate, skilled, creative, healthy, competent and informed citizens-appreciative of the arts; capable of critical thinking and problem-solving; and able to function intellectually, emotionally and physically within a complex, interdependent and pluralistic world. As educators, we believe our work centers on the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of intellectual,emotional and physical well-being. We help our students enhance their ability to think by teaching the symbols and concepts through which thought, and creativity take place, and by developing the skills for using those symbols and concepts. The uses of intelligence with which we are concerned include critical thinking, observing, information gathering, processing and evaluating, listening, logic, computation, oral and written communication, and the application of these skills in decision-making and problem solving. We help our students by imparting knowledge of their bodies and providing opportunities for physical activity. We believe that a good learning community should be one • that is safe, caring, consistent, fair, flexible, open and democratic. • that meets the needs of all students through educational programs that promote individual fulfillment in a variety of ways as well as encompasses the complex interdependency of the world and the community. • that achieves educational excellence in an environment which promotes the free and open exchange of ideas; encourages mutual respect, creative expression and problem- solving skills;fosters human dignity;and recognizes and respects racial,ethnic,cultural and sexual differences. • that promotes individuality; nurtures self-esteem, health and well-being; and encourages participation in a democratic society. We believe that the education of our young people is the shared responsibility of the school, stu- dent, family and community. Student Enrollment 2019-2020 The 2019 school year ended with the graduation of 302 RMHS seniors. The 2019-2020 school year began with 1,232 students enrolled at RMHS. The student body was apportioned by grade- level as follows: Grade 9—301 students; Grade 10—294 students; Grade 11 —331 students; Grade 12—304 students. 117 Overview of Education Programs GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Each student who successfully passes all of the required courses listed below,as well as passes the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) Subject Tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science will earn a diploma from Reading Memorial High School. English 8 Semesters Mathematics 6 Semesters Science 6 Semesters History/Social Studies 6 Semesters Health&Wellness 6 Semesters Foreign Language 4 Semesters Fine Arts 2 Semesters Business/Technology 2 Semesters OUTCOMES OF STUDENT PERFORMANCE MASSACHUSETTS COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (MCAS) Spring 2019 Results Next Generation Test Subject Test %Exceeding %Meeting %Partially Meeting %Not Meetinc English Language Arts 17 53 26 4 Mathematics 19 56 21 4 Legacy %Advanced %Proficient %Needs Improvement %Failing Science 33 48 18 1 Technology(Biology) SCHOLASTIC APTITUDE TESTS (MEAN SCORES) Year # of Test-Takers Critical Reading Math 2019 300 587 593 SAT II TESTS (MEAN SCORES) Subject # of Test-Takers Scores Subject Biology E 18 594 Biology M 35 601 Chemistry 28 635 Math: Level 2C 35 697 Physics 16 673 118 ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS: CLASS OF 2019 Total number of students: 244 Total number of exams: 504 RMHS Percentage of scores 3+ 87% ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS 2019 Distinction # of Students AP Scholars 31 AP Scholars with Honors 14 AP Scholars with Distinction 22 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS 2019 Distinction # of Students Letters of Commendation Class 2019 05 Letters of Commendation Class 2020 10 POST SECONDARY EDUCATION Institution % for Class of 2019 4 year Colleges and Universities 87.2 2 year Colleges 7.5 Technical Schools 0.9 Percentage Continuing Education 95.6 A World of Difference A World of Difference is a student led program at Reading Memorial High School and the middle schools. Alexandra Lynch-DiSorbo has served as the group's advisor at RMHS for the past three years. "A World of Difference" (AWOD) at RMHS focuses on contributing to a positive school and community culture. The Anti-Defamation League defines the goals of AWOD as follows: "Explore the meaning of community and why it's important for everyone to feel that he or she belongs to the community." "Examine the ways in which people knowingly or unknowingly might make others feel like they don't belong to their school community." "Identify what members of the school community can do to actively promote an inclusive learning environment in which cultural,racial,and other human similarities and differences are respected and valued." "The A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute's programs and resources are designed to help participants: recognize bias and the harm it inflicts on individuals and society build understanding of the value and benefits of diversity 119 improve intergroup relations confront racism, anti-Semitism and all other forms of bigotry" RMHS AWOD has accomplished a lot last year and the beginning of this year. Some student led initiatives and accomplishments include: The training of 30 students in a three-day program through The Anti-Defamation League Two separate learning activities for children at our community's Martin Luther King Jr Day Helping to organize assemblies with Dr. Anna Ornstein,Holocaust survivor and professor. The creation of Kindness Month—a full month spent spreading random acts of kindness throughout the school. Hosting a guest speaker session regarding mental health, bullying, and being an ally The creation of RMHS's "Community Day" activity surrounding the four core values Discussions with Student Council regarding how to best respond to hate symbols within the school Science Department Activities Razor Design Project in partnership with Gillette During the 2019-2020 school year,community member and Gillette employee Marc Ortins worked with teachers Kent Hatton and Chuck Strout to develop a project for Introduction to Engineering Design students. Over the course of this long-term project, students used 3D printing to support the iterative design process as they developed their own custom razor handles. Environmental Club - The RMHS Environmental Club regularly collects recycling from hallways and classrooms at RMHS. They also maintain the traffic island near the high school. A subset of the club competes in the Envirothon Competition every year. Martha Moore who was the advisor for this club for over 25 years has retired, and Alexander Pancic has assumed the club advisor role. Fiona Schuette took over the recycling advisorship in Fall 2019. Envirothon - Eleven students attended the Fall 2018 Envirothon workshop at UMASS Amherst. seven students competed in the Massachusetts Envirothon in May 2019 in Ecostations related to Forestry,Wildlife,Water,and Soils.Their Current Issue Presentation was about food sustainability in a world with high population growth.Alexander Pancic was the advisor last year with help from Martha Moore. This year's current issue is on sustainable water supply for Reading, and Martha Moore will return to help out. Science Olympiad-Nineteen students competed in the State Science Olympiad on March 23,2019 placing 17th in the state out of 54 teams. RMHS placed in the top 10 in 6 events. 21 members of 120 the science team also competed in the Harvard Invitational Science Olympiad in February 2019. Teachers Martha Moore and Frank Buono worked with the team, along with volunteers Mark Beckley and Carrie Gray. American Chemical Society Avery Ashdown Exam Amogh Morje was Massachusetts state finalist in the 2019 Ashdown Exam, a regional chemistry test and scholarship sponsored by the Northeast Section of the American Chemical Society. Biogen's Adventures in Biotechnology Summer Program Jeffrey Pan and Ryan Hannafin participated in Biogen's Adventures in Biotechnology Summer Program in August 2019. The program introduces students to the process of drug development and provides experience in performing a series of biotechnology techniques. SET in the City(Science, Engineering and Technology) Each Spring, Boston sponsors SET in the City. The day-long program provides girls with the opportunity to participate in hands-on science activities, learn about cutting-edge research that will change the world and converse with STEM professionals. Sponsors include Boston University, Emmanuel College, Harvard University, M.I.T., Northeastern University, Simmons College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Vertex and WGBH RMHS freshman Nicole Tawadros attended SET in the City on April 6, 2019. The Whitehead Spring Lecture Series for High School Students Five RMHS students attended The Whitehead Institute's Spring Lecture Series for High School Students over Spring vacation week 2019. This year's lecture series "Oh the Nerve! Neurological Disorders and the Brain" explored the many ways in which today's researchers are unraveling the mysteries of some of our most vexing neurological and neurobehavioral disorders. This special three-day program included presentations from pioneering scientists, hands-on workshops in laboratories at the Whitehead Institute, visits to local biotech companies and research organizations, and lunches with young Whitehead scientists. History and Science of Epidemic Disease hosted three EpiD alumni to discuss their college experiences in the fields of global health and research. This year,we were honored to have RMHS Alumni Kate Mignosa ('15), Katie Squires ('15), and Sarah Bond ('15)join us to talk about their unique experiences in Haiti, South Africa,Atlanta and Switzerland.Kate Mignosa spoke about her service-learning experience in Haiti; Katie Squires described her internship with Child Family International at an HIV/AIDS clinic in South Africa and Sarah Bond highlighted her work with the non-profit No Kid Hungry and internships with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. New Faculty The Science Department welcomes Helen Day and Mark Farrin to the RMHS Science Department. 121 Helen Day is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island (BS Biology) and University of New Hampshire (MS Zoology). She is a Massachusetts native who has experience in teaching at both the high school and college level. She comes to Reading from East Providence High School where she taught 9th grade Earth, Space and Physical Science. She is excited to have the opportunity to be teaching biology once again. Mark Farrin is a graduate of Salem State University (BA Psychology and BA Chemistry) and National University of La Jolla,California(MA Education). He is a Massachusetts native who has over 16 years' experience teaching at the high school level in both Massachusetts and California. Most recently, Mark worked as a Physics and Engineering teacher at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. Mark is also a Major in the United States Army Reserve. He has served as a Civil Affairs Plans Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves since 1997. Retirement Martha Moore retired in June 2019 after teaching at RMHS since 1984. Professional Development In May 2019, many members of the science department were trained to use the miniPCR equipment purchased with Science Initiative funds. The equipment will allow teachers to perform biotechnology experiments in their classrooms. In May 2019,Mary Anne Lynn attended a one-day workshop at MassBioEd titled 20 in 20 Biology MCAS Review Activities. The workshop provided quick, fun, hands-on activities for reviewing critical MCAS topics. In January 2019, Mary Anne Lynn, Nancy Najmi and Grace Rousseau received their Sheltered English Immersion Teacher Endorsement. In June 2019 Frank Buono attended a weeklong neuroscience workshop at MIT's Center for Brains, Minds, and Machines. He was able to participate in brain dissections and hear lectures from the world's leading neuroscientists. In July 2019, Bristol Leiper attended St. Johnsbury Academy's AP Institute. The week-long institute covered all the essentials needed to teach AP Physics C including the Curriculum Frameworks, Course Audits, and Exams. Math & Business Education Building Community&Relationships Curriculum Guides: Teachers in the department worked to complete curriculum guides for the Algebra 1 - Geometry - Algebra 2 sequence in which the majority of RMHS students participate. The curriculum guides share information about standards of mathematical practice that are common to all math courses, standards that are mastered during each class, and a breakdown of units and activities. The curriculum guides were shared with the community via Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley's section of the district website, and community members are able to submit feedback through the site as well. 122 RMHS High Five: Steve McCarthy assisted the RMHS Assistant Principal with the RMHS High Five Club. The High Fives are sent on a weekly basis to the following organizations/people in the community: Reading Community Television (RCTV), Reading Daily Times Chronicle, Wicked Local Reading/The Reading Advocate, Reading Cooperative Bank, RMHS Faculty and Staff, Superintendent John Doherty for inclusion in his community newsletters (Pathways and The Journey), RMHS Principal Kate Boynton for inclusion in her weekly community newsletter, and the RMHS Yearbook Advisor for inclusion in the Yearbook. Curriculum&Professional Development Landmark School Professional Development: Throughout the school year, a cohort of four teachers from the Math and Business Department were involved in ongoing professional development with The Landmark School. The goal is to learn, practice, and implement strategies to promote inclusive instructional practices. Some strategies that were measured were cuing the middle, thinking to paper, and Summer Professional Development: A group of six math teachers plus a special education teacher met over the summer to plan for the consolidation of CP and SCP Algebra 1. They agreed on common behavioral and procedural expectations so that each student has a similar experience despite having different teachers. They also modified existing assessments for consistency. Another group of five math teachers met to plan for the addition of trigonometry concepts to the Honors Algebra 2 course.They created an internal scope and sequence for the course and discussed procedural and assessment expectations. AP Calculus BC: Trey Skehan attended the College Board's AP Institute this July in St.Johnsbury, VT, to support him in teaching this course for the first time. NPEN: Last year, Heather Conner, Shelley Lynch, and Steven McCarthy attended a professional development program in business education sponsored by The Northeast Professional Educator Network (NPEN) and the Chelmsford Public Schools. They attended workshops related to Business Education, Curriculum Mapping, and Accounting. Teaching the Industrial Revolution: Steve McCarthy attended a professional development program at The Tsongas Industrial History Center titled "Teaching the Industrial Revolution" sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Lowell College of Education,the Lowell National Historical Park, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. This professional development program strongly relates to economics and business, as well as to history. Club Activities The Math Club: Julie LaCasse hosted a monthly meeting at which students complete math problems. The results are submitted to a competitive league. All students are invited to participate. RMHS Business Club: Steve McCarthy advised the RMHS Business Club, a new club that was created last year. He met with a small group of students on Friday afternoons on a weekly basis 123 to prepare for the National Economics Challenge, a program administered by the Council for Economics Education. Advisorships Danielle Theissen continues to advise the Leo Club. Melanie DiStaula advised the group of students who planned and executed the Dance-a-Thon, which raised funds for Children's Hospital. Jane Shea continues to advise the Cradles to Crayons group. The students travel to one of the organization's Giving Factories to pack items that will be donated to underprivileged students. Jennifer DeCoff continues to coach the freshmen girls' soccer team. Math& Business Department Staff New Teacher: Andrea (D'Antonio) Bonfigho joins the Math and Business Department this year to teach freshmen Algebra I and junior Honors Precalculus.Andrea is originally from Ohio,where she earned her B.A. in Design at Ohio State. She completed her Master's in Secondary Education at UMass Boston. Andrea has worked as a paraprofessional and math teacher at several local high schools, most recently Melrose. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys gardening, taking care of her dog, and metal detecting. Social Studies In commemoration of Reading's 375th anniversary, ninth grade students in Ms. Gleason and Mrs. Howie's classes conducted and created research projects on the history of Reading, Massachusetts during the American Revolutionary War. Student projects on the topic "A Town that Went to War:" Reading, Massachusetts in the American Revolution were published online at: www.nnhsreadingresearch.weebl. Four members of the Social Studies department received recognition as RMHS Staff of the Semester: Caroline Allison for Perseverance,Pat Dailey for Responsibility, and Kara Gleason and Megan Howie for Scholarship. Kara Gleason had an article titled "Taken Ill: The 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Reading, Mass" published in the Daily Times Chronicle in June 2019. Over the summer Kara Gleason and Megan Howie developed curriculum that is designed to expand on civics and current events connections in Honors History 9 courses. Lessons developed include: "To Learn'About the Way One Should Live:' Considering a Humanities Based Education in the 21 st Century" (for the Renaissance unit)and"That election... ought to be free:" Considering the Importance of Voting in a Democratic Society" (for the Stuart England/English Bill of Rights unit). Students in the History and Science of Epidemic Disease course created and led tour talks in downtown Boston on the subject of Smallpox in Colonial Boston. The course also hosted a guest 124 speaker from Positive Educators Reaching Youth who spoke about living with HIV/AIDS and resilience in the face of difficulties. Members of the Social Studies department serve as advisers to the following RMHS clubs and groups: Politics Club, Girl Rising,the RMHS Book Club,the National Honor Society,the Rocket Peer Leadership Council,the RMHS Chapter of DECA,Amnesty International Club and the Class of 2021. Members of the Social Studies also served as coaches in Athletic department at RMHS. John Fiore (Head Football, Assistant Spring Track), Dave Blanchard (Head Baseball, Coordinator Football), Paul Morrissey (Head Boys Basketball). John Fiore serves as the Vice-President of the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association. RMHS Social Studies expanded AP offerings in AP US History by adding sections and updating curriculum and text materials. Two sections of AP US Government have been added for the Fall of 2019. Jess Bailey helped lead 24 students to work for Habitat for Humanity building homes in North Carolina over this summer. English Building Community &Relationships Summer Reading: To promote a culture of reading, engagement, and community, approximately 38 faculty and staff across disciplines sponsored & facilitated discussions for summer reading books. In September during a Flex Block, students met with book sponsors for a discussion. Student leaders assisted teachers with group discussions and reflected on this activity and their books in English classes that day. This whole-school activity was deemed a success by students and staff alike. Additionally, Leia Richardson organized a Pop Up Shop for Summer Reading through Honors British Literature: Juniors in Zachary Broken Rope's class wrote and delivered children's stories to the RISE preschool that were inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Curriculum&Professional Development Landmark School Professional Development: Throughout the school year, a cohort of four grade 9 English Teachers Department were involved in ongoing professional development with The Landmark School. The goal is to learn, practice, and implement strategies to promote inclusive instructional practices. Summer Professional Development: A group of 4-5 English Teachers met over the summer to develop two new senior electives. Journalism and Horror in Literature (both SCP &Honors) will appear as course offerings in the 2020-2021 Program of Studies. Maura Correa & Special Education Teacher Stephanie Waite met in August to plan for their first co-teaching experience together for grade 9. AP Language & Composition: Alexandra Lynch-DiSorbo attended the 125 College Board's AP Institute this July in St. Johnsbury, VT to further support our newly implemented AP Language & Composition course. Club Activities: The New Currency: The New Currency is the literary and visual arts magazine of Reading Memorial High School. We provide a place where students can publish their work, as well as hone their decision-making skills in regard to the publication process. We believe that art, whether written, drawn,photographed or graphically designed, deserves to be shared and showcased. Club members meet under the advisorship of English teacher Kate Crosby every Tuesday. The New Currency can be found at www.newcurrencymag.weebly.com The Orbit: The Orbit is RMHS's school newspaper advised by English teacher Zac Broken Rope. Students meet every Tuesday and update the newspaper on an ongoing basis. The Orbit can be found at http://nnhsorbit.wixsite.com/orbit Playwriting: Meeting every Wednesday evening from January through April under the leadership of English teacher Leia Richardson,students craft their own original plays for a showcase in the spring and, annually, two students receive the honor of having their plays professionally directed and performed on stage at Boston Playwrights Theatre. The group also took a field trip to Boston Playwright's Theatre to see students' one act plays performed, and they put on a student night of one act plays at RMHS. Advisorships:Alexandra Lynch-DiSorbo and Christina Clawson continue to serve as Co-Advisors to the Class of 2020. Zachary Broken Rope served as advisor to the Class of 2019. Alexandra Lynch-DiSorbo continues to be the sole advisor to RMHS's A World of Difference (AWOD) chapter. Heather Lombardo continues to serve as co-advisor to the National Honor Society. Leia Richardson was Co-Advisor to Student Council last year. The Council brought in popular therapy dogs during exams, raised money for Boston Children's hospital, and planned & coordinated the RMHS Pep Rally. Nathaniel Smith served as the sole advisor to the senior yearbook last year. Beyond the Classroom Field Trips:Nathaniel Smith spearheaded a field trip to Walden Pond with his sophomores last fall in conjunction with students' study of Transcendentalism. Leia Richardson took 40 seniors from Diverse Voices (a senior elective) to the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge to see the world premiere play "The Endlings," a play about Korean sea-women. Jane Cunningham took 65 students to Salem. They visited the Peabody Essex Museum, the cemetery where the infamous Judge Hathorne is buried, and the Custom House, where Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Scarlet Letter. Travel Abroad: Zachary Broken Rope & Jennifer Baskin helped to chaperon a school-sponsored trip to Europe this summer. Habitat for Humanity: Zachary Broken Rope was part of the teacher team that led students on the annual Habitat for Humanity trip in August in North Carolina. 126 English Department StaffNew Teacher HollyBeth Murphy joins the English Department from Swampscott High School. She holds a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Vermont and is currently pursuing her Master's degree at Simmons University. Holly also has a passion and talent for Tech Theater. She will be teaching grades 9, 10, and 11 this year. Leia Richardson serves as her mentor; in fact, this is Leia's third year as a mentor to first-year English Teachers. The English Department is excited to welcome back Michael McSweeney to the English Department this year! Professional Endeavors, Coursework, &Advanced Dem Alexandra DiSorbo-Lynch continues to pursue a CAGS program through American International College. Kate Crosby is enrolled in the MFA program at Bennington College and continues to write fiction. Andrea Mooney presented her original research at the New England Philosophy of Education Society's Annual Meeting. She continues to pursue her doctorate in Literacy Studies from UMass Lowell. Danja Mahoney is pursuing an Educational Leadership doctoral program at Endicott College. Maura Correa is pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management through Fitchburg State College. Jane Cunningham took the second Lesley Institute for Trauma Sensitivity (LiFTS) course offered at RMHS over the summer. Leia Richardson is a freelance writer for American Greetings greeting card company and has had over 30 cards published. RMHS Performing Arts Department The Choral, Band, and Drama Programs are working collaboratively to fundraise, attend each other's events, and support student participation in multiple activities. Several dedicated students were able to participate in all three areas during the fall months: Select Choir,Marching Band, and the fall musical Mamma Mia. Arts Spirit Night was alive and well in September when chorus and drama students attended a Friday night football game to support their fellow students: the football players, cheerleaders, marching band, and color guard! The Performing Arts Department held their annual Informal Recital and Formal Recital. Our young musicians shared their many talents with audience members. In January, the Performing Arts Department continued their tradition of visiting the middle schools, introducing the eighth graders to the RMHS program. This visit was followed by a music orientation night at the high school,during which incoming students and their parents learned more about the curricular and extracurricular options at the high school. 127 RMHS Band & Color Guard The Marching Band placed second in the state with the highest score they have ever received at NESBA Finals. RMHS BPO successfully hosted a NESBA Marching Band competition. Jazz Ensemble won a gold medal at the Northeast District Festival and a Silver Medal at All State Festival Stage Band received a bronze medal at the Northeast District Festival RMHS BPO Hosted both the MAJE Northeast Senior and Junior District Festivals Several musicians were recognized for outstanding musicianship at competitions. RMHS BPO (Reading Memorial High School Band Parent Organization), continues to support instrumental opportunities for our students. Several students were excepted to the Northeast Senior and Junior District Festival Three students were accepted to the Massachusetts All State Ensembles. The Winter Color Guard placed second in the state in the NESBA State Finals The Symphonic Band received a Silver Medal at the MICCA State Festival Director Joe Mulligan was elected President of the Massachusetts Association for Jazz Education The bands at RMHS played for over 20 committee and school events including Veterans Day, Memorial Day,National Honors Society, Graduation and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. RMHS Choral Music Many music students were accepted into the Northeastern Senior District and Jr. District Music Festival Choirs. One member of the Class of 2019 performed with the All-State Festival Chorus at Symphony Hall in Boston in March. Two members of the Class of 2019 performed with the prestigious All-Eastern Honors Ensemble in Pittsburgh in April. The Choral Department's performing groups performed at many events throughout the year, including the RMHS Pep Rally, Festival of Trees, Dickens Holiday Craft Faire, Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Baccalaureate, and Graduation, as well as various other town events. 128 RMHS Choral groups held two successful concerts (Winter Songfest and Spring into Song)which were open to the public and attended by numerous alumni. The Mixed Choir and Select Choirs performed at ArtsFest 2019, again joining forces with eighth grade singers from Parker and Coolidge Middle Schools to form a special combined choir of nearly 150 singers. The Crescendudes and Fermata Nowhere celebrated the holidays by once again caroling around Reading at various homes,parties, businesses, and nursing homes. This gift of music benefits our singers as much as it does the residence of Reading. Thank you to Stoneham Ford for their donation of two vans for the four nights of caroling. Many individual choral students performed the National Anthem at various sporting events and town sponsored ceremonies throughout the year. The student choral officers hosted a karaoke night for all interested singers(and wannabe singers). Students from the high school and middle schools enjoyed a fun night of entertainment, including DJ services by one of our own high school students. The choir parent booster organization, VOICE, was able to again sponsor annual scholarships for seniors in June. Two $500 scholarships were awarded to deserving seniors from the class of 2019. VOICE continued to show incredible support for the choral program, donating a new digital Yamaha piano for the high school chorus room. RMHS Drama The RMHS Drama Club had a full year of performances,community outreach projects and student learning. Our wildly successful production of the musical Mamma Mia in November or 2018 had audiences dancing in the isles and standing in long lines at the box office.It was a blast! We then immediately started our winter season. As auditions and rehearsals began,the holidays gave the drama club lots of opportunities to give back to the larger community. Service person care packages were created and distributed by the drama club officers for local police, fire fighters and other civil service men and women in our town. More cheer was spread through our involvement in the REF Festival of Trees and the Dicken's Holiday Craft Fair hosted by Parent's Supporting Student Theatre, and we went into the new year with full hearts. January brought the rehearsal processes for two productions. First,performed in February was Selfie. This production directed by student director Ryan Norton held a mirror(or a phone camera)up to the current lives and struggles of teens. Students dealt with topical challenges they face daily—from hate acts,to gender inequality, to anxiety and self-doubt. The show was a triumph and had a lasting impact on audiences. 129 Following Selfie was our production of The Chronicles of Jane Book Seven. A lighter, comedic look at high school life as the protagonist Jane competes enemies like the nymphs of slumber, procrastination and her little brother Stewart, trying to finish a term paper. The cast and crew rocked the house to a soundtrack of Queen songs that fit the rock concert vibe of the show. Our spring season began quickly after the final bow of Jane. Don't That Dial, was a show written and directed for the first time here at RMHS. Set in the 1938 CBS radio studios the night before Halloween, the cast brought the audience back in time with stage adaptations of radio episodes of The Adventures of Superman and culminating in the creepy re-airing of The War of the Worlds. Seeing inside the world of the golden age of radio and bringing historical characters like Orson Wells to the stage was a challenge and a triumph for the club. Even when the curtain falls on our final performance the RMHS Drama Club is still alive and active.The Playwrighting class showcased 10 original I0-minute plays written by students in April and attended the BU Playwrighting Festival. The RMHS improv troupe IMPROVOSAURUS performed two shows, one in January and one in June making audiences laugh out loud. They performed a challenging style of improv known as "long form" improv at the June show and were wildly successful. The RMHS Shakespeare Society performed reimagined Shakespeare scenes at the Dicken's Holiday Fair. June brought the drama club banquet and senior celebration. Seniors from the RMHS Drama Club went on to schools such as Emerson, Pace, Fordham, Boston Conservatory, Ithaca and NYU to name a few, many continuing their interests and studies in the theatre. The club was incredibly proud to see 39 drama students graduate RMHS,many of whom spent four years of active interest in the club and all it has to offer. This year is shaping up to be another great one. We have been rehearsing and practicing for our fall musical Chicago which opens this November. The RMHS Drama Club continues to strive to uphold Its mission statement, of producing quality and thought-provoking theatre that helps teach our members and connect with our community. The Drama Club took its annual trip to Broadway. Art Department Students won awards in all categories at The Boston Globe Scholastic Art awards, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography. This year students participated in Youth Art Month, a juried art show, where student work was displayed at the Transportation Building in Boston. In May 2017, Juniors and Seniors in Studio art and AP Art presented their artwork for the AP Art Show. 130 Art teachers post to Instagram on a daily basis highlighting the day to day accomplishments of the students in the art classrooms. Art teachers presented and promoted art classes to Parker and Coolidge students in order to introduce the courses to incoming freshman. RMHS Athletics Middlesex League Championships Cheerleading 2018 Football 2018 Girls Swim 2018 Golf 2018 Volleyball 2018 Gymnastics 2018-2019 Girls Lacrosse 2018-2019 Softball 2018-2019 More Accomplishments Girls Swimming 2018 State Champions Gymnastics finished 5th in States and 4th in New England RMHS Health and Wellness Continuation of the financial support for inspections, maintenance, and licensing, RMHS has been able to continue our Challenge Course offerings during 9th-12th grade PE classes Health and Wellness Dept members were engaged in professional development through Skills Based Health Curriculum Development with Dr. Sarah Benes, through the NPEN (local organization of health and wellness educators)and MAPHERD(state-wide affiliate of the national AAPHERD organization of Health and Wellness educators), improve content and skills-based knowledge around vaping, creating safe space for LGBTQ+ students One of our Health and Wellness Dept members will earn his Master of Education in Physical Education in December 2019-2020 continuation of full-implementation of the REF Grant-funded technology in RMHS Health and Wellness classes Continued the work with district preK-12 Health and Wellness educators to vertically re-align preK-12 Health and Wellness classes within the district Continued the work from 2017-2019 with district preK-12 Health and Wellness educators and Dr. Sarah Benes from Merrimack College, a leading national instructor in Skills-Based Health Education, to move toward & fully implement Skills-Based Health Education and to further 131 develop effective Skills-Based Health lessons for grades 3-12, continuing to align our preK-12 Health and Wellness classes to the State and National Frameworks https://www.shapeamerica.org/ (National Frameworks), new state frameworks are under current panel review this year Direct implantation of these new lessons 2019-2020 with professional development time to reflect, evaluate, and improve these effective and engaging lessons With the help of our added.8 FTE in PE from the 2018-2019 school year at RMHS,we've been able to restructure our physical education classes to offer more choice activities for 9th-12th graders in physical education classes One Health and Wellness Dept member will be attending the National AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Conference in December and bringing back current skill development in the field of net activities for the PreK-12 Physical Education program 132 ARTHUR W. COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL Sarah Marchant, Principal Brienne Karow,Assistant Principal Introduction The mission of Coolidge Middle School is to create a challenging and respectful environment for all students and to provide the varied experiences necessary for becoming confident, independent learners. The Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School continues to strengthen this mission by fostering a "learning community"for all, including staff, students, and parents. Our school community is characterized by a shared mission and vision, collective inquiry that accompanies a constant striving to improve, an organizational structure of collaborative teams that share a common purpose, a willingness to try new approaches, and annual self-assessment to examine results. As we continue striving to successfully address the social,physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of all our students, we look forward to accomplishing the new goals set forth in our School Improvement Plan—while at the same time, we celebrate our successes of the previous year. Below are just a few of the highlights... Coolidge Core Values The foundation of the Coolidge community are its core values of Perseverance, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork. All members of the Coolidge community are expected to be "P.A.R.T." of these core values, including students, staff, and parents. Academic, Behavior, and Emotional Support and Alignment Students are best ready to learn and to maximize their potential when they feel emotionally safe and present, and when behaviors are not interrupting their learning. To that end, we support all students socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and academically. We continue to develop the capacity of the staff, as well as our resources, to support these efforts. Positive Behavior & Supports Coolidge continues to use its Core Values at the core of its daily principals for students and staff alike. These core values are modeled, taught,reinforced, and refined for different locations in the school. Following a year-long kick-off by our leadership team, all staff have now integrated many positive behavior incentives for students, including a ticket system for when students model what is expected; students who go "above and beyond" are awarded the prestigious Coolidge Commendation awards. Facing History and Ourselves: Development and Implementation of a new Advisory Program Thanks to the support of the district's School Transformation Grant, both middle schools joined with the"Facing History and Ourselves"organization to develop a series of Advisory sessions that went into effect in the fall of 2017. These sessions, completed in small advisory groups consisting of one teacher and 13-14 students, cover topics such as identity, community, membership in communities, bias, and building empathy. This resource has provided a consistent Advisory experience for all Reading middle schoolers, in an effort to fight bullying. Tiered Interventions: Strengthening Tier 1; Developing Tier 2 This year, the concept and use of tiered interventions have become common practice in our everyday plan of what we provide for students. We continue to focus on building strong Tier 1 133 instruction and support so that all students have a strong foundation for academic,behavioral, and social-emotional development. We have built structures to better support Tier 2 supports within the school day through the implementation of a "What I Need" intervention block, which is provided two mornings a week for 22 minutes. Student Support Team Process Developed and Formalized After a year of research, development and piloting, Coolidge now has a formalized Student Support Team. The SST team is a team consisting of a mix of an administrator, student support staff, and other teachers who work together to help teams of teachers to provide supports for struggling students when our more standard Tier 2 supports, or DCAP supports, are not meeting student needs. Student Activities and Programs The Coolidge Science Olympiad Team participated in the State Championship in March at Assumption College in Worcester, where they earned second place. Coolidge received two Reading Education Foundation(REF) grants, including: • The foreign language department received a computer cart, with 32 laptops, as well as communication software, to provide increased and differentiated access to reading, speaking, and communicating activities. • A grade-level set of the book "Refugee" (Alan Gratz), which will be integrated into the curriculum around topics of Intolerance(this grant was in collaboration with Parker Middle School). All Coolidge students participated in various community service events, including Coats for Kids, pull tabs for Shriner's, a food drive for the Reading Food Pantry, and a "Read to Feed" event to benefit Heiffer International. All Coolidge students participated in Coolidge Gives Back Day, a basketball-tournament fundraiser in which all students picked a local charity of choice, donated to that charity in some form (raising money, donating time, donating goods), and (if they so chose) played in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Coolidge music ensembles made several charitable performances during the year, including the Festival of Trees,the Pleasant St. Senior Center,Taste of Metro North,and the Artis Senior Center. 8t'grade students on Team Gemini visited Quebec in May to experience the language and culture of a French-speaking city. Stn grade students on Team Pegasus visited the White Mountains in June to participate in teambuilding and leadership-promoting activities, including a high ropes course, a hike on Loon Mountain, an exploration through Lost River Gorge, zip lining, and other outdoor activities. Teachers led students on various field trips during the school day, including to the Museum of Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Harvard Natural History Museum, a Flemenco Dance production,a Salsa dancing class and Mexican lunch,and a trip to the North Shore Music Theater's production of"A Christmas Carol". 134 In December, students participated in the Hour of Code. In both of these instances, Coolidge students worked with students at Birch Meadow to complete coding projects. This coding activity was led by Librarian Chris Steinhauser and Technology Specialist Matthew Darling, both who have received training by "code.org", and who are thereby integrating more coding into their enrichment and elective courses. Thanks to a financial donation and financial support of the Coolidge PTO, all 8th graders at Coolidge(and Parker)participated in"Challenge Day"in October 2018, a day that encourages all participants to"Notice; Choose;Act"and to celebrate themselves and each other for who they are. Many staff, parents, and community members also participated. Many special events were made possible at Coolidge thanks to the financial sponsorship of the PTO, including: Family Math and Science Night; Field Day; Olympiad Day; Tanglewood Marionettes; a professional Romeo &Juliet production; a presentation by Lynn Lyons (Managing Anxiety) and much more! Librarian Chris Steinhauser organized author visits in December 2018 and October 2019, respectively, who presented to the entire school. Karen McMannus, author of the book "One of Us is Lying",both presented and led workshops with students. This year, author Michael Tougias presented to all students about one of his(30)books,"A Storm Too Soon: A True Story of Survival and a Remarkable Rescue". Both of these were financially supported by the Coolidge PTO. Holocaust survivor Margot Holender visited Coolidge 8th graders, with whom she shared her family's story of perseverance, survival, and loss. This was the first presentation made by Ms. Holender, including a meaningful message and experience that will not be forgotten. In January 2019, Freaky Friday Jr. was performed by over 100 Coolidge students (including both cast and crew members)to sold-out audiences in the high school performing arts center. The Middle School Jazz Band participated in the MAJE festival last Spring. Coolidge had thirteen students audition for, and be accepted to, the Northeast Junior District Festival in March. Six students had their artwork on display in Boston at the State Transportation Building as part of Youth Art Month show. (Abigail LeBovidge, Sam Panariti, Riya Patel, Olivia Marchant, Sara Leclaire, Reilly Learned) 8th grader Mikayla Gigliotti won the Coolidge Geography Bee. Multiple Coolidge students participated in the 17th Annual Special Olympics in Malden in May, receiving many accolades for their accomplishments as well as an all-school celebrational welcome on their return. 135 Fifteen Coolidge students participated in the Anti-Defamation League's Peer Leader program, named "A World of Difference" at Coolidge. Students participated in trainings, helped to run "getting to know you"activities for incoming 6th graders on Move-Up Day,ran school assemblies, and led 6th graders through activities to build empathy. They were also trained by the ADL to be facilitators in the building, and they attended the yearly ADL Teen Summit. Two Coolidge AWOD students, Ava Giunta and Lauren Cormier, presented two sessions at the Reading Spring Institute and also presented at the yearly Anti-Defamation League's Teen Summit in Boston. Their topic, spreading Peace through imagery, was created to counter the acts of hate in the community. (Instagram: readingmapeace) All Coolidge staff participated in various professional development opportunities, including: Youth Mental Health First Aid, Inclusive Practices (Landmark), Managing Anxiety by Lynn Lyons, and Reading Institute Spring Conference. Various Coolidge staff participated in professional development specific to their curriculum, including: QBS de-escalation training, Writer's Workshop, Reader's Workshop, Art Education Association National Conference, Massachusetts Association for Science Teachers conference, code.org training, Equity for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners, Civics Training, Teacher's College, and more. Coolidge and Parker teachers and administration collaborated to refine the middle school Advisory curriculum and units with a focus on Connections and Perspective Taking. Coolidge and Parker teachers piloted new curriculum in 6th and 8th grade social studies, starting in September 2019,which involved significant work in their middle school departments and with the district curriculum coordinator, Alison Straker. 136 WALTER S. PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL Richele Shankland, Principal Brendan Norton,Assistant Principal Introduction• The Walter S. Parker Middle School is a school community dedicated to the core values of kindness, community and personal best. Through a true middle school model, team-based approach, the staff focuses on developing and teaching the whole-child. Mission Statement: At the Parker Middle School, we strive to maintain a school culture that balances a rigorous and engaging learning community with a child-centered environment that honors the individual talents and struggles of every child. We acknowledge that, in the middle school years, our students face some of the most dramatic physical, social and emotional growth of their lives. Thus, it is our responsibility, in partnership with parents, to teach critical skills and provide the adult guidance that will help students grow to lead confident, responsible and productive lives. Student Activities and Programs Parker Service members participated in community outreach: Coats for Kids, The Reading Food Pantry, Pine Street Inn Kindness Kits, Tannerville Holiday Social, Parker staff and students continue to develop and participate in grade level core value activities. Parker Middle School Science Olympiad Team participated in the March 2019 competition. Parker teachers attended several conferences including: • NPEN(Nov 2019) • White Responsibility, A National Teach-In on Anti-Racism in America(Aug 2019) • Civics Literacy Conference (June 2019) • History& Social Science Professional Learning Institute (June 2019) • Reading Summer Institute (June 2019) • METCO Director's Conference (Dec 2018) • MTA Ethnic Minority Conference (Dec 2018) Parker Teachers participated in the following professional development opportunities: QBS Training,Mentor training,The Impact of Trauma on Learning through Lesley University,Reader's Workshop, Cross District History Curriculum Mapping Team(CDHM),Action Civics Workshop, Inclusive Practices with Adam Hickey/Landmark Outreach (Oct 2018 — June 2020), DESE Teacher Advisory Council on how to elevate the teaching profession in MA, BER Conference: Best Practices in Co-Teaching, Lynn Lyons: Managing Anxiety/Worry 137 Parker math teacher, Rebecca Lord, provides courses within and outside the district: • Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia: Using current research to develop assessment frameworks and plan evidence-based instruction that improves student outcomes • Making Math Real: An incrementally developmental methodology in which each current mathematical development directly builds on the foundation for the next (multi-sensory structured approach) Parker's math team participated in math meets all year and placed third. Parker students auditioned for and 26 were accepted to perform with the Northeast Junior District Band and Chorus in March 2019. Special Events at Parker included: Reading Food Pantry Drive, Players for Parker, AWOD Opening Assembly(Nov 2018),Veteran's Day Assembly by grade 8 students, Science Expo Day; Parent Visitation Day; Winter and Spring concerts including, band, chorus, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, select chorus and jazz band, Lynn Lyons school-wide assembly on dealing with anxiety REF Grants approved in Spring 2019 for 2019-2020 implementation: • Working like an Artist with Pottery Wheels: The purchase of three pottery wheels for 7th & 8th grade students at Parker will expand their ceramics knowledge and provide a new way to express their own unique creativity. • Inspiring Future Programmers: Through the use of Finch robots and Microbits, Parker students will build critical thinking skills, computational aptitude, and enthusiasm for computer science. • Building Compassion and Empathy through Literature: Both middle schools will participate in a grade level read of Alan Gratz's The Refugee, engage in activities in a variety of curriculum areas, and experience an author visit to develop a deeper understanding of refugee situations, including those of the current day. • Expanding Current Non-Fiction in the Classroom: Broaden the quality of non-fiction offerings and improve reading/writing skills of Parker 6th grade students through a subscription to Scope magazine and the wide range of text formats found in the interactive, online Scope website. Parker Drama performed 3 shows of the musical "The Music Man" to be followed by this year's "The Little Mermaid." Over 100 Parker students participated in the show. Twenty-six Parker students were chosen (Oct 2018) to participate in the ADL's World of Difference Program. They were trained in November and will facilitate activities in 6t' grade classrooms and will promote a positive school culture through anti-bias awareness assemblies. Eighteen students have been selected in October 2019 for this school year. Parker 7th&8th grade students participated in Student Led Conferences at Open House presenting portfolios of their work and having intimate discussions with their parents and guardians. 138 Parker Art and Grade 8 Science teachers continue an Interdisciplinary project: STEAM: Engineering and Art. Many Parker staff and student groups donated 4 trees for The REF Festival of Trees in 2018. Parker students participated in several educational field trips throughout the year, including a 6th grade trip Dirt Detectives trip to Plum Island and Spencer Pierce Little Farm,the annual 7th grade trip to Nature's Classroom, 7th grade field trip to Northshore Music Theater to see A Christmas Carol, an 8th grade French trip to Quebec, an 8th grade day trip for Spanish students (food demonstration/merengue lesson) and an 8th grade extended day trip to Boston. 8th grade students were able to see an in-house performance of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare Now. 6th grade students were able to participate in an interactive enrichment experience with Myth Masters. The Reading Middle Schools Select Chorus performed for a luncheon at the Senior Center. Parker chorus & band members collaborated with Coolidge musicians for the annual ArtsFest concert in April while grades 6-8 student artwork was on display. Parker had its second 8th grade music festival, where 2 clinicians came to work with the band & chorus, &then after school took a trip to Canobie Lake as a culminating celebration of their hard work! A Parker teacher and 8th grade students hosted and participated in the annual Parker Cribbage Tournament, which paired students with senior citizens from the Reading Senior Center. Student leaders planned and facilitated our third annual "Showcase for a Cause" in June 2019. Students showcased their talents for St. Judes. Parker 8th grade students participated in Challenge Day, a day that encourages all participants to "be real" and celebrate themselves and each other for who they are. Many staff, parents, district administrators and community members also participated. Parker held its annual National Geographic Bee and one student qualified for and competed in the State Geography Bee. This was the second time in 9 years that a student from Parker qualified! Four sixth grade students and one seventh grade student won Honorable Mention awards in the Boston Sports Museum Will McDonough Essay Writing Contest. Parker continues to have teachers who provide workshops (Math and ELA) through the Collaborative Project for Professional Development(Salem State Collaborative). 139 During the summer of 2019, Parker and Coolidge teachers collaborated to revise the advisory program providing resources and activities for teachers across both schools. During the summer of 2019, Parker teachers collaborated to provide staff with a PD plan for inclusive practices work for the 2019-2020 school year. Understanding Disabilities sponsored a school-wide assembly with Collette Divitto of Collette's Cookies! AWOD Peer Leaders participated in the Leaders in Action: 2019 ADL's 25th Annual Youth Congress A Parker School Psychologist, Dr. Kimberly Bernazzani, successfully completed the American Board of School of Neuropsychology (ABSNP), LLC for the Diplomate in School Neuropsychology credential. 140 A. M. BARROWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Beth Leavitt, Principal 2019 brought another year of engagement and excitement at Barrows Elementary. Barrows continues to focus on teaching the whole child; academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering a strong community of learners and their families. The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support(MTSS) Leadership committee worked throughout the year to continue to build our Tier 1 of the Barrows' Beliefs (Be Respectful, Be Safe, Persevere, Collaborate) and utilize the school-wide recognition utilizing star tickets, and also build in some community incentives like an all-school dance party and buddy class kickball games. The Barrows staff continued to participate in professional development activities, both during district Professional Learning Community(PLC)times and during building-based work. Areas of focus included implementation of the Common Core Standards, Writers Workshop curriculum, Open Circle, Math in Focus, technology, literacy, social emotional development, data collection, school-wide initiatives, and strategies to meet the needs of our various students. Barrows students participated in a school-wide"Students That are Readers Shine"(STARS)Read- A-Thon and a Reach Out and Read event that teachers hosted Barrows families to join them for a reading of their favorite stories. Barrows Shining Stars read a total of 356.113 minutes during our Read-A-Thon! Author Sarah Lynne Reul came and spoke with all students which kicked off the Read-A-Thon. School Community/Social Emotional Learning Our Barrows Social Emotional learning is a priority and continues to be a focus area for our professional work. Our Barrows' Beliefs are embraced by all students and staff members who can recite our core values (Be Respectful, Be Safe,Persevere, and Collaborate.) Our ongoing positive recognition system celebrates students when they are "caught" showing expected behaviors with an innovated online input system developed by Carina Becker and our MTSS Leadership Team. Our ongoing efforts ensure that all staff members hold consistent expectations and have common language to teach appropriate school behavior to our students. All Barrows classroom teachers are trained in the social emotional curriculum of Open Circle, and lessons continue to be shared with students across all grade levels. Buddy classrooms is a Barrows tradition that partners upper grade- levels (3-5) with a younger buddy in a lower grade-level (K-2) to read to each other, do collaborative activities, and create positive relationships across our grade-levels. Our annual winter holiday sing-along was a great event that partnered buddy classrooms together to sing winter songs in their cozy pajamas. Students Barrows Elementary School served around 391 students ranging from kindergarten through grade five. There are three classrooms of each grade level, 4 third grade classrooms, and three kindergarten classrooms. Barrows hosted it's "Reading Under the Stars" night with teachers and alumni students reading to students. 141 The Building Leadership Team (MTSS) worked throughout the year to continue to build our Tier 1 of the Barrows' Beliefs (Be Respectful, Be Safe, Persevere, Collaborate) and utilize the school- wide recognition utilizing star tickets, and also build in some community incentives like an all- school dance party and buddy class kickball games. The Wellness, Allergy, Safety, and Health (WASH) committee continued their work and did a month on Food Groups where students could send in a photo of them trying new Fruits,Vegetables etc. and was displayed in the cafe. The Fifth Grade Safety Stars hosted Safe Routes to School Walk to School Days to encourage all students to walk to school and remind them of safety protocols. The Safety Stars also volunteered their time to assist teachers with daily prep and provide support for younger learners. Mrs. Rose talked with the students about safety as well as having a speaker from Children's Hospital stressing the importance of Bike and Helmet safety. Students sent in photos to be displayed showing bike safety and wearing their helmets. The Barrows Library/Media center continued to implement Maker Space to support STEM learning, book talks during lunch time,birthday book celebrations, as well as a Dr. Seuss drawing contest. Barrows students and the Student Council participated in several community service activities; food drives, coat collection for Anton's Coats for Kids Drive, and the REF Festival of Trees. The students also did an outstanding job of raising over $2,000 for the Mission of Deeds "Buy a Bed" Program. The raised enough money to purchase 22 Beds. More than any other organization has ever done! The Barrows community for the 5th year in a row participated in"Operation Gratitude", collecting hundreds of pounds of candy to send to our active troops. Barrows held a Veterans Day Assembly during which invited Barrows family members that served in the military attended and were thanked and celebrated for their service. Barrows participated in its' annual Beautification Day, which included students planting veggies, flowers and herbs to make our school beautiful! Donations from our PTO allowed for grades to have special spots around the campus and to implement brand new planting beds. We continued our learning across grades 1-5 with Understanding Disabilities The Barrows staff continued to participate in professional development activities. Areas of focus included implementation of Reader's Workshop curriculum, Open Circle, Math in Focus, technology, literacy, social emotional development, data collection, school-wide initiatives, and strategies to meet the needs of our various students. Barrows teachers visited other schools to observe peers and make vertical connections at Parker Middle School. Annual Barrows school community events were held including the PTO back to school picnic, Talent Show, Fun Run, Monster Mash, Craft Fair, Barrows Recital & Fine Arts celebration, 5th 142 grade celebration, Student Vs. Staff basketball game, K graduation, the wax museum, 3' grade Colonial Day and more. Raised and released endangered Monarch Butterflies and observed their life cycles The Barrows Student Council hosted spirit weeks and participated in some of our community service events. Also, an all school sing along with their buddy classes. Participated in the International Day of Play, and"Dot Day" as a school community Continued to utilize the two BreakoutEDU kits for hands-on engaging learning opportunities. Barrows continued with their monthly all school assemblies to address Barrows Beliefs. Students earned star tickets for showing their beliefs during the school days earning a PJ day and Hat day. PTO provided enrichment programs and Field Trips for Grades K-5. Including an all school assembly by Brian Skavank`Be the Nice Kid" PTO sponsored a Trivia Night and the team from Barrows won! Funds were raised to go toward technology. Barrows PTO donated $23,000 for technology including laptops and carts for grade 5 as well as document cameras for all classrooms. 143 BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Julia Hendrix, Principal Birch Meadow Elementary School is focused on educating, challenging and encouraging all students while serving their unique academic, physical, social and emotional needs. Staff and students model themselves after our core values of being present, safe, kind, responsible and respectful. School Mission Statement Birch Meadow strives to address the needs of the whole child by providing a positive, safe, caring and inclusive learning environment built on respect. As a community, we believe that all children have the potential to develop the skills to be lifelong learners and well equipped for our 21 st century global society. Birch Meadow welcomed two new general education teachers, one Learning Center teacher, two Program special educators,one reading tutor,one regular education paraeducator and two program paraeducators to the staff in Fall, 2019. In September 2019, Birch Meadow families enjoyed our annual Welcome Back picnic and Book Fair. Birch Meadow Student Council participated in the Reading Educational Foundation's Festival of the Trees. Birch Meadow continues to use the "Birch Meadow Yay" program to immediately recognize students and staff who demonstrate positive behaviors in and around school. The Birch Meadow staff continue to participate in professional development opportunities around implementation of Writer's Workshop, Reader's Workshop, mathematics, trauma informed schools, equity and anti-bias, and social emotional learning. Birch Meadow continued with the school and community tradition of the Spooky Fun Fair and Monster Mash in October, 2019. Students and staff at Birch Meadow participated in monthly walk to school and spirit days. In March, 2019, the Birch Meadow students accomplished their reading goal in the Read Across America program. The students had no homework for the week, and Ms. Hendrix was assigned homework by each grade level. Birch Meadow PTO provided enrichment programs for Grades K-5 including trips to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Concord Museum, and the Acton Discovery Museum The annual Intercultural Potluck took place at Birch Meadow with families celebrating diversity through music, dance, food and activities. QBS certification and recertification was completed by teachers and paraeducators. Core Values are reinforced at All School Meetings and through a school-wide Core Value Survey. 144 Birch Meadow has implemented an Artist-In-Residence program at the school. In 2018-2019, the visiting artist was Kimberly Robertson who led singing and performing workshops at every grade level. Grade levels performed at All School Meeting. In 2019-2020, the visiting artist is poet Regie Gibson, who is leading poetry writing and performance workshops at all grade levels. Grade level teams held data team meetings every six to seven weeks to examine student data and plan instruction. Safety Committee continues to examine safety protocols in the school, refine our fire drill/evacuation procedures, and plan ALICE Drills. Birch Meadow fifth graders joined fifth graders from all Reading Schools in a day long trip to Project Adventure to kick off the transition to Middle School. 145 JOSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LisaMarie Ippolito, Principal Mission: The Joshua Eaton Elementary School is committed to developing a community of learners that are respectful of each other, our school culture, and our learning abilities, supportive of our social, emotional and physical needs and prepared to make a positive contribution to our school and the Reading Community. The Joshua Eaton Elementary School fosters an environment that provides students with the skills required to work hard every day and achieve individual learning goals and challenges. Joshua Eaton Elementary School is one of 5 elementary school within the Reading Public Schools. It is located in a suburban setting approximately 20 miles north of Boston. The Joshua Eaton School was built in 1949 and named after Joshua Eaton,the only Revolutionary War soldier from Reading to lose his life in battle. When the school opened in 1949,it was selected as the best-designed elementary school house among the 38,000 whose blueprints were submitted for national review. New Student Orientation took place in August 2019. It provided an opportunity for incoming students and their families to visit Joshua Eaton, meet their classroom teachers, meet the new principal and classmates. This is a wonderful way to build new friendships before the start of the new school year. All Joshua Eaton students and their families were welcomed back to Joshua Eaton the night before school started. Students were able to visit the school, their classrooms, and greet their friends. This event supported students not to have so many first day jitters returning to school the next day. Jaguar Tracks Family Newsletter goes out every Thursday with news all the happenings of Joshua Eaton, PTO activities and fundraising posts. Features such as Books and Bytes promote literacy and technology integration. Principal Ippolito held monthly Parent Cafe's as a way to have two-way communication with the families of Joshua Eaton on topics such as Literacy, MCAS and student life at Joshua Eaton Joshua Eaton holds their annual Veterans Day featuring Sgt. Dan Clark, "the Singing Trooper" and hosted nearly 50 Veterans. 10 Joshua Eaton staff members in collaboration with Mrs. Ippolito, participated in a Coteaching Book group to support the practices of a co-teaching model. Some Joshua Eaton staff were able to attend the METCO Conference in December. Joshua Eaton student safeties reinforce the school values and help daily routines 146 The Joshua Eaton student council took part in the Festival of Trees,holiday food collection,candy collection and other community service projects. Mr. Magazzu,new PE Teacher, holds a Family Fitness Night for students and their families. This night promotes healthy habits. Joshua Eaton hosted its annual Spelling Bee. The Joshua Eaton Jaguar Jog was held in the spring. Students from the Reading Memorial High School Cross Country track teams came to assist with the event. QBS certification and recertification was completed by teachers and paraeducators. The Joshua Eaton Read-a-thon was a love of literacy event, as well as a fundraiser ran successfully for 4 weeks in February to Read Across America Day. Students were extremely engaged with literature and this fundraiser resulted in a$25,000 donation from the PTO for technology at Joshua Eaton. Joshua Eaton hosted its' annual Jr. Author Fest to celebrate student writing. Over 600 pieces of student writing was on display and shared during the day. Joshua Eaton hosted a week of"Music Informances" for parents to see first-hand the talent and happenings in our music classes. Several staff members present at the Blue-Ribbon Conference in Reading Public Schools Joshua Eaton PTO events such as the Halloween Howl, Field Day, Back to School picnic, Walk to School Days, Ice Cream Social and Authorfest enhance the school culture The Joshua Eaton Responsive Discipline Book team revised our expected behaviors matrix and supplemental lesson plans to support students in displaying our school values The Wellness, Allergy, Safety and Health (WASH) Committee consisting of staff and parents continued to meet regularly to commit to the safety of all students. The focus became various types of safety. Joshua Eaton staff, as well as staff from all elementary schools, participated in many professional development activities, such as; Writer's Workshop Training, AMC Math coaching, Landmark School training and QBS (Safety Care) Training to name a few. Joshua Eaton's Spring 2019 MCAS data reflect a tremendous upward trend in growth and student achievement. 147 J. W. KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Sarah A. Leveque, Principal Introduction The staff members of the J.W. Killam School are pleased to highlight some of our many accomplishments from 2019. Each and every day, teachers enter the building ready to greet our children,prepared to stretch their thinking, and support each other in the process. A teacher wears many different hats, and the requirements of the work continue to evolve, and yet, our teachers all welcomed the new year with a positive mindset and a commitment to grow. Similarly, the role of families in schools feels more critical than ever and it is clear that Killam is a neighborhood school that supports all children who come to learn, explore their surroundings, and grow intellectually. Our commitment to the Reading children is strong and concentrated on what our students need: a sense of belonging in an environment that focuses on teaching, learning, and building positive relationships in a safe environment. Mission Statement The J.W. Killam Elementary School is T.R.R.F.C.C. place where everyone belongs, where everyone achieves at their personal best, and where everyone's accomplishments are celebrated! Our staff will work collaboratively to improve student learning and achievements so that every child will leave the J.W. Killam Elementary School having met or exceeding district and state standards. Villam's Core Values Trustworthy Respectful Responsible Fair Caring Citizens The Killam School Council holds monthly meetings engaging parents and staff in ongoing discussions that support and enhance student learning. The School Council is working hard to examine and support the school improvement plan and the guidelines of the school. The focus areas this year are as follows: MCAS Results, Attendance Issues, Homework Guidelines, Mindfulness, and Community Assets to Support Schools and Families. The Killam PTO continued to fund enrichment programs for Grades K-5 both with curriculum related field trips and in-house enrichment programs. Killam parents and community members supported the Week of Code at Killam by engaging students in an introduction to computer science. This is a global movement that reaches tens of millions of kids. The Reading Education Foundation grants funded materials for our library such as an"All Access Collection" to support students who are dyslexic and trade books to support our Open Circle Social-Emotional Curriculum. They also supported our Tier II Mentor program and curriculum training for the Leveled Literacy Intervention Program. Reading Rotary continues to donate backpacks with books for our Kindergarten students, and trees to our Grade 5 students for Arbor Day. 148 The Wellness, Allergy, Safety and Health (WASH) Committee consisting of teachers and parents continues to meet regularly to commit to the safety of all students. The Committee will support the focus areas of the School Council. The Killam School welcomed Ms. Jaculen Maglio, Administrative Assistant, Ms. Julie Vetal, Fourth Grade Teacher, Mrs. Ashley Wheaton, Kindergarten Teacher, Ms. Melissa Greenberg, Therapeutic Support Program Social Worker, Ms. Cristina Prior, Tutor, Mrs. Michele Sanphy, Tutor, Ms. Elizabeth Rowland, Interventionist, Ms. Christine Bridges, Paraeducator, Mrs. Lisa Frechette,Paraeducator,Ms. Katrina Katafkos,Paraeducator,Mrs. Dana Levin,Paraeducator,Mr. Stephen Clermont, Paraeducator, Ms. Meghan McClune, Paraeducator, Mrs. Laura Fusco, Paraeducator, Ms. Michelle Melchionda, Cafeteria Staff, and Ms. Katherine Boebel, Cafeteria Staff for the 2019-2020 school year. TRRFCC (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship) Character Program continues to be strong in the Killam community and school-wide expectations were developed and shared with the entire community based on the MTSS model. As part of an ongoing effort to make sure all students feel connected, safe, and supported, a mentoring program continues to offer student-teacher connections. The Killam Building Leadership Team continues to develop a variety of social-emotional and academic supports based on the core values and data reflective process that addresses the needs of our students. The Killam 4th-5th Students remained active in showing their citizenship by volunteering their time to do a variety of jobs around the school, including keeping"Emie's Island"on the intersection of Charles Street and Haverhill Street well-maintained. The Killam students demonstrated our TRRFCC core values by participating in a drive to support Tall Spires Preschool in Wakefield, Food Pantry donations, Anton's Coats for Kids Drive, donating Halloween Candy to the Troops and REF Festival of Trees and the Annual Killam Beautification Day. Killam staff continues to recognize individual students who demonstrate our TRRFCC core values. Classes are also recognized for collaboratively demonstrating these values and are presented with "Golden Awards," including attendance awards through our whole-school focus of getting our students to school. Every day counts at Killam! Teachers from Killam attended a variety of professional development opportunities provided both by the district and by other organizations. These include PD in the area of Writing, Math, Social Thinking, Open Circle, Equity in Education, Science, Behavior Management, Health and Wellness, and the Fine Arts. Killam PTO continued to fund enrichment programs for Grades K-5 both with curriculum related field trips and in-house enrichment programs. Through the support of the Killam PTO, we enhanced the Health and Wellness efforts by offering an 8-week Mindfulness curriculum practice to all our fourth and fifth grade students. 149 The use of technology continuously increases with the addition of 63 student laptops, 6 teacher laptops, and 6 SmartBoards. Additionally, students are enjoying a suite of OSMO educational products to support guided learning in 21 st Century technology skills. Killam continues with our monthly all school meetings to promote our TRRFCC behavior expectations. Killam hosted its first Annual Flag Day Ceremony in June. Our students and local scouts supported the outdoor ceremony with individual flags and patriotic songs. The Killam school continues to have a strong partnership with Endicott College's teacher preparation program and welcomed student teachers into the school. Killam School presented their annual Halloween Bash and Family Picnics. 150 WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Joanne King,Principal Wood End Elementary School is pleased to highlight the many accomplishments for 2019. With a continued focus on student achievement,we collaborate with our families to instill our core values, nurturing our students to be respectful,responsible,honest, engaged, and safe. We are fortunate to have a welcoming and caring family community which takes an active role in supporting our mission to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Family& Community Partnerships Our annual Kindergarten Orientation provided an opportunity for 41 incoming students and their families to visit Wood End in June and meet their classroom teachers and classmates. This is a wonderful way to build new friendships before the summer vacation and start of the new school year. New and returning families attended the annual Family Field Night in September, taking part in a variety of games and activities on the playground and enjoying pizza with friends and neighbors. This is a great way to catch up with friends and gear up for the new school year. The annual Grandparents' Day was a huge success as many of our Wood End grandparents took part in the Read Across America activities and shared their favorite stories with our students. This is one of Wood End's most treasured traditions! The Leadership Team, with the tremendous support of teaching staff, successfully implemented a mentoring program for students and a check-in check-out (CICO) program as part of our Tier 2 systems of support to better meet the individual needs of students requiring more targeted interventions. Our Student Council members hosted our annual all-school celebration to honor and recognize our Veterans. Students and staff participated in our 4th annual"Hats Off to Vets"fundraiser, donating $1 to wear a hat to school for the day. All proceeds were donated to the Home Base Program to provide support to our soldiers and their families. Student Council continues to lead our school in monthly spirit days and major fundraising events to support local organizations including Reading Food Pantry, Anton's Coats for Kids, and the Home Base Program. Student Activities, Programs & Support The Leadership Team, comprised of teachers, specialists, and administration, continued its work on implementing a tiered system of support to meet the social, emotional,behavioral and academic needs of students. In its fourth year of implementation, the team has developed a school-wide system for student recognition focused on the core values, a systemic approach to track office discipline referrals, and implementation of Tier 2 interventions including check-in/check-out (CICO) and a mentoring program. This allows us to better meet the individual needs of students requiring more targeted interventions. 151 Student Council members with the support of grade-level teacher leaders, plan and present monthly all-school meetings focused on our core values. Each month, a different grade level hosts a 30-minute presentation or activity to promote our values and teach expected behaviors. Once again, Wood End students participated in the annual Special Olympics sending several athletes to compete in various track and field events. The support of teachers, staff, students and families is always inspiring. Our Olympic athletes continue to make us proud! Two very dedicated and energetic parents,Kelly Mahoney&Lisa Zucchero, continued to lead our morning BOKS program for students. This is our 4th year providing this amazing physical fitness program for students in grades K-5. Students attend the program two days a week from 7:30-8:10 AM. Teaching and Learning We welcomed one new 5th grade classroom teacher, a new school psychologist, and a new special education team chairperson. In addition,three new paraeducators joined our Compass Program as well as one new tutor and a new cafe worker to the Wood End team. Wood End's Building Leadership Team continues to work with teaching staff, to expand the successful implementation of our mentoring program for students and a check-in check-out (CICO) program as part of our Tier 2 systems of support to better meet the individual needs of students requiring more targeted interventions. All classroom teachers, specialists and special education teachers have been trained in Open Circle and are meeting with students each week to teach the skills needed to foster healthy social and emotional relationships while building a caring community. We have an all-school lesson time for Open Circle, every Wednesday 8:30-9:00 when the entire school community takes part in classroom lessons. Fifth grade students took advantage of a morning"coding club"hosted by Mrs. Commito building their skills in math, technology, teamwork, and problem-solving. In addition, these students used a variety of apps to program and control robots that were purchased through a grant from REF. Seven members of our school team attended a week-long Collaborative Proactive Solutions conference in Portland, Maine this summer working alongside Dr. Ross Greene to learn a new model of problem-solving as part of our more intensive Tier 3 support for students. Several Wood End teachers participated in professional development activities, both locally and nationally, to learn and implement the most current practices to support social, emotional and behavioral needs of students as well as provide rich academic instruction. Areas of focus Mathematics, Readers Workshop, Open Circle, technology, literacy, speech& language, fine and performing arts, and social emotional development to meet the needs of our various students. Our Student Council members hosted our annual all-school Veterans Day Celebration to honor and recognize our Veterans. Students and staff participated in our 51h annual "Hats Off to Vets" 152 fundraiser, donating$1 to wear a hat to school for the day.All proceeds were donated to the Home Base Program to provide support to our soldiers and their families. Students worked in grade-level teams with the support of teachers to plan and facilitate our all- school meetings and activities. Each month, this time focused on our core values and kindness, including a day of health &wellness and a Kind Cotton fundraiser. Wood End staff and families enjoyed the annual Trivia Night sponsored by our PTO. This event raised more than $19,800 for our school community with most of the funding used to purchase updated technology, enrichment programs, and independent reading books for our students, K-5. Wood End PTO generously funded more than $11,000 in enrichment programs for our students including Kestrel Science Adventures for all students in K-2, Project Adventure for Grade 5, and field trips to the Boston Symphony, Museum of Science, Boston Tea Party, and Lowell Mills. The Wood End PTO raised more than$37,000 through its fundraising efforts and events including Flamingo Flocking, Halloween Monster Bash, Holiday Cookie Walk, Trivia Night, Amazon Smile, Box Tops, restaurant nights and collecting dues. All funds raised are used to support the Wood End community. 153 Last Name First Name Location Description Job Class Description Leave of Absence Arthur Maria Parker Middle School Special Education Para Bedingfield Kelly Reading Memorial High School High School Teacher Bernazanni Kimberly Parker Middle School School Psychologist Blanchard David Reading Memorial High School High School Teacher Bonsey Diane Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Breed Lisa Wood End Elementary School School Psychologist Burbank Rachael Birch Meadow Elementary School Para/Extended Day Teacher Calandrella Sandra District Director Community Education Carr Julian District Network Manager Carven Jessica Parker Middle School Middle School Teacher Chipappini Michele Reading Memorial High School Chemistry Teacher Cohen Kristyn District Payroll and Personnel Assistant Special Education Program Connelly M Cara RISE Preschool Paraeducator Conry Emma Wood End Elementary School School Psychologist Cometta Jessica Joshua Eaton Elementary School Elementary Teacher Coyne Jerald Coolidge Middle School Middle School Teacher Cullen Nancy Wood End Elementary School Special Education Para Cunha Natalie Reading Memorial High School High School Drama Teacher Dailey Kathleen Reading Memorial High School High School Teacher Deane Robert Parker Middle School Custodian Dentremont Eileen Joshua Eaton Elementary School Extended Day Teacher Doherty John District Superintendent Duffy Jessica Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Teacher Emmett-Conrad Jennifer Birch Meadow Elementary School Elementary Teacher Falkenstron John Joshua Eaton Elementary School Custodian Frane -Passatem o Maureen Killam Elementary School Cafe Worker Gilman Maureen Killam Elementary School Elementary Teacher Halloran Robert Coolidge Middle School Custodian Hartley Nicole RISE Preschool Special Education Para Hetherton Ma beth Coolidge Middle School Speech Pathologist Hillis Maurice Reading Memorial High School Custodian Hobart Brenda Coolidge Middle School Cafe Worker Iannacci Lauren Parker Middle School Middle School Teacher Jacobs Lindsey Barrows Elementary School School Psychologist Jervinis Anna Birch Meadow Elementary School School Psychologist Keenan William Barrows Elementary School Custodian 154 King Deborah Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Para Leccese Stephanie Reading Memorial High School Special Education Teacher Lozzi Jessica Coolidge Middle School Special Education Teacher Mahoney Ken Killam Elementary School Custodian Mahoney Mark Parker Middle School Custodian Mahoney Katherine Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Mandell Rebecca Coolidge Middle School History Teacher Matheson Nancy Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para McCormick Camille RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para McGevna Elizabeth Joshua Eaton Elementary School Elementary School Teacher Mooney Andrea Reading Memorial High School High School Teacher Mooney Robert Reading Memorial High School High School Teacher Nadeau Pamela Coolidge Middle School Extended Day Teacher/Para Nagle Ashley Coolidge Middle School Special Education Teacher ONeil Carolyn RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para O'Neill Nicole Parker Middle School Special Education Paraeducator Pelusi Jacquelyn Wood End Elementary School Special Education Teacher Russo Joanne Reading Memorial High School Cafe Worker Sabella Lauren Pupil Services Behavioral Health Coach Sanchez Alison Parker Middle School Special Education Teacher Sanphy Michele Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Santarpio Paula District Administrative Assistant Shmulsky Kathleen Parker Middle School School Nurse Smith Nathaniel Reading Memorial High School English Teacher Sweeney Stefanie Barrows Elementary School Elementary School Teacher Tesoro Jennifer RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para Tomkins Tracey Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Para Truesdale Laurie Killam Elementary School Special Education Teacher Walsh Donna Barrows Elementary School Secretary Walsh James Parker Middle School Middle School Teacher Resignations/Reductions Amaral Daniel Reading Memorial High School English Teacher Anderson Michelle Parker Middle School Learning Center Para Barry Kelly RISE Preschool Speech Language Pathologist Boebel Katherine Killam Elementary School Cafe Worker Botta Marisa Killam Elementary School Adjustment Counselor Breed Lisa Wood End Elementary School School Psychologist Brokenro e Zach Reading Memorial High School English Teacher Cain Joe Reading Memorial High School Other School Admin Coordinator 155 Director of Community Calandrella Sandra District Education Carven Jessica Parker Middle School Social Studies Teacher Cassese AnthonyReading Memorial High School Football Coaching Assistant Cerretani-Clarke Lynne RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para Chiappini Michelle Reading Memorial High School Science Teacher Cross Jason Reading Memorial High School METCO Director Davies Dawn Coolidge Middle School Special Education Teacher DeAngelis Kristin Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Debendictis James Reading Memorial High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach DeCrescenzo Stephen Cafe Cafe Worker Dittman Randy Barrows Elementary School Special Education Teacher Donovan Kelsey Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Downer Kevin Birch Meadow Elementary School Custodian Doyle Pam Joshua Eaton Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Drab Rachael Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Duffy Joan Barrows Elementary School Special Education Teacher Dunn Lynn Reading Memorial High School Director of Nurses Emmett-Conrad Jennifer Birch Meadow Elementary School Elementary School Teacher Falkenstrom John Joshua Eaton Elementary School Custodian Farley Emma Reading Memorial High School Special Education Teacher Ferguson Dianne Barrows Elementary School Cafe Manager Finn Christopher Joshua Eaton Elementary School Learning Center Para Ford Deborah Reading Memorial High School Special Education Program Para Fron ilio Kristen Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Galante Derek Reading Memorial High School Baseball Coaching Assistant Gallagher Kevin Coolidge Middle School Middle School Teacher Gaudet Andrea Wood End Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Gauvin Janine Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Gelin Renee Parker Middle School Grades 7 and 8 Math Teacher Gilman Maureen Killam Elementary School Regular Education Teacher Glynn Traci RISE Preschool Preschool Teacher Gray David Reading Memorial High School Freshman Baseball Coach Griffin Rebecca Cafe Cafe Worker Guarciariello Roberta Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Para Guidi Robert Reading Memorial High School Football Coaching Assistant Guthrie Jennifer Joshua Eaton Elementary School Instructional Interventionist Hagopian Jennfier Reading Memorial High School Guidance Counselor Hailey Jean Cafe Cafe Worker 156 Haley Megan Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Hartley Nicole RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para Hicks Lindsey Parker Middle School Speech Language Pathologist Holland Patrick RISE Preschool Extended Day Teacher Hopkinson Michelle Reading Memorial High School Girls Freshman Basketball Coach Htoo-Levine Daniel Barrows Elementary School Music Teacher Irwin Robin Killam Elementary School Extended Day Teacher Jacobs Lindsey Barrows Elementary School School Psychologist Jenkins Lauren Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Johnson Lauren Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Khan Ae sha Reading Memorial High School High School Science Teacher Klinetob Megan Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Knowles Matthew District Computer Technician Kourbali Houria Joshua Eaton Elementary School Cafe Worker Lanigan Deborah Reading Memorial High School Social Worker Leary Caitlin Killam Elementary School Regular Education Para LeBlanc Victoria Killam Elementary School Regular Education Para MacDonald Stephen School Facilities Facilities Rental Coordinator MacDonou h Megan Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Maggio Heather Joshua Eaton Elementary School Learning Center Para Manna Stephanie Joshua Eaton Elementary School Cafe Worker McCarthyHilary Coolidge Middle School Cafe Manager McGrath Ann Marie RISE Preschool Preschool Teacher Meunier Sarah Reading Memorial High School Guidance Counselor Mitro oulos Michelle District BCBA Moore Diane Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Morello Kristin Cafe Food Services Director Moriarty Jo-Ann Killam Elementary School Principal Secretary Mulvey Barbara Wood End Elementary School Regular Education Para Norse Lindsey Reading Memorial High School Assistant Girls Soccer Coach O'Brien Laura Cafe Cafe Manager O'Keefe Sharon Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Poeck Arlene Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Program Para Rameau Darkling Reading Memorial High School Cafe Worker Re etto Charlene Reading Memorial High School Cafe Worker Ricardo Alice Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Para Ritondo Al son Killam Elementary School Instructional Interventionist Robbins Gayle Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Rousseau Grace Reading Memorial High School Chemistry Teacher 157 Santarpio Paula District Accounting Assistant Savasta John Wood End Elementary School Learning Center/LLD Para Birch Meadow Elementary School Schromm Rebecca Physical Therapist Shevory William Reading Memorial High School High School Science Teacher Sinclair Pamela Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Para Smith Kevin Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Smith Craig District Computer Technician Squires Priscilla Barrows Elementary School Special Education Para St. Germain Elizabeth Parker Middle School Special Education Para Sweeney Stefanie Barrows Elementary School Grade 5 Teacher Tucker Danielle Birch Meadow Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Tucker Michele Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Tye Dara Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Teacher Tzovaras Dianne Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Vo er Barbara Parker Middle School Wellness/Health Teacher Ward Laurie Parker Middle School Learning Center/LLD Para Webster Jennifer Parker Middle School Grade 6 Math Teacher Whalen Ann Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Paraeducator Transfer Within District Parker Middle School Long Term Substitute Grade 6 As eirsson Krist'an Social Studies Teacher Beaulieu Jeffrey Wood End Elementary School Night Shift Custodian Bryant Karen Barrows Elementary School Cafe Manager Cannata Melissa Killam Elementary School Grade 1 Teacher Cerretani-Clarke Lynne RISE Preschool Special Education Program Para Reading Memorial High School Long Term Substitute English Coffey Kylie Teacher Colomba Silvana Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Program Para Wood End Elementary School Long Term Substitute Special Cru ale Liana Education Teacher Cullen Laurette Barrows Elementary School Special Education Teacher DeCrescenzo Stephen Cafe C66 Worker Special Education Learning Drab Rachel Joshua Eaton Elementary School Center Para Reading Memorial High School Long Term Substitute Math Finberg Sharon Teacher Finger Jane District Team Chairperson Ford Deborah Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Long Term Substitute Grade 8 Fowke Nancy Parker Middle School SS Teacher 158 Frane -Passatem o Maureen Cafe Cafe Manager Frechette Lisa Killam Elementary School Regular Education Para Gibson Mackenzie Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Teacher Giuliana Mary District Interim Director of Nurses Golden Claire Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Golden Claire Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Guerrette Steven Joshua Eaton Elementary School Custodian Harrington Sara Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Holman Angela Birch Meadow Elementary School Cafe Worker Joseph Maria Barrows Elementary School Special Education Para Kinton Deborah Joshua Eaton Elementary School Instructional Interventionist Lewis Kerry Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Reading Memorial High School Long Term Substitute Special Mahoney Patrick Education Teacher Reading Memorial High School Transition Program Academic Malley Michele Coordinator Manna Stephanie Joshua Eaton Elementary School Extended Day Teacher Long Term Substitute Special McClune Me an Killam Elementary School Education Teacher McSweeney Michael Reading Memorial High School English Teacher Minard Susan Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Paraeducator Minard Sue (Learning Center Morais Maria Birch Meadow Elementary School Elementary School Manager Morley James Reading Memorial High School Custodian Nagle Ashley Coolidge Middle School Special Education TSP Teacher Ockerbloom Allison Wood End Elementary School Grade 1 Teacher Owens Diane Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Program Para Rao Sulekha Birch Meadow Elementary School Learning Center Para Re azzini Robin Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Rhein Jan Birch Meadow Elementary School Reading Specialist Special Education Learning Sanphy Michele Killam Elementary School Center Para Sanphy Michele Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Sinclair Pamela Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Para Souther Dolores Cafe Cafe Sub Parker Middle School Special Education Learning St. Germain Elizabeth Center Para Suda John Coolidge Middle School Cafe Manager Sullivan Hillary Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Tierney Erin Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para 159 Birch Meadow Elementary School LTS Substantially Separate Tomkins Tracey SPED Teacher Tomkins Tracey RISE Preschool Preschool Teacher Trionfoni Robin Barrows Elementary School Cafe Worker Long Term Substitute Special Trites Erline Killam Elementary School Education Program Para Weadick Denise Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Weeks Rachel Parker Middle School Grade 6 Math Teacher Wenta Gillian Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Para Wentlet Anna Reading Memorial High School Music Teacher Zurcher Jennifer Birch/RISE Speech Language Pathologist New Hires Anderson Karen Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Para As eirsson Krist'an Parker Middle School Special Education Para Barrows Elementary School Avellino Isabella Extended Day Student Helper Killam Elementary School Belcher Charlene Extended Day Head Teacher Bello Terri Parker Middle School Special Education Math Teacher Benedict Garth Parker Middle School Lego League Coach Boebel Katherine Killam Elementary School Cafe Worker Boilard Kathryn Joshua Eaton Elementary School Speech Language Pathologist Bondarev Pavel District Computer Technician Bortone Michelle Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Bridges Christine Killam Elementary School Learning Center Para Wood End Elementary School Long Term Substitute Guidance Brown Erin Counselor Burr Molly Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Teacher Burton Katherine Wood End Elementary School Grade 5 Teacher Long Term Substitute Payroll Carberry Cathy District and Personnel Assistant Joshua Eaton Elementary School Centrella Aine Extended Day High School Helper Killam Elementary School Chuha Kyle Extended Day Student Helper Birch Meadow Elementary School Cirrone Marisa Extended Day Student Helper Clermont Stephen Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Collins Danielle District Food Service Director Girls Lacrosse Coaching Collins Steve Reading Memorial High School Assistant 160 Wood End Elementary School Connelly Alana Extended Day Student Helper Conry Emma Wood End Elementary School School Psychologist Cote Andrea Birch Meadow Elementary School Learning Center Teacher Wood End Elementary School Cote Grace Extended Day High School Helper Cote Genevieve Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Crocker Christine Barrows Elementary School School Psychologist Daddario-Juliano Lisa Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Para Girls Volleyball Coaching DalPozzo Melissa Reading Memorial High School Assistant D'Antonio Andrea Reading Memorial High School Math Teacher Day Helen Reading Memorial High School Biology Teacher Dennis Ashley Birch Meadow Elementary School School Psychologist Killam Elementary School DiBenedetto Nancy Extended Day After School Teacher DiNa oli Nicholas Reading Memorial High School Football Coaching Assistant Long Term Substitute Chemistry DiStaula Joseph Reading Memorial High School Teacher Barrows Elementary School Duggan Martha Extended Day High School Helper Long Term Sub Kindergarten Farrell Kathleen Joshua Eaton Elementary School Teacher Farrin Mark Reading Memorial High School Physics Teacher Felter Emily Barrows Elementary School Special Education Teacher Special Education Para(Learning Finn Christopher Joshua Eaton Elementary School Center Killam Elementary School Ford Debra Extended Day After School Teacher Fowke Nancy Parker Middle School Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher Special Education Crossroads Francis Brittany Reading Memorial High School Teacher Fusco Laura Killam Elementary School Regular Education Para Gaffen Erin Joshua Eaton Elementary School Lego League Coach Parker Middle School Special Education Learning Galante Derek Center Para Garcia Bernardo Birch Meadow Elementary School Custodian Barrows Elementary School Gauvin Janine Extended Day Homework Teacher Killam Elementary School Giaquinto Sandy Extended Day After School Teacher Glynn Ann Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Grada Durbeck Heather District BCBA 161 Greenberg Melissa Killam Elementary School Social Worker- TSP Wood End Elementary School Hartford Lauren Extended Day High School Helper Joshua Eaton Elementary School Helferich Daniela Extended Day After School Teacher Hightower Grant District METCO Director Long Term Substitute Hogan Mary Margaret Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Teacher Horn Gail Pupil Services Home/Hospital Tutor Howell Blair Reading Memorial High School Fall Set Coordinator Jasmin Ashley Birch Meadow Elementary School Special Education Program Para Barrows Elementary School Long Term Sub School Jayne Christopher Psychologist Jorgenson Tracey Reading Memorial High School Learning Center Para Juliano Natalie Reading Memorial High School Color Guard Coach Killam Elementary School Kataftos Katrina Extended Day AM/PM Teacher Kataftos Katrina Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Kavanaugh Donna Barrows Elementary School Regular Education Para Killam Elementary School Keaveney Ashley Extended Day High School Helper Keefe Maura Reading Memorial High School Guidance Counselor Long Term Substitute Grade 3 Killion Meagan Joshua Eaton Elementary School Teacher Joshua Eaton Elementary School Kourbali Sami Extended Day High School Helper Kramer Allison Birch Meadow Elementary School Grade 2 Teacher Barrows Elementary School Lanzi Jessica Extended Day Student Helper Barrows Elementary School Leary Sha la Extended Day Head Teacher LeBlanc Michelle Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Para Lenners Erica RISE Preschool Extended Day Before and After School Teacher Levanites Rachael Wood End Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Levin Dana Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para Lisauskas Amalia Reading Memorial High School Chemistry Teacher Lytle Jacqueline Barrows Elementary School Grade 4 Teacher Madden Peter Parker Middle School Lego League Coach Ma lio Jaculen Killam Elementary School Principal Secretary Mahoney Kathryn Reading Memorial High School Girls Freshman Basketball Coach Malone Daniel Parker Middle School Lego League Coach 162 Manna Stephanie Joshua Eaton Elementary School Cafe Worker Martin Colleen Joshua Eaton Elementary School Grade 1 Teacher McClune Me an Killam Elementary School Special Education Program Para McCoy Shelbylvnn Parker Middle School Grade 7 Math Teacher Meagher Lesley Joshua Eaton Elementary School Kinder arten Teacher Melchionda Michelle Killam Elementary School Cafe Worker Melillo Kara Reading Memorial High School Girls Varsity Basketball Coach Mercier Cod Reading Memorial High School Freshman Baseball Coach Micale Rachel RISE Preschool Extended Day Student Helper Middleton Kristie Reading Memorial High School Cafe Worker Moore Diane RISE Preschool Extended Day 1:1 Support Murphy Holl Beth Reading Memorial High School English Teacher Birch Meadow Elementary School MurrayColin Extended Day High School Helper Killam Elementary School MurrayJennifer Extended Day After School Teacher MurrayCraig Reading Memorial High School Assistant Principal Nason Jessie Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Director of Community Nelson Christopher District Education Occhi inti Jessica RISE Preschool Extended Day 1:1 After School Preschool Aide O'Connor Rebecca RISE Preschool Extended Day High School Helper Boys Outdoor Assistant Track Orlando Paul Reading Memorial High School Coach Joshua Eaton Elementary School Paris Jeffrey Extended Day Before School Teacher Paskerian Lauren Wood End Elementary School Special Education Program Para Paton Jacquelyn District Team Chairperson Phillips Kevin Coolidge Middle School Special Education Teacher Porter Jennifer Coolidge Middle School Special Education Program Para Prior Cristina Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Quinn Jacqueline Reading Memorial High School Cafe Worker Raucci Elena Barrows/Eaton Music Teacher Reidy Lauren Birch Meadow Elementary School Grade 4 Teacher Ristaino Adamo School Facilities Temp Custodian Robbins Gayle Killam Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Birch Meadow Elementary School Ronayne Matthew Extended Day High School Helper Title 1 Instructional Rowland Elizabeth Joshua Eaton Elementary School Interventionist Sacco Ryan Reading Memorial High School Guidance Counselor 163 Schweizer Nicole Parker Middle School Health Teacher Joshua Eaton Elementary School Shimansky Calvin Extended Day Student Helper Sinclair Cory Barrows Elementary School Lego League Coach Killam Elementary School Snow Daniela Extended Day Teacher Wood End Elementary School Long-Term Substitute Learning Sokolova Anastasia Center Para Solivan Jillian Reading Memorial High School Social Worker Wood End Elementary School Stuart Karen Extended Day After School Teacher Sts Jennifer District Director of Student Services Sullivan Hillary Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Sundstrom Todd Reading Memorial High School Girls JV Basketball Coach Talbot Cordelia School Facilities Temp Custodian/Theatre Tech Long Term Substitute Art and Thistlethwaite Jessica Reading Memorial High School Photography Teacher Torra Kimberly Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Tran Jeffrey District Computer Technician Trevejo Elmy Joshua Eaton Elementary School School Nurse Trotta Matthew Reading Memorial High School Baseball Coaching Assistant Killam Elementary School After School Teacher/Site Tucker Michelle Extended Day Coordinator Turco Taedra Joshua Eaton Elementary School Special Education Teacher Wood End Elementary School Vanderzouwen Lindsay Extended Day High School Helper Var hese Crystal Joshua Eaton Elementary School Grade 1 Teacher Vetal Julie Killam Elementary School Grade 4 Teacher Wenta Gillian Joshua Eaton Elementary School Regular Education Para Birch Meadow Elementary School Wessells Allison Extended Day Before and After School Teacher Wessells Allison Birch Meadow Elementary School Regular Education Tutor Wharton Madeline Reading Memorial High School Field Hockey Coaching Assistant Wheaton Ashley Killam Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Wilkes Megan RISE Preschool Extended Day High School Helper Wilson Nancy Wood End Elementary School Cafe Worker Wistrom Lisa Coolidge Middle School Music Teacher Yoder Meredith Joshua Eaton Elementary School Lego League Coach Birch Meadow Elementary School Yurewicz Madelyn Extended Day High School Helper Retirements 164 Carmody Cathy Joshua Eaton Elementary School Grade 3 Teacher Gre orowicz Jo-Ann Reading Memorial High School Guidance Counselor Killian Kristin Reading Memorial High School Music Teacher Macari Karen Killam Elementary School Grade 2 Teacher Moore Martha Reading Memorial High School Science Teacher Nihan Marian Wood End Elementary School Grade 3 Teacher 165 Norrurtheast Mi-r'-dr-opolitan, Regional Vocati-ional High School Distrie ,t Serving Chelsea Malden Melrose N. Reading o_ r_ t,. Reading Revere Saugus Stoneham Wakefield Winchester Winthrop Woburn NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION SUPERINTENDENT-DIRECTOR David DiBarri PRINCIPAL-DEPUTY DIRECTOR Carla Scuzzarella DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Deborah P. Davis - Woburn VICE CHAIRMAN Judith M. Dyment- North Reading SECRETARY Peter A. Rossetti, Jr. - Saugus TREASURER Larry Means - Stoneham ASSOCIATE TREASURER Vincent J. Carisella- Wakefield COMMITTEE MEMBERS Michael T. Wall - Chelsea Robert S. McCarthy - Reading Jeanne M. Feeley- Malden Ronald J. Jannino - Revere Henry S. Hooton - Melrose Grant Leung - Winchester Dawne H. Armitstead - Winthrop CI 167 NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 100 Hemlock Road - Wakefield, Massachusetts 01880-3597 ANNUAL REPORT 2019 OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD Alexis Gallotto from Saugus a student in the Health Assisting program was chosen as Northeast's nominee at the State Awards Dinner for Outstanding Vocational Technical Students. The event is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators and the Massachusetts Vocational Association. *NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY The Northeast Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society held its annual Induction Ceremony in April. At the ceremony, 1 Senior and 60 Juniors were inducted. There are a total of 60 Technical Honor Society members for the 2018-2019 school year. *NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The Annual Induction Ceremony to the Northeast Chapter of the National Honor Society"Artisans" was held in April. At the ceremony 16 Juniors and 2 sophomores were inducted for the 2018-2019 school year bringing the total membership to 32. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE The Northeast Awards and Scholarship Committee and PAC board presented awards and scholarships to 133 deserving students at the annual Senior Recognition Night. A total of$47,550.00 was presented to Northeast students who will be working in their vocational fields, entering trade apprentice programs, or going on to one, two, or four-year programs at accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools. These awards and scholarships provide the students opportunities to purchase tools and equipment, and assist in offsetting the expense of attending institutions of higher education. SCHOOL WIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 18-19 The goal of professional development is to: o Ensure that staff members are in compliance with current regulations enacted by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(DESE). o Guarantee that all staff members are knowledgeable of legislation impacting the educational process of the commonwealth. o Make staff members aware of the most recent trends and strategies in the district's mission of improving student achievement. The activities that met these goals during the 2018-2019 school year included: [2] 168 Furst Day Back Professional Development Day(AuLyust 27 2018): Included training on observation and evaluation, school culture and team building through One School—One Book activities and book discussion. In addition,training was held on Special and General Education Laws, Civil Rights, and Discipline. Second Dal Back Professional Development Da (August 28 2018 Teachers had the opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions centered on differentiation in both the shop and academic setting during four hours of professional development time. New Teacher and Second and Third Year Teacher Monthly Professional Development Meetings Teacher training included Creating a Classroom Culture, Goal Setting, Well-Structured Lessons, Meeting Diverse Student Needs, Adjustment of Practice, Sharing Conclusions with Students, Two-way Communication, Student Motivation and Self-Assessment. Student Safety Concerns (November 13 201$ The school resource officer worked in conjunction with the Deans and the Administration to host Alice training to the entire staff and students. Professional Development Day—Engaging„All Students (January 22,2019) Teachers had the opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions centered on differentiation in both the shop and academic settings during seven hours of professional development time. Instructional Rounds—Engagement Administration and Teachers had the opportunity to perform seven rounds of instructional rounds during the school year(roughly every other month) and ask non judgmental questions of what they saw(I See and I Wonder) in order to help establish the focus for the Professional Development in School Year 2019-20, 2019 SUMMER TRANSITION PROGRAM: The Summer Transition and Enrichment Program at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School is a two-week program that ran from Monday July 9th until Friday July,20th. This program was conducted as a transitional experience for students entering grade 9 in August 2018. This transition opportunity providing mathematics,English Ianguage arts, and career and technical introductory activities is funded by the federal Title 1, and Carl D. Perkins grants. The students are provided with busing to and from school, and a mid-morning snack. These services,as well as the program itself are run at no cost for the students or parents/guardians. The students are divided into twenty groups of no more than ten students. These groups spend one half of the morning split between mathematics and English Language Arts. The other half of the morning is spent in a career and technical mini exploratory exercise. [3I 169 SUPPORT SERVICES The Northeast Student Services staff offers support and counseling to all students through individual and group counseling, specialized workshops and presentations, health services, and mediation services. All Northeast counselors are certified as School Adjustment Counselors and are qualified to handle a wide range of student issues. Two School Adjustment Counselors are bilingual (Spanish-speaking). The Career Counselor provides career awareness and career development services to all students. The Career Counselor and School Adjustment Counselors provide specialized support to students enrolled in non-traditional vocational areas. Two School Nurses provide health services. Support counseling groups are established each year based on student needs. Counseling groups for social skills development,anxiety management,non-traditional support,and English Language Learner support groups have been offered in the past. The School Adjustment Counselors provide individual counseling support and crisis intervention to all students as needed. They will provide support to homeless students,assessing their special needs and coordinating with the Homeless Liaison(Administrator of Student Services). They also are responsible for developing and monitoring Section 544 Accommodation Plans in conjunction with the Administrator of Student Services. School Adjustment Counselors collaborate with school personnel, family members, doctors,psychiatrists,outside therapists, social workers,police, court personnel, and others. The School Adjustment Counselors work to connect students and families with community based mental health services as needed. Elliot Community Human. Services of Lynn serves as our crisis intervention linkage for emergency mental health services in the community. The Bilingual School Adjustment Counselors provides native language support(Spanish) as needed to limited English proficient students and families across all grades.They provides specific support to the English Language Education program at Northeast,but support other Northeast Latina students and families as needed. Translation services (oral and written) and interpreting services are often required for parent communication throughout the building,and as needed,the counselor coordinates with all departments to assist. Referrals are made to a Spanish- speaking Psychologist for testing for Special Education evaluation. Coordinator for translation in other home languages is done on an as needed basis. Career counseling and the college application process are emphasized by all school counselors.The Career Center is the focal area for a well-planned four-year career development program that prepares all Northeast students for their individually chosen career paths. The curriculum focuses on career assessment; career information and requirements;employability and entrepreneurial skills;interviewing skills;portfolios;and resume preparation. By providing assessments to evaluate skills,interests,and work values,the Career Counselor works with the School Adjustment Counselors to assist freshmen in their vocational selection process and upper class students with linkages to post-secondary education and employment opportunities. The Career and Adjustment Counselors provide directed support to those students who are enrolled in career areas that are considered non-traditional for their gender. Students have the opportunity to participate in support groups, specialized presentations,and field trips that prepare them to understand the benefits of non-traditional choices,to [4] 170 manage challenges in each occupation and to understand the required post-secondary linkages to achieve their goals. The School Nurses have coordinated support services for pregnant and parenting teens with outside providers affiliated with local hospitals. In addition, they provide support to students with chronic medical conditions, coordinating with parents, doctors, nurses, etc. The School Nurses work closely with the School Adjustment Counselors to coordinate assistance when mental health needs arise. They also work closely with the Deans when emergency medical evaluations are required. The Intervention&Prevention Coordinator at Northeast works collaboratively with the Administration,Guidance, and Teaching Staff to ascertain high risk needs areas for students and coordinate comprehensive intervention and prevention services utilizing internal and external. resources. The IPC collaborated with outside Public Health agencies and utilized best practices in prevention services. The TPC Served as a liaison for Northeast Metro Tech on Public Health community teams to bring resources to our school. The IPC focused on the following areas during the school year: substance abuse,vaping,diversity,bullying prevention,conflict resolution,mental health. In addition to the support provided by the counseling staff, the Special Education Department offers a TEAM meeting process that promotes monitoring of student progress and educational support. Each Special Education student is assigned a Liaison who is a teacher in the Special Education Department who oversees progress in relation to the Individual Education Program, communicating with parents,teachers, and counselors to help all students achieve success. The Northeast Mentoring Program is a freshmen transition program that matches junior and senior mentors with small groups of freshmen students. The Northeast Mentors present the Freshmen Orientation day for freshmen and then meet with their groups throughout the year to offer supportand to deliver positive lessons that promote a positive school climate. The mentors are trained in a leadership climate by the student services staff,developing a core of approximately 40 peer leaders from 1 lts and 12th grades. The After School Help Program is one of educational assistance provided to students having difficulty with one or more academic subjects by academic and vocational teachers. This free assistance is offered every Wednesday in the library from 2:45-3:25. Water and snacks are provided as well as free transportation home. Special school-wide workshops and presentations are offered through the year for different groups of students. Each year,all freshmen participate in group workshops focusing on identifying the signs of depression and gender equity issues. Large group assemblies and presentations have been offered focusing on goal setting and acts of kindness, substance abuse, teen dating issues, tolerance, character building, and others. On a larger scale, the student service emphasis is on communication—communication with students and with parents. Mid-term progress reports are sent to parents each trimester and report cards are sent home three times per year. E-mail communication is welcomed and progress update meetings are held as needed. Parents and guardians are asked to be involved with all class scheduling activities. Post-graduate planning information is shared through career assessment and planning activities.Additionally,the Guidance department held a FASFA night was held in January for parents to offer free support with financial aid specialists. A college planning night was held in April for sophomore and junior parents. Career Plans are sent home annually for parent review. Language development is communicated for Limited-English proficient students f51 171 through assessment data and parent meetings. It is our goal to service all students equitably while attending specifically to those who have specific life challenges. GRANTS RECEIVED IN FY 2019: Entitlement and AIlocation Grants Title II, Part A: Improving Educator Quality, Fund Code: 140 The purpose of this federal grant program is to increase student achievement through comprehensive district initiatives that focus on the preparation,training,recruitment,and retention of highly qualified educators. These funds were utilized to support professional development in supervision. Federal Special Education Entitlement,Fund Code: 240 The purpose of this federal entitlement grant program is to supplement local and state funds inproviding services to students with disabilities.This funding source provides professional development for teachers of students with disabilities in addition to providing extended school day and extended school year(summer)learning opportunities for this targeted population. Special Education: Program Improvement Grant Fund Code: 274 The purpose of this state-funded grant program is to support professional development activities that will improve the quality of the services provided by the special education staff. During school year 20ly6-17 the focus of this funding was to research the positive placement data for students with disabilities over the past three years. This data will be used to determine best practices in the career pathways to assist our graduates from this targeted population secure high paying, highly skilled positions that are in high demand either after high school or upon completion of post-secondary education. Title I,Part A,Fund Code: 305: Title I, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, provides school district with funding to increase student achievement.The district utilizes these funds to support extended school day and extended school year(summer) learning opportunities for all students. The incoming grade 9 summer orientation program is one of the primary programs funded by Title 1. Professional development,targeting increasing student achievement,is also funded through Title 1. Perkins Act Allocation Grant Program —Secondary,Fund Code: 400 The Carl D. Perkins Occupational Education Act provides funding to assist school districts in improving secondary career and technical programs. The district utilizes this funding source primarily to secure supplies, technology and equipment to guarantee that state-of-the-art conditions are being replicated in each career pathway. Upgrades were made to the Plumbing and Metal Fabrication career pathways. A new 12 passenger van was purchased to transport Heath and Dental Assisting students to their externship programs. Massachusetts Capital Skills Grant: This competitive grant brought in$127,000 to the district. These funds were used to purchase equipment and supplies for the Drafting and Design program. Thirty state-of-the-art computers were purchased along with the industry recommend 3 D printer. [6] 172 Cummings Foundation Grant: This grant allowed the district to conduct Saturday sessions for students form the district non-vocational high schools. The pathways of: Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Drafting and Design, Design and Visual, Metal Fabrication and Plumbing were made available to this population. This program was conducted over twelve weeks during February, March and April. Project Lead the Way/Massachusetts Stem Council A PLTW grant was secured to implement a pre-engineering curriculum for students in grades 10 and 12. Students choosing this academic elective are introduced to the technical area of engineering. The program is entirely "hands-on" and follows the national project Lead The Way curriculum. Computers and supplies were purchased with the grant funds. COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM The Community Education Program is a broad base collaborative community initiative assisting learners of all kinds complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency through empowerment skills,health care, support services and meaningful employment. Our vision is to deliver educational experience in a positive environment that will enable Northeast to reach new heights together with our lifelong learning community.The focus of the Community Education Program is to offer programs that meet the demands of our learning populations. In doing this, we give people the opportunity to improve employment skills, fulfill lifelong goals, or enrich their lives with social activities. With the .most qualified instructors, and state of the art labs Northeast strives to maintain the highest standards of education. Emphasis is on our new technology, upgrades such as brochure modification, new state of the art web site construction, and the introduction of new programs in the medical field, new culinary classes, continuing education in all construction related courses,computer and CAD classes,photography and many other enrichment courses. 2019 GRADUATES The 2018-19 school year represents the Forty nineth class to matriculate at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School. Northeast graduated 289 students. Breakdown of graduates' status after graduation is as follows: Attending 4-year college 49 Employed 116 Attending 2-year college 70 Entering Military Service 5 Apprentice school 8 Other 3 [7] 173 SPECIAL NEEDS ENROLLMENT Special Needs enrollment for the 201849 school year continued to represent approximately one quarter share of the total school enrollment with students. The 286 Special Needs students represent 23%ofthe school population. Additionally, 93 students were eligible for services under section 504 of the Rehabitation Act. DISTRICT SCHOOL COMMITTEE ELECTION OF OFFICERS At the Annual Organizational Meeting of the District School Committee on January 10, 2019 the following members were elected as Officers of the Northeast District School Committee: Chairman Deborah P. Davis, of Woburn Vice Chairman Judith M. Dyment, of North Reading Secretary Peter A. Rossetti, Jr. of Saugus Treasurer Larry Means, of Stoneham Assoc. Treasurer Vincent J. Carisella, of Wakefield [8] 174 CONCLUSION As Northeast celebrates its forty-ninth year of career/technical excellence with its twelve member communities, the district continues to offer students the finest career technical education with which to build a successful career, The District supports curriculum in both academic and career technical classrooms with the latest equipment and technology. Evidence of our commitment is reflected in the State's grade 9— 12 Dropout rate reports which indicates Northeast significantly lower at 0.2% versus the State rate of 2.0%. Recent graduate follow up data indicates that 97% of students from the Class of 2018 were positively placed in relevant post-secondary areas (Source: AIM DESE CUTE Grad Follow-up Survey INTERIMResults, Nov 2018). In fact,Northeast currently employs 28 alumni at the school,including the Superintendent-Director. Alumni's stories of success and their readiness and willingness to help their alma mater by recruiting graduates for cooperative education experiences or employment is proof of their dedication to Northeast. Testimonials as to the success of our graduates continue to be received which makes us proud to have contributed in some small way to their accomplishments The Northeast Class of 2018 achieved a 99.5% pass rate on the WAS assessments. Northeast continues to offer school day MCAS Enrichment Classes and after school enrichment programs for those students in need of additional preparation for the MCAS. Northeast also offers a well- attended Summer Transition Program for incoming freshmen and as a Summer Enrichment Program for enrolled at risk students preparing for the WAS state assessments. The Career Center facilitates student access to technology to further learn business aspects of their industries, develop career plans, resumes, and comprehensive portfolios, and prepare college and other post- secondary documents with the assistance of our faculty including Career and Adjustment Counselors. Northeast continues to provide students the finest career technical education with which to build a positive and productive post-secondary experience, be it college or career, offering experiences with the latest equipment and technology in both the career technical and academic programs. Once again, I am proud to have represented Reading as a member of the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational District School Committee. 1 will continue to serve as the guardian of funds allocated from the community to this educational institution and assist in and provide counsel to the school in maintaining the highest standards of educational excellence possible. Respectfully submitted, Robert S. McCarthy, Committee Member Northeast School Committee Reading Representative 175 ENROLLMENT HISTORY CITY/TOWN S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. S.Y. DISTRICT 07-08 08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17.18 18-19 Chelsea 203 198 206 190 195 199 204 199 208 218 239 272 Malden. 238 234 222 216 215 198 194 189 170 I65 150 137 Melrose 64 64 48 45 62 61 67 74 62 60 42 41 North Reading 40 38 37 37 36 35 32 27 34 37 33 31 Reading 26 26 26 28 23 16 19 17 17 16 20 20 Revere 242 238 244 238 234 225 223 224 216 234 250 255 Saugus 137 138 161 174 191 204 200 190 199 I87 215 192 Stoneham 46 44 46 52 54 59 69 73 71 62 59 62 Wakefield 65 61 84 91 98 79 70 68 64 63 68 75 Winchester 9 9 7 11 13 15 14 11 9 13 8 7 Winthrop 45 44 55 65 58 60 65 62 68 60 47 44 Woburn 97 97 70 59 55 65 83 98 115 114 105 105 TOTALS: 1212 1191 1206 1206 1234 1216 1240 1232 1235 1229 1236 1241 NON DISTRICT 47 53 39 42 31 35 28 29 32 30 10 8 GRAND TOTAL: 1259 1244 1245 1248 1265 1251 1268 1261 1267 1259 1246 1249 SPECIAL NEEDS ENROLLMENT 320 342 333 323 330 331 326 313 317 314 278 286 %SPECIAL NEEDS ENROLLMENT 26% 27% 27% 26% 26% 26% 26% 26% 27% 23% 23% 21% E 1�� 176 BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS 177 rn 'C 0 0 0 0 0 0 r1i 0 O O O N O N = N N N N N ,-1 r-1 r-1 -4 -4 -4 N N N N N N O N N N O N O N LU O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O O O N O O O N O N O N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N O N N N O N O N --N -- ----N --N -- L 00000 000000 00000 010 ADO -_ 0 --c MMMMM MMMMMM MMMMM M 1-IMI 1-1r� m 0 00 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) 0) Mc 0) M 0) 0) Ln fC O1 1-1 O1 I I I I I I Ln O O Ln —4 Uo —4 —4 Uo Uo —4 Uo r1 C , 1Orl 000000 r10Nr1 OO) O 0x10) OO) O 0N04' 4J NNNNNN ON --O4' NOON Nom NOON p1 f0 N --N C C ������ N --Ln N C --r1 -- --N rl --r1 -- i C �MM r0 NNNNNN --ONM O -,Ln O — IO -,M 0 1 rl rl U U N N N N N N ri rl rl U ri N � rl rl N I N N qtNqt » 000000000000000000000000 00)) N-100) > qty, qtNqt qtqt0) L: 3 O O O O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O O O O O 0 0 0 C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C ro ra ra ro ro ro ra ro ra ra ra r6 ra ro ra ro ro ro ra ro ro ro ra ro ro N C ro J yp p + O r0 C O 4- 4, 4. p p p -p p L p O aL+ 0 m � O d' N > 4+ � � � 4L � � N O L. � N L. 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