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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-26 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: March 26, 2012 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Barrows School Cafeteria School Committee Members Present Karen Janowski Hal Croft Chuck Robinson Lisa Gibbs Rob Spadafora Visitors: Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Karesa Encarnacao, Barrows Teacher Katie Gill, Student Teacher I. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Ashley Testa, Student Representative Garrison Doodlesack, Student Representative Chief Jim Cormier, Reading Police SRO Corey Santasky Ellie Freedman, RMHS Principal Tom Zaya, RMHS Health & Wellness Director Erica McNamara, RCASA Director Julianne DeAngelis, RCASA Outreach Director Chairperson Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:35p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports I 1. Student Ms. Testa and Mr. Doodlesack updated the School Committee on several items: • Girls Basketball won the State Championship • Mr. RMHS • Chris Herren presentation • Spring sports are in full swing 2. Liaison Mr. Robinson congratulated the girls' basketball team on their state championship. March 26, 2012 3. Director of Student Services Ms. Elmer reminded everyone about the last session of the Parent Workshop series. 4. Superintendent Superintendent Doherty shared that the Jazz Band recently won a gold medal and once again have earned the honor of playing at the Hatch Shell on Labor Day. He also updated the Committee on the High School Principal search. 5. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. deGaravilla updated the School Committee on the summer school program. The program is in the process of being redesigned and will offer skills maintenance opportunities at all levels. 6. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai made the Committee aware of transfer of funds by the Town within the FYI Capital Plan. B. Continued Business Continued Discussion of Policy JICH: Drug and Alcohol Use by Students with JICH — R: Revised Chemical Health Guidelines for Athletics and Extra - Curricular Activities Superintendent Doherty provided additional information on the requested revisions of the Chemical Health policy. Mr. Spadafora thanked him for producing a comparison chart and asked Chief Cormier if this policy addresses offenses of varying degrees of severity. Chief Cormier believes that there is flexibility built into the handbook to address this concern. Mrs. Janowksi asked if this policy will be enough of a deterrent for this behavior. Ms. McNamara feels the policy and guidelines are effective and it is important that all stakeholders are vested in the policy and consequences. Mr. Croft was concerned that offenders would be able to circumvent the punishment and would like to ensure the policy is applied consistently. Dr. Doherty indicated the high school administration has been consistent in the application of the consequences with the policies they have been given. There was further discussion regarding offenses that may occur during the summer. Chief Cormier and SRO Santasky review the information on a weekly basis and are in communication with the high school administration 12 months a year. They are also working collaboratively with surrounding communities. March 26, 2012 Mr. O'Connor, parent, inquired about parent education. Ms. DeAngelis indicated that RCASA has held several parent information sessions and will work with parents to help them access assistance. Mrs. Freedman also stated that the parents are involved in any disciplinary actions against students and are offered guidance to services. C. New Business Barrows Presentation (Out of Order) Mrs. Callan introduced Third Grade teacher Karesa Encamacao and her student teacher Katie Gill for tonight's presentation. Winchester Hospital approached schools in the communities they serve regarding participating in their Centennial Celebration. The Barrows community volunteered to contribute to the celebration. Ava Coelho, Molly McGrath, Alec Baumann, Kate Simpson, Tyler Howe and Derek Assarian shared their Winchester Hospital Centennial Project. The third graders focused on three different areas of health including physical activity, nutrition and health and medicine to compare health over 100 years ago to show how life has changed today. FYI Budget Update Ms. DeLai outlined the request to add $58,000 to the FYI Capital Plan to be used to make repairs to the Main Street Fire Station floor. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft, to support the addition of $58,000 to the FY13 Capital Plan to be used to make repairs to the Main Street Fire Station Floor as outlined in the Director of Finance and Operations memorandum dated March 22, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. Appoint School Committee Liaison to RCASA Board Mr. Caruso has submitted his letter of resignation as liaison to the RCASA Board. Mr. Robinson indicated he would be willing to service as liaison. Mr. Croft would be willing to share the role. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to appoint Chuck Robinson to serve as the School Committee representative on the RCASA Board. The motion carried 5 -0. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes dated February 27, 2012. The motion carried 4 -0 -1. Mr. Spadafora abstained. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes dated March 12, 2012 The motion carried 5 -0. March 26, 2012 • Bids and Donations Accept Donation Reading Education Foundation Priscilla Hollenbeck spoke on behalf of the Reading Education Foundation. She updated the School Committee on the work of the Reading Education Foundation. REF will be holding a spring event at the RCTV Studios in May. The Festival of Trees continues to be a big fundraiser and the organization has been holding other events over the course of the year. This year REF received $65,000 of grant requests. The teachers presented their request to the board and the board then determined the winners. REF was able to fund, partially and fully, several grants. In addition, several school PTO organizations contributed funds to supplement the awards. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation in the amount of $23,691.07 from the Reading Education Foundation as part of their grant program to be used to as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 22, 2012. Wood End PTO Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft, to accept the donation in the amount of $397.48 from the Wood End PTO to be used to purchase library books as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 22, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. PSST Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to accept the donation in the amount of $1,296.11 from the Parents Supporting Student Theatre to be used to support the Playwright Instructor position as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 22, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to accept the donation in the amount of $1,420.20 from the Parents Supporting Student Theatre to be used to support the Improv Instructor position as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 22, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft, to accept the donation in the amount of $1,183.09 from the Parents Supporting Student Theatre to be used to support the Shakespeare Club Instructor position as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated March 22, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. Ml r6h26, 2012 Award of Contracts Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Burnell Controls of Danvers, MA for the Energy Management Repair & Maintenance Services as outlined in the Director of Finance and Operations memorandum dated March 21, 2012. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Robinson commented on the generosity and support of the groups and organizations and would like to have a reception to thank them publically. Calendar IV. Information V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft, to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussin¢ non - represented personnel contracts and not to return to open session. The roll call vote was 5 -0. Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Croft, Mr. Spadafora and Mr. Robinson. Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. 8A ) -- o F. Dohert , 'd.D. erintendent of Schools