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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-23 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: July 23, 2012 Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Karen Janowski Hal Croft Chuck Robinson Lisa Gibbs Chris Caruso Rob Spadafora Visitors: Arrived at 8:50 p.m. Arrived at 7:50 p.m. Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Nadine Wandzilak, Reading Patch I. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Conner Traugot, Student Representative Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal Tricia Puglisi, RMHS Assistant Principal Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to enter Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, approval of minutes and to return to oven session at approximately 7:45 p.m. The roll call vote was 4 -0. Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Croft. Mrs. Janowski called open session back to order at 7:47 p.m. She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports I (out of order) 1. Student Student Representative Traugot reported on the recent Habitat for Humanity and Europe field trips. 2. Liaison 3. Superintendent July 23, 2012 4. Assistant Superintendent Ms. DeLai updated the School Committee on the FYI budget status and requested approval of two cost center transfers. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to authorize the transfer of $10,000 from the Other Programs Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to authorize the transfer of $27,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center. The motion carried 6 -0. B. Continued Business Middle School Enrollment Discussion Dr. Doherty provided facts about the current Middle School district lines which were established in 1993 in an effort to balance class sizes across the district. The redistricting has been effective in maintaining class sizes at the middle schools. The middle schools were not affected when the elementary redistricting was done. The Superintendent went on to review the middle school request process used since 1993. He reviewed the 2012 -13 sixth grade enrollment and the requests received. This year there were a total of 29 requests to attend Coolidge for a variety of reasons. To maintain class size only 4 requests were honored. Next steps to address the concerns that have been discussed include revising the middle school district lines, reviewing the current school splits and the locations of our Special Education programs The School Committee asked clarifying questions. Mrs. Janowski stated that both middle schools are excellent and this seems to pit one against the other. Mrs. Gibbs cautioned that programming needs may factor into student placement and class size. Mrs. Young asked if the lines were revised what impact would it have on younger siblings that would be entering middle school before the incoming sixth grader had moved on to high school. Parents could have children at two different middle schools. Dr. Doherty indicated he would verify who would be impacted by the placement of younger siblings. Continuation of ElementM Space Study Discussion The focus of this evening's discussion will be to continue to present information from the Locker Study and other sources, to identify the direction the District should take in reference to the following areas; full day kindergarten, integrated preschool, special education programming and specialized classrooms. The school Committee will need to review long and short term options and which options are feasible to pursue. July 23, 2012 Dr. Doherty reviewed the RPS Strategy for Improvement of Student Outcomes and the four strategic objectives. Creation of additional full day kindergarten classrooms, special education district programming, the maintenance of adequate class size, the growth of the RISE Preschool program and the desire for dedicated art and music classrooms have contributed to the need for additional space. Two additional factors contributing to the shortage are a large grade 9 class in 2013 -14 and the addition of new initiatives at the high school. Ms. DeLai reviewed the financial impact of free full day kindergarten. There would be an increase in the Chapter 70 funding for 320 free full day kindergarten students and the cost of implementing full day kindergarten for all would include the addition of teachers and paraeducators and 4 classrooms. Assuming RISE was not using their current spaces and additional 10 -12 classrooms would be needed for the program. Ms. DeLai reviewed the MSBA funding scenario. MSBA has not funded a Prek -K building in the past. The MSBA has worked with school districts to expand existing facilities for Prek -K. The District would need to file a statement of interest stating the problem. Core educational space would be the only reimbursable areas. Each request is reviewed on a case by case basis. She shared information on the North Andover preschool center and discussed the cost of constructing a new school to replace Killam. The cost for this project would be approximately $21 - $23 million dollars. She then shared information on the cost of a modular building to be used for PreK -K. The cost for the building only would be $9 - $11 million dollars. The cost of leasing of modular classrooms would be $15,000 /year and an additional $20,000 - $30,000 for site preparation per modular. The district could gain 2 additional classrooms and feels permanent modular construction is preferable to leasing. Ms. DeLai presented information of Full day Kindergarten Competitive Grant Funding. One grant opportunity would be for transitioning to full day which would be $10,000 per half day classrooms and the other is Quality Full Day K grant which would award $10,000 per full day classroom. Discussion continued regarding the possible locations for placement of modular classrooms as well as construction site for an Early Childhood Center. Mrs. Janowski feels low class sizes, integrated preschool and full day kindergarten are all important but which are realistic to pursue. Dr. Doherty will bring additional information to the Committee on a Prek -K facility or adding to existing buildings at the next meeting. Ms. DeLai provided a timeline. Town Meeting is in the fall and the Statement of Interest to the MSBA would be due in the fall. Mr. Croft supports a Prek -K facility. C. New Business Approval of the RMHS Student Handbook (out of order) l July 23, 2012 Superintendent Doherty reviewed the Reading Public Schools policy on approval of handbooks and directives. The School Committee is required by policy to approve all handbooks for buildings housing grades 9 —12. Mr. Higginbottom and Mrs. Puglisi provided an overview of the handbook and invited general questions. Mrs. Gibbs is pleased the included policies are prominently included and the expectations are very clear and detailed. Mr. Caruso pointed out the handbook is significantly different from last year; the main difference is the chemical health policy and the change in the health education requirements for freshmen. Mr. Spadafora followed up asking how these changes are being relayed to parents. Mrs. Puglisi said that the administration has met with all classes including freshman, the information will be in the handbook and it could be sent out via Edline and posted on the school's website. Dr. Doherty pointed out that we are required to provide families with a hard copy of the student handbook. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the Reading Memorial High School Handbook for the 2012 -2013 school year. The motion carried 5 -0. Approval of Field Trip Dr. Doherty reviewed the proposed annual field trip. Mr. Spadafora asked if the School Committee was required to approve this trip. He was told they were according to policy. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the Coolidge Middle School 8 t grade field trip to Quebec in October 2012. The motion carried 6 -0. FYI Budget — Recreation Agreement Ms. DeLai provided an overview of the agreement which has not changed since 2002. The town has paid $25,000 /year for the use of facilities. The fee originally was to cover the custodial costs. The committee asked what the extra costs were for utilities and maintenance of the facilities. They also inquired about how much revenue would be generated by renting to other private groups. Recreation pays 2% of the total use of facilities which is approximately $30,000. The proposed agreement calls for an increase to $30,000 for FY 13, 5% increases for the next two years and 2% thereafter. Mr. Croft asked if the use of fields and lights is included in the 2 %. Ms. DeLai said those costs are included. Mr. Robinson asked if there was a timetable to reconvene. Ms. DeLai indicated that the agreement would be reviewed annually and amended as needed. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to approve the revised Agreement Addressing the Use of School Facilities for Recreation Programs. The motion carried 6 -0. July 23, 2012 Appointment of Liaisons Celebration Committee Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to appoint Everett Blodgett to serve as the School Committee Representative to the Celebration Committee. The motion carried 6 -0. The School Committee asked for an update from John Carpenter, RCTV representative. Audit Committee Mr. Caruso nominated Mr. Spadafora. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to appoint Rob Spadafora to serve as the School Committee Representative to the Audit Committee. The motion carried 6 -0. First Reading Procurement Policy DGB Dr. Doherty said the policy had been presented by Ms. DeLai at a previous meeting and she would be presenting the policy to the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting for their approval. Mr. Croft began the reading of the policy. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept the first reading of Policy DGB — Town Government and Public School Purchasing Cards. The motion carried 6 -0. First Reading of Policy EBC — Emergency Plans lans Mr. Croft read the policy. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to accept the first reading of Policy EBC — Emergency Plans. The motion carried 6 -0. First Reading of Policy JLC — Student Health Services and Requirements Mrs. Gibbs read the policy. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to accept the first reading of Policy JLC — Student Health Services and Requirements with the change; report to Superintendent not Executive Director as currently stated. The motion carried 6 -0. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes July 23, 2012 Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the open session minutes dated June 11, 2012. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the open session minutes dated July 9, 2012. Mrs. Gibbs pointed out the importance of inclusion when looking at space needs. The motion was tabled. • Bids and Donations Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept the donation in the amount of $7,000 from the Birch Meadow PTO to support the purchase of educational technology. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to accept the donation in the amount of $2,500 from the Reading Cooperative Bank to support the "A World of Difference" program at Reading Memorial High School. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept the donation of educational materials from Charles McDonald. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept the donation in the amount of $575 from the "Coolidge School Science Olympiad" support group to support the coaching assistant position. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept donations totaling $1,720 from several donors to support the purchase of instruments for the Parker Middle School. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to accept the donation in the amount of $2,461.65 from the Joshua Eaton PTO to support the purchase of educational technology and materials. The motion carried 6 -0. Award of Contract Ms. DeLai said two bids were received for this contract. She recommended awarding the contract to Cogswell Sprinkler Company. Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Cogswell Sprinkler Company for Standpipe, Water Sprinkler, & Fire Pump Testing, Inspection, Maintenance and Repairs Services. The motion carried 6 -0. Calendar IV. Information th The next School Committee meeting is August 27 July 23, 2012 V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mr. Snadafora moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to adjourn. The motion carried 6 -0 Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m._ NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. kl� % n /TV,-/A V eF. Doherty d.D. rintendent of Schools