HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-20 School Committee Minutes - Retreath-1
Date: October 20, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. (Retreat)
Place: Superintendent's Conference Room
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Karen Janowski
Chuck Robinson
Hal Croft
Rob Spadafora
Chris Caruso
I. Call to Order
Reading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Retreat
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MASS.
1011 NOV -1 A 8: 21 ,
Staff Members Present
John Doherty, Superintendent
Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent
Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services
Chairperson Janowski called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m.
Dr. Doherty reviewed the agenda for the meeting.
School Improvement Plans
Dr. Doherty pointed out that the School Committee no longer needs to approve School Improvement
Plans but he felt it was important that the group had an opportunity to see the plans and how the SIP,
DIP and the Superintendent's Goals are all related.
Superintendent's Goals
Dr. Doherty reviewed the five step process. He reviewed the steps that have led to the development
of his goals for this year. Dr. Doherty has done a self - assessment prior to developing his goals. He
has identified at least one professional practice and one student learning goal as well as two — four
district improvement goals. All goals focus on student/district growth and achievement.
Step 2 is the public discussion of the proposed goals. The Superintendent clarified roles,
responsibilities and expectations with the School Committee. After School Committee approval the
Superintendent can implement the plan. As with the Educator Evaluation tool the Superintendent
will gather evidence throughout the year.
A mid -cycle review will take place in public session in the early winter. The Superintendent will
provide a progress report. Discussion of success and challenges will take place and adjustments
made if necessary. The process ends with the Summative Review at the end of the year.
Dr. Doherty reviewed the District Improvement Plan and pointed out how it aligns with his goals.
All goals are being developed as SMART goals. He reviewed use of the Baseline Edge tool for
teacher evaluation and student data collection.
October 20, 2012
Teacher Evaluation, Common Core Curriculum and assessment all need to be looked at together to
aid in bringing about change. The Principals have developed the school goals using data from
several sources including the TELL Mass survey, SIP, student data and MCAS and accountability
data. The administration will be addressing several areas of concern. There needs to be a change in
culture to bring about success. The challenge is to get the teachers invested in positive change. The
building principals will be the most important proponents of change.
Ms. Elmer provided a brief overview of the Massachusetts Tiered System of Support (MTSS). This
tool incorporates more than academics, it addresses the whole child. This tool does not label
students; it places all students at one of three tiers. Students are placed by level of need. Every
student begins at Tier 1 and if they require additional services they move to Tiers 2 & 3. Students at
risk can be identified through this system.
The School Committee discussed the Superintendent's goals. Superintendent Doherty reviewed the
revisions the Committee would like to be included.
Mike Gilbert of MASC joined the meeting at 10:35 a.m. to discuss School Committee goals. He
discussed a self - evaluation tool that the School Committee could use. He would put together a
composite of the input to determine the needs of the Committee.
Mr. Gilbert left the meeting at 11:06 a.m. and Mrs. Janowski called a brief recess.
The meeting was called back to order at 11:18 a.m.
Discussion continued regarding the Superintendent's goals.
Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the Superintendent's goals as
presented.
Mr. Spadafora would like to provide more input and time to reflect on the goals presented.
Dr. Doherty indicated he would revise his goals with the suggestions brought up this morning for the
next meeting.
Mr. Croft moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to withdraw the motion. The motion carried 6 -0.
Other
He reminded the group that middle school redistricting will be on the agenda for the meeting on
Monday evening.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to adiourn. The motion carried 6 -0.
Meeting adjourned at 12:12 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they
occurred during the meeting.
October 20, 2012
ACWA�7-
4 Jo E . Doherty, .D.
S 'ntendent of Schools
