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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-18 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts TOWNECLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee , O RE, DING, MASS. Open Session 101# APR -il P 0 30 Date: March 18, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present Karen Janowski John Doherty, Superintendent Chuck Robinson Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Rob Spadafom Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Gibbs Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Hal Croft Chris Caruso Conner Traugot, Student Representative Maham Ahmed, Student Representative Visitors: Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Kevin Higginbottom, RMHS Principal Chuck Strout, RMHS Teacher/Math Department Head Jen Conrad, Birch Meadow Teacher Jeri Scribner, Birch Meadow Teacher 1. Call to Order Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:02 p.m. She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. 11. Recommended Procedure A. Public ]pout (I) Reports I 1. Student (Out of Order) Maham Ahmed shared that the annual Mr. RMHS competition will be held Friday evening and the state NHD competition will be on April a in Stoneham. Conner Traugot congratulated girls' basketball and boys' hockey on completing very successful seasons. He also shared that spring sports began today, candidates for the national Honor Society turned in their portfolios, and course selection sheets went home. March 18, 2013 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs wanted share information on the Parent Advisory Council's recent activities. The group is holding a special election this week for liaisons to represent 5 schools. The group would like to begin work on the by -laws but are having trouble getting a quorum at their meetings. She also said that Town Clerk Laura Gemme has been very helpful and is working with the group through this process. Mr. Croft shared that he attended "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and thoroughly enjoyed. it. Mrs. Janowski reminded everyone of the HRAC Arts contest. This will be the fourth year and the students work will be displayed during the upcoming Artsfest. She also attended METCO Lobby Day. Mrs. Janowski attended the Football Ring ceremony yesterday. 3. Director of Student Services Ms. Elmer shared that there is a presentation by EMARC on Wednesday evening. Shea also shared that she and Ms. Burd presented on social/emotional behavior at the Special Education Advocacy Network's workshop today. 4. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla updated the School Committee on the Blue Ribbon Conference. We currently have 70 presentations and a preconference day when Dan Meyers will have a full day conference. 5. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared that the long composition of the MCAS has been postponed until Monday. He also shared the success of both our middle schools over the weekend at the Massachusetts Science Olympiad. Parker particiimated for the first time in many years and place in several categories. Coolidge won its 20 State Championship and will attend the National Competition in Ohio in May. B. Continued Business C. New Business Birch Meadow Presentation (Out of Order) Mr. Eric Sprung presented information on the first year of iPad use at Birch Meadow. The school has been able to purchase 58 iPads through the generosity of the PTO, grants and other donations. The iPads are on two carts (29 each) and allows a whole classroom to use them at one time. The staff has been trained on the use of the iPads. They are used to support instruction as well as the integration of the new curriculum standards. The staff is able to select applications they would like to install by filling out a request sheet that lists criteria that must be met. All the students and teachers have had the opportunity to use the iPads in the classrooms. Mr. Sprug thanked Kathy Santilli, Technology Integration Specialist, for all of her assistance with the implementation. March 18, 2013 Mr. Sprang introduced the fifth grade students, Tatiana Burry, Emma O'Regan, Yazmine Gnanaramam, Jeffrey Pan, Trystan Bourque, Catherine Kerr, Lily Johnson, Ryan Rose Hatch who presented on the use of Glogster and Glogs in their classes. The students explained that a Glog is an interactive poster. Students use glogs for book reports, adding information to the class website and sharing with students in the UK. The students can let their imaginations and creativity come to life when creating glogs. Glogs are an easy way to communicate all sorts of information in easy to follow and interesting formats. Math Presentati on Mr. Higginbottom described the course selection process and the changes in the math curriculum brought about by the need to align the math curriculum with the Common Core standards. The high school Math Department led by Mrs. Puglisi and Mr. Strout began this process in October with a visit to the Academy of Mathematics and Science Charter school in Marlborough to see what they are doing with their math curriculum. The question was asked — "Why this school ?" — Mr. Higginbottom said that this school has strong MCAS and Student Growth Percentile scores. He also shared that it was a good opportunity to move out of the traditional public school setting. In November, the Math Department mapped the Common Core into the framework of the potential math growth progressions. The math vertical teams from the middle and high schools met to share findings and plan next steps. In February, Grade 5 — 12 math teachers attended a two -day workshop with Consultant Steve Leinwood. Math work will continue in June and throughout the summer. Mr. Higginbottom reviewed the general course progression for the incoming freshman class. Middle School parents have been concerned that with this new progression their child will not be able to take AP Calculus. Mr. Higginbottom said that students are not locked into these progressions and to keep in mind that the courses are much more rigorous than the previous courses. The Common Core Algebra 1 class is nothing like the current Algebra 1 offering. This class will have elements of Algebra I and Algebra 2. All the math offerings are aligned with the common core. To accommodate students that did not take Algebra 1 in eighth grade an additional honors path is being offered. Students can double up on math classes to move to a path that would get them to AP Calculus or AP Statistics. Mr. Strout indicated that there is not a significant difference in the math course offerings from previous years. Students will be able to achieve an AP Calculus path. He also shared that not all students that start on an honors path finish on that path. We may be able to retain more students on the honor progressions to achieve AP Calculus or AP Statistics. Dr. Doherty added that curriculum alignment is a K —12 concern. The standards are becoming more rigorous and over time more students will be able to follow the top honors pathway. Mr. Robinson does not like the terms College Prep and Strong College Prep. He feels these terms label students. Mrs. Janowski asked about how the teachers are adapting their instructional methods. Mr. Strout said the staff will have to make some changes in the approach that is taken. The Common Core offers multiple approaches to solve problems. He also said the staff is excited about the changes. Mrs. Gibbs asked how this information is being communicated to the parents. Mr. Higginbottom said there was a Future freshman evening in December. Since that time the direction has March 18, 2013 changed due to information gathered during the two -day workshop in February. The revised progression communicated to parents at the recent PTO meeting that approximately 50 parents attended. The next step will be to send an e -mail communication to parents outlining the math options. The Administration is also working on scheduling an informational math night. Student Representative Ahmed asked if parents still had the option of overriding the recommended course selection. Mr. Higginbottom said yes but will be asking parents to listen to the recommendations of the teachers. Mrs. Janowski thanked Mr. Higginbottom and Mr. Strout for attending the meeting and sharing this information. Barrows Principal Search Dr. Doherty reviewed the process and timeline for the Barrows search. Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mr. Snadafora, to approve the screening process and timeline for the Alice M. Barrows School Principal search. The motion carried 6-0. The Chair declared that an Executive Session is necessary The Committee adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Mr. Spadafora left the meeting at 9:27 p.m. Mrs. Janowski called the open session meeting back to order at 9:28 p.m. First reading of Policies Mrs. Janowski pointed out that the changes in these polies are minimal and are required to be in compliance with state law. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy ACAB /ACAC. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy BBBA/BBBB. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy GBA. March 18, 2013 Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the readina of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy U. Mn. Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy JA -E. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the readina of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy JB. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy JFBB. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Croft began the reading of policy JJ -E. Mrs Gibbs moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to waive the reading of the policy. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the first readings of policies: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. The motion carried 5 -0. Reclassification of Maintenance Position Ms. DeLai reviewed the proposed change in job description from general maintenance to Electrician. This person would handle routine electrical work. This reclassification could potentially save the Town $60,000 per year. March 18, 2013 Killam MSBA Statement of Interest Ms. DeLai pointed out that the MSBA is now accepting statements of interest for the 2013 program. Mrs. Gibbs read the statement of interest: REQUIRED FORM OF VOTE TO SUBMIT A STATEMENT OF INTEREST "Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on March 18, 2013, the School Committee of Reading Public Schools, in accordance with its charter, by -laws, and ordinances, has voted to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest Form dated April 8, 2013 for the J. Warren Killam Elementary School located at 333 Charles Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which an application may be submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future: Priority 5: Replacement, renovation or modernization of school facility systems, such as roofs, windows, boilers, heating and ventilation systems, to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility. Deficiency: The current classroom windows are original to the school which was constructed in 1969. These are single pane, non - insulated glass and transite panels which are in poor condition offering little protection from air and water infiltration into the space. These conditions are leading to a substandard teaming and teaching environment as classroom temperatures are difficult to regulate. In addition, the inefficient windows require district funds that could otherwise be directed to instructional priorities to be used for increased energy costs. Priority 6: Short term enrollment growth. Deficiency: Shifting enrollments in the district, most notably a larger proportion of students entering full day kindergarten as opposed to half day kindergarten and an increase in the number of children requiring special education services, is impacting space needs in most of our elementary schools, including 1. W. Killam Elementary School. In addition, housing trends in Reading in general and in the Killam district in particular have led to an increased number of new students enrolling in the Killam School this year. To accommodate increased enrollments, the school has had to consolidate art and music into one classroom and consolidate special education program space to make classrooms available for core academic instruction. At least one grade level will have sub - optimal class sizes due to the lack of additional space. These space constraints are also hindering the district from fully implementing its educational program of full day kindergarten for all students. The School Committee of the Town of Reading hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest Form, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the Town of Reading, Reading Public Schools to filing an application for finding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority." March 18, 2013 Mr. Robinson asked how this differs from the previous SOL Ms. DeLai responded this SOI addresses enrollment issues. The deficiencies are addressed more specifically than in the previous SOI. Mr. Croft moved seconded by Mr. Caruso to accept the Statement of Interest as read. The motion carried 5 -0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes c. Bids and Donations Donation Calendar IV. Information Dr. Doherty shared that the health insurance increase will be 5.5 %. V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved seconded by Mrs Gibbs to adjourn. The motion carried 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. J F. Doherty, Ed.D. S erintendent of Schools