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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-25 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee READING, MASS. Open Session 1013 APR -9 A & 13 Date: February 25, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Rob Spadafora Lisa Gibbs Hal Croft Chris Caruso Visitors: Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Julie Thurlow, Reading Cooperative Bank Mike Foley, REF Treasurer Priscilla Hollenbeck, REF Grants Chair Deb Boschetti, REF Member Christine Kelley, REF President L Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Patty de Gamvilla, Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Conner Traugot, Student Representative Mahan Ahmed, Student Representative Jeff Ryan, RMHS Teacher Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Lori Weir, REF Member Lori Foley, REF Member Jacqui Carson, REF Member Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:03 p.m. She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports I 1. Student Maham Ahmed spoke of the recent National History Day competition. This year's theme was "Turning Point in History" several RMHS students will be moving onto the regional competition in March. Conner Traugot congratulated Board member Croft on the track team's Division 2 State championship. He also shared that several of our teams have qualified for post- season tournament action that begins this week. February 25, 2013 2. Liaison Mr. Spadafora shared information from the Audit Committee meeting that he and Mr. Robinson attended. Mrs. Gibbs wanted to highlight student activity. The girls' varsity basketball team has been coaching a Special Olympics basketball team, preparing them for an upcoming competition. Members of the Interact Club participated in the Polar Plunge. She appreciates the number of students that are civic and community minded. 3. Assistant Superintendent 4. Superintendent (Out of Order) Dr. Doherty introduced Craig Martin, new Assistant Superintendent for Leming & Teaching. Dr. Doherty outlined the process and shared that he is not required to conduct a search. He felt the appointment would allow for enough time to conduct an effective principal search. Mr. Martin thanked the School Committee for the opportunity. Mr. Martin shared that he feels that this is an important time in education and that is what drew him to this challenge. He will work at making connections at all levels with teachers, staff and the parents. When asked what his biggest challenge would be Mr. Martin responded that it would be the implementation of the Common Core and Educator Evaluation System. He will keep in mind that the students come first and will use best educational practices to move these two big initiatives forward. Mrs. Janowski congratulated him on behalf of the Committee. The Chair shall declare that executive session is necessary to protect the litigation position of the board. B. Continued Business C. New Business Approval of Field Trips (Out of Order) Dr. Jeff Ryan, RMHS Teacher present information on three proposed field trips. Metropolitan Opera Dr. Ryan provided an overview of this annual trip to the Met. He has led this trip for 14 years. The students enjoy this experience. February 25, 2013 Cuba Dr. Ryan shared information on this first time opportunity to travel to Cuba this summer. Explorica, the travel company Dr. Ryan uses, has received a one year license for groups to travel to Cuba He shared the itinerary for the trip. The trip would be offered to juniors & seniors. He feels it is important that students have the opportunity to visit areas that differ culturally and politically from the United States. The School Committee expressed concerns regarding the safety of our students. Dr. Ryan shared his experience and felt that Cuba would be a safe destination. Morocco Dr. Ryan next shared information on the proposed trip to Morocco in 2015. He stated that he would like to bring a group of students to a non - Christian country for them to experience cultural differences. Morocco is a welcoming culture and feels this trip would be an exceptional opportunity. Cuba Morocco Metropolitan Ocem open session was called back to order at 9:10 p.m. Lineation The motion carried 6 -0. February 25, 2013 Coolidge Principal Oualities Ms. DeLai provided an overview of the search process and will share the School Committee's desired qualities with the Screening Committee. The Screening Committee will use desired qualities from the School Committee, staff and parents to develop their questions. Mrs. Gibbs would like to see someone that respects the culture and traditions of the Coolidge Middle School. She would also like the candidate to honor commitment, focus and direction. Mr. Spadafora would like a person that has a track record of excellence, is a visionary and has experience to draw from. Mr. Robinson would like to a candidate that is an independent thinker. Mrs. Janowski is interested in how the candidate will use social media and technology. Approval of Field Trio Baseball III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes c. Bids and Donations Donation Reading Education Foundation (Out of Orderl Priscilla Hollenbeck, REF Grants Chair and Mike Foley, REF Treasurer were at the meeting to present a donation on behalf of the Reading Education Foundation as part of their educator grant program. Mrs. Hollenbeck gave a brief overview of the group. They have held elections and have new board members. REF also had a very successful year fundraising. They received 20 grant proposals this year and were able to fully or partially fund 15 requests. The REF felt it was important to fund the Physics Lab request. The Reading Cooperative Bank has stepped in to fully fund that request. This year the group was able to fund almost $50,000 in requests. February 25, 2013 REF President Christine Kelley shared information on the upcoming Imagination Celebration and online auction. Last year's event was very successful. Mrs. Janowski thanked the Board for the great work they have done on behalf of the Reading Public Schools. The motion carried 6 -0. Chinese Exchange Proeram Girls' Basketball Girls' Lacrosse Calendar IV. Information V. Future Business Mrs. Janowski announced that the retreat will be March 301h. She asked the Committee if there were any items that they would like to have on a future agenda. Mrs. Janowski would like an update on the Bring Your Own Device initiative and discuss a meeting in Boston for the METCO parents. Mr. Robins asked when METCO Lobby Day was. Mrs. de Garavilla said it had not occurred and would get the information. V1. Adioumment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Spadafora, to adjourn. The motion carried 6 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. February 25, 2013 Jo . Doherty, .D. Su ' tenden[ of Schools