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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-03 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: June 3, 2013 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Hal Croft Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs Visitors: Scott Dunlap, Ai -3 Mary Mahoney, KBA L Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Maham Ahmed, Student Representative Conner Traugot, Student Representative Chairperson Janowski called the School Committee to order at 7:07 p.m. She reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Il. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Rebecca Liberman, Parker and high school parent, asked about the elimination of the CP track at RMHS. Dr. Doherty said that it is being eliminated in 9th grade social studies and English. Two tracks will be offered; Honors and Strong College Prep. Mrs. Liberman continued expressing concerns regarding the change in the math curriculum and is concerned that her 7th grade child will not have the same opportunities that students had prior to the introduction of the Common Core Standards. She is not comfortable with the four options to catch up and feels there should be an opportunity prior to grade 10. Christine Brungardt, Eaton and Parker parent also voiced concerns regarding the change in the math track. She feels her child needs to be able to take Calculus for college. She also would like to know what the percentage is of 8th graders are choosing to take the Engineering electives being offered. She also feels she needs to know what 7th grade math looks like. June 3, 2013 Dr. Doherty said that the math classes are more rigorous than they have been in the past. Algebra 1 introduces elements of Algebra 2 during the year. Susan Jones, high school and middle school parent reiterated the previous comments. She is concerned that her middle school child will not have an opportunity to take advanced math classes. She asked what our Guidance Department was doing with colleges to be sure that the schools are aware of the changes. Dr. Doherty shared that 46 states have adopted the Common Core Standards and are all dealing with the integration issues. Ms. Jones feels choices are being taken away from her child. Paul Lannon, Parker parent, felt there was a lack of communication regarding this significant curriculum change. Dr. Doherty apologized and said he would be more diligent when changes such as these are being discussed. Mrs. Janowski thanked the group for voicing their concerns. Reports I) (Out of Order) 1. Student Student Representative Ahmed reported that 4 RMHS students will be attending the National Competition as part of the National History Day program at the University of Maryland. She reported on graduation this past Sunday. She thanked the School Committee for attending this special day for the seniors. She also thanked the Committee for the opportunity to serve as Student Representative this year. Student Representative Traugot congratulated Ms. Ahmed and all the graduating seniors. He also shared that 4 high school teams are still in the respective state tournaments. The RMHS Track Team participated in the All -State meet over the weekend. 2. Liaison 3. Director of Student Services 4. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla is finalizing the math training for teachers that will occur at the end of June. 5. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared that Mary DeLai was recently accepted into the 2013 -14 cohort of the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) for the Rennie Center. Mr. Robinson shared that Principal Doug Lyons was also accepted to this program. June 3, 2013 B. Continued Business C. New Business Reorganization Chair Janowski turned the gavel over to Superintendent Doherty. Dr. Doherty then reviewed the procedure and policy and asked for nominations for Chair. He thanked Mrs. Janowski for service as chair. Mr. Robinson nominated Mr. Croft for Chair. Mrs. Janowski seconded the nomination. On a roll call vote the nomination passed 5 -0. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Croft, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Caruso. Superintendent Doherty handed the gavel to new Chair Hal Croft. Chair Croft asked for nominations for Vice Chair Mrs. Janowski nominated Mr. Caruso for Vice- Chair. Mr. Robinson seconded the nomination. On a roll call vote the nomination passed 5 -0. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Croft, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Caruso. Mr. Croft thanked the Superintendent and the board members for this opportunity. Woburn St. /Full Day Kindergarten Presentation Dr. Doherty began the presentation pointing out that research shows that children in full day kindergarten have higher academic achievement in later grades, show greater reading and math skills show faster gains on literacy and language measures and have enhanced social, emotional and behavior development. Students that attend full day kindergarten are more prepared for school, do better with the transition to full day, show significant gains in socialization, and are equipped with stronger learning skills. Ms. DeLai continued the discussion presenting information on the cost of implementing full day kindergarten for all. Mrs. Janowski confirmed that the goal is to have the Woburn St. School occupied for the 2014 school year. Ms. DeLai went on to review operational costs, staffing the impact on taxes and cost revenues. Dr. Doherty reviewed questions addressed at the information session held last week. The building will include a library, cafeteria/gymnasium. He also shared that traffic concerns are being evaluated. There was a meeting today with town and school officials, the architect and OPM to discuss the traffic and drop off concerns. He went on to review the timeline of the proj ect. Scott Dunlap of Ai -3 indicated that the project is in the information gathering stage. He said the structure is three stories and capable of housing 14 classrooms. A survey was done of the property to allow for accurate development of the floor and property plans. There is a traffic June 3, 2013 analysis being developed. The consultant has been in contact with town officials to gather information on the traffic impact of a school in the neighborhood. The architect will come back to the Town in a few weeks with some answers to the questions of parking, pick -up /drop -off and traffic. Chair Croft thanked Mr. Dunlap for providing the information. Superintendent Evaluation Process Dr. Doherty reviewed the evaluation process with the School Committee. Between June 3 and June 17, the Committee members will create a draft summative report using observation, evidence provide by the Superintendent and School Committee packets to develop their individual evaluations. The Superintendent will meet with the committee members individually to review the summative evaluation between June 18 and 28th. Based on these conversations, the School Committee member has with the Superintendent, the School Committee member may revise the individual summative evaluation. The Committee members will send their final Summative report the Chair or designee who in turn will compile a draft summative report to present to the Superintendent and School Committee in advance of the public meeting. By July 14` ", the School Committee Chair will present the draft End of Cycle Summative report to the Superintendent and School Committee. At the July 22 n meeting the School Committee will discuss and adopt the Summative Evaluation report in open session. Chair Croft asked if any member was willing to be the data collector. Mr. Caruso volunteered and asked that the Committee send their evaluation document to him electronically. Approval of RMHS Field Trip Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the proposed RMHS field trip to London England in April 2015. Mr. Croft wanted reassurance that the administration is monitoring the overnight field trips more closely. The motion carried 5 -0. Approve Coolidge Field Trip Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the annual Coolidge eighth grade trip to Quebec Canada in October 2013. The motion carried 5 -0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes June 3, 2013 c. Bids and Donations Award of Contracts Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Drizios Contracting of Burlington, MA for the Painting Services contract. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Cleaning Services Group of Danvers, MA for the Janitorial Services contract. Ms. DeLai pointed out that this was a request for proposals and uses different criteria to determine the award of contract. This method does not require the contract to be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder. The motion carried 5 -0. Accept Donation Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept the donation of $6,000 from the Reading Lacrosse Association to be used to support the coaching assistant positions for the boys' lacrosse team. The motion carried 5 -0. Executive Session Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to enter into Executive Session to conduct strategy in preparation for negotiations with non -union personnel and to reconvene in open session. The roll call vote carried 5 -0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Croft, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Janowski. Open session adjourned at 9:04 p.m. Mr. Croft called open session back to order at 9:33 p.m. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the 2013 -14 salary for the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration of $130,000. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the 2013 -14 salary for the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching of $125,000. The motion carried 5 -0. Calendar IV. Information V. Future Business June 3, 2013 VI. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to adiourn. The motion carried 5 -0. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. %64�- o F. Doherty, Okd. D. 94erintendent of Schools