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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09 School Committee MinutesO:Rf Town of Reading 1.-�� Meeting Minutes �R �a P �M[OPP�P Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2013 -09 -09 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 62 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Hal Croft Chris Caruso Lisa Gibbs Members - Not Present: Others Present: John Doherty, Superintendent Mary Del-ai, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Conner Traugot, Student Representative Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Karen Feeney, Joshua Eaton Principal Joanne King, Wood End Principal Sarah Marchant, Coolidge Principal Ben Tafoya, Selectman Marsie West, Selectman Dan Ensminger, Selectman Catherine Rice, Killam Assistant Principal Heather Leonard, Barrows Principal Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Kevin Hlgginbottom, RMHS Principal Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D., Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chairperson Croft called the School Committee to order at 7:00 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. New Teacher Introductions Page I 1 Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the Induction Week activities. Mr. Martin shared that it was a great opportunity for the teachers and him to get to know each other. Mr. Sprung introduced the new teachers at the Birch Meadow School. Ms. Feeney introduced the new teachers at the Joshua Eaton School. Mrs. King introduced the new teachers at the Wood End School. Mrs. Rice introduced the new teachers at the Killam School. Dr. Doherty introduced new Barrows Principal Heather Leonard. Mrs. Leonard introduced the new teachers at the Barrows School. Mr. Croft welcomed the new teachers. The elementary group left the meeting. Mr. Lyons introduced the new teachers at the Parker Middle School. Dr. Doherty introduced new Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant. Mrs. Marchant introduced the new teachers at the Coolidge Middle School. Mr. Croft welcomed the new teachers. The middle school teachers left the meeting. Mr. Higginbottom introduced the new teachers at Reading Memorial High School. Mr. Croft welcomed the new teachers. The high school group left the meeting. Mr. Martin introduced new METCO Director Jason Cross. Ms. Elmer introduced new Team Char Elizabeth Logue. Ms. DeLai introduced new Facilities Service Manager Kevin Cabuzzi and new Community Services Coordinator Christina DiRico. Mr. Croft welcomed the new district staff. The district group left the meeting. Mr. Tafova called the Board of Selectmen to order at 7:43 p.m. 1I. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Reports 0 1. Student Student Representative Tmugot shared that school has started. He also said that athletics and clubs are in full swing. Page 1 2 Student Representative Andrea Nastri shared that drama and chorus have started and that auditions for the fall show have taken place. 2. Liaison 3. Director of Student Services 4. Assistant Superintendent 5. Superintendent B. Continued Business C. New Business Interviews and Appointment of New School Committee Member Mr. Croft reviewed the process and turned the meeting over to Superintendent Doherty to moderate. Dr. Doherty welcomed the Board of Selectmen and reviewed the ground rules and format. The candidates would be interviewed in alphabetical order. Questions would be asked alternating between boards and would also be in alphabetical order. Jeanne Borawski Mrs. Borawski provided a brief background of her experience and reason she would like to serve on the School Committee. The interview process began. Mr. Caruso asked the candidate what she felt would be the biggest challenges to be faced. Mrs. Borawski felt that the ability for the school department to offer free full day kindergarten for all is a major initiative of the District and finding an economically friendly solution to the space issue is a challenge. She also feels the implementation of the Multi- Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is needed to provide the best educational opportunities for children. Mr. Ensminger asked how she viewed the working relationships between boards, drawing on her experience as a member of the Finance Committee. Mrs. Borawski feels that the working relationships between all boards in Reading are collegial and collaborative. She is also hoping to gain a better understanding of the historical data on the school budget. Mr. Croft asked Mrs. Borawski to share her ideas on a PreK -K facility. She feels it is very important to reach the preschool population and is optimistic that a solution will be found. Page t 3 Mr. Tafoya asked the candidate if she had any additional background information to share. Mrs. Borawski said she is excited with the opportunity to serve on the School Committee. Mrs. West asked how the candidate would balance priorities between town and schools. Mrs. Borawski understands that the town budget is split 2/3 school and I/3 town and feels that has worked well historically. Mrs. Janowski inquired to how she would use her experience as a classroom teacher as a member of the School Committee. Mrs. Borawski said she will bring enthusiasm and excitement to the School Committee. She loves watching young people grow and learn and this experience will allow her to improve the Reading Public School educational experience. Mr. Robinson asked how she would handle emotional issues ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of all. Mrs. Borawski indicated that she would take in the information, validate each argument and use the data to make an informed decision. She would validate the emotions, then explain why the decision was made. Richard Coco Mr. Cow provided a brief background of his experience and reason he would like to serve on the School Committee. He stated he would not seek election but would like to share his experience and expertise in the interim. The interview process began. Mr. Caruso asked the candidate if he knew when it was time to step down from the board. Mr. Coco believes in term limits and felt after 9 years it was time to move on. Mr. Ensminger asked why he was just interested in the interim position. Mr. Cow would like to contribute his knowledge to the board. He is familiar with the budget process and has been a member of the Finance Committee. Mr. Croft asked Mr. Coco what aspect of his previous experience he would bring to the board. Mr. Coco said that during his tenure the teachers of Reading went on strike. He was distressed when he saw people with Masters and Doctorate degrees on the street and not in the classroom. He is also familiar with the elementary space concerns and curriculum issues that the School Committee is currently dealing with. Page 14 Mrs. Gibbs thanked Mr. Coco for his previous service to the Town. She indicated that Mr. Coco served prior to Ed Reform and would like to know if he was familiar with Ed Reform. Mr. Coco indicated that he would have to do research to bring himself up to speed. Mrs. West asked how the candidate would balance priorities between town and schools. Mr. Coco feels that communication between boards is vital. Mrs. Janowski and Mr. Robinson also asked about Ed Reform. Mr. Robinson also asked how the School Committee dealt with the teacher strike and crisis management. Mr. Coco said it was important to listen during the negotiations. He felt he gained valuable negotiation skills during that time. Shannon Fratto Mrs. Fratto provided a brief background of her experience and reason she would like to serve on the School Committee. The interview process began. Mr. Caruso asked the candidate what she felt would be the biggest challenges to be faced. Mrs. Fratto felt the most challenging issue would be the ability to institute free kindergarten for all in the most cost effective manner. Mr. Ensminger asked if there is a previous experience that she could draw from to assist in the budget process. Mrs. Fratto felt that her work on the Tot Lot Playground Committee will help in understanding the importance to control cost, distribution of funds and accountability. Mr. Tafoya asked the candidate to share any insights from volunteering in the classroom. Mrs. Fratto learned that all requests should he considered and decisions made in the best interest of the students. Mrs. Gibbs asked how she would handle differences in opinion. Mrs. Fratto referenced her experiences both on the Tot Lot Committee and Friends of Reading Recreation. She feels you must listen to all ideas and suggestions and weigh the pros and cons of each. This allows for an informed decision based on fact and not emotion. Page t 5 Mrs. West asked how the candidate would balance priorities between town and schools. Mrs. Fratto understands that there needs to be balance and should be willing to listen to all stakeholders. Mrs. Janowski asked about her ability to be a consensus builder. Mrs. Fratto said it is important to look at the individual as well as the group to address all needs. Mr. Robinson asked how she would ask for funding for full day kindergarten. Mrs. Fratto feels that once the reasons for the additional money were explained the community would embrace the need. She also felt it was important to promote a master plan. Demetra Tseckares Ms. Tseckares provided a brief background of her experience and reason she would like to serve on the School Committee. The interview process began. Mr. Caruso asked the candidate if she had considered naming for School Committee previously. Ms. Tseckares said she had not considered running for the position previously. The current opening would allow her to learn more about the School Committee and what impact the board can make on the educational process. Mr. Ensminger asked how she would bring opposing groups together to build consensus. Ms. Tseckares would listen, gather information, and show the work that went into making the decision. As a member of the Reading Education Foundation she learned that it is important to have a respectful atmosphere and to ask a lot of questions to come to a conclusion that will make all stakeholders happy. She also felt that planning, having a strategy and if needed, paying for expertise makes all decisions transparent. Mr. Croft asked how she would improve communication with the community. Ms. Tseckares referenced the recent changes in the math programs. She feels that the School Committee must listen to the concerns even if they have heard the same concerns over and over again. She believes that the parents want to feel they have been heard. Mr. Tafoya asked the candidate if she had learned anything that she could use here from her past experiences in other communities. Ms. Tseckares referenced the space issue in the elementary schools. In her previous community they faced a similar issue. To avoid moving kindergarten students to a centralized location, they changed their school grade structure by Page 16 moving grade 5 to the middle school. She also feels that there needs to be more funding for the education of our students. Mrs. Gibbs asked about other educational experiences. Ms. Tseckares shared that she has found her experience on the REF Board extremely rewarding. During the grant process she has read grant proposals, heard the teachers defend their proposals with passion and she knows our teachers are driven to provide the best educational opportunities for all students. The REF Board has worked closely with the district and knows the community wants what is best for the students. Mrs. West asked how the candidate would balance priorities between town and schools. Ms. Tseckares is comfortable, as a parent and taxpayer, with the budget process. The budget is transparent, balanced and tight. She also feels there will be a learning curve. Mrs. Janowski inquired to how she would use her experience from her position on the REF Board to make budgeting decisions. Ms. Tseckares feels it is important to show your work to be sure that funds are being spent wisely. It is also important to assure the community that the funds are being spent correctly. Mr. Robinson asked how she would handle people that are not getting the answers they want and are going away unhappy. Ms. Tseckares feels that showing empathy, true interest in the information being shared and a willingness to answer questions is important to help the community understand that decisions are being made in the best interest of the kids. As an elected official, School Committee members represent the public. She knows that this can be a difficult job at times. Dr. Doherty turned the meeting back over to Chair Croft. Chair Croft opened the floor to discussion. Mrs. Janowski thanked each candidate for coming and felt it was a good meeting. Mr. Croft thanked the Board of Selectmen for attending. Ms. West said that all four candidates were very qualified and interviewed very well. She also inquired if the School Committee had discussed the desire to have the appointee run for this position. Mr. Robinson thanked all four candidates for their passion and commitment. Student Representatives Tmugot and Nastri also felt each candidate presented themselves well. Page 1 7 Mr. Ensminaer moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to place names of all four candidates. Mrs. Borawski, Mr. Coco, Mrs. Fratto and Ms. Tseckares, into Tafoya. Mr. Tafoya requested a point of order. He asked if each member would be polled and the votes recorded. Mrs. West asked if a second vote should be taken to make the appointment unanimous. Mr. Croft polled the members. The following vote was recorded. Mr. Ensminger Jeanne Borawski Mrs. West Jeanne Borawski Mr. Tafoya Demetra Tseckares Mrs. Janowski Jeanne Borawski Mr. Caruso Shannon Fratto Mr. Croft Jeanne Borawski Mr. Robinson Jeanne Borawski Mrs. Gibbs Jeanne Borawski Mrs. Borawski received 6 votes. Mrs. Fratto received 1 vote Ms. Tseckares received 1 vote. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by, Mr. Robinson to appoint Jeanne Borawski to finish the current term of the School Committee vacancy. The roll call vote carried 8-0. Mr. Croft, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. West, Mr. Ensminaer and Mr. Tafoya. Mr. Tafoya moved seconded by, Mrs. West to adjourn. The motion carried 3-0. The Board of Selectmen adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Mr. Croft called a brief recess at 9:12 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:17 p.m. Use of Faciliri Ms. DeLai provided an overview of the filming of the movie at the Parker Middle School. She shared that several meetings that have included public safety officials, school officials and Columbia Pictures officials have been held to plan the filming schedule. The production company would be using the auditorium, adjacent corridor, gymnasium and outdoor areas to film the scenes. Mr. Lyons has work diligently to develop a strategy to keep the students segregated from the area of the proposed shooting. Page 1 8 Ms. DeLai said that all members of the crew would have CORI checks done. During the shooting there would be detail officers and additional staff in the school to provide a presence in the corridors. She also shared that the proposed rental fee would be $55,000 for the use of the auditorium and adjacent corridor. The district was also in the process of negotiating a separate fee for the use of the gymnasium which would be used as a cafeteria to feed cast and crew. If the School Committee approves the use of the facility filming would begin September 16 (exterior shots) and October 21 -22 for the interior scenes. Mrs. Gibbs has heard several concerns from the community concerned with the content of the movie. She said it is ultimately the parent's decision if they will allow their child to see any movie if they are not comfortable with the content. She has concerns over student safety and asked if the extras would also have CORI checks done. Ms. DeLai said it would be impractical because of the nature of the industry. The extras would be segregated from the school population the entire time they were onsite. Mrs. Gibbs then asked how secure the plan to segregate the area is. Ms. DeLai indicated that all would have identification badges. She continued asking Principal Lyons how comfortable he was with the plan to segregate the area. Mr. Lyons shared that he did have some concerns but was comfortable with the plan to keep the building safe and secure during the filming. Mr. Robinson asked if we had consulted with the town insurer about this undertaking. Mr. Robinson is also concerned with the moral issues surrounding the title of the film — "Sex Tapes ". Ms. DeLai said the contract with the Production Company states the title as "Basic Math ". She also acknowledged that the Studio could change the name at any point. Mrs. Janowski appreciates that allowing this filming would be a way to bring in additional income but she cannot get past the content of movie. It is not a message we want to be sending. Student Representative Nastri shared that as a student she would be excited by the fact a movie was being filmed at school but said the distraction may be too great for the students. Mr. Robinson appreciates the amount of time and effort put into this negotiation III. Routine Matters Page 1 9 a. Bills and Payroll (A) b. Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes dated August 26, 2013. The motion carried 5 -0. c. Bids and Donations Accept Donations Mr. Caruso moved seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept the donation from the Friends of Reading Field Hockey to be used to purchase uniforms for the varsity team. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Caruso moved seconded by Mr. Robinson, to accept the donation in the amount of $356 from the Reading Volleyball Parents Organization to be used to purchase uniforms for the team. The motion carried 5 -0. Calendar Dr. Doherty reviewed the calendar. He reminded the School Committee of the RCASA Annual Meeting on September 26. This is a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and RCASA Boards. W. Information V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mr Caruso moved seconded by Mr. Robinson to adjourn. The motion carried 5 -0. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. I n F. .. - • Ed.D. Page 1 10