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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09 Board of Selectmen Minutes Town of Reading 6- Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Board of Selectmen Date: 2013-09-09 Time: 7:43 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 62 Oakland Road Purpose: Joint meeting with School Committee to appoint Interim School Committee member Attendees: Members - Present: Ben Tafoya, Daniel Ensminger, Marcie West Members - Not Present: James Bonazoli and John Arena Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeL.acheur, John Doherty, Superintendent,Karen Janowski, Chuck Robinson, Hal Croft, Chris Caruso, Lisa Gibbs, Student Representatives Conner Treugot and Andrea Nastri Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Secretary Ben Tafoya ' Topics of Discussion: 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. Page I 1 m,saae, Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 9 2013—Page 2 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 aPreK-K facility. She feels it is very important to reach the preschool population and is optimistic that a solution will be found. 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 1/3 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. Coco 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. Coco 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 12 Board of Selectmen Minutes—Sett mber 9 2013—Page 3 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 hat 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 be 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. ' 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. Page 1 3 m so.n Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 9 2013—pa e 4 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 rotating for School Committee previously. Ms. Tseckares said she had not considered nmmag 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 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. Page 14 Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 9,2013—page 5 ' 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 Traugot and Nastri also felt each candidate presented themselves well. Mr.Ensminger moved,seconded by Mr.Caruso,to place names of all four candidates. Mrs. Borawski, Mr. Coco,Mrs. Fratto and Ms.Tseckares, into nomination for the School Committee position with the term expiring April 18,2014. The roll call vote carried 8-0. Mr. Croft,Mr. Caruso,Mr.Robinson.Mrs. Gibbs,Mrs.Janowski,Mrs.West, Mr. Ensmineer and Mr.Tafova. ' 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. Page 15 Board of Selectmen Minutes—September 9 2013—pa e 6 Mr. Ensminger Jeanne Borowski ' Mrs. West Jeanne Borawski Mr. Tafoya Demetra Tseckares Mrs. Janowski Jeanne Borawski Mr. Caruso Shannon Fratto Mr. Croft Jeanne Borawski Mr. Robinson Jeanie Borawski Mrs. Gibbs Jeanne Borawski Mrs. Borawski received 6 votes. Mrs. Fmtto received 1 vote Ms. Tseckares received I vote. Mr.Caruso moved,seconded by,Mr.Robinson to anoint Jeanne Borawski to finish the current term of the School Committee vacancy. The roll call vote carried 8-0Mr. Croft Mr. Caruso,Mr.Robinson.Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs.Janowski,Mrs. West Mr. Ensminaer and Mr.Tafova. Mr.Tafova moved,seconded by.Mrs.West to adjourn. The motion carried 3-0 The Board of Selectmen adjourned at 9:12 p.m. Respec y submitted, , Secretary rape 16