HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-24 School Committee MinutesREADING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Reading, Massachusetts
REGULAR SESSION October 24, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
Chair D'Antona called the meeting to order at 8:18 a.m. at the Reading Municipal Light
Department. Present were School Committee members Cavicchi, Dahl, D'Antona,
Stohlman, Twomey and Williams. Also present were Superintendent Harutunian and
Maggie Downes.
GOALS
Dr. Harutunian introduced Maggie Downes and informed the Committee that Maggie
would be working with the Committee at this meeting as a facilitator.
Maggie Downes introduced herself and asked each Committee member to .introduce
themselves and state why they decided to run for School Committee.
Mr. Stohlman stated that he would acceptable wording to emphasis gifted and talented
under the learning goal.
1998 -1999 GOALS
After discussion, the Committee agreed upon the following goals.
Strategic Planning
To move forward with a comprehensive strategic plan for the Reading Public
Schools that will encompass the entire Reading community.
The School Committee through its strategic planning process will develop an
annual review process for strategic planning.
Respect and Dignity
To continue to move toward intimidation free schools as a fundamental right of
all. To continue training for all staff and students at the secondary level and to
begin training for all staff and students at the elementary level.
The School Department will integrate and coordinate all initiatives as they relate
to the concept of tolerance of values and interests of others in connection with all
school related activities (i.e. academics, athletics, arts, extracurricular, etc) and
evaluate the effectiveness.
The School Department will focus on both current violations of policy as well as
instituting a proactive approach to potential victims, harassers and bystanders.
REGULAR SESSION -2- October 24, 1998
Fiscal Responsibility
The School Department will continue to monitor and advocate for short and long
term needs both operational and capital for the Reading Public Schools while
developing a five year operational budget plan which can be used as a blueprint
for the School Department's financial needs.
Communication
The School Department will propose a solution for updating and maintaining the
Internet Web Page to facilitate communications between the Reading Public
Schools, parents and the Reading community.
Facilities and Buildings
Develop physical and financial plans for the renovation to or new construction of
Reading Memorial High School.
To implement the elementary feasibility study to address overcrowding,
programmatic and facilities needs in the elementary schools.
To continue to implement and evaluate a pilot program merging the school
buildings with the town buildings.
Learning
To review, understand and validate a three year plan of implementation of
curriculum K -12. Specifically in the areas of math, science and foreign language.
To review, understand and validate the high school restructuring effort to improve
student opportunities and achievement particularly as it relates to college
expectations and the work of the guidance department in motivating, challenging
and preparing students for college and work.
The school committee recognizes the school's obligation to encourage social
consciousness. The school committee directs the administration to explore
avenues of opportunities and resources for developing social and civic
responsibility.
Develop consistent and long -term strategy for student testing to monitor progress
and evaluate curriculum.
Review and evaluate the grading system.
Develop a long -range plan toward equity of support for extra curricula activities.
REGULAR SESSION -3- October 24, 1998
EVALUATE PROCESS
Maggie Downes and the School Committee members discussed and evaluated the process
used for determining goals for the School Committee. The Committee also discussed the
communication between Committee members, the School Committee Chair and the
Superintendent.
Mr. Twomey left the meeting at 12:08 p.m.
ADJOURN
At 12:10 p.m. Ms. Cavicchi made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Dahl seconded the motion.
The vote was 5 -0 Ms. Cavicchi, Mr. Dahl, Ms. D'Antona, Mr. Stohlman and Ms.
Williams.
Respectfully submitted,
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools