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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-07-20 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: July 20, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Visitors: Staff Members Present John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resources & Finance Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Bill Brown, Citizen Patty de Garavilla, Joshua Eaton Principal Tom Ryan, Citizen Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Bob LeLacheur, Town Director of Finance Advocate Reporter Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle I. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests and reviewed the agenda. Il. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (1) Katie Wheeler, Eaton parent, asked how the federal stimulus money was going to be used. Mr. Bill Brown shared his prospective on the financial times. Mr. Tom Ryan shared his views of the evolution of the budget over time. B. Reports 1. Student 2. Liaison Mrs. Webb reported on her recent testimony as a representative of the MASC Advocacy Committee on house Bill 3660. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported that the district has once again been award the Teaching American History Grant and Kara Gleason will once again be the director. He also reported on the Summer Enrichment Academy, Club Invention and the 5 Star Theatre Camp. He was also pleased to report our new administrators are on board and very busy and our new HR July 20, 2009 Administrator will start mid- August. Using FY09 funds and Title 2A grant funds, we have continued to offer professional development activities and are in the process of developing a Pandemic Plan which will be presented at a meeting in the fall. Sub - Committee Mr. Michaud read the draft minutes of the June 3, 2009 Naming Sub - Committee meeting with the recommended changes to the existing policy. (see attached) Continued Business FY -09 Budget Status Update Ms. DeLai reviewed the FY09 budget status memo and budget transfers that are required to close out the FY09 budget. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $97,000 from the Athletics Cost Center to the Regular Dav Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009. The vote was 5 -0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $10,000 from the Administration Cost Center to the Regular Day Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009. The vote was 5 -0 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $41,000 from the Regular Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009. The vote was 5 -0 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $3,000 from the Administration Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009. The vote was 5 -0 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $2,500 from the School Building Maintenance Cost Center to the Special Education Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009 The vote was 5 -0 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the following cost center adjustments for year end closing purposes to transfer $13,000 from the School Building Maintenance Cost Center to the Regular Day Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated July 13, 2009 The vote was 5 -0 July 20, 2009 D. New Business 1. Appointment of Acting Superintendent Mr. Robinson discussed the appointment of Dr. Doherty as Acting Superintendent. He stated he has the utmost confidence in Dr. Doherty and is sure the district will continue to move forward. Mrs Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to appoint Dr. John Doherty as the Acting Superintendent of Schools during the period of time that Superintendent Schettini is on medical leave of absence. The vote was 5 -0. Dr. Doherty assured the School Committee that he, Mary DeLai and Colleen Dolan will continue to consult with Superintendent Schettini to strategize over critical issues and the administrative team will continue to work together to move the district forward. Dr. Doherty reported that Superintendent Schettini is doing well and is actively participating on a committee focusing on 21St century skills with the DESE. 2. Elementary Enrollment Update Dr. Doherty gave an overview of the elementary enrollment presentation. He presented an overview of class size research and data. He explained the difference between class size and pupil teacher ratios. Dr. Doherty discussed the history of class size research highlighting 3 different generational studies; Groundbreaking (1900- 1965), Evaluations (1966 -1979) and Refining (1979 - Present). He continued with the discussion of examples of class size research and focused on the Tennessee STAR Class Size Experiment. The study divided up a group of incoming kindergarteners and assigned them to 3 different class types: small classes, regular classes and regular with a full time aide. It was determined that the effects of small class sizes in the primary grades carry over into later years. The discussion then shifted to the elementary class size concerns in Reading. Dr. Doherty turned the meeting over to the elementary principals. Mrs. de Garavilla discussed the current structures and supports in place in our primary grades in English language arts. She discussed the Flexible Grouping/RTI in Grades 1 & 2. These two methods allow the students to be grouped according to reading ability and level. Flex teaching allows the teachers to identify student needs and address them. There have been adjustments in the student schedules in the area of Physical Education, Art and Music to free up the classroom teachers which allows them to get together and share thoughts, ideas and teaching strategies. The principals feel that the ability for the teachers to collaborate is a key element in the success of the programs. Mrs. de Garavilla also pointed out that the role of the tutors will be expanded. They will be involved with reading assessments, fluency programs and will work closely with Mrs. Kwiatek, the K -8 ELA Instructional Specialist. Mrs. Callan went on to discuss specialty teaching at the fifth grade level in all of the schools. This program is very successful. We now have teams of teachers responsible for all students in the grade. It is easier to identify the struggling students and address their needs. Mrs. Giles pointed out that the number of students is not as important as the class make up. It is important to meet the needs of the students at the primary levels. Struggling students are identified early and through collaborative efforts plans are set in place to ensure these students receive the support needed. July 20, 2009 Mr. Sprung echoed the sentiments of the previous speakers and pointed out that all five elementary schools have common assessment tools. He feels this is very important to be sure that students who are struggling are identified and provided with the support required. Mrs. de Garavilla also pointed out that we now have a common curriculum in the elementary schools. We also have a student teaching partnership with Endicott College. Student teachers in the classrooms provide additional support to work with small groups of students The presentation was then turned over to Mary DeLai and Bob LeLacheur to discuss the financial side of elementary enrollment. Ms. DeLai reviewed the FY10 budget development process and updated the committee on the status of the FY09 state budget. She indicated that the state revenues may be 3 billion dollars less than estimated and there may be additional 9C cuts later in the fall. Bob LeLacheur presented an overview of the FY10 budget. He said that Reading is in much better shape than some of our neighbors. He feels the next 2 or 3 years will be difficult and urged the School Committee to continue to be cautious in spending money. He could not comment on the state of the town reserves until later in the fall. He also urged to continue to keep the channels of communication between the town and schools open. Ms. DeLai reviewed funding sources including Federal Stimulus, Circuit Breaker, ARRA IDEA Grant and Revolving Accounts. Mrs. Dolan spoke about the ARRA IDEA Funding for FYI & FYI 1. She will use this funding to start two new programs in the district with the ultimate goal of keeping students in the district and bringing back students that are in private placements. She would also use funding to level the playing field in technology for special education students and to employ consultants for inclusion support and to provide professional development activities for regular education staff and to hire a cert ified occupational therapist and speech and language pathologist. Ms. DeLai discussed the FYI budget which has a projected shortfall of $1.7 million. She projects that even with the elimination of all professional development, curriculum, technology, travel and reducing building repairs and supplies and materials the district may have to cut 10 FTE in staff. There are three options and recommendations to address the enrollment concerns: • Option 1 No additional staff • Option 2 - Hire 4 additional teachers to address grade 1 & 2 concerns • Option 3 Hire 35 hours /week of instructional tutor time for each of the 4 elementary schools with higher Grade 1 & 2 class sizes. To hire additional staff for the FY 10 school year only to lay them off does not make sense. It is the recommendation of the administration to adopt Option 3 — 2 — 17.5 hour /week paraeducator tutors. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to support the administration's recommendation to provide 35 hours of instructional tutor time /week for each of the four schools with a grade 1 or 2 higher enrollment area for the 2009 -10 school year. The vote was 5 -0. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 9:39 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 9:45 p.m. July 20, 2009 ESEA Position Paper Mrs. Webb provided a brief overview of the paper that was delivered by Superintendent Schettini to Congressman Tierney and Senator Kennedy's office in April. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to support the Proposed Changes to the Elementary and Secondary Act position paper submitted by Reading Public Schools as outlined in the memorandum dated July 15, 2009 The vote was 5 -0 III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mrs. Gibbs, moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of June 15, 2009. The vote carries 5 -0. • Bids and Donations Donations Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation of $6885 from the Birch Meadow PTO to be used for instructional technolo y and as needed to make purchases to support the school as outlined in the memorandum dated July 15, 2009. the vote was 5 -0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation of 1000 lanyards and ID badges from Mr. Jim Burditt, on behalf of his company Brady People ID as outlined in the memorandum dated July 15, 2009. The vote was 5 -0 Award of Contracts Ms. DeLai reviewed the bids and thanked Joe Huggins for his hard work. She said the number of bids was up and the hourly rate was lower than in previous years. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into agreement with Embree Elevator to provide Elevator & Chair Lift Inspection and Maintenance Services as outlined in the memorandum dated July 13, 2009. The vote was 5 -0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into agreement with Cooling & Heating Specialists, Inc to provide HVAC Maintenance and Repair Services as outlined in the memorandum dated July 13, 2009. the vote was 5 -0. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into agreement with Cogswell Sprinkler Company to provide Standpipe, Water Sprinkler & Fire Pump Testing, Inspection, Maintenance and Repair Services as outlined in the memorandum dated July 13, 2009 The vote was 5 -0. July 20, 2009 Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into agreement with Ambient Temperature Corporation to provide Boiler Maintenance and Repair Services as outlined in the memorandum dated July 13, 2009, the vote was 5 -0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to adiourn. The vote was 5 -0 VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. VA,W Jo . Do erty, d.D. Ac ' g Superinten ent of Schools