Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-01 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: March 1, 2010 Time: 7:04 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Patrick O'Sullivan Visitors: Karen Callan Eric Sprung I. Student Representative Patty deGaravilla Cathy Giles Richard Davidson Elizabeth Conway Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mr. Anthony Cerullo Parents and Family of Epilepsy Foundation Winners Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Dr. Doherty introduced Mr. Anthony Cerullo, representing the Epilepsy Foundation. The School Committee recognized the winners of the Color Me Benjamin Contest. The School Committee congratulated the students and thanked Mr. Cerullo. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to enter into executive session to discuss Non - Represented Contract Negotiations, Personnel Matters, Safety Update, and Approval of Minutes, and to return to open session at approximately 8:21 p.m. The roll call vote was 6 -0. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Janowski. Chairperson Robinson called the open session meeting back to order at 8:26 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) March 1, 2010 . B. Reports I 1. Student Mr. Patrick O'Sullivan reported on Dr. Michael Fowlin's presentation to RMHS and stated that it was a unanimously positive experience, well received and worthwhile. He reported that the boys and girls Basketball teams are both having a very good season; the Northeast District Jazz Festival will be on Tuesday, March 2. Reading will be hosting 10 schools at the Festival which will take place all day until 10 P.M. Mr. O'Sullivan told the Committee there will be a Coffee House on Friday night at the American Legion and the monies collected will go to charity, the RMHS Jazz Band is holding its Annual New Orleans Night on March 6t', and the next RMHS Drama Production is The Elephant Man on March 12 and 13th . He also reported there will be a Classic 2010 Dodge Ball Fundraiser next week. Liaisons Reports Mrs. Webb reported on the Cat's Pajamas Fundraiser, in support of music in public education, which took place at RMHS this past Friday, February 26', and said what a wonderful experience it was. Mrs. Webb informed the Committee that MASC Day on Hill was coming up at end of March and they would be focusing on topics like funding for Districts, Education Reform, and The Race to the Top Grant Funding. She also mentioned there would be many exciting opportunities for utilizing technology. Mrs. Webb reported to the Committee that the Parker Middle School was going to present "The Pied Piper" on Friday, March 4t'. Mrs. Gibbs reported that Karen Gaffney, accomplished long- distance swimmer and. president of the Karen Gaffney Foundation, would be speaking to student bodies at both the Arthur W. Coolidge and Walter S. Parker Middle Schools this Wednesday about how people can overcome limitations. Ms. Gaffney will also make a presentation to the Community on Wednesday evening at 7, at the Parker Auditorium. 2. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported that a threat was discovered on one of the bathroom walls at Reading Memorial High School on Friday. The Reading Police Department investigated and determined that if was a low level threat. They plan to have a police presence, along with School Safety Resource Officer, Sergeant Richard Abate, at the high school all day. Sergeant Richard Abate, our School Safety Resource Officer (SRO), is leaving us. He has been promoted and will be working with the Police Department in other areas. After a search for his replacement, Officer Cory Santasky was selected to be our next SRO. Officer Santasky has been with the Reading Police Department for about six years and was a member of the Marine Corps before that. He will be visiting all of our schools March 1, 2010 with Sergeant Abate for introductions. Dr. Doherty acknowledged the resignation of Sergeant Abate and thanked him for all the work he has done for our district. Dr. Doherty informed the Committee that, thanks to the hard work of Mary DeLai, our Director of Finance and Operations, Reading has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. He stated that this grant will be used for performance contracting. Dr. Doherty informed the Committee that we have just completed our third year of the Readiness Emergency Management System (REMS) Safety Grant and submitted our final report last week. He continued by adding that we are applying for a second REMS grant for a two year period. Dr. Doherty reported on Reading Student/ Staff Health & Wellness Fair, on March 10, 2010. This event was coordinated by Erica McNamara, Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) & Tom Zaya, Department Head for Physical Education and Health & Wellness. There will be activities for staff and students during the day and a presentation on Social Host Liability in the evening for parents, students, staff, coaches, captains, student club leaders, class officers and community members. Dr. Doherty told the Committee that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was starting to take a bit of a different role in providing direct assistance to districts than they have in the past. He told the Committee about a workshop he attended last week on "Learning Walks" and a second presentation on "Professional Learning Communities ". These workshops are more hands on and the DESE has plans for more to come. 3. Director of Finance and Operations C. Continued Business D. New Business First Reading of Policy EEAJ — Policy regarding Motor Vehicle idling on School Grounds Dr. Doherty outlined the policy. He also referenced the Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations of motor vehicle idling on school grounds. Mr. Caruso read the policy. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accent the first reading of policy Section EEAJ, Policy Regarding Motor Vehicles idling on School Grounds, of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual in accordance with the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0. Approval of New Revolving Account Dr. Doherty outlined the need to establish this new revolving account. March 1, 2010 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, that the School Committee authorize the creation of the "Reading Extended Day Program Revolving Fund" in accordance with the provisions of MGL Chapter 71, Section 47 for the receipt and expenditure of funds related to school - sponsored before - school and after - school programs. The motion carried 6 -0. Assistant Superintendent Search Dr. Doherty introduced Elizabeth Conway who reviewed the search timeline and gathered input on the School Committee's thought on the qualities they would like to see in the new Assistant Superintendent. The School Committee discussed the strength and qualities that they would like to see in the new Assistant Superintendent. Qualities include complimenting and having a strong working relationship with the Superintendent, keeping the district mission and vision in focus and strong leadership skills and strength in curriculum. The School Committee would also like to see the new Assistant Superintendent have good communication skills, an ability to reach out to the community, possess a strong technology skill set, look to fmd creative avenues for professional development and to build relationships with the building principals and teachers. Approval of Coaching Assistants Dr. Doherty spoke about coaching assistant positions. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, that the School Committee authorize the creation of the position of "Coaching Assistant" to be classified as non - represented employees who will provide support to school- sponsored athletic or extra- curricular teams or activities. The iob description for said positions shall be as established by the Superintendent of Schools as will the selection and hiring criteria. The selected candidates shall be appointed by the Superintendent upon the recommendation of the Building Principal or the Director of Athletics and shall report to and be evaluated by the Building Principal or the Director of Athletics. The salary range for the position shall be between $50 and $2,500 per season. These positions are funded exclusively by outside funding and donations and are subiect to available funds. The motion carried 6 -0. Superintendent's Contract Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Chair to sign the contract with Dr. John Doherty for the position of Superintendent of Schools. The motion carried 6 -0. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes dated February 8, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0. March 1, 2010 • Bids and Donations Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation in the amount of $5650 from the Coolidge PTO to the Coolidge Middle School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation from the RMHS Girls' Basketball Support Team to be used to support the Coaching Assistant position as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation of $200 from Mr. & Mrs. Nastasi to be used to purchase books to meet the needs of our students enrolled in the Integrated Learning Program as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adiourn. The motion carried 6 -0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. *-W o F. ohe , Ed.D. perintendent of Schools Reading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee R E t\ [ y G , , Open Session 2010 MAR 1' 8 1 11 Date: March 1, 2010 Time: 7:04 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Visitors: Karen Callan Eric Sprung Patty deGaravilla Cathy Giles Richard Davidson Elizabeth Conway L Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mr. Anthony Cerullo Parents and Family of Epilepsy Foundation Winners Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Dr. Doherty introduced Mr. Anthony Cerullo; representing the Epilepsy Foundation. The School Committee recognized the winners of the Color Me Benjamin Contest. The School Committee congratulated the students and thanked Mr. Cerullo. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to enter into executive session to discuss Non- Represented Contract Negotiations Personnel Matters Safety Update, and Approval of Minutes; and to return to open session at approximately 8.21 p.m. The roll call vote was 6-0 Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Janowski. Chairperson Robinson called the open session meeting back to order at 8:26 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input a March 1, 2010 with Sergeant Abate for introductions. Dr. Doherty acknowledged the resignation of Sergeant Abate and thanked him for all the work he has done for our district. Dr. Doherty informed the Committee that, thanks to the hard work of Mary DeLai, our Director of Finance and Operations, Reading has been awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. He stated that this grant will be used for performance contracting. Dr. Doherty informed the Committee that we have just completed our third year of the Readiness Emergency Management System (REMS) Safety Grant and submitted our final report last week. He continued by adding that we are applying for a second REMS grant for a two year period. Dr. Doherty reported on Reading Student/ Staff Health & Wellness Fair, on March 10, 2010. This event was coordinated by Erica McNamara, Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) & Tom Zaya, Department Head for Physical Education and Health & Wellness. There will be activities for staff and students during the day and a presentation on Social Host Liability in the evening for parents, students, staff, coaches, captains, student club leaders, class officers and community members. Dr. Doherty told the Committee that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) was starting to take a bit of a different role in providing direct assistance to districts than they have in the past. He told the Committee about a workshop he attended last week on "Learning Walks" and a second presentation on "Professional Learning Communities". These workshops are more hands on and the DESE has plans for more to come. 3. Director of Finance and Operations C. Continued Business D. New Business First Reading of Policy EEAJ - Policy regarding Motor Vehicle idling on School Grounds Dr. Doherty outlined the policy. He also referenced the Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations of motor vehicle idling on school grounds. Mr. Caruso read the policy. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb to accent the first reading of policy Section EEXL Policy Regarding Motor Vehicles idling on School Grounds, of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual in accordance with the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Approval of New Revolving Account rDr. Doherty outlined the need to establish this new revolving account. March 1, 2010 ® Bids and Donations Mr. Caruso moved; seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation in the amount of $5650 from the Coolidgc PTO to the Coolidge Middle School as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski to accept a donation from the RMHS Girls' Basketball Support Team to be used to support the Coaching Assistant position as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to accept the donation of $200 from Mr. & Mrs. Nastasi to be used to purchase books to meet the needs of our students enrolled in the Integrated Learning Program as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated February 24, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. J F. Doherty', Ed.D. erintendent of Schools