HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-08 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
Open Session
Date: February 8, 2010
Time: 7:30 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:
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate
Call to Order
Staff Members Present
John Doherty, Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to enter into Executive Session to discuss pending
litigation, approval of minutes and to return to open session. The motion carried on a roll call vote
6 -0. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Janowski.
Chairperson Robinson called open session back to order at 8:10 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed
guests.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input (I)
B. Reports. I
Student
Mr. O'Sullivan reported on:
The Boys Next Door — outstanding production
Drama Club participation at the Framingham Drama Exchange
Upcoming February vacation
Michael Fowlin event
February 8, 2010
Haiti Fundraising efforts at RMHS
Upcoming Amnesty International Coffeehouse
Jr. District Auditions — Band and Chorus: several students selected to participate
Liaison
Mrs. Webb updated the committee on recent legislative action and the Suburban Coalition
meeting she attended.
Mrs. Gibbs publically wanted to thank Chair Robinson for his leadership throughout the budget
process. She also shared the schedule of Celebrating Inclusive Schools that is ongoing including
the upcoming guest speaker Michael Fowlin. The Drama production of "The Boys Next Door "
was phenomenal. She commended all involved.
2. Superintendent's Report
Dr. Doherty reported that he and Ms. DeLai have met with several PTO groups this past week
and will be meeting with the rest in the next couple of weeks.
3. Director of Finance and Operations
C. Continued Business
D. New Business
Ethics Training
Dr. Doherty introduced Town Clerk Laura Gemme. Ms. Gemme reviewed the new ethics and conflict of
interest changes and then administered the Ethics test.
Chair Robinson thanked Ms. Gemme.
Assistant Sunerintendent Search Process
Dr. Doherty reviewed the search process and timeline. The process involves data collection by the search
committee who then will recommend the candidates to be interviewed. The School Committee will
appoint the Assistant Superintendent based on the Superintendent's recommendation.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Assistant Superintendent hiring
nrocess and timeline outlined in the Superintendent's memo dated February 4, 2010.
The School Committee asked clarifying questions.
The motion carried 6 -0.
RMHS Field Trip to Cooperstown
Dr. Doherty reviewed the proposed RMHS baseball field trip to Cooperstown, NY during April vacation.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the annual Reading Memorial_HiP—h
School Baseball field trip to Cooperstown, NY during April 2010 vacation as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated February 4, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0.
February 8, 2010
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
1, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0.
• Bids and Donations
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation of $500 from Michael & Deb
Boschetti to be used to support the RMRS Young Engineers Club as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated February 4, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0.
Award of Contract
Ms. DeLai reviewed the responses to the invitation to bid for Electrical Repair and Maintenance Contract
and indicated that Reading Public Schools are benefitting from the competitive nature of the bid process
because of the economy.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into
agreement with Your Electrical Solutions to provide Electrical Repair & Maintenance Services as
outlined in the memorandum dated February 3, 2010. The motion carried 6 -0.
Calendar
N. Information
The Superintendent informed the School Committee of a meeting that has been added on March 29, 2010.
V. Adjournment
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to adjourn. The motion carried 6 -0.
VI. Future Business
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred
during the meeting.
4oV F. Dohe4 Ed.D.
erintendent of Schools