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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-31 School Committee Minutes Town of Reading = Meeting Minutes X11 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-03-31 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Karen Janowski John Doherty, Superintendent Chris Caruso Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Lisa Gibbs Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Jeanne Borawski Hal Croft Chuck Robinson Conner Traugot, Student Representative Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Members - Not Present: Alison Elmer, Director of Student services Others Present: Doug Lyons, Parker Middle School Principal Jane Costa, Parker Middle School teacher Jeanne Duran, Parker Middle School teacher Andrew Spinelli, Parker Middle School teacher Phil Vaccaro & Linda Snow Dockser, Candidates for School Committee Bob Mooney, RTA President & RMHS teacher Bill Brown Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Croft called the School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. He reviewed the agenda, announced the meeting was being recorded and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. New Business (Out of Order) Page I 1 B. Public Input (I) C. Reports (I) 1. Student Ms. Nastri reported that the Playwriting Showcase is this weekend. Mr. Traugot reported that the RMHS Jazz Band won a gold medal at the State competition and several members of the group received individual honors. 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs reported that she along with her family and 9 Reading teachers attended the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Conference in Worcester. She said it was a great conference and had many workshops focused on supporting children with all different learning needs. Mrs. Janowski reminded the community of the upcoming deadline for the Human Relations Advisory Committee's Art contest. 3. Superintendent Dr. Doherty followed up on the Jazz Band performance. By winning the Jazz Band will once again be playing at the Hatch Shell on May 4th. The RMHS Color Guard won the New England competition and the RMHS Percussion Band finished 31-d in the New England Competition. He has also met with Veterans Agent Frank Driscoll, RMHS Principal Higginbottom and Athletic Director Zaya regarding the perceived disrespect during the National Anthem at the boy's hockey state championship game. Mr. Zaya has contacted the family of the Braintree student who performed the National Anthem. Dr. Doherty also shared that the high school is addressing not only this issue but is having continuous discussions on developing core values including respect. Mr. Driscoll suggested that as the POW Chair moves to a new school that perhaps a small ceremony be held sharing the meaning of the display. D. New Business (out of order) Parker Presentation Parker Principal Doug Lyons provided an overview of the presentation for this evening. Interdisciplinary teams across the building have started with implementing student-led conferences. We will discuss strategies for weaving self-reflection into the writing process in all content areas and demonstrate how teachers guide students to acknowledge, appreciate, and articulate their growth while also establishing future goals. Page I 2 The initiative was brought to Parker by Kathy Favazza, Steve Olivio and Tanya McDonald who saw it in action in a neighboring district and brought it to Parker. This model is also in place in the eighth grade as well. Mr. Lyons turned the meeting over to Andrew Spinelli, Jane Costa and Jeanne Duran for"Measuring what Matters". Mrs. Costa started off reviewing the team goal. This initiative encourages the development of writing skills across the curriculum, moving beyond just in English class. Students post their work to a Ning where they receive teacher/peer feedback. The students also develop digital portfolios to store their work. The students have opportunities to reflect on their growth and are able to set goals for future growth. The teachers want the students to take ownership in their work and experience a sense of accomplishment and pride. Mrs. Duran, who teaches in the LLD classroom, employs different methods for her students. Expressive language is difficult for most of her students but by using the Ning for mentor tasks her students have writing samples to reference. Mr. Spinelli continued pointing out that changing the conversation and culture is important. The goal is to have students excited to share work with their parents and peers. Mrs. Costa said the students prepare over the course of the year to assemble portfolios for a parent presentation in May. In preparation for this event the students compare and contrast work periodically, reflect on each other's work/growth, comment on their personal growth and respond directly to teacher/parent feedback. Mrs. Duran adapts this process for her students enabling them to share in the same feelings of accomplishment and growth. Mr. Spinelli said these activities are great community building opportunities. In the spring students assemble their portfolios with sections including before and after, room to grow and my personal favorites. This requires the student to really review all of their work. Prior to the open house students prepare their presentations. They practice presenting their work to peers with sample parent conversation starters provided by their teachers. Mrs. Duran explained the open house process. Parents receive invitations and conference times. These conferences are held in all four content area classrooms. Each family has a 30 minute time slot with time allotted to debrief with the teacher. Ipads are also available for access to the Ning. Mrs. Costa said the conferences are intended to facilitate a lively conversation. To enable this conversation,parents receive a list of starter questions to assist in starting the conversation. Mr. Spinelli reviewed the outcomes of this initiative. Students take pride in their work and accomplishment, they have an opportunity to see strength in an area of weakness and they learn valuable life skills including the ability to present in front of both strangers and peers. Mrs. Duran added that students, including hers, are nervous about presenting to their parents. She said it is a great feeling to see Page 13 her students take ownership and pride in their work. It is a powerful experience for all students. The families enjoy the opportunity to sit with their children to discuss their writing and class work at the May open house. Mrs. Costa said as the year progresses students continue to practice with self- reflection and assessment and have opportunities to see real growth and establish meaningful goals on an on-going basis. The teachers have more opportunities to review student work. Mrs. Duran added the use of consistent language and a rubric of expectations across all disciplines is helpful. Mr. Spinelli said the use of Data Points increases collaboration, goal setting and differentiation. He shared that the team chose 3 students with specific needs to be their test group. In doing so the teachers were able to assess and adapt strategies in their teaching. Mrs. Gibbs shared that the ability to review, reflect and share work are important life skills. Mrs. Janowski asked how this initiative was different from the previous process. Mr. Spinelli answered by saying that the students are accountable for their work and learn to self-reflect and provide personal feedback. This process also allows teachers to collaborate. This collaboration adds to consistency in the language. Ms. Nastri wished she had an opportunity to use this approach. She would have liked to reflect on her work. Chair Croft thanked the Parker staff for their presentation. Director of Student Services Search Superintendent Doherty announced that he will be recommending Carolyn Wilson as Director of Student Services and the School Committee would have an opportunity to interview her. He reviewed her resume and introduced Ms. Wilson to the Committee. Mrs. Gibbs announced that she currently works in Newburyport with Ms. Wilson. She also shared that Ms. Wilson is highly regarded in the Newburyport Public Schools. Mrs. Janowski asked what the biggest challenge would be moving into a Director's role. Ms. Wilson responded by saying the budget process will be one of her greatest challenges as well as ELL and behavioral health initiatives. She also knows that it is important in a district this size to get to know the staff. Mrs. Gibbs asked how she would cultivate parental relationships. Ms. Wilson said in her role as team chair she strived to develop strong relationships with staff, parents and the PAC. She wants to be sure parents and staff feel comfortable and have a voice. Page 14 Mr. Caruso asked why Reading? Ms. Wilson said she was looking for an opportunity to move her career forward and likes what is going on in Reading. Mrs. Borawski asked how she would handle the transition. Ms. Wilson said she would be responsive and clear. She will not hesitate to use all forms of communication to reach out to parents and staff. She will be sure to communicate her staff expectations and communicate those to the parents. Mrs. Janowski asked what initiatives she would bring to Reading. Ms. Wilson responded by saying she would like to increase the knowledge in Special Education programming and instruction through professional development. Mrs. Janowski followed up by asking what her thoughts were on Universal Design for Learning. Ms. Wilson will use tools for all learners and incorporate more technology options. She will also make all lessons accessible to all students. Mr. Croft asked Ms. Wilson where she would bring Reading in 5 years. Ms. Wilson will work on improving programming and services. She will also use data to move the programming and district to the next level. She would also like to see improved services and outcomes. Mr. Croft followed up asking about her legal background. Ms. Wilson said that special education tends to be litigious and she will use her law background to refer to case law to ensure we are doing what we are supposed to do in the best interest of the students. Her work has also afforded her the opportunity to refine her critical thinking skills. Mrs. Janowski asked how Ms. Wilson would promote stability and confidence. Ms. Wilson will use strong leadership skills to address parental issues and concerns and will build and grow a strong leadership team. Mrs. Borawski asked a follow up question regarding building trust in the department. Ms. Wilson will be involved to ensure a smooth process and will support the team chairs to provide the tools to be able to support the staff as well as the parents. Chair Croft thanked Ms. Wilson for coming to the meeting this evening. Ms. Wilson left the meeting. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent to appoint Carolyn Wilson as the Director of Student Services. Mr. Caruso asked about the transition. Page 15 Dr. Doherty said that Ms. Wilson is scheduled to start on July 1St. There may be times prior to that date that Ms. Wilson will be in the district. Mrs. Janowski asked about the search process and was concerned that the School Committee only was able to meet one candidate. Dr. Doherty reviewed the process. There was a limited pool of qualified applicants. The screening committee reviewed the 15 application packets and moved 4 names forward to the Superintendent. Ms. Wilson's qualifications made it clear to the Superintendent that she was the strongest of the finalists. Ms. Wilson was interviewed three times with the Superintendent, Mr. Martin and Ms. DeLai and after reference checks it was clear that she was the top choice. Chair Croft asked for a vote on the motion. The motion carried 6-0. E. Continued Business FY15 Budget Reductions Dr. Doherty reviewed the Finance Committee decisions on the budget and Early Childhood project. The Finance Committee struggled with the decision not to be able to fund the School Department budget as requested. They did approve the request for the funding for the Early Childhood Center to be moved forward to Town Meeting. Dr. Doherty met with the district administrators to develop a recommended list of reductions. He reviewed the proposed reductions to the budget. Reductions include both personnel and non-personnel line items. Non-personnel items include reductions in professional development, technology replenishment and consulting services. Also included is an increase in the use of offsets. The Superintendent cautioned the committee on increasing the use of offsets and the effect it will have on the next year's budget. The personnel reductions include 1 FTE elementary, 2 FTE high school and 1 FTE middle school teaching positions. Town Meeting will have the final word on the budget. This is a revenue issue. We need to educate the community and Town Meeting will have to make painful decisions sooner than later. Mrs. Janowski would like to see the Legal Services cost center reduced to $25,000 from the current $65,000. Dr. Doherty reminded her that we use the services of the Legal Counsel on matters beyond special education matters. They are consulted on student issues,provide professional development for our principals and will be reviewing all of our student handbooks. In addition, they will be an invaluable resource for our new Director of Student Services. Ms. DeLai indicated that the increase in legal service costs over the past few years has more to do with a newer administrative team. Dr. Doherty added that our administrators seek guidance on student issues before making decisions. In the long run, this practice saves the district money. Page 16 Mr. Robinson feels that the development of the budget is the biggest responsibility of the School Committee. He is uncomfortable going to Town Meeting with uncertainty and we should not leave it up to Town Meeting to determine our budget. The School Committee will need to determine which cuts to make. Mr. Robinson asked about the technician salaries, substitute pay and the IT Audit. Dr. Doherty explained that the technician's salaries are well below other districts. If we are unable to increase the salaries we risk losing our technicians to other districts. At the Administrators meeting the principals shared the concern of not getting qualified substitutes in their buildings. As with the technicians, substitutes will seek work in other districts that pay higher rates. Mrs. Gibbs asked if there would be an opportunity to communicate with Fincom. Dr. Doherty indicated that they have already voted and we will have to communicate the district needs at Town Meeting during the budget presentation. Mrs. Borawski also is uncomfortable going to Town Meeting with an unbalanced budget and what kind of message would it send to the community. Mr. Mooney said he appreciates the work the School Committee does and knows the board supports teachers. He voiced his concerns with the proposed teaching positions among the recommended reductions. He does not feel the community values education, this is reflected in the underfunding of the per pupil cost center. Dr. Doherty pointed out that reductions could have come out of cost centers that support the teachers. He felt this would have more of an impact on teaching and learning. Mrs. Borawski pointed out that we do fund education in Reading at a level higher than the state average. Early Childhood Education Center Building Committee (ECECBC) A question was asked at the Finance Committee last week if the $485,000 could be funded through debt versus free cash. Dr. Doherty has discussed this proposal with the Town Manager. The Board of Selectmen would have to act on this by requesting a Special Town Meeting within Town Meeting if the funding is approved. The Superintendent reviewed the process for the formation of a building committee. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to establish an Early Childhood Education Center Building Committee as outlined by the Superintendent. Mr. Caruso feels the establishment of a Building Committee is the way to go. Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Croft and Mrs. Janowski agreed as well. Page 17 Mrs. Borawski agreed as well, but would like the committee to include a preschool/kindergarten parent and high school parent included in the group. Mrs. Borawski proposed a friendly amendment to the original motion. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mr. Caruso,to amend the original motion to add 1 preschool/kindergarten parent and 1 high school parent to the Early Childhood Education Center Building Committee to be appointed by the Superintendent. The motion carried 6-0. The Chair called for a vote on the revised motion. The revised motion carried 6-0. Dr. Doherty said that there will be five community meetings and that his office has sent out a mailing to the Town Meeting members and abutters. An additional mailing to preschool parents will also be going out. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant S1440 3.27.14 $423,431.10 Warrant P1420 3.28.14 $1,394,661.94 b. Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes, as amended, dated March 24, 2014. The motion carried 6-0. c. Bids and Donations Accept Donations Girls Hockey Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation in the amount of$700 to be used to support the coaching assistant position for girl's hockey for this past season. The motion carried 6-0. PSST Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs.Janowski, to accept the donation in the amount of$1,300 to be used to support the Playwriting Instructor position for the Drama Program. The motion carried 6-0. Page 18 Enrichment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation in the amount of$2,000 from the Coolidge PTO to offset the cost of the Michael Fowlin enrichment program for the middle and high school students. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs,to accept a donation in the amount of$2,000 from the RMHS PTO to offset the cost of the Michael Fowlin enrichment program for the middle and high school students. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept a donation in the amount of$2,800 from the Reading Education Foundation to offset the cost of the Michael Fowlin enrichment program for the middle and high school students. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information Dr. Doherty reminded the community of the Michael Fowlin presentation on Thursday night. Dr. Doherty took this opportunity to acknowledge the service and commitment of the two retiring School Committee members Lisa Gibbs and Karen Janowski. He thanked them for their years of service to the children of the Reading Public Schools. The Superintendent presented Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Janowski with chairs on behalf of the School Committee. Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Janowski both said it was an honor to serve and enjoyed their time on the board. Each School Committee member expressed their gratitude to the retiring members and thanked them for their tireless advocacy on behalf of the Reading Public Schools. V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. A o F. 'ohert., Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Page 19