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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-04-07 School Committee Packet School Committee Meeting April 7, 2014 Superintendent's Conference Room Office Hours 6:30 P.M. Open Session 7:00 P.M. fit- ACP 4�_ Town of Reading '', Meeting Posting with Agenda 4„,,mt G «z a v Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-04-07 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Meeting Called By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk's hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format;handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: Office Hours 6:30 p.m. Mr.Croft&Mrs. Borawski AGENDA Call to Order 7:00 p.m. II Recommended Procedure Executive Session A. Public Input(I) B. Reports 1. Students 2. Liaison 3. Superintendent 4. Sub-Committee 5. Assistant Superintendents 6. Director of Student Services C. Continued Business 1. FY15 Budget(I/A) 2. Early Childhood Education Center Update(I) D. New Business 1. Last Day of School (A) 2. Friends and Family Day(I) 3. RMHS Principal Search Update(I) E. Routine Matters 1. Bills and Payroll (A) 2. Minutes(A) March 31, 2014 3. Bids and Donations(A) 4. Calendar(I) This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page I 1 _`, �_ Town of Reading s "�`' 1 Meeting Posting with Agenda kka,, i F. Information G. Executive Session III Future Business I Informational A Action Item All times are approximate and may change. This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page 12 John F.Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C.DeLai Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 Assistant Superintendent Fax:781-942-9149 for Learning and Teaching Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: April 4, 2014 TOPIC: FY15 Budget Reductions At the April 7th School Committee meeting,we will continue the discussion of budget reductions for the FY15 Budget. As you recall,this discussion is necessitated by a vote taken by the Finance Committee at their March 26, 2014 meeting. As you recall from last week's discussion,the School Committee will need to reduce the FY15 budget by a total amount of$385,000. This number includes the$285,000 difference between the FINCOM recommendation and the School Committee budget plus the Elementary Social Worker which the School Committee included in their approved budget, and a.5 Kindergarten Teacher at Barrows. The .5 teacher is needed because of the smaller 1/2 day kindergarten classroom space at Barrows and the need to split the current projected enrollment into two smaller half day classes. The list below is a recommended list of reductions that has been developed with guidance from the District Leadership Team of Building Principals and Central Office Administrators. The list of reductions,which totals $385,000, is as follows: 1. Increase Offsets $65,000 2. Professional Development $20,000 3. Technology Replenishment $50,000 4. Consulting Services $25,000 5. 1.0 FTE Elementary Teacher $55,000 6. 2.0 FTE High School Teachers $110,000 7. 1.0 FTE Middle School Teacher $60,000 My recommendation at this point is to not take action on this list until after Town Meeting. We will present this list at Town Meeting so that they have the full information necessary to vote on the FY15 budget. If Town Meeting votes a reduced budget, you would take a vote on the total FY15 budget after Town Meeting concludes. Please contact me if you have any questions. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation, age or disability. John F. Doherty,Ed. D. Mary C. DeLai Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 Assistant Superintendent Fax:781-942-9149 for Learning and Teaching Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: April 4, 2014 TOPIC: Early Childhood Education Center As you know we held our first of five scheduled community information nights on the proposed Early Childhood Education Center. The community members that attended were receptive and asked very good questions. I am including a copy of the presentation being used for your information. If you have any questions,please contact me. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation, age or disability. 4/7/2014 . • Need for Early Childhood Center and Full Day Kindergarten • Review of Timeline -review of Options ra�. chooiCommittee appfoved a � 3 1 4/7/2014 • Increasing Full Day Kindergarten and RISE Preschool Enrollment over the last nine years • Increased special education programmatic needs over the last nine years d to provide publicly funded Full Day tor all students ■ Have higher academic achievement in later grades • Show greater reading and mathematics proficiency • Show faster gains on literacy and language measures. +▪�,Have enhanced social,emotional and behavior lopment e for chool,an better with a 9Y0lM G01T:1Wjh 1400• 100% 00% • e6% 40% 40% 4% 0014 iL70% 2910 �, 1 L �' 2010 2011 2012 2009 •CASM61werllwM ` •06/000/6 •P00040 •111061 0,0000000101 2 4/7/2014 : 1 100% !0% a 20% 1 x EiiJLJLiL zsx 2010 2011 2012 2013 '.110MAdbn�rl.aal •Manta •Pgkw■ •NNO0 e1aw• ni ••an.yiaiq In addition *Full-day kindergarten provides an essential bridge between prekindergarten programs and more structured learning in first grade. •In full-day kindergarten classrooms,teachers have time to get to know kids and identify and address Icarning challenges early. r0114,0Y1(40d001011156 A•Advocacy Glade nea 1 • io states require districts to provide publicly funded full-day kindergarten • Massachusetts is one of only art states that allow districts to charge tuition for kindergarten • Since.2000,the number of MA children in full kindergarten has increased from 2gQ ' 3 1 is • 3 4/7/2014 • WY non TuRkn Rata fu Full-Day do, oton by OtrRown for All 2012-201336001 Year ,:pilifilepri e -,..,.. ,lista•-..- FuR-0ryKa�d....lWrbn.2 24. . 32 =Tiro Fm FGtrMOmwao�l � 0•• `�; -' 1.1 V Ns f1®.A.®Immsra∎ IurPtwsW ' '' tea`) ■ While not mandated in Massachusetts,there has been increased focus on how to get communities to move in this direction The state has chosen to incentivize ratherthan ,.,'. aandate through Chapter 7o and grants, e � to publicly fund F 1i .r _ t aj�.r !:£ € �d l'-4l viz : �[� ' , School Year FDK Total %Attending Enrollment FDK 2005-06 92 287 32% 2006-07 206 325 33% 2007-08 123 324 38% 2008-09 120 324 37% 2009-1° 123 280 44% 2010-11 145 348 42% 201102 266 319 52% 2012-13 177 302 59% 2013-14 195 287 68% 2014-15(as of 221 307 72% March 31,2014) 4 4/7/2014 So Percent of Full Day Kindergarten Students(2005-2014) 7 s.«.----'fir <,°.s„. a Year General Education S.ecial Education Total 2005-06 46 36 82 2006-07 43 35 78 2007-08 42 37 79 2008-09 45 35 80 2009-10 49 43 92 2010-11 56 52 108 2011-12 52 56 108 2012-13 60 56 116 2013-14 66 46 112 2014-15(As of 70 26 96 March 31) RISE Population ago 8o / ti 5 4/7/2014 1.The higher the ratio of general education to special education students,the better for all students and teachers. 2. Equality of access to public education. 3.Reading parents want RISE for some of the following reasons: • Establishing community/parentconnectionsintown • Knowing the curriculum is directly aligned to K cur iculum s : mendationofneighbors. i1#/ed1lh1g• Program Change Classrooms Classrooms allocated in 2014.15 Allocated in 2005.06 (As of April 2) Full Day Kindergarten 5 12 (Including 2 Integrated K Schools) Special Education 2 6 Programs (DLC,ILP,SSP,LLD) RISE Preschool 5 7 Art/Music 20 7 Program:ype Barrows Birch Wood End Killam RISE Meadow Total General 17 20 18 18 20 4 Classrooms Classrooms 18 a z8 18 21 7(2 from WE) Used Art 1 1 1 1(2/2 sire) 2 0 Music o 0 1 1(2h size) 0 0 Special 2 2 2 2 1 0 Education Other Spaces 2 1 0 o z 1 Used as General Classrooms 6 4/7/2014 Program/Type Borrows Eaton Birch Wood End Killam RISE Meadow Total FDK/RISE 3 4 3 3 4 1a Classrooms Needed Existing FDK/RISE z z z z z 4 Classrooms Additional FDIC/RISE 1 1 1 1 a 6 Classrooms Needed Additional Special a a z 2 2 1 Education Classrooms Needed Additional Art/Music 1 1 0 1 1 1 Classrooms Needed Type Number ofClassrooms Class Size Full Day Kindergarten 17 19 Preschool 10 15 Art 1 Music 1 library 1 Gym 1 "{ Special Education z E 7 4/7/2014 • January,2o11-Discussions began on elementary space needs and FDK discussions • November,2011-Elementary Space Study approved by Town Meeting *June,2012-Elementary Space Study Completed ,,,,(Locker Report) November,2012-Spaceopta t 4 CCitnmitt • `Se ` • April,2013-A13 begins Feasibility study on Woburn Street • May,2013-August,2013-Meetings with Community and Town Officials on Wobum Street ugust,2013-Financial Forum to Discuss Pro�e � ' • treet no longer an option .�N ■ io Community Members • Early Childhood Parents • Citizens with interest in FDK and Project • School Committee Member • Finance Committee Member Supel Intendent of Schools of Finance and Admut b 8 4/7/2014 Lauren Dahm Barrows Parent Jim Strack RMHS parent Elisa Vincent Preschool(Birch Meadow District) Kristen Roberts Preschool(Eaton District) Kevin Sexton RISE parent(Wood End District) Michael Weaver Preschool(Killam District) Chris Wicken Preschool(Eaton District) Suzanne Abbott Birch Meadow Parent Brian Heslin Joshua Eaton&RISE Parker Camille Anthony Community Mark Dockser FINCOM Chuck Robinson School Committee Anne Manna Teacher Joyce Camenker Teacher John Doherty Superintendent Mary DeLai Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer Director of Student Services )ebbie Butts Preschool Director/Team Chair Caren Feeney Principal,Joshua Eaton School �n are • Education • Adequate Program and Classroom Space • Optimize educational resources(staffing and materials) • Allows for Innovative zz Century Environment Outdoor Play Space and educational opportunities rase educational opportunities for all 9 4/7/2014 • Parents • Improvement to current or future learning environments •More convenient ■ Improves early childhood education ■ Community •Provides additional indoor recreational space •Provides outdoor space Provides other community benefits ` • esents sustainable design options 1 od community monde 5 piann�rlg ` • Site •Convenient for parents,teachers,and students •Capable of supporting adequate parking Located in an area where abutters will be supported onvenientforwalkers P ao Date bus and tar urculat 10 _______~__� ___ 4�/�l4 a Rent space � PurchasingandRenovatingExistingSpame(ie. v�bum�ee� °Addingontoeache|ementary�choo| Park t htnn plan � �gtmentwa lrea° terVaisPark site StongrhiUSt�et<Haves)rl ° CbuUdge/Pa�e�KiUam(zoutofJ) 11 4/7/2014 ha04rySMy, • lll_�IIIaIIII1III1 ,. OPTION 12 �I=I*:IS�J;. 1 3 14 : =II 15 •I _..�. §111111261! sm'— I ii u i la - I 7b:17-"'.." I��� ` o1 oN 1 U =—-..• 111�..=1 - IiTii�i�i�i ,m `53o�s=�o ur 9 COST SUMMARY_..... • Only 2 of the 5 elementary school sites(Birch, Eaton)are rated as"good"candidates for expansion, one school(Wood End)is rated fair,and the other two(Killam,Barrows)are rated poor Total cost for construction only(not other fees) 'udd be over 12 million dollars v al space.fortemporaryre Ioc • • Disrupt current middle school structure and philosophy • Does not address preschool space issues —. • Current core spaces(cafeteria,gym,library,art, sic}would not be able to accommodate an �� at grade,of students 12 _.. — 4/7/2014 Parking g and t r a ff i c during dropPoff d-and -i-rr,1Pi ck'..u P times Tight site s ace with no alternative street access ss • Cost estima tes significant lyhigher than originally anticipated(15.1 million dollars) rem ha-„tlldents fromonlytw)school 0904PntatorOWP i .,.. 4 , PLAN .-■ I I A . — ..., 5.—„, ' "'AM 67 802 SF El: ' jr :1=.., PUliir5511441 35,3337,, Ei rim iiingi .. EiE16211° aiman. R. FF. i le....i it e1 iE l"iI'a"ml•lE-1 E1.1 _E_l _ Eau". ..,,,..... .m. ,,,,,...,,,cent., Early Chrldho sn.ce g- 13 4/7/2014 IRn Chil. . Rmin entr R - .. �� OPTION ,''� 1Cj,nc(2• 2 • — RAC SU MARRY 1Yw Stir xMliy. - OPTION r... {_Option 2 Ste Plan Rmdenrg 4 r,00 i:v;r • Only 3 of the 5 school sites are suitable for modular installations • If modular units were connected to any of the three schools,schools would have to have full fire sprinkler protection,adding$1.6 to$2.0 million to the cost 4-7 arent and community survey indicates that ,F. gcgspoodents are opposed to modular • We will be able to have separate art and music space • We will be able to have additional special education program and learning center space that is currently needed * We will be able to address unanticipated class size beable to use the spaces for oar 4 * fg S A fl 4 C 0 Y E8 4) kp Ir 14 4/7/2014 • Mass School Building Authority Funding Availability • Busing Costs for Early Childhood Center • Dedicated Art and Music Classroom Space in each school • Moving Superintendent's/Administration Office elsewhere • Current amount spent thus far for design work ing space to some schools and redistrict' • Appears to be strong support for publicly-funded full day kindergarten • Parents appear to prefer that all children have the same Kindergarten experience ■ Renovating or constructing a new facility will come • with additional operational costs 1 •itional staffing needs could include custodian, l su pot staff.and incremental i ■;: Pt s ech) • We will not be able to offer publicly funded FDK for all students • Other programmatic demands(i.e.special education programs)will require us to use more classroom space • Remain out of compliance on special education (Coordinated Program Review) will be assigned toschools ' ,® 15 4/7/2014 • Added 2 satellite RISE classrooms at Wood End • Next year we have a waiting list of 25 preschool students for RISE • Reduced Art and Music Rooms at four of five schools •Music class is on stage in some schools fi,"More students will be assigned to schools outside± f district{Superintendent's option) • Provides a comprehensive Full Day Kindergarten experience for all students • Provides a solid educational foundation for all students in their early childhood years « pk,r,7vides the space necessary fora strong school program n: t adedstriat f ■ March 31st-School Committee voted to form School Building Committee •April 28-April Town Meeting Article for$485,000 for design study f Article passes !wilding Committee Formed 16 4/7/2014 •April 2(6:3o p.m.) •April 8(6:3o p.m.) •April 3.4(6:3o p.m.) *April 22(io:oo a.m.) 22(6:30 p.m.) .14 tTq7z(1, 17 John F. Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C. DeLai Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 Assistant Superintendent Fax:781-942-9149 for Learning and Teaching Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: April 4, 2014 TOPIC: Last Day of School At our meeting on Monday evening I will ask the Committee to vote on the official last day of school for the 2013-2014 school year. We have used four snow days therefore, I am recommending June 24th as the last day for all students. The last day of school will be a half day for students and a full day for teachers. I am attaching a copy of the 2013-2014 calendar for your reference. If you have any questions, please contact me. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation, age or disability. Yellow Full Day Inservice Orange 6-8 only Early Release 1:00 Purple 9-12 Early Release 1:11 PM Green PreK-12 Early Release(All released READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS at 11:00 AM) Blue 6-12 Early Release(MS 1:00 2013-2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR PM&HS 1:11 PM) 8/26&27 Teacher Inservice AUG./SEPT.`13 FEBRUARY`14 Day (No School) 8/28 First Day of(Grade K-5 ©©©®© ©©©®© 5 Gr.6-8 Early Release m , 0 Release Time(12:45 p.m.) 26 ®m 29 ' 9 4 6 17 Presidents'Day 8/30 No School(Prek-12) 18-21 February Vacation "i 9/2 Labor Day(No School) t Y5© 4 6 10 m®® 14 (No School) 9/5 Rosh Hashanah(No School) 9 10 '�i ®® 26 Gr.6-8 Early Release 9/11 Gr.6-12 Early Release 16 m 18 19 20 24 ® ® 28 T-15 T-23 9 24 ® 26 ® ----- S-15 s-zl 30 ---- 9 Gr.6-12 Early Release 14 Columbus Day OCTOBER`13 MARCH`14 (No School) M T W Th F ©© 12 Gr.6-12 Early Release 15 Teacher Inservice Day,No School 1 2 3 4 4 6 26 Gr.9-12 Early Release 23 Gr.6-8 Early Release 7 8 10 11 10 111:::i.,t!,,SE 14 15 16 17 18 m 18 19 20 9 T-21 T-22 21 22 - 24 25 24 ® ® 28 S-21 s-21 28 29 30 31 ®---- 15 Passover Begins at Sundown 6 Gr.6-8 Early Release NOVEMBER`13 APRIL`14 16 Early Release Gr.PreK-12 11 Veterans Day ©©©®© ©©©®© 11 a.m. 20 Gr.9-12 Early Release • • 9 -�©© 17 Teacher In-Service- 27 PreK-12 Half Day I 1 a.m. 4 No School 28-29 Thanksgiving Break 4 © 0 8 0 8 9 10 m 18 Good Friday (No School)� 21 Patriots'Day (No School) i�t;:°!®® 14 ® 14 El '' 18 19 ` tv r - 22-25 Spring Break T-18/S-18 ®® (No School) ® 26 `: -28 29 30 - s-15 4 Gr.6-8 Early Release DECEMBER`13 MAY`14 9 PreK-12 All Day 7 Gr.6-12 Early release Inservice(No School) ©©©®© M T W Th F 21 Gr.6-8 Early Release (PreK-5/9-12: ©© © 6 1 2 26 Memorial Day Parent Conf.) 9 10 m®® 5 6 8 9 (No School) 23-31 Winter Vacation (No School) 16 m 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 T 21 25 T-l5 Christmas Day(No School) tL �I aL L 14 as y2, 19 20 22 23 S-2l S-14 4 4 - .'LAWMEN 27 28 29 30 I Holiday(No School) 4 Gr.9-12 Early Release 8 Gr.6-12 Early Release JANUARY`14 JUNE`14 8 RMHS Graduation 20 M.L.King,Jr.Day (No School) ©©©®© ©©©®© 11 Gr.6-8 Early Release 21 Kindergarten AM/PM -- ©© ©© © 6 24 Last day of School for Changeover Day students and teachers if all RMHS Midterms 6 9 10 9 10 four snow days used . 27 Start of 2nd Semester (Gr.6-12) " Half day for all students. 29 Gr.6-12 Early Release ® 14 ® 16 m 16 m 18 19 20 11 a.m. T-21 a� ®R®® 24 ® t rl.--- T 17 S-21 ® 28 3 30 ® S-17 Unless otherwise noted,Elementary Schools are dismissed every Wednesday that school is in session at 12:45 p.m. Four snow days included in this calendar.(T-189/S-184) H=Holiday V=Vacation Approved 1.24.13 Revised 6.24.13 John F. Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C. DeLai Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 Assistant Superintendent Fax:781-942-9149 for Learning and Teaching Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: April 4, 2014 TOPIC: Friends and Family Day At our meeting on Monday night I am asking the School Committee to discuss participation in the annual Friends & Family Day. Last year the Committee hosted a meet and greet. I am attaching the flyer for your information. If you have any questions, please contact me. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation, age or disability. Attention Local Businesses and Organizations: Register Now for the 11th Annual g Reading Lions Club Reading Friends and Family Day! June 14th, 2014 11:00 to 3:00 i eeds and Birch Meadow Area 0 This annual celebration is your opportunity to: w, J c y • • • Connect with Reading families ��0a 4 • Share your organization's mission •9 gone • Advertise your business or service • Sponsor a special event Since 2004, The Reading Lions Club has sponsored and organized Reading Friends and Family Day (RFFD). RFFD is a celebration of Reading and offers the community an opportunity to find out about local organizations, town government and businesses. RFFD brings the community together for a day full of fun events enjoyed by all ages. Community members come for the food, crafts, games, giveaways, entertainment and to learn about your organization or business! Over the past ten years RFFD has tripled the amount of presenters and participants! Don't miss this fun and promotional opportunity! Please use the registration form on the reverse to reserve a spot for your organization or business at Reading Friends and Family Day. This is a nonprofit community event. Businesses are very welcome to promote services, but no for-profit selling is allowed. We also offer opportunities to sponsor special events. Please contact RFFD Chairperson Nancy Jenney for more information rienney @comcast.net. Don't forget to take time to enjoy Reading Friends and Family Day! In addition to the RFFD booth exhibits and entertainment, there will be special events including early morning the Annual Kids Fun Run and evening Fireworks both sponsored by \ the Friends of Reading Recreation. st ands anti* Reading Lions Club � - o Reading Friends and Family Day 2014 • Saturday June 14, 2014 11:00AM — 3:00PM e . 0 Birch Meadow Area 0►Ih9 `iooe Booth Registration Form GROUP NAME Group contact person Mailing address E-mail Website Home or work phone cell phone Registration $40.00. Suggested nonprofit organization donation $10.00 Additional Donations Welcome Amount enclosed $ Please make check payable to the Reading Lions Club YOUR PLANS Please share as much information as possible at this time, we will follow up as the date gets closer. Activities Demonstrations Fundraising Other SPACE NEEDED (Length x width in feet) Length Width ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY NEEDED Yes No For more information, call or email Nancy Jenney 781-942-1059, jenny @comcast.net Complete this form and mail to: Nancy Jenney 24 Ash Hill Road Reading, MA 01867 Deadline for registration form May 23, 2014 John F. Doherty,Ed. D. Mary C. DeLai Superintendent of Schools — Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road r Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 _ Assistant Superintendent Fax:781-942-9149 for Learning and Teaching Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: April 4, 2014 TOPIC: Reading Memorial High School Principal Search At our meeting on Monday evening I will update the School Committee on the progress of the high school principal search. The Screening Committee recently interviewed 8 candidates for the position and moved 5 pre-finalists onto the Superintendent. Over the past two weeks each candidate was interviewed by the Superintendent. After these individual interviews, four candidates were moved forward as finalists. Last Thursday the four finalists were at Reading Memorial High School for a site visit. The four finalists met with students,teachers, department heads, administrators and parents over the course of the day and evening. As a result of the site visit, two finalists emerged as strong candidates. This week a group of Reading Memorial High School teachers, district administrators and I visited the schools of the two finalists. The process has been very comprehensive and I hope to announce the new principal at our meeting. If you have any questions, please contact me. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation, age or disability. r; Town of Reading ' 1, Meeting Minutes 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 Page I 1 A. New Business (Out of Order) 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 3rd 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 12 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 I 7 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. Croft announced that the executive session is necessary to protect the bargaining position of the body. 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. Page 19 2013-2014 School Committee Meeting Date School Presenting @ Meeting Office Hours I I I I I April 7th School Committee Croft& Borawski April 28th Town Meeting April 29th School Committee Killam May 1st Town Meeting May 5th Town Meeting May 6th School Committee RISE School Choice May 8th Town Meeting May 19th School Committee Snow Dockser&Caruso June 2nd School Committee Webb&Robinson June 8th RMHS Graduation June 14th Friends and Family Day June 16th School Committee 4.4.14 All meetings are in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Dates and locations subject to change. (Bold indicates new or changed date or location.