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2014-04-29 School Committee Packet
School Committee Meeting April 29, 2014 Superintendent's Conference, Room Open Session 7:00 P.M. Town of Reading i Meeting Posting with Agenda ',,,,,, IT Pit m »:i Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-04-29 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: AGENDA Call to Order 7:00 p.m. - Revised II Recommended Procedure 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 D. New Business 1. Killam Presentation (I) 2. Approval of RMHS Field Trip(A) 3. FY15 Budget Update(I) 4. Early Childhood Update (I) E. Routine Matters 1. Bills and Payroll (A) 2. Minutes (A) April 7, 2014 April 9, 2014—Financial Forum 3. Bids and Donations (A) Accept a Donation from Reading Education Foundation Accept a Donation from the RMHS Band Parents Organization 4. Calendar(I) F. Information 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 • c. , Town of Reading 1,4 Meeting Posting with Agenda ,..„,. ,,..„.r Al 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 F 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 24, 2014 TOPIC: Approval of RMHS Spanish Exchange Field Trip Please find attached a copy of a memorandum from RMHS principal Kevin Higginbottom supporting a proposal from Joanne Alvarez, Foreign Language Department Head to continue Reading's participation in this intercultural opportunity. RMHS will host 18 students from Madrid in the fall and our students will travel to Spain in the spring. This exchange program has been very successful and I ask the School Committee to once again approve it. I have attached additional information 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. o�N OFR�! • w C INCOR"��� John F.Doherty,Ed.D. READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Kevin Higginbottom Superintendent Principal Michael R. Scarpitto 62 Oakland Road,Reading,Massachusetts 01867 Laura Olsen Tel:781-944-8200 Fax:781-942-5435 Thomas Zaya Website:http://www.edline.net/pages/Reading_HS Assistant Principals TO: Dr. John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools FROM: Kevin J.Higginbottom,Principal DATE: April 14,2014 TOPIC: Proposed Student Exchange: Reading-Madrid, 2014-2015 May this letter serve as support for Joanne Alvarez,Foreign Language Department Chair,to host 18 students from Madrid. RMHS families are willing to serve as host families. The students will be visiting from September 6—20,2014. As part of the exchange program,Reading students will be travelling to Spain in April 2015. The RMHS students will stay with the families they hosted in the fall. This trip serves as an educational experience and an opportunity for our students to advance their knowledge and experience travelling to Spain. I respectfully request that you approve this trip. Preparing Reading's Youth to be Productive,Informed,Independent Citizens In A Global Society The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,religion,rational origin,sexual orientation,age or disability. To: members of the School Committee From: Joanne Alvarez,RMHS Foreign Language Dept. Re:PROPOSAL TO CONTINUE STUDENT EXCHANGE:READING—MADRID 2014-2015: our Fourth Exchange RMHS/Colegio San Miguel Arcangel We would like to continue our exchange program with our Spanish sister school,the Colegio San Miguel Arcangel,a preK-12 school in Madrid,Spain. http://www.salesianosnaseo.com/. The Colegio San Miguel Arcangel is located in a lovely part of Madrid and in past years,we have been given a warm welcome with lots of enthusiasm for our group. Eighteen students(about 17 years of age)are ready to come to visit RMHS and are very excited about meeting and staying with Reading families this September.They will be here for 2 weeks,Sept.6—20,2014,attend classes with host students from RMHS and go on field trips with their teachers from Spain.We already have a number of RMHS families interested in hosting and traveling to Spain in April 2015 and would like to request your approval of our exchange trip. In April 2015,our students,ideally the ones who have hosted the students from Spain,will travel to Madrid to stay with their host families.They will visit their friends at the colegio, attend classes,and take field trips around the Madrid area(see proposed itinerary). Prometour travel programs have been used at the middle school level with success in the past and have given us good customer service and value for our past exchanges,which have been very economically priced.The cost of the exchange is naturally much less than the cost of hotel trips,since the students will be housed and fed by their host families.The exact cost will depend on the number of students and chaperones who are able to go. For many years,our exchange with the Institution Join-Lambert in Rouen,France,has been offering RMHS students of French an excellent opportunity to practice and improve their target language in France,make friends abroad,and to participate more fully in the global society of the 21St century.We are thrilled to be able to continue giving our students of Spanish this opportunity as well. Thank you very much, Joanne Alvarez Foreign Language Department Head Reading Memorial High School 1 YOUR ITINERARY t px PRC3M�TO[...�R � 5, • f a class of lts`I , :. 'Y• •-- - Ufa t! e{s`4 (" # ' USA: 1 800 304 9446 GAN: 1 800 657 7754 ,NFO©PROMETOUR.COM I 6 INTERCAMBIO EN ESPANA 14 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS TRAVEL DATES: APRIL 17 - 30, 2015 USA: 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-657-7754 INFO@PROMETOUR.COM YOUR ITINERARY 1 1. k i i;" ' j'-''', ' ' '''k t PRUMc T©UR a-class of Its o4tin wW». � p' f� i , USA: 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-657-7754 INFO @PROMETOUR.COM ! DAY 1: DEPART Friday i • Fly through the night to Madrid,capital of Spain. s a' ; ° , , ; + l,,,, DAY 2&3: WEEKEND WITH HOST FAMILIES Saturday&Sunday --,-.# , � . t, i • Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at the airport,a Prometour Representative will 1 meet you and help you transfer to your partner school. r it, • Transfer by private motor coach to Colegio San Miguel Arcangel. Upon arrival, have a short orientation and meet your pen pals. 4. • Start your exchange program.While living with a host-family,you will find out . ` y.,..-,.., that Spanish is more than a textbook language.You will eat Spanish food, meet .'-t E ,;s Spanish people and have an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish in V; IF l t " real-life situations. ip t ; • Have a nice weekend with your pen pals and their families. -- �! Monday&Tuesday 1� . i�, DAY 4&5:EXCHANGE PROGRAM Y Y 4 "I;,,.,,} .,. , • ' -- ` • Attend school with your pen pals.Activities and workshops may be organized at i the school during your visit(to be confirmed with the Spanish school). 4 '@4x a., �.. I "a `II DAY 6:SEGOVIA Wednesday K ` i ' , " • Today board your private motor coach and depart for the city of Segovia.Take a z i walking tour of the city and visit the Alcazar,the Roman Aqueduct and x "= *IT nit' '->"41`y)!i I I' , Cathedral. r; c; ea 1 i' i' • For a special lunch enjoy one of Segovia's traditional delicacies, oven-roasted piglet, locally known as Cochinillo. • Spend the rest of the afternoon free to explore Segovia before returning to your ' - . `'° .- host family. " - 4 ' --- • Dinner and night accommodation with your host family. ' DAY 7: EXCHANGE PROGRAM Thursday _ --- • Attend school with your pen pals.Activities and workshops may be organized at the school during your visit(to be confirmed with the Spanish school). ",�,. ' DAY 8:TOLEDO Friday Today, meet your Prometour Director and board your private motor coach for 1 .� '-,.q: Toledo. s � '' ,., • Start your day with a visit to a traditional sword workshop where you will learn j.t`1 '. i " how the metal is forged into elaborate weaponry.At the end of your visit you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. ` • Enter Toledo's monumental Cathedral,the spiritual heart of the Spanish ,- Church.Visit the church of Santo Tome to admire one of El Greco's �� Z • masterpieces: The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. .,.' • Later,take some free time to explore the city at your own pace, consider a stop r4, ate, ' %i- t qI� r at the Pasteleria Santo Tome to taste the locally made marzipan pastries. " -:'t` • Return with your host families for dinner and night accommodation. USA: 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-657-7754 INFO @PROMETOUR.COM YOUR ITINERARY 4 a class bf its=orvn . .� ; ,a a - "ifs` 3 .site z i USA. 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-6577754 INFO @PROMETOUR.COSv1 • DAY 9 to 11: EXCHANGE PROGRAM Saturday to Monday b , • Enjoy the weekend with your pen pals and their families. • On Monday,attend school with your pen pais.Activities and workshops may be organized at the school during your visit(to be confirmed with the Spanish school). ,; DAY 12: MADRID 1 SEVILLA Tuesday • Today say a fond"hasta luego"to your host family and transfer to Atocha train station to catch the AVE high speed train to Sevilla, Capital of Andalucia. • Upon arrival,drop your bags at your hotel and enjoy a guided tour of Sevilla. You'll have the opportunity to admire the Alcazar, a fortress built by the Moors. Then visit the Cathedral,the largest Gothic building in Europe.Also see La Giralda, a minaret built in the 12th century. • After some free time for lunch, learn more about Andalusian culture with a visit to ' ' the Flamenco Museum. • Partake in a 45-minute Flamenco dance class. • After,see the artists in action while enjoying a Flamenco show. • Tonight, enjoy dinner with your group in a local restaurant. DAY 13:SEVILLA/GRANADA 1 MALAGA Wednesday • Today after breakfast, board your private motor coach to Granada. r.� �1 I • Visit the magnificent Alhambra. Enjoy a guided tour through the Alcazaba(the Igretifig fort),the Generalife(gardens),Charles V's Palace,and the Nasrid Palaces. • This afternoon,continue to Malaga and check in at your centrally located hotel. • Dinner and night accommodation in Malaga. DAY 14: DEPART Thursday • Today,transfer to Malaga airport by private motor coach and catch your flight back to the USA. r 1 USA: 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-657-7754 INFO @PROMI:IOUR.COM YOUR ITINERARY tY aI i k a classofrfs r,. x USA. 1-800-304-9446 CAN: 1-800-657-7754 INFO @PROMETOUR.COM PRICE PER PERSON SHEET This is a privately operated tour-you will not be combined with another group! PRICE PER PERSON PAYMENT SCHEDULE 20+ participants $ 2,510 $300-June 1, 2014 $800- September 1, 2012 15 to 19 participants $ 2,590 $800-November 1, 2012 Balance'==- February 1,2013 12 to 14 participants $ 2,750 Online o.fions available PRICE INCLUDES: PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE: • TRAVELGUARD:OPTION A:Basic Group Program • TRAVELGUARD covering group dates of travel.Includes Emergency Optional Individual Insurance Program Upgrade Medical and Cancellation OPTION B:Individual Deluxe Program • Airfare`(Boston/Madrid/Malaga/Boston) Basic Package+additional benefit and higher coverage • Associated transportation costs while in Europe • OPTION C:Individual Ultimate program" • 2 nights multiple occupancy(3/4 per room with private Deluxe Package+No-Reason Cancellation bath)in quality 3"hotels &Job Loss Protection • 2 Breakfasts/1 Lunch/2 Dinners(includes one "Ultimate Program is not eligible in NY,PA,IN&WA beverage and a vegetarian option) • Applicable airline baggage charges according to their • All cultural and aforementioned visits,activities,tours policies and admissions • Recommended tips: Prometour Tour Director • Service of a dynamic professional bilingual Prometour 3 Euro per day,per person&Bus Driver(s) 1 Euro per Tour Director with the group 24 hours a day day, per person • Departure taxes and Airline fuel surcharges t$620 per • Airline fuel surcharge increases:Departure taxes and person Airline fuel surcharges in excess of$620 per person. Prometour may be required to revise the final price of EXCHANGE PROGRAM ORGANIZED BY your tour 60 days prior to your departure COLEGIO SAN MIGUEL ARCANGEL: • Spanish host family stay • Exchange rate:Prometour has quoted this package at an • Meals with the host families(exceptions might apply) exchange of 1 =1.35 USD.In the event of a significant change, Prometour may be required to revise the final • Classes and workshops during the exchange program price of your tour 60 days prior to your departure. (confirmed between the partner schools prior to departure) Date of quote:April 3,2014 These prices are valid until:First payment deadline Your Prometour Tour Project Manager:Sharmlla Hall USA: 1-800-304-9446 CAN 1-800-657-7754 INFO a.PROMETOUR.COM John F.Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C.DeLai Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Craig Martin Reading,MA 01867 y t Assistant Superintendent Phone:781-944-5800 f,� ° 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 29, 2014 Re: FY15 Budget Reductions-Update Since the April 7th School Committee Meeting, I have had some additional conversations with staff regarding staffing priorities and professional development. This additional information will necessitate revising the FY15 Budget Reduction list and the total amount that will need to be reduced. First,we have received word from the DESE that we will be able to roll over our Race to the Top Funds until August 30th. This will allow us to spend these funds on summer curriculum and professional development work from July 1st until August 30th. In addition, we received a state grant to help support our MTSS work. Because of these two recent developments, I will be recommending that we reduce our professional development allocation in FY15 an additional $55,000. In addition, I would recommend that we not fund the Elementary Social Worker position that originally was not in the budget,but was on the top of the unfunded priority list. We are working with local colleges and universities to provide social worker interns at the elementary level to provide those services for students. These interns will be supervised by our behavioral health coordinator and will provide support that currently does not exist at our elementary level. Based upon the above information,the FY15 budget reduction will now total $315,000. This number includes the $285,000 difference between the FINCOM recommendation and the School Committee budget plus the .5 Kindergarten Teacher($30,000) at Barrows. As you recall, 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 revised 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 $315,000, is as follows: The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,gender identity,religion,national origin,sexual orientation,age or disability. 1. Increase Offsets $65,000 2. Professional Development $75,000 3. Technology Replenishment $50,000 4. Consulting Services $25,000 5. 1.0 FTE High School Teacher $50,000 6. 1.0 FTE Middle School Teacher $50,000 1 will go into further detail on the teacher reductions at the April 29th School Committee Meeting. 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 Craig Martin Reading,MA 01867 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 24, 2014 TOPIC: Early Childhood Center Update At our meeting on Tuesday evening I will update the School Committee on the Early Childhood Center. As you know we have held five community information sessions which have been well attended. On Monday evening the Board of Selectmen has voted to hold a Special Town Meeting to discuss the possibility of debt exclusion vote to fund the schematic design phase of the project. At our meeting on Tuesday night we will have a clearer picture of the options for this project. 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 28 201 <ma _- » � «� i ' . \ \ . , #t w 1 . \ « . y ± I«&keae . . . . < y2.«\ ¥ W / \ \ : '\ ). : / - - » : \ © 4,,=',.,'@ ® . - � ��� > 1 4/28/2014 • Have higher academic achievement in later grades Show reading,literacy and ?..glow.r ematics PmficiencY sadalenanuonaland. • Nationally representative sample of more than 8,000 kindergarten students in 50o public schools • Children who attend full-day kindergarten programs learn more in literacy and mathematics over the kinden�arten year 41 #k> tthose in half-day pr rams. - �,- ' who attend full ay kindergarten spend w ar;mst i� 2 4/28/2014 Students on Needs Improvement/Waming(Percent) ■Non-High Needs al High Needs - 64% 64% d a Students on Needs Improvement blaming(Percent) ■Non-High Needs U High Needs .00% "Research demonstrates that high-quality pre- kinciergartenand full-day kindergarten are promising rodnre this mpprove student achievement,reducce rerr dial ,' n sshc,.---t aad 6 3 4/28/2014 • io states require districts to provide publicly funded full- day kindergarten ■ MA is on.4 only vt states that allow districts to charge tuition for kindergarten € Massachusetts communities offer publicly', _ I kindergarten to all students � R1n F Wwry adepdn h aryom Q e/W. I MNb0tl3 Sdwol Yax, Al .' ILL=��Gfa3tVs7(1►voa� �` := iJa 9a VOI. e 2/ldV- _l- - raapam...: Q71� iir IN aum-aowmm..+.' .a - Provides an essential bridge between pmlpadergatten programs and more�st �- . 4 4/28/2014 • Not mandated in MA ■ The state has chosen to incentivize rather than mandatethrough Chapter ! te :',14 -1 Publicly Funded Full Day K(K) 3 Building an Earl oo y Childhd Center-Long Term solution 6o '4 5 4/28/2014 School Year FDK Total %Attending Enrollment i FDK 2005-06 92 287 32% 2006-07 206 325 33% 2007-08 123 324 38% 2008-09 120 324 37% 2009-10 123 280 44% 2010-11 145 348 42% 2022-12 266 329 52% 2022-13 177 302 59% 2013-14 195 287 68% 2014-15(as of 221 307 72% March 31,2024) Percent of Full Day Kindergarten Students(2005-2024) 8o _... ... 10 6 4/28/2014 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 655062 0 56 116 2013-14 66 46 112 2014-15(As of 70 26 96 March 31) RISE Population wo Since 2005,we have increased from 4 to 7 RISE classrooms due to • Increased special education referrals a man Student ratio at integrated schools' a.Y t�ledtoi 7 4/28/2014 �. Improve the learning environment for all students Reduce our risk of being out of compliance wrtla f it a R 0,lations im ' ` .�z a x i Program Change Classrooms Classrooms allocated in 2014.15 Allocated in zoos-o6 (As of z) Full Day 5 12 Kindergarten (Including 2Integrated K Schools) Special Education 1 6 Programs (DLC,ILP,5SP,LLD) RISE Preschool 4 7 Art/Music 10 7 8 4/28/2014 PmyramRype Barrows Eaton Birch Wood End Killam RISE Meadow Total General 17 20 18 18 20 4 Classrooms classrooms 18 21 18 18 n 7(2 from WE) Used Art 1 1 1 7./2 size 1 0 Music o 0 1 1/2 size 0 0 Special 1 2 2 2 1 0 Education Other Spaces 1 1 0 0 2 1 Used as General Classrooms ProgramRype Barrows'i Eaton Birch Wood End Kdlam RISE Meadow Total FDK!RISE 3 4 3 3 4 10 Classrooms Needed Existing FDK/RISE 2 2 2 2 2 4 Classrooms Additional 1 2 1 1 2 6 FDKIRISE Classrooms Needed imAdditional Spec 2 2 2 2 2 1 Education Classrooms Needed di AdditionalArt/Music 1 1 0 1 1 1 Needed Classrooms IS Added 2 satellite RISE classrooms at Wood End • Next year we have a waiting list of 25 preschool students for RISE Reduced number ofArtand Music Rooms at,*, _. r i SC#1OOI5 9 4/28/2014 Type Number ofClassrooms Class Size Full Day Kindergarten 17 19 Preschool 10 a5 Art Music a a 4 Library a �- Gym 1 Special Education a k • January,2011- Discussions began on elementary space needs . and FDK discussions 21111-. 10 4/28/2014 ■ July,2012-November, 2012-Space options studied gi%, ■ October,Zoi2-School vetet0 ■ April,2°1'_613.begins Feasibility study on Woburn Street ■ May,?o13-!W9ust.2oz3- Meet'ngs with Community and Town Officials on Woburn street ua .1 foru mu7.4 ■ ioCommunity Members ■ Early Childhood Parents • Citizens with interest in FDK and Project ■ School Committee Member Finance Committee Member , # any =µndert of Schools ,4_ a 5 g 11 4/28/2014 auren Dahm Barrows Parent im Strack RMHSparent lisa Vincent Preschool(Birch Meadow District) risten Roberts Preschool(Eaton District) evin Sexton RISE parent(Wood End District) ichael Weaver Preschool(Killam District) hris Wicken Preschool(Eaton District) •uzanne Abbott Birch Meadow Parent =rian Heslin Joshua Eaton&RISE Parker amille Anthony Community ark Dockser FINCOM puck Robinson School Committee nne Manna Teacher oyce Camenker Teacher ohn Doherty Superintendent ary DeLai Assistant Superintendent ison Elmer Director of Student Services ebble Butts Preschool Director/Team Chair ren Feeney Prindpal,Joshua Eaton School • 24 School Committee Meetings •Town Day 2013 _ 2 Town Meeting Updates •rt ncial Forums ) � r, d • ons t. tea.E Nx 12 4/28/2014 • Education • Adequate Program and Classroom Space • Optimize educational resources(staffing and materials) • Allows for Innovative 21st Century Environment Outdoor.Play Space and educational opportunities >' educational opportunrtfor all PrK 7 3 • Parents • Improvement to current or future learning environments More centrally located + t oves early childhood education • Community • Provides additional indoor recreational space • Provides outdoor space •Provides other community benefits Ex sustainable design options 13 4/28/2014 • Site • Convenient for parents,teachers,and students • Capable of supporting adequate parking • Located in an area where abutters will be supported ;Convenient for walkers r s ..a �. t. A S 4 - ■%".R,e,nt space • Purchasing and renovating existing space(i.e. Woburn Street) Adding onto each elementary school er° ng grade 5to Middle Schools ® , ller EarlyChd,` ,.. 14 4/28/2014 re,66w9 sorer 12 Sites Analyzed: 1 Woburn SOW School Sib. d r 2.Reading Water Treatment Site ! 3 Wakhington Park 4 Sturges Park Parker Riddle School + Lr 6 Coolidge Middle School 7 Existing High S h.!Sac JE�i� - 3 Oakland Street Sitelvl ' 9 Reading Public library 10.Kill Elementary School * .G's 11 453 Haverhill Street •;�i�%� S'� 1:.Symonds Nay Parcel ,'yM1S. 1 Site Analysis-SITE LOCUS MAP Fn•a1bw1.3 Ar' . 12 Building Options Analyzed OPTIONS:1.2,3 a7 •; .!'- y'_..S`( 67 KIM f rl3 U3dhaad le.muM Comm fj, �lr"tai _ <\ t00L1OOS Mf s OPTION k ':fc§VS.0$ ...°ti • IMO*•(4.6.1A A•kw kw Y 0.• y yf� OPTION 10: " �� k J 1sx.,(Hy[Rbtiw4 uw,..I G.m ralaw.+n n...r.n,aceanmr< l IOGNSOr9OLS Sr Spare OPTION 12: �$ {� i' } 9.,an9 Pork tn,•r9 4 OPTIONS I-13 Cdh•• -.mine - - r s,c vol. rewearysawr ©��I�I��, OPTION 1 --w 2 2 17•221r. I 3 S. I. sss`u9utt 1 a =r4=101111=111111111EN 6 11 Y�� i11111111111•8!• I7a"Zw"• iiSmommP.mi!®'>s! 7b.�..�' OPTION 8 err B�i�dliGi7lii 10 9 ta- 110 b- 112... 1P5gCNI=I= /NM- r7i! 9;COST SUMMARY 15 4/28/2014 • Only 2 of the 5 elementary school sites(Birch,Eaton) are rated as"goo d"candidates for expansion,one school(Wood End)is rated fair,and the othertwo (Killam,Barrows)are rated poor ctal cost for construction only(not other fees) •._;,�Y, million dollars for temporary re • Only 3 of the 5 school sites are suitable for modular installations • Would need 3 to 4 modular classrooms per school(if all five sites were suitable) If.modular units were connected to any of the three r*•s,schoolsveld have to have full fire &N .a 1 .x,.6 to$2,o mrllion e a 16 4/28/2014 • Disrupt current middle school structure and philosophy • Does not address preschool space issues w Current core spaces(cafeteria,gym,library,art, l0 not be_able to acco modate ¢ fi, V 'V cif 0 R( ■ Proximity to Birch Meadow • Redistricting • Operating costs increased More personnel needed for :ete'Jc:'i hers per grade ■ Cost estimates significantly higher than originally anticipated(15.1 million dollars) • Parking and traffic during drop off and pick up Ames ht sate space with no alter n�yative street `'° R r ...ART, 'Xn 4 &5 17 4/28/2014 Conceptual ��i,� Drawing of [�'.�1 Possible G7 ECLC r u ��■i\ 87,802 SF me • ,', .last=�xa DOfO a fl FIRST FLOOR E1 0..111111ln 17- El E11131-7111:11E11., SECOND FLOOR ,1:Space a Summery:FarlyChBelnodleamng Center _..4... OPTION 2 ac ur • a - 4>vYW O A M `.l - OPTION eessaa 4.'Opou z Sire Plan Rene ng __. y^°° ',„ 18 4/28/2014 ■ Separate art and music classrooms ■ Additional special education program and learning ce nter spate that is currently needed dress unanticipated class size issues and y, $1 +4 (rg3a +'.',.?.m•ost staffing for ECC already ex1• RISE ts Directorlf nncipal • Rise Secretary RISE Staff + FDK Staff for7a46 of Kindergarten opulation;HDK for remaining 28% + litional costs 4 ndwolnuxse,cereal- cuff and incremental 19 4/28/2014 coondition seriously jeopardizing • State yet to fund Early.Childhood Center • MSBA grants are distr.ibut.endclubaseed on need and urgency. The priorities for funding d • Replacement or renova feschool children,where no alternative EHelinhaetrilon of existing severe overcrowding. ' of the loss of accreditation:, , • Moving Superintendent's/Administration Offic elsewhere •Approximately$125,mmentpypea, • Current amount spent thus far for desig work ker Report :spo,000-Wobum Street �� ~~ m�onpe�S�em�/cos� 5315,000* OPM $50,000 opm-(*muenenuentcvstcst if Estimate, $25,000 Geo-technical Investigations p30.000 Site Survey $30,000 Traffic Study $15,000 Environmental and Agency Approvals $20,000 20 4/28/2014 rte.. • Achievement gap issues will continue • Increased operational costs to address those gaps • FDK for will continue to be a tuition-based program available only to students whose families can afford it • Some students will not have access to tuition based FDK Less tuition revenue • 'aromatic demands(i.e.special educ r ;require touse e • Traffic • Cost and MSBA Funding • Additional Operational Costs • Location f lied Kindergarten and Preschool mess ,Years) 21 4/28/2014 � Gm�ercoUabor�ionamongPm'KandKteachers ale) ° |ncn�seduppu�unUdesw�hHigh5choo\s��e�s Of SC ° Equa1beeducat�na\uppo�un�es�vaU �d n� ides �'". �l��r '� ^'' ° if A, byl�wn01eetng ~scoovem�ingcvmmn�eevwobemnneu °�p���a�h��*imd 22 4/28/2014 1:7fr''-g11-711t:."cftr r . - 23 John F. Doherty Ed. D. Mary C.DeLai Superintendent of Schools F � Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 Craig Martin Phone:781-944-5800 .E _ 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 24, 2014 TOPIC: Accept Donation from Reading Education Foundation Each year,the Reading Education Foundation offers the Reading Public Schools faculty and staff an opportunity to apply for educational grants. Faculty and staff submit their proposals in the fall which are then reviewed by the REF Board and awarded in late winter. At our meeting on Tuesday evening Grants Committee will present a check in the amount of$48,929.64. I have also attached a list of the funded grants. 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. N s E L {/} a -o co au O a O 0 r-I U y_ O b0 C C Q O > O a E r-1 N a '- i/? 0_ p 4- -' E O a C 7 L b0 L1 .Q U 'a 0,_ O •O "a 0 CCD 0/.5 Y U •Q rte-+ C i Q a) a V) C Y vii �_ U C `1 0 a E in \ N Li O O Y 3 L C a O - a N Vl L a O 3 Y L C 3 of N 0 7 00 U a. O C v E � a�-1 co 0 - - Y a) i/> .-i ,-I',-1 •- 0 O 172 C as 0 CNI CD a) Z 0 co ii Co "a U L D of U N Co Co C.) U w G) a) L a L a) co b0 v H 7 \-i a U O U p 11 0 N I--- a 0 N LO l0 OU i) L vl 0 < ri N w a a Co U a .U, - 4-' +-, i '6 0 . 11 (,0 'Q U C ' C Z oU U Q 'j 0. C O Q VI U M L C a -0 a C O D Q L L •'a Cr) U D LE Q a) a C Y Z O to J Y 'O O Y aj CO p O_ E a) O 00 a) L v� v) v1 CL E 'As (1) b0 •c Z _a -O v) cc OS I a • U }J L a •� L L L U C O V 00 a U of C O U O O O 4- _ Y C i CO v cB > v 0 -a aa)) v aa)) O E U 7, c�a b0 w ca C Q >, •O a Q. O O O CO Z ca co i OD vl U 0 p a M a o o_ �, U u a >? O a C a U a U a U 0 N .+, E i 0_ a (B C U N C 'a U U .47," ~ 0 N C E c0 L �C E a c0 Y O Co Co m Co 'L v) U J 0- 7 �C L ro 0 d' 0 m U c a Q C C cr-1 M c* U cr-I 00 00 C :"6 C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d- a 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 0 t0 Ll. ui O Ni 4 O 4 Qi O U O O of cri - Lo r-1 O d' M Lf) r-1 l0 11) M O O dr N a) r-1 l0 , r-1 r-c W ri 00 0 N r-I >O N r-I ("Ni' 0 M 111 Ol M ••c M N ri cr L 'v) i/} in tn. i/- i/1 i/1� i1- i/} i/} in- in. in. 1? Q John F. Doherty,Ed.D. Mary C. DeLai Assistant Superintendent Superintendent of Schools for Finance and Administration 82 Oakland Road = _ = Craig Martin Rhone:781-944-5800 MA 01867 _ Assistant Superintendent Fax:7:781-2-914900 = for Learning and Teaching Fax:781-942-9149 Reading Memorial High School 11°"" - Band Parents Organization _ ' PO Box 251 \IiP " Reading MA 01867 s , EIN 04--2888658 Mary C. DeLai Assistant Superintendent, Finance &Administration 82 Oakland Road Reading MA 01867 Dear Ms. DeLai, Thank you for your prompt response to my email about the instructor payments for 2013 -2014 Winter Guard and percussion. I understand that while the BPO donated $10,400, instructor fees were only $7,700. Your suggestion of retaining the remaining funds, ($2,700.00) in the donation account to be used toward next year's band camp payments, is an excellent idea. Please accept this letter as authorization to retain these funds to be used for instructor payments in the 2014—2015 school year. Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. Sincerely, • 4011nom- p - Tony D'Arezzo RMHS BPO Treasurer iii Town of Reading Wit- S1 Meeting Minutes 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 Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Linda Snow Dockser John Doherty, Superintendent Chris Caruso Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Elaine Webb Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Jeanne Borawski Hal Croft Chuck Robinson Members - Not Present: Conner Traugot, Student Representative Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Others Present: Tom Ryan, resident Rhonda Holt, parent Geoffrey Coram, parent 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 7:03 p.m. He reviewed the agenda, announced the meeting was being recorded and welcomed guests. Chair Croft welcomed the recently elected members to the School Committee. Mrs. Borawski said she was very excited to continue to work on behalf of the schools. Mrs. Snow Dockser thanked everyone and is honored and thrilled to be a part of the School Committee. Mrs. Webb is glad to be a part of the School Committee and looking forward to getting to work. Page 1 1 II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input(I) Mr. Coram supported the proposed increase in substitute pay to address the need for qualified substitutes in the buildings. He also asked the School Committee to provide more information on the operational budget impact of an Early Childhood Education Center. Mr. Ryan addressed the School Committee regarding a recent mailing he received from Dr. Doherty. Mrs. Rhonda Holt, HS parent, expressed concerns regarding the proposed Early Childhood Center. She feels the community needs information to make an informed decision. She also supported the proposed increase in substitute pay. Executive Session The Chair declared that executive session is necessary to protect the litigation position of the body. Mr. Caruso moved,seconded by Mr. Robinson,to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and to return to open session at approximately 8:20 p.m. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Snow Dockser,Mrs. Webb,Mr. Robinson,Mr. Caruso,Mr. Croft and Mrs. Borawski. The School Committee adjourned from open session at 7:22 p.m. The School Committee returned to open session at 8:29 p.m. B. Reports (I) 1. Student 2. Liaison Mrs.Borawski reported that Mr. Ryan attended the office hours and proposed a district-wide spelling bee. She said the School Committee would take the suggestion under advisement. 3. Superintendent 4. Assistant Superintendents Mr. Martin reported that he attended the annual ADL"A World of Difference" Youth Conference. Reading was represented by several middle and high school students. This year's theme was "Voices of Leadership". Several of the breakout sessions were led by Reading students. Page 12 He reported on Artsfest this week. There will be artwork displays and performances by students of all levels. The annual Blue Ribbon Conference is next week. This is a great sharing event with many concurrent sessions. This year's keynote speakers are Debbie Phelps and Lida Winfield. Ms. Winfield will also hold a community performance on April 16th. Ms. DeLai reported on the successful ALICE training and drill at Reading Memorial High School. To date, all schools have gone through the initial training. She thanked the Superintendent, SRO Santasky and Sgt. Abate for their assistance as the district moves toward this protocol. Dr. Snow Dockser asked if this protocol will evolve into an unannounced drill similar to fire drills. Ms. DeLai shared that the Safety Committee has had discussion regarding unannounced drills. C. Continued Business FY15 Budget Reductions Dr. Doherty provided a brief context of tonight's discussion. The School Committee has two options; to vote on the Finance Committee's recommended budget amount or wait until after Town Meeting to make decisions on reductions. Ms. DeLai provided information on the budget amounts. The School Committee Approved Budget amount is $40,603,540. The Town Manager's proposed amount is $40,117,793 and the Finance Committee's recommended amount is $40,317,793. Mr. Caruso asked about the elementary teacher cut and how that would be handled. Dr. Doherty said that it would be accomplished by collapsing a grade. He pointed out that the class size would remain within the School Committee guidelines. The personnel cuts at the secondary levels will be programmatic. Mrs. Webb knows that these cuts will impact our students and is uncomfortable going to Town meeting with a reduced budget. Mrs. Borawski asked for direction regarding Town Meeting. Dr. Doherty reviewed the options previously proposed. The School Committee can vote to support the Finance Committee budget or wait until after Town Meeting to address the needed reductions. Dr. Doherty reminded the Committee that we heard two different things from Fincom. They struggled as residents not being able to fully fund the budget but as Fincom members their responsibility was for the fiscal health of the Town. Mr. Robinson agreed and does not feel that they will change their position. Page 13 Dr. Doherty referred to the reduction list and stressed that it will be very detrimental to the district to increase non-personnel cuts. Any further reduction in non-personnel cuts will severely impact teaching and learning in the district. Mrs. Webb feels that we have done our best to work within the Fincom budget. It will have to be made very clear to Town Meeting that these reductions will have a significant impact on our ability to meet the needs of our students. Mr. Caruso supports using the Fincom number but is not comfortable with the cuts. Mr. Robinson asked what latitude the School Committee has regarding the reductions. Dr. Doherty said the Committee can recommend other cuts. He reminded the group once again of the negative impact reductions in the non- personnel, especially professional development, will have on the district. Dr. Snow Dockser feels that the Fincom understands the district's needs and feels the process has been collaborative and collegial. She also feels that not voting prior to Town Meeting will provide Town meeting with the whole picture. Mrs. Borawski voiced her support of voting the Fincom recommended number and be sure that it is clearly stated what needs are not being met. Mrs. Borawski moved,seconded by Mr. Caruso, to reduce the FY2015 School Committee Budget by$285,000 in order to bring it inline with the Fincom Recommended Budget. The motion carried 4-2. Dr. Snow Dockser and Mrs. Webb voting against. Mr. Croft stated that this vote reinforces the support of Fincom and the difficult decisions they have to make. Early Childhood Education Center Dr. Doherty reported on the first Community information session held last week. The meeting was attended by residents, Town Meeting members and abutters. They were receptive and provided very good feedback. The Superintendent then went onto review a few key points from the presentation. Research has shown that children that attend full day kindergarten programs show stronger ELA and math test scores. He referred to our grade 3 ELA and math MCAS scores for the high needs subgroup. A high percentage of these students struggled. The high need subgroup contains children that are on IEPs, ELL students and students on Free and Reduced Lunch status. These students probably were not enrolled in FDK. The community needs to be aware that there are struggling students in Reading. He then reviewed the historic enrollment numbers for both kindergarten and RISE. The demand for full day kindergarten continues to climb. RISE enrollment has also grown. This year we have 25 regular education students on the RISE Preschool waitlist. Mrs. Borawski pointed out the educational benefits of an integrated preschool. Page 14 Mrs. Webb asked if the Reading Public Schools were putting private preschools out of business. Dr. Doherty indicated that is not our goal. The Early Childhood Education Center would add 3 classrooms to the RISE program to allow us to accommodate the demand. RISE is different in the fact that as students with special needs turn three they can enter the program. Therefore enrollment changes throughout the year. Integrated preschools must maintain a minimum of 51%regular education students in the program. Dr. Doherty reviewed the program changes and classroom space in the district. With the increase in Special Education programs since 2005,the administration has been forced to take over music and art spaces as well as other spaces for programs. If the Early Childhood Education Center is built, classroom space in all of the buildings will open up to meet the needs of the programs. D. New Business Last Day of School Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb,to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 24,2014 as the official last day of school for students and teachers. The motion carried 6-0. RMHS Principal Search Update Dr. Doherty reviewed the search process. He said there were 25 applicants and the Screening Committee moved eight candidates forward to the first interview stage. After the interviews with the Screening Committee, five applicants were moved forward to be interviewed by the Superintendent. The field was narrowed to four and each participated in a site visit at RMHS. Two candidates emerged as the strongest and site visits to their schools were scheduled. The site visits to Marlboro and Beverly went very well. Dr. Doherty was pleased to announce that Adam Bakr, Assistant Principal at Marlboro High School has been selected as the next Principal of Reading Memorial High School. Mr. Bakr will be a great fit for the high school community. He has built a strong culture at Marlboro and he uses a student-centered approach,tools he will bring to Reading. Dr. Snow Dockser thanked the Screening Committee and Administration for the work that was done for this smooth effective process. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant S1441 4.3.14 $243,816.80 b. Approval of Minutes Page 15 Mr. Caruso moved,seconded by Mrs. Webb,to approve the open session minutes, as amended,dated March 31,2014. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mrs. Webb abstained. c. Bids and Donations Calendar IV.Information 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 Mr. Robinson, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining,approval of minutes and not to return to open session.. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs. Snow Dockser,Mrs. Webb,Mr. Robinson,Mr. Caruso, Mr. Croft and Mrs. Borawski. The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Page 16 / ;} Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-04-09 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room Address: 49 Pleasant Street Purpose: Financial Forum Attendees: Members - Present: Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Mary DeLai, and school committee members Linda Snow Docsker, Elaine Webb, Chris Caruso, Chuck Robinson, and Jeanne Borawski. Members - Not Present: Harold Croft Others Present: Town Manager Bob LeLacheur and FINCOM members Barry Berman, Mark Dockser, David Greenfield, Karen Herrick, Paula Perry, and Jeff Perkins. Board of Selectmen members John Arena, Marsie K. West, Daniel Ensminger, John Halsey and Kevin Sexton. Library Trustee Vicki Yablonsky. Bill Brown, Nancy Docktor and Administrative Secretary Caitlin Saunders. Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: Mr. Berman called the meeting to order at 7:35pm. He welcomed Mr. Halsey and Mr. Sexton to the Board of Selectman and then stated today's meeting is mostly to decide if we should take money out of free cash to fund the early childhood center. Mr. Berman noted we are already spending free cash at an unsustainable level and we cannot continue to provide the current services without new revenue. Town Meeting is looking for a plan on how to fund the early childhood center and we are the ones they are looking to. Mr. LeLacheur stated that there will be no happy surprise with regeneration this year. He said we had a tough year and we are using a half million of surplus to fund snow and ice. Now we have to worry about next year's budgets because they will be relying on the extra they got this year. Mr. LeLacheur said they are going to ask the Board of Selectmen to call a special town meeting to change capital into debt. He stated we will use internal borrowing and then have a debt sale around June to fund the Library and West Street projects. He said that is the cheapest way with little interest and keeps cash in free cash while giving us time to decide what to do. Mr. LeLacheur stated there really is no down side except for a small amount of interest. Mr. Berman stated the $485,000 would be enough to get Information out to the voters and educate them on what is going on. FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES-APRIL 9T", 2014-PAGE 2 Page Ii FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES--APRIL 9TH, 2014— PAGE 3 A MOTION BY DOCKSER SECOND BY PERRY TO APPROVE THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ARTICLE 3 AND MOVE 5485.000 TO CAPITAL FUNDS CARRIED WITH A 6-0-0 VOTE. A MOTION BY DOCKSER SECOND BY GREENFIELD TO APPROVE THE SUBJECT MATTER OF ARTICLE 4 CARRIED WITH A VOTE OF 6-0-0. A MOTION BY BERMAN TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8;40 CARRIED WITH A VOTE OF 6-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Page 13 2013-2014 School Committee Meeting Date School Presenting @ Meeting Office Hours I I 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 4.24.14 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.