Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-12 School Committee Minutes '` OFJ � �y __ c C Town of Reading ' ,1 a Meeting Minutes 90_ ' Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-06-12 Time: 7:30 AM 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 Chuck Robinson Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Elaine Webb Jeanne Borawski Chris Caruso Members - Not Present: Alison Elmer, Director of Student Services Mary DeLai, Assistant Superintendent Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Others Present: Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Caruso called the School Committee to order at 7:33 a.m. He reviewed the agenda, announced the meeting was being recorded and welcomed guests. A. Public Input (I) There was no public input. B. Continued Business Director of Finance & Operations Appointment Mrs. Borawski felt it was important to review the process. She felt that it was a thorough public process. Pagel 1 Mr. Caruso opened the discussion and thanked the three finalists for giving up their time to interview in this extensive process. Dr. Snow Dockser asked the Superintendent for follow-up information after the reference checks and interviews that he and Mr. Martin conducted with each finalist. Dr. Doherty provided additional information on finalist Lugo. She has a very strong finance background. She also is an experienced School Business Official that does a good job and has worked with Food Service, Facilities and transportation departments. Her position in East Bridgewater is being cut due to consolidation. Finalist Shepard brings different strengths from the Municipal side. She is MASBO certified but does not have extensive education experience. She has been an effective municipal assistant treasurer and has saved the city a lot of money. She is dependable and hard working. Finalist Sybert made a conscience effort to come from the private to the public sector. She has strong references and a strong accounting and business background. She also is familiar with the district. Mr. Robinson stated that he contacted the Reading Town Accountant who spoke highly of Ms. Sybert. Mrs. Webb thanked her fellow members for delaying the appointment until today to allow time to reflect and gather additional information. We need to look at what we need right now and the best opportunity long term. Mrs. Borawski spoke of Ms. Shepard and was impressed with her story. She has strong skills and a passion to work in a school district. She is up against two finalists that have strong school business experience. Mrs. Webb agreed with Mrs. Borawski's perspective. Mrs. Borawski continued and shared that she found it difficult to decide between Ms. Lugo and Ms. Sybert. She also feels it is important for continuity due to the number of administrative changes that will be occurring in the district. She is also concerned about Ms. Sybert's lack of experience. Dr. Snow Dockser also thanked the candidates for participating in the extensive process and echoed Mrs. Borawski's feelings. Ms. Sybert had excellent references and would ease the transition because of her familiarity of the district. Dr. Snow Docker added that she was also impressed by Ms. Lugo's credentials. Mrs. Borawski also pointed out that Reading is a leader at the state level and was impressed that Ms. Sybert is developing a network beyond Reading and has presented at the MASBO Conference. Page 12 Mrs. Webb was also torn between Ms. Lugo and Ms. Sybert but after taking a closer look at Ms. Sybert's credentials she felt she would be the correct choice. Mr. Caruso felt we had three strong candidates but it was important to choose the right candidate at this time to allow for a seamless transition and stability. He did have concerns with Ms. Sybert's lack of experience and that all three of her references were from the same place. He would have liked to have seen references from other employers. He did agree that she was extremely prepared and confident during her interview with the School Committee. Mr. Robinson felt both Ms. Lugo and Ms. Sybert would be good fits culturally for Reading. He is struggling with the experience level but after speaking to the Town Accountant and Dr. Doherty he is more comfortable with the appointment of Ms. Sybert. He also expressed the desire to promote from within and a easier transition. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract negotiations with Ms. Sybert as the Director of Finance & Operations for the Reading Public Schools. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to enter into executive session with respect to non-union personnel and to return to open session at approximately 8:30 a.m. The roll call vote carried 5-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Webb,Mrs. Borawski and Dr. Snow Dockser. The meeting adjourned at 8:09 a.m. Chair Caruso called open session back to order at 9:21 a.m. He said that Dr. Doherty and Mrs. Borawski will begin the negotiations process with Ms. Sybert. II. Adjournment Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. 1‘. ■ I o F. Doherty, Ed.D. Page 13