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Home My WebLink About2014-07-30 Board of Selectmen Packet - Part 10 RFC i G. Town of Reading - e Meeting Posting with Agenda RECEIVED s39.,��0 TOWN CLERK Board - Committee - Commission - Council: ',ADING, MASS. Board of Selectmen 1014 JUL 24 A 8t 48 Date: 2014 -07 -30 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Pleasant Street Senior Center Location: Great Room Address: 49 Pleasant Street Purpose: Joint meeting with School Committee Meeting Called By: Paula Schena on behalf of Chairman John Arena 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: 1) Discussion /Action Items a. Interview applicants for the School Committee 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 1 1 File: BBBE UNEXPIRED TERM FULFILLMENT When a vacancy on the School Committee occurs for any reason, the Board of Selectmen and the remaining members of the Committee share the responsibility for filling it. As provided in the law, the School Committee will notify the Selectmen that a vacancy has been created Within 30 days after it has occurred. After one week's notice has been given by the Committee to the Selectmen, so that voters of the town may have the opportunity to state their candidacy, the two governing bodies will meet to fill the vacancy by roll call vote. For election to fill a vacancy, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes of the officers entitled to vote. The person so elected will fill the seat on the Committee until the next town election, at which time a member will be elected to serve the remainder of the term, if any. Adopted by the Reading School Committee on March 26, 2007 LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. 41:11 Reading School Committee OF 1?E - Town of Reading c e 16 Lowell Street Evo K ' P Reading MA 018674%8 i J r' 4 . FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Li)(li JUN —9 A 11: Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us T N MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 VOLUNTEER VACANCY TOWN OF READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE One vacancy exists on the School Committee. The powers of the School Committee include but are not limited to appointment of the Superintendent of Schools and all other officers and employees associated with the schools; and the School Committee shall make all reasonable rules and regulations consistent with law for the administration and management of the schools of the Town. Interested applicants may apply at the Town Clerks office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts until the position is filled. Although the term for this position expires April 2016, the appointment that will be made by a joint meeting of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen will have a term expiring on Election Day April 7th, 2015. VV I_ Number of Members Three years Elected Six Members whose terms are so arranged that two terms shall expire each year Meetings Twice a month on the first and third Mondays (Board meets every -Monday during budget preparation time) Authority Reading Charter — Adopted March 24, 1986 PuMme The School Committee shall have all of the powers and duties that School Committees are given under the Constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth, and such additional powers and duties as may be authorized by the Charter, by Bylaw or by other Town Meeting vote. The powers of the School Committee shall include but need not be limited to the following: (a) The School Committee shall appoint a Superintendent of Schools and all other officers and employees associated with the schools, fix their compensation, define their duties, make rules concerning their tenure of office and may discharge them. (b) The School Committee shall make all reasonable rules and regulations consistent with law for the administration and management of the public schools of the Town. Hello Laura 5/22/2014 The purpose of this writing is to inform you that I'll be leaving the Reading School Committee on 5/3/2014. Thank you �� 0��/'//��(� / L Harold A Croft Y x 1/ .r X1.5 CD D � >�C R Town of Reading r 16 Lowell Street 0RQ,�� Reading, MA 01867 -2685 FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 July 15, 2014 Amy Koehler 23 Middlesex Avenue Reading, MA 01867 Dear Ms. Koehler: Thank you for applying for a position on School Committee for the Town of Reading. The Board of Selectmen and School Committee will be jointly interviewing candidates on July 30, 2014, in the Senior Center Great Room, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA. We have scheduled your interview to take place at 6:30 p.m. Attached is a copy of the description of the Board(s), Committee(s) or Commission(s) to which you have applied. Please make sure that we have in advance a resume or description of your qualifications if you would like to submit this material. Also, please note that the Charter requires that you be a resident of Reading and the Board of Selectmen requires that you be a registered voter to be considered for appointment (there are exceptions if the applicant is not old enough to be a registered voter). The following is a list of questions that are commonly asked of new applicants. 1. Can you meet the time commitment that will be required for this position? 2. Are there any conflicts in your personal or professional life with serving in the position that you seek? 3. Briefly summarize your qualifications. Why are you interested in this particular position? 4. Are there any specific issues that you would like to deal with as. a member of this Committee? 5. Are you available to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Committee New School Committee Training Sessions and other required trainings as part of your new role? 6. Are you accessible to residents who have business before the School Committee — i.e. do you have a listed telephone number? Please contact Paula Schena at 942 -9043 and let her know whether or not you will be able to be present for this interview. Town Manager RWUps cc: Superintendent of Schools School Committee Board of Selectmen x k N 0 P� °•nrcon (Last) Town of Reading, MA Application for Appointment to Boards /Committees/Commissions °ti`r1Se.ti- (Middle) Date: -71 1 Address: 23 fit, 4 (c6 y- A-yt Tel. (Home) q'IS 9tr(5 • j653 Tel. (Work) (Is this number listed ?) Occupation: S("l (#A Wvc) # of years in Reading:_ Are you a registered voter in Reading? S e -mail address: 0.My�eJK1 !rO k. CG- 0 d T � Place a number next to your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. _Animal Control Appeals Committee _Audit Committee _Board of Appeals _ Board of Cemetery Trustees _Board of Health _Board of Registrars _Bylaw Committee _Celebration Committee _Climate Advisory Committee _Commissioner of Trust Funds _Community Planning & Development Comm. _Conservation Commission _Constable _Contributory Retirement Board _Council on Aging _Cultural Council _Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves Economic Development Committee _Fall Street Faire Committee Finance Committee _Historical Commission _Housing Authority _Human Relations Advisory Committee _MBTA Advisory Board _Metropolitan Area Planning Council _Mystic Valley Elder Services _ RCTV Board of Directors _ Recreation Committee RMLD Citizens Advisory Board _ Town Forest Committee _ Trails Committee _ West Street Historic District Commission _ Ad Hoc Committee ✓Other Sttabl G*%- flee- Please outline relevant experience for the position(s) sought: (feel free to attach a resume or other statement of interest/qualifications) Nktc w- L11cLw.,c5 : Coy&- \yqo- avJ feswy- Revised 4 -10.12 r� o�Em zz� o�y -nm y XMrrn 3>= N� N Amy J. Koehler 23 Middlesex Ave. Reading, MA 01867 July 9, 2014 Dr. John F. Doherty Superintendent of Schools Reading Public Schools 82 Oakland Rd. Reading, MA 01867 Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. Town Manager Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Dr. Doherty and Mr. LeLacheur I am writing to apply for the vacant position on the Reading School Committee. Upon careful reflection and after speaking with several members of the Reading school community, including Dr. Doherty and Elaine Webb, I have come to believe that I am uniquely suited to serve in this position. Having worked in public schools for most of my professional life, I have demonstrated my deep commitment to providing an excellent education for all students. I know schools from many perspectives —as a teacher for five years, as a small learning community teacher leader for five years, and as a school administrator for four years —and each of these positions has broadened and deepened my understanding of what students need, what quality instruction looks like, and what good schools do to provide a strong learning environment for their students. A key lesson I have learned is the central importance of keeping student needs at the center of discussions and decisions, even if that means engaging in rigorous and difficult conversations with one another. For example, at Charlestown High School, we made tough budgetary decisions to fund a new program within our school to better serve our over - aged and under - credited students and tough personnel decisions when teachers did not improve their instruction. I believe that my experiences will enable me to contribute effectively to the important work of the Reading School Committee. In addition to my professional experience, I am about to embark on my latest role in relation to schools that would inform my contributions to the Reading School Committee: that of a parent. My son, Avery, starts kindergarten at Barrows Elementary School in August, and we are very excited to join that school community. Our daughter (who is approaching her second birthday) is not far behind. Through my work for the past year on the board of Connect The Tots, a Reading -based group for parents of toddlers and preschoolers, I have come to know many of the young families in town and their concerns for our school community. In other words, I am committed to Reading Public Schools and keenly interested in seeing the school system remain strong and vibrant. I am eager to serve on the Reading School Committee because I believe I can make a positive contribution given my experiences. Thank you for reviewing my qualifications, and I look forward to answering any additional questions you may have. I can be reached at 978.985.7653 or amyikoehlerAgmail.com. Sincerely, Amy J. Koehler Enclosures AMY J. KOEHLER 23 Middlesex Avenue - Reading, MA 01867 978.985.7653 - amyjkoehler@gmail.com EDUCATION HARVARD UNIVERSITY, Cambridge, MA Graduate School of Education Master of Education, School Leadership, June 2005 Principal Internship, The English High School, Boston, MA, 2004 -2005 MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE, Middlebury, VT B.A., English and Environmental Studies, May 1998 Honors: Dean's List 1995 -1997, College Scholar 1998 Varsity Women's Basketball Team, 1994 -1998 (Captain 1998) LICENSURE Massachusetts Principal /Assistant Principal license Massachusetts English Teacher license, grades 5 -9 and grades 9 -12 TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE CHARLESTOWN HIGH SCHOOL, Boston Public Schools, Boston, MA 2001 -2013 Director of Programs and Communication (School Administrator) 2010 -2013 • Supervised and evaluated 10 -15 teachers, teacher leaders, and counselors each year • Directed guidance team and registrar's office, including college counseling and student support • Led AP teacher team and history content team • Facilitated faculty committee dedicated to long -term school vision and restructuring • Coordinated with outside partners and city programs to support student learning and development • Coordinated all testing, including district -level tests, state MCAS, and national tests such as PSAT Small Learning Community (SLC) Leader 2005 -2010 • Managed a school- within -a- school of 150 -250 students and 8 -16 faculty/staff • Led school improvement efforts within the SLC and across the school • Facilitated daily faculty and staff meetings to improve instruction, student support, and discipline • Implemented consistent student discipline policies through conflict resolution practices • Developed systems to provide student support, including counseling, mediation, and family communication, as well as academic monitoring • Mentored and coached teachers for improved instruction and classroom management • Developed and facilitated student peer mentoring program and community- building activities English Teacher 2001 -2004 • Taught ninth and tenth graders literacy and writing skills through Reader's and Writer's Workshop • Prepared students for success on MCAS tests, resulting in increased test scores for the school Additional CHS Community Involvement • Accreditation support staff, 2013 - present AMY KOEHLER Page 2 • ReVisioning Team member, 2010 -2012 • Pilot School Planning Committee Member, 2008 • Foundation for Excellent Schools Member, 2002 -2008 • Faculty Senate Member, 2003 -2004 • Gear Up MCAS Tutor, 2001 -2004 • Collaborating Mentor Teacher for Student Teacher from Brandeis University, 2003 SOUTHERN VANCE HIGH SCHOOL, Henderson, NC 1998 -2000 Teach For America Corps Member English Teacher, Girls' Varsity Basketball Coach • Taught ninth grade English and remedial and creative writing in an under- resourced rural high school • Wrote the writing curriculum for department and future Teach For America corps members • Coached and mentored girls' varsity basketball team • Faculty/Student Mediator ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Writing Intern, Salt Lake Winter Olympic Committee 2002, Salt Lake City, UT, 2000 -2001 Membership Coordinator, Hawkwatch International, Salt Lake City, UT, 2000 -2001 SAT /ACT Teacher, Kaplan Test Preparation, Salt Lake City, UT, 2000 -2001 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Connect The Tots, Director of Events and Director of Service, Reading, MA, 2013 - present Christian Cooperative Preschool, Volunteer, Reading, MA, 2013 - present Town of Reading %"INCIP 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2685 FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 July 15, 2014 Gary Nihan 33 Dudley Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mrrl$Kan: J C, Thank you for applying for a position on School Committee for the Town of Reading. The Board of Selectmen and School Committee will be jointly interviewing candidates on July 30, 2014, in the Senior Center Great Room, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA. We have scheduled your interview to take place at 6:30 p.m. Attached is a copy of the description of the Board(s), Committee(s) or Commission(s) to which you have applied. Please make sure that we have in advance a resume or description of your qualifications if you would like to submit this material. Also, please note that the Charter requires that you be a resident of Reading and the Board of Selectmen requires that you be a registered voter to be considered for appointment (there are exceptions if the applicant is not old enough to be a registered voter). The following is a list of questions that are commonly asked of new applicants. 1. Can you meet the time commitment that will be required for this position? 2. Are there any conflicts in your personal or professional life with serving in the position that you seek? 3. Briefly summarize your qualifications. Why are you interested in this particular position? 4. Are there any specific issues that you would like to deal with as a member of this Committee? 5. Are you available to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Committee New School Committee Training Sessions and other required trainings as part of your new role? 6. Are you accessible to residents who have business before the School Committee — i.e. do you have a listed telephone number? Please contact Paula Schena at 942 -9043 and let her know whether or not you will be able to be present for this interview. Sincer Robert W.Lel-acheur Jr Town Manager RWUps cc: Superintendent of Schools School Committee Board of Selectmen Name: Nihan Gary M. Date: 06/09/2014 (Last) (First) (Middle) Address: 33 Dudley St Tel. (Home) 781- 944 -2542_ Tel. (Work) 781- 724 -6750 (Is this number listed ?) Y Occupation: Retired School Administrator / Teacher # of years in Reading: 60 Current: Education Consultant — Adjunct Professor Salem State & Cambridge College Are you a registered voter in Reading? Yes e-mail address: gmnihanAverizon.net Place a number next to your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. (Attach a resume if available.) _Animal Control Appeals Committee _Audit Committee _Board of Appeals _Board of Cemetery Trustees _Board of Health _Board of Registrars _Bylaw Committee _Celebration Committee _Cities for Climate Protection Commissioner of Trust Funds Community Planning & Development Comm. Conservation Commission Constable Contributory Retirement Board _Council on Aging _Cultural Council _Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves _Economic Development Committee _Fall Street Faire Committee Finance Committee _Historical Commission _Housing Authority _Human Relations Advisory Committee _MBTA Advisory Committee _Metropolitan Area Planning Council _Mystic Valley Elder Services _Recreation Committee _RMLD Citizens Advisory Board Town Forest Committee Trails Committee _West Street Historic District Commission #1 Other School Committee Vacancy Please outline relevant experience for the position(s) sought: Please refer to attached letter of intent and resume Z 1 rinr nia? GrARY M. NI11AN 33 Dudley Street Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-724-6750 Email: gmnihan@verizon.net June 10, 2014 Dear Ms. Gemme, I am writing this letter to express my interest in being considered as a candidate to fill the temporary school committee opening, due to the resignation of Mr. Hal Croft. Since my retirement as a K -12 Curriculum Director and Grant Manager from the Danvers Public Schools, I have considered and I have been encouraged to run for a position on the Reading School Committee. However, my transition into retirement has been busy with numerous professional opportunities in field of education. In addition, I enrolled in a doctorate in education program at Northeastern University. Accordingly, I did not feel the timing was right to attempt to take on such a commitment. As of this June 30'', I will have completed my doctoral coursework and I currently enjoy a manageable work schedule. As a result, I am now confident that I can commit the necessary time to effectively contribute to a volunteer position of such significance. As I understand, this opening has been formally posted and that the Board of Selectman and the School Committee will collaborate in the interview and appointment process. I am confident that my 38+ years of employment in the field of education, with a diverse range of experiences and responsibilities have positioned me as a viable candidate for this opportunity. Furthermore, my twenty years as a town meeting member have provided me with a strong understanding of town government. In summary, I am confident that my professional experiences and my demonstrated commitment to the Town of Reading will only enhance the current membership of the school committee. Sincerely Yours, U Gary M. Nihan, M. Ed GARY M. NIIIA\ 33 Dudley Street Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781- 724 -6750 Email: gmnihan@verizon.net EDUCATION • Candidate — Doctor of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning & Leadership, Northeastern University (ABD — June 2014, Defend Thesis — January 2015) • Master of Science in Education— Boston -State College (1982) • Bachelor of Science — Boston State College (1974) RECOGNITIONS & HONORS • Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Dance and Recreation - Presented the "Honor Award — 2010" recognized for outstanding ability as practitioner and administrator in the field, contributed to the profession through publications, speeches, demonstrations, appearance on professional programs, committee service, and serving as an officer in a professional association. • Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Association — Recognized as Interscholastic "Wrestling Official of the Year — 2009" by the Massachusetts Wrestling Coaches Association PUBLICATIONS • Nihan, G. (2013) Peer Reviewed Contribution to Chapter, Letters from the Field, Effective Strategies for Teaching Physical Education In L. Ciccomascolo & E. Sullivan (eds.), The Dimensions of Physical Education and Health Education: An Introduction to the Discipline Boston: Jones & Bartlett. ADVOCACY & PUBLISHED INTERVIEWS • Nihan, G. (July 18, 2009) - Boston Globe Editorial - Failing to Make the Grade in Physical Education. • Nihan, G. (May 7, 2006) - Boston Globe Editorial - Youth Need More Time Behind the Wheel. • Nihan, G. (Sept. 5, 2010) - Boston Globe Interview - A Culture that Exposes Bullies • Nihan, G. (June 2010) - Parenting Magazine — Addressing Bullying Behavior in Schools NATIONAL PRESENTATIONS • Nihan, G., Ruseckas, D., Gallo, A., AAHPERD National Convention o April 24, 2013 —Designing and Implementing a Sequential K -12 Physical Education Curriculum • Nihan, G. —U.S Dept. of Education, Carol M. White Pep Grant Technical Assistance Workshop o June 29, 2012, —Using Data to Improve Your GPRA Goals • Nihan, G., D'Antonna, R., AAHPERD National Convention • April 1, 2011 -Best Practices in Tackling Bullying Behavior in Athletics • April 1, 2011 - The How and Why of Implementing a Bullying STATE PRESENTATIONS • Nihan, G., Gallo, A., - MAHPERD State Conference o November 5, 2013 -Developing District Determined Measures for Physical Education • Nihan, G., Ruseckas, D., - EDCO Professional Development Workshop o March 14, 2013 - Demonstrating Student Growth Through NASPE PE Metrics • Nihan, G., - MAHPERD State Conference o October 30, 2012 - Bringing 21sT Century Skills to Physical Education • Nihan, G., Gallo, A., Ruseckas, D., - MAHPERD State Conference o October 29, 2012 - Demonstrating Student Growth Through NASPE PE Metrics, • Nihan, G., D'Amonna, R, - MAHPERD State Conference • November 15, 2010 -Best Practices in Tackling Bullying Behavior in Athletics, • November 16, 2010 -The How and Why of Implementing a Bullying Prevention Program PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Adjunct Instructor — Salem State University, Salem, MA, (09/ 2012 to Present) • Instruct undergraduate students in Sport Movement Science Department • Supervise student teachers in health and physical education Supervisor - Boston University, Boston, MA, (01/2007 to 05/2008 & 01/2013 to Present) • Supervise student teachers in health and physical education Adjunct Instructor — Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA, (06/ 2012 to Present) • Instruct graduate students in Elementary Education Teacher Preparation Program Temporary Full Time Faculty - Salem State University, Salem, MA, (2011 -2012) • Instruct undergraduate students in Sport Movement Science Department • Instruct and advise Physical Education Teacher Education students • Supervise student teachers in health and physical education Director of Health of Physical Education — Danvers Pubic Schools, Danvers, MA. ( 2007 -2011) • Responsible for the supervision and evaluation of all health and physical education teaching staff • Direct the district wide implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum in Health and the development of coinciding benchmarks. Also responsible for the development and implementation of professional development opportunities for all health and physical educators. • Collaborate with numerous college and university teacher preparation programs to provide strong practical experiences. • Project Director for federal for the Carol M. White Pep Grant providing town wide leadership and direction in promoting healthy and physically active students. Coordinator of Health and Physical Education — Reading Public Schools. Reading. MA. (2004 -2007) • Direct the district wide implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum in Health and the development of coinciding benchmarks. Also responsible for the development and implementation of professional development opportunities for all health and physical educators. • Collaborate with numerous college and university teacher preparation programs to provide strong practical experiences. • Project Director for federal for the Carol M. White Pep Grant providing town wide leadership and direction in promoting healthy and physically active students. Health and Physical Education Specialist — Reading Public Schools, Reading MA. (1975 -2004) • Provided optimal educational experiences that prepared students in grades Pre -K through grade 12 to be healthy and physically active for a lifetime. • Incorporated numerous cutting edge educational best practices including incorporation of technology, experiential education and skills based approaches RELATED EXPERIENCE Director of Adult and Community Education — Reading Public Schools. (2002 -2007) • Responsible for developing, managing, budgeting, payroll and advertising the Adult Education, Driver Education and SAT Prep programs for the Schools and Town of Reading. Assistant Principal — Barrows Elementary School — Reading Public Schools. (1998- 2004) • Responsible for scheduling, supervision of 400+ students and auxiliary school staff, assist in the hiring of professional staff, provided support and supervision at school functions, administrative liaison to a federal grant on "Bullying Prevention ". Interim Principal — Joshua Eaton Elementary School — Reading Public Schools. (1995 -1996) • Responsible for the educational leadership and administration of all students, faculty, staff and community in general. This experience also included the responsibility of district liaison throughout the construction and renovation of the Joshua Eaton Elementary School. CERTIFICATIONS • Special Subject Supervisor, Health and Physical Education (K — 12) • Massachusetts Principal / Assistant Principal (Pre K — 6) • Special Subject Teacher, Health and Physical Education (K — 12) Certificate # 180710 • American Heart Association CPR / AED • ACE certified personal trainer in fitness instruction • Adventure Based Instructor with strong knowledge of low and high ropes instruction PROFESSIONAL AFFILLIATIONS • American Association of Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance • National Association of Sports and Physical Education • NEA/ MTA and RTA • Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Officials Organization REFERENCES • Susan Ambrozavitch — Asst. Superintendent — Danvers Public Schools, Danvers, MA (978 -777 -8925) • Dr. Ann Marie Gallo — Professor PETE Program, Salem State University, Salem, MA (781- 690 -0204) • Maria Melchionda — Executive Director — Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (508- 794 -1338) OF - Town of Reading b 16 Lowell Street '�J'l1f�ORr�''r Reading, MA 01867 -2685 FAX: (781) 942 -9071 Email: townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942 -9043 July 15, 2014 Robert K. Gibbs 9 Priscilla Road Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Gibbs: Thank you for applying for a position on School Committee for the Town of Reading. The Board of Selectmen and School Committee will be jointly interviewing candidates on July 30, 2014, in the Senior Center Great Room, 49 Pleasant Street, Reading, MA. We have scheduled your interview to take place at 6:30 p.m. Attached is a copy of the description of the Board(s), Committee(s) or Commission(s) to which you have applied. Please make sure that we have in advance a resume or description of your qualifications if you would like to submit this material. Also, please note that the Charter requires that you be a resident of Reading and the Board of Selectmen requires that you be a registered voter to be considered for appointment (there are exceptions if the applicant is not old enough to be a registered voter). The following is a list of questions that are commonly asked of new applicants. 1. Can you meet the time commitment that will be required for this position? 2. Are there any conflicts in your personal or professional life with serving in the position that you seek? 3. Briefly summarize your qualifications. Why are you interested in this particular position? 4. Are there any specific issues that you would like to deal with as a member of this Committee? 5. Are you available to attend the Massachusetts Association of School Committee New School Committee Training Sessions and other required trainings as part of your new role? 6. Are you accessible to residents who have business before the School Committee — i.e. do you have a listed telephone number? Please contact Paula Schena at 942 -9043 and let her know whether or not you will be able to be present for this interview. Sincer Robert W.LeLacheur Town Manager RWUps cc: Superintendent of Schools School Committee Board of Selectmen RECEIVED TOWN CLERK . ADING. MASS. APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS /COMMITTEES /C IP"10A Name: rn_46T J —" rf I� Date: �! l (Last) (First) (Middle) �/ Address: ��i7Gi t ict (20,�� Tel. (Home) 7N— 9 T 2 ' 3 J� Tel. (Work) Y� 0,rcl9 / (Is this number listed ?)__ Occupation. # of years in Reading: — 2- Are you a registered voter in Reading? e-mail address: Place a number next to your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. o �S (Attach a resume if available) _Animal Control Appeals Committee _Aquatics Advisory Board Audit Committee _Board of Appeals Board of Cemetery Trustees _Board of Health _Board of Registrars _Bylaw Committee _Celebration Committee _Cities for Climate Protection _Commissioner of Trust Funds _Community Planning & Development Comm. _Conservation Commission Constable —Contributory Retirement Board _Council on Aging _Cultural Council —Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves Please outline relevant experience fo} the Z k (rP kAe ,,. /-_ "WN ". _Economic Development Committee Finance Committee _Historical Commission Housing Authority _Human Relations Advisory Committee _Land Bank Committee MBTA Advisory Committee Metropolitan Area Planning Council _Mystic Valley Elder Services RCTV Board of Directors _Recreation Committee RMLD Citizens Advisory Board _Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee _Town Forest Committee _Trails Committee West Street i Histric District,�ommission Other S thw 6' h, M ffq S) sought: rem- 2S LAtckcl,-7, . WDSof ec' Z-461,78 .Y ha,& I C i, 14 re, (>, 4=% 4-0-dM, FU 6 1, z f,.A *-ls I / ") wo 0 1 J�W�Q LIP- IN Vk Ci G �r+ r� cP CGv C� �r�" L� � � �OC`fe^�14 rh � j Ems' . Robert I. Gibbs 9 Priscilla Road Readint, MA 01867 781.942.2735 rob @samanthasharvest.ort July 22, 2014 Ladies and Gentlemen, Please be advised that this letter serves as my formal request to serve on the Reading School Committee. As a special educator in the public school setting for the past 26 years, my background would enhance the committee's already stellar qualities. I believe that a current school teacher with my extensive knowledge about special education serving on the committee would bring a different lens through which to see how decisions made at the Board level can impact the classroom, specifically students and teachers. Because of my position, I am living and breathing all the new initiatives, both state and federal, ie: Retell, MEES, DDMs, PARCC versus MCAS, Common Core (to name a few) and understand all too well the pressures that school districts are under to meet the necessary requirements to provide a top -notch education for the students of Reading. I have three children, all whom attend the Reading Public Schools, and they have to date received an amazing education and have been provided with many opportunities because of the dedicated administration and staff in our district. I am confident that this will continue throughout their public education and will allow them to be competitive upon graduation of Reading Memorial High School in the post- secondary arena. I am a coach of basketball and volleyball at the high school level as well as coach basketball for Special Olympics and understand that the playing field is an extension of the classroom. We are fortunate in Reading to have staff who are committed to provide these co- curricular activities in order to make our students well- rounded and participate in less risky behavior and build confidence. As advisor to the Key Club at Woburn Memorial High School, cultivating student leaders who might not necessarily be leaders on the field or in the classroom is important and something I take very seriously. Personally, I have co- founded and am President of Samantha's Harvest, Co., Inc., a non - profit organization that raises funds and awareness for organizations that support individuals with Down syndrome. We also provide scholarships to individuals entering the field of education. To that end, we host many events throughout the year in order to realize our mission. I am proud of the work we have done to help enhance the educational supports necessary in ensuring the people with Down syndrome have the same opportunities that others have. It has been our distinct pleasure to work with Reading Public Schools in providing funds for professional development for staff as a result of our work at Samantha's Harvest and the overwhelming support we receive from the community -at- large. I realize that there are a great many things of importance before the School Committee and would like to be part of the discussion. 1 have no agenda; as stated before, as a public school teacher I have a vested interest in public education which would serve to enhance the board's perspective. My broad knowledge of special education, which accounts for more than one quarter of the school committee budget each year, would also be a way in which my service would be invaluable. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my candidacy. I look forward to working with you. Respectfully submitted, Robert K. Gibbs Robert K. Gibbs 9 Priscilla Road Reading, MA 01867 (781) 942 -2735 rob@samanthasharvest.org COACHING EXPERIENCES 2013 - Present Special Olympics Massachusetts Reading, MA Head Basketball Coach • Coach regional teen athletes with intellectual disabilities to the regional and state games. 2013 - Present Woburn Memorial High School Woburn, MA Assistant Volleyball Coach • Coach freshman team during the regular season and at clinics and camps throughout the school year and summer. 2011 -2013 North Reading High School North Reading, MA Assistant and Junior Varsity Girls' Basketball Coach • Assisted varsity to two M.I.A.A. tournament appearances. 2009 -2011 Woburn Memorial High School Woburn, MA Boys' Assistant Varsity and Freshman Coach • Assisted varsity to a 31 -15 record and two M.I.A.A. tournament appearances. 2007 -2013 Reading Travel Basketball Reading, MA Boys' Head Basketball Coach • Responsible for the development of fundamental basketball skills. • Responsible for the planning and implementation practice plans and game coaching. 2007-2008 Pingree School Hamilton, MA Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach • Assisted team to N.E.P.S.A.C. Class C championship game and league title. 2004 -2007 Melrose High School Melrose, MA Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach • Responsible for the selection of the varsity and sub varsity teams and coaching staff. • Worked closely with boosters to raise funds. • Organized and developed pre and post season workouts. • Developed summer youth basketball camp. • Established junior varsity summer league. 2002-2004 Waring School Beverly, MA Boys' Varsity Basketball Coach • Lead team to two successful seasons with a combined record of 20 -10. 1990 -2002 Lexington High School Lexington, MA 2008 -2009 Assistant, Junior Varsity and Freshman Boys' Basketball Coach • Led highly successful junior varsity team with over 150 wins. • Assisted varsity team to seven Middlesex League titles. 1989 -1990 University of Maine Orono, ME Assistant Men's Basketball Coach 1988 -1989 Atlantic 10 Conference Woodbridge, NJ Administrative Intern , 1986 -1988 Y.M.C.A Northampton, MA Youth Basketball Coordinator 1984 -1986 University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA Men's Basketball Team Manager 1981 -1984 Lexington High School Lexington, MA Student - Athlete • Member of Middlesex League Championship and North Division I Finalist Team. TEACHING EXPERIENCES 2000 - Present Woburn Public Schools Woburn, MA Special Education Teacher • Co -Teach Integrated Classes -Math, English, Science, History. • Participate in assessment and determination of Special Needs. • Special Education Liaison between school and parents, often guiding parents through the educational process regarding Special Education rights. • Develop relationships with families regarding student progress and planning. 2011- Present Advisor, Key Club • Assist officers and members in coordination of fundraising and awareness raising events in the Woburn Memorial High School community and beyond. • Liaise between Woburn Kiwanis Club and Key Club and WMHS administration regarding membership, expectations and mission. 1997 -2000 Lexington Public Schools Lexington, MA Integration Specialist 1993 -1997 L.A.B.B.B. Collaborative Lexington, MA Classroom Teacher PERSONAL EXPERIENCES 2001 - Present Samantha's Harvest, Co., Inc. Reading, MA President • Co- founded a non - profit organization to raise funds and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome. • Organize and promote annual charity golf tournaments and numerous events that raise and donate over $200,000 for local and state wide organizations and charities. • Established two scholarships to strengthen the education of persons with Down syndrome by supporting and encouraging persons to enter the education profession by providing a one - thousand dollar gift toward university expenses. EDUCATION 1981 -1984 Lexington High School, Lexington, MA. 1984 -1989 B.S., Sports Management, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, MA. 1990 -1994 M.Ed., Boston Bouve School, Northeastern University, Boston, MA. CAMPS AND CLINICS 1988 - Present Hoop Mountain Basketball Camp Camp Director • Direct one of the premier basketball exposure camps in North America. • Teach and develop fundamental basketball skills to prospective college student - athletes in the Point Guard Prep Camp, Offensive Skills Academy, and Sharpshooter University. 2007 - Present Bentley University Summer Basketball Camp • Teach and develop fundamental basketball skills to middle and high school student - athletes. 2007 - Present Salem State University Summer Basketball Camp League Coordinator and Coach • Teach and develop fundamental basketball skills to middle and high school student - athletes. Past camps include Lexington High School, Woburn High School, and Harvard University. CERTIFICATIONS 1992 Massachusetts D.E.S.E. Special Education Severe and Moderate Needs 2010 I.A.A.B.O. Official Board 27