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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-01 School Committee Minutes �o / C� 0c\ Town of Reading (''4a r y ? ' + Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-12-01 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 Jeanne Borawski Martha Sybert, Director of Finance Chuck Robinson Carolyn Wilson, Director of Student Services Gary Nihan Chris Caruso Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Others Present: Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Carl Gillies, Student Representative Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Sara Burd, Administrator for Student Support Erica McNamara, Executive Director, RCASA Julianne Deangelis, RCASA Outreach Coordinator Tom Zaya, RMHS Assistant Principal Chris Copeland, RTA President 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 7:04 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input(I) Chair Caruso called for public input. There was none. B. Reports Students Page I 1 Student Representative Gillies reported on the recent Pep Rally, Thanksgiving Day football game and winter sports began today. Student Representative Nastri reported that today was HIV Awareness Day, the upcoming Informal Recital on Thursday afternoon, the Festival of Trees this weekend and the Select Chorus Caroling fundraiser. Sub-Committee Mr. Robinson attended the Annual Reading/Stoneham Football luncheon. He was pleased to be able to see our student athletes in a different venue and was impressed at how well they represented the school. Dr. Snow Dockser also reported on the Pep Rally. She said it was a wonderful event. She also reported that the "A World of Difference" group attended the Town Tree Lighting Event promoting their theme "We stand together". She thanked Zinga on Haven Street for supporting the student's community outreach efforts. Director of Finance Ms. Sybert updated the Committee on the Chapter 70 formula and the impact on Reading. The indication is that we will not receive the funding that was previously projected. Reading is considered to be overfunded due to increases in property value and income. Superintendent Doherty indicated that a question regarding Chapter 70 funding was asked by the Early Childhood Space Needs Working Group which prompted Ms. Sybert to gather information. Mr. Robinson said this information could be a game changer in our ability to offer free full day kindergarten. Dr. Doherty reminded the Committee that we still have a space issue to address. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared that members of Reading Rotary will be visiting Kindergarten and Grade 1 classrooms to provide each child with a backpack and two books. These books have been provided through a grant received by the Reading Rotary as part of their Literacy Initiative. Rotary members will read to the students during their visits this week. C. New Business (out of order) Overview of Federal Grants &Health Curriculum Administrator for Student Support Sara Burd reviewed the new School Transformation Climate Grant (SCTG)the district received. The grant is a 5 year — 1.2 million dollar grant to be used to develop a master plan to make schools safer by shifting school cultures. She and Dr. Doherty attended a grant kick-off Page 12 meeting in Chicago which was very informative. There were 130 grantees in 38 states. Reading was one of three communities in Massachusetts that received this grant. Ms. Burd went on to describe how the district will use the grant to support both academic and social emotional needs of our students. The SCTG is a multi-tiered behavior framework that uses informative data and evaluation support, is durable and scalable,that allows for maximum implementation fidelity and maximum student benefit. We will aggressively look at data and monitor fidelity to ensure we are not drifting off course. She defined a Multi-tiered Behavioral Framework as being a school-wide structure used to improve integration& implementation of behavioral practices, data-driven decision making systems, professional development opportunities, school leadership, supportive SEA& LEA policies and evidence-based instructional practices. This is accomplished by continually monitoring progress, the use of tiered continuum evidence based practices, data- driven decision making, implementation fidelity and universal screening for all students. The goals for the Reading Public School's through this grant include the following: • Goal 1: Build capacity for supporting the sustained and broad-scale implementation of a multi-tiered behavioral framework in each school across the district through the successful creation of district, building leadership and collaborative teams. • Goal 2: Enhance sustainability of continued data-driven decision making and communication through the successful alignment and implementation of a school wide information system, Baseline Edge, in every school district-wide. • Goal 3: Enhance each school's ability to offer comprehensive behavioral health supports through the creation of a high-quality, full service multi- tiered system of supports, consisting of extensive offerings of supports and interventions at every level and school. • Goal 4: Build continued capacity of school-based staff through the successful integration of an aggressive professional development and coaching program focused on building teachers' skills and competencies in the use of a multi-tiered system of supports and behavioral health topics. • Goal 5: Evaluate the effectiveness of project activities at the school and district level in meeting the needs of students and in improving outcomes for students using quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods. Performance indicators that are embedded in the district DDMs include an annual decrease in office disciplinary referrals, improvement in the attendance rate, a decrease in suspensions and expulsions and the number and percentage of schools annually that are implementing the MTBF with fidelity. Ms. Burd explained how the funding would be used. Mrs. Borawski asked how the district would sustain the work done when the grant funding is over. Ms. Burd explained that we will be training the trainers to enable the district to continue the work started by the grant. Page 13 Mr. Nihan asked about the universal screening. Ms. Burd said that screening is done 3 times per year for all grades using SSRS which identifies students that are struggling. This process is implemented by the teacher. Dr. Snow Dockser asked how this was accomplished. She was told that each teacher will have a class list with indicators. The teacher then rates their students and the tally will indicate the child's level. Ms. Tseckares, parent, asked if the questions varied by level. Ms. Burd indicated that each level has the same core questions. Ms. Tseckares then asked how the student indicators were ranked in a team structure. Ms. Burd shared that a system is being developed and we currently have only one teacher from the team inputting the information. Ms. Borawski was concerned about how much time teachers will be out of the classroom for training. Ms. Burd said there would be two days in the spring and not all CR teachers would be involved. Mr. Nihan cautioned that the funding should not be used to supplant budgetary funding. Ms. Burd understands his concerns and said that her position is not completely funded by the grant. She will be compensated for work done above and beyond her duties. Dr. Doherty added that funding for the high school health teacher could be from the grant because she is working outside of the normal school day. Mrs. Webb likes the goal of scaling up over time and this is a true expansion and not a replacement of the current MTSS work being done in our schools. Mr. Robinson asked about the funding Saturday School supplies. Ms. Burd said the cost would be minimal. She explained that because of the new discipline law educational options for educational time lost by students that are suspended must be available. Saturday School will be one of the options available to these students. Ms. McNamara, Executive Director of RCASA spoke about the Project Aware grant the district has received in the amount of$100,000 over two years to support detection and response to mental illness in children and youth. She wanted to acknowledge Julianne Deangelis, RCASA Outreach Coordinator, Pat Shannon, President RCASA Board of Directors and Mr. Zaya, RMHS assistant principal for their assistance and support in preparing this grant application. She reviewed the history of the "Mental Health First Aid"program. Through the grant we will train 8 instructors that will certify 584 school educators, school support staff, first responders, youth workers, and faith leaders in youth mental First Aid and Mental Health First Aid in Reading. She shared that is crucial that we remove the stigma associated with mental illness by educating the community. The grant will fund the purchase of manuals/materials, instructors, Director's time and evaluations. Mrs. Webb asked if the materials were reusable. Ms. McNamara said the materials/manuals belong to the person trained. Once these people are trained we will be able to develop a sustainable program. There were 100 grants awarded. Page 14 Reading was one of 6 communities in Massachusetts and we are working with the other communities to keep costs down. Ms. McNamara moved to the third grant received which is the Drug Free Communities Support Program which is $625,000 over 5 years. RCASA will establish and strengthen community collaboration in support of local efforts to prevent youth substance use. The following strategies will be implemented to achieve the goal: • Reduce barriers for underrepresented individuals to participate in RCASA • Train leaders in the strategic prevention framework and environmental strategies • Provide opportunities for leaders to apply skills learned at training • Enhance staff and Board's capacity to build RCASA's financial infrastructure • Increase access to culturally and therapeutically diverse pain management sites • Provide easy access to drop off unwanted medication • Increase skill building opportunities for students in grades 6-12 on prescription drug and underage drinking prevention • Improve local medication safety and prescription drug based monitoring practices • Improve educators, school specialists, clergy and youth workers ability to address youth that are in crisis and/or under the influence of prescription drugs • Reduce access to alcohol through enhanced Alcohol Compliance Program • Enhanced parental monitoring • Provide disincentives to use alcohol on RMHS grounds. Funding from the grant will be used to add RCASA staff and a new part-time Youth Coordinator and to purchase promotional materials and supplies. One program"I Can Help" will provide a safe place for young people to speak freely. Many times young people are hesitant to reach out for help, but once they do and their concerns can be addressed they feel a sense of relief. RCASA will also be using surveys, webinars, youth initiatives, evaluation services and consultation services to expand the financial infrastructure. Mr. Nihan was pleased to see a webinar approach. Ms. McNamara explained that many times parents and community members are unable to attend events; this will allow a parent to access the information presented. Ms. McNamara continued the presentation providing an overview of the Health Education Program Development. A Health Education Assessment Team was created to review the district health curriculum as a result of a Behavioral Health Task Force recommendation. They used the School Health Index and Health Education Curriculum Assessment Tool (HECAT) to assess the district. They examined data, key informant interviews and student feedback and did extensive reviews of evidence-based and research based programs in detail to determine the needs of the district. Following a thorough review of the existing gaps, input from educators and students, review of standards, the team began studying recommended programs to recommend based on the HECAT analysis. Page 15 The Team explored a wide range of both evidence based and research based curriculum and chose to recommend the Glencoe Program to the Superintendent. It was felt that this program provided the scope and sequence for grades K -12 that we currently do not have. The implementation would be done in phases and this program aligned with state and national standards and provides an online component to provide health updates so that all information is current. Mr. Nihan stated his concern that considering the major problems we have in our community with substance abuse and that the most recent YRBS data shows that our RMHS students are above the state average in 30 day alcohol use, bullying, suicide ideation and suicide attempts we are not using an evidenced based health curriculum as opposed to the Glencoe Health curriculum which is only a researched based curriculum. Ms. McNamara provided a brief overview of the Wellness Program and explained how the offerings have changed over the years. Wellness Education addresses the social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational, intellectual and physical wellness of our students. Mrs. Webb asked if the middle school health instruction is being done in a classroom or the gym. Ms. McNamara said at this point it is in the gym because there is no classroom space. Mrs. Borawski would like to see more health education at the elementary level. Ms. McNamara said we are working with the K—2 teachers to implement the curriculum. We have the infrastructure in place for grades 3 —5. Dr. Doherty commended Ms. McNamara on her involvement in the health curriculum discussion. There are not many Coalition directors that are involved in that type of activity. It is a true collaboration doing what is in the best interest of kids. 2015-2016 School Calendar Mr. Caruso provided an overview of the discussion on the 2015-16 School Year calendar. Mrs. Webb left the meeting at 8:59 p.m. He said that parents have expressed concerns about starting school before Labor Day. At the last meeting the Committee directed the Superintendent to create four calendars scenarios. Dr. Doherty shared that there are contractual and legal elements that need to be considered. He reviewed the memorandum in the packet. Mrs. Webb returned to the meeting at 9:02 p.m. He continued and pointed out that Labor Day is very late this year and for the first time in several years all three religious holidays fall on school days. The calendar Page 16 scenarios include starting dates before and after Labor Day, with and without the three religious holidays. Mr. Caruso said he has received several emails and calls asking the School Committee to opt for a post Labor Day start. Mr. Caruso supports a post Labor Day start but cautions parents there is a financial burden by extending summer. Mrs. Webb said the Committee should make a decision on what is best for student learning. Mr.Nihan would like to know how teachers feel about the start date. Mrs. Borawski offered different options. Dr. Snow Dockser talked about the religious holidays and how challenges are still encountered accommodating all faiths and needs. She read an email from a parent supporting the elimination of the three religious holidays but still adheres to the policy. Mr. Robinson referred to research referenced by former Superintendent Schettini on student learning. Mrs. Webb offered the idea of looking at the calendar on a year by year basis. Mrs. Borawski felt it is important to communicate any decisions. Mrs. Webb also pointed out that Policy IMDA should be reviewed annually. Student Representative Nastri shared that students are happier with the longer summer and a post Labor Day start. She also shared that not many students are aware of Policy IMDA regarding student absence on a non-national religious holiday. She then asked if February and April vacations could be combined to one week in March. Dr. Doherty pointed out that those vacations are contractual. He also said that there are not many districts in the area that are using that option. Dr. Snow Dockser felt if professional development days were moved to before or after the school year students would not benefit from the work being done. Dr. Doherty reminded the Committee that the professional development days are contractual and students would miss out on the work done during these days. Teachers bring the teaching strategies back to the classroom. Mr. Nihan would like to involve teachers in these decisions. Dr. Doherty pointed out that RTA president Copeland has been given the calendars and she will be sharing with the Executive Board. Ms. Copeland added that the RTA is very happy with the professional development days as they currently are on the calendar. Lori Gordon, parent, said if you have a high school child that is involved in an activity they need to be back prior to Labor Day for practices. She also felt that more education is needed regarding the Jewish holidays. Page 17 Monette Verrior,parent, asked why the Parent Conference Day is a no school day and pointed out that as our community diversifies we may be confronted with requests for other religious holidays off John Wilcox, parent, asked why the day after Columbus Day was used as a professional development day and would like it turned back into a school day. Demetra Tseckares, parent, asked if that day could be adjusted and then asked about elementary and middle school half days. Dr. Doherty said teachers are contractually obligated to work 185 days and the half days are used for teacher collaboration. Ms. Tseckares would like to eliminate the three religious holidays and have school begin after Labor Day. Mr. Caruso thanked everyone for the input and told the viewing audience to feel free to email or call the Committee members on this topic. D. Continued Business Second Reading and Approval of Policy FF-R-Naming of Facilities Distinguished Service to Education Award. Mr. Caruso suggested that this reading be postponed until the next meeting. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to table the second reading of Policy FF—R. The motion carried 6-0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant P1511 11.21.14 $1,448,109.23 Warrant S1522 11.20.14 $415,398.19 Warrant S1523 11.26.14 $292,694.81 b. Minutes (A) Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the open session minutes dated November 3,2014. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the open session minutes dated November 13, 2014. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan, to approve the retreat minutes dated November 15, 2014. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mrs. Webb abstaining. c. Bids and Donations (A ) Page 18 Donations PSST Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the donation in the amount of$3,000 from the Reading Parents Supporting Student Theatre to be used to support the first semester Improv & Shakespeare instructors for the Drama Department. The motion carried 6-0. d. Calendar IV.Information V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation strategies and the approval of minutes and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs. Borawski,Mr. Nihan, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso,Mrs. Webb and Dr. Snow Dockser. The meeting adjourned at 10:02 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Ali) W . •I F. Dohert \ Ed.D. i Page 19