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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-24 School Committee Minutes , Town of Reading J' i ) Meeting Minutes 5c' o 1NCOR Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2014-11-24 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 Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Gary Nihan Carolyn Wilson, Director of Student Services Chris Caruso Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Others Present: Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Heather Leonard, Barrows Principal Deb Burchill, Barrows Teacher Carol Casavant, Barrows Teacher Sue Viegas, Barrows Teacher Denise Carroll, Barrows Teacher Cathy McInerney, Barrows Teacher Tom Zaya, RMHS Assistant Principal Kristin Killian, RMHS Fine & Performing Arts Department Head Patricia Gernert, BPO Treasurer 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 7:00 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. Page I 1 B. Reports Students Student Representative Nastri reported that the RMHS Drama production of Urinetown went very well and the Drama program is holding auditions for the winter shows. She also reported on the Karaoke night held last week. It was a good time and this week is spirit week culminating with the pep rally on Wednesday. Sub-Committee Mrs. Borawski reported on the recent meeting of the Recreation Committee. The Recreation Department is exploring the use of a web based reservation system for the use of the tennis courts. They are also sponsoring a tennis tournament to benefit the Voices of Hope group in May. Discussion on adding lighting to the Birch Meadow fields is also being explored. Dr. Snow Dockser reported that AWOD is sponsoring "mismatched sock day" on Wednesday to embrace diversity, she attended a play at Tufts University which featured a former RMHS student and she attended the recent Chapter 70 hearing. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson reported on the paraeducator workshops held during the in-service day last week. Director of Finance Ms. Sybert updated the Committee on the 9C cuts and based on the information she has received it appears the Circuit Breaker should not be affected and the cuts projected should not be as significant as first thought. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared additional information on the recent Chapter 70 hearing that he attended. Superintendents, Legislators and School Committee members testified before the panel. It was agreed that the formula is ineffective and a task force has been formed to address the deficiencies. Funding will need to be increased to allow districts to move forward. He then reported on the RMHS Interact Club field trip to New York City on Saturday. The students visited several landmarks while in the city and were especially moved by the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. On Sunday several Administrators and the Superintendent served meals at Rosie's Place. C. New Business (out of order) Barrows Presentation Page 12 Mrs. Leonard introduced the Student Support Team members that will be presenting to the School Committee. The Barrows Student Support Team(SST) is a problem solving team designed to address learning struggles within academic and behavioral areas. The Barrows School team has been developing their SST team, referral process, meeting structure, data collection, and progress monitoring efforts. This work is tied closely to our efforts in supporting the needs of all learners, MTSS, and supporting Professional Learning Communities. The work the SST has been doing ties in with a Barrows School Improvement Plan goal. The goal for Barrows students is to be engaged and accountable in their own education,to learn in greater breadth and depth, to achieve at higher levels, and to be motivated to continue learning with increasing independence. The SST will be using multiple resources and data to support the needs of the barrows students. Mrs. Leonard reviewed the MTSS system and what it looks like at Barrows. Denise Carroll explained that the SST is a problem solving team. The team provides a forum for a teacher to identify observable/measurable concerns and implement new tools, strategies or approaches—whether to assist with academic, attention, social or behavioral issues. They act as support for the classroom teachers. Cathy McInerney described the make-up of the SST. Currently the members include the principal, learning center staff, speech& language staff, school psychologist and reading specialist. They meet on a regular basis and it is the goal to include general education staff as part of the SST team. Carol Casavant described the referral process. Students can be referred by either staff or parents when there are student concerns. Before submitting the student referral form teachers should document the student's issues with quantifiable data, as well as strategies used and both successful and unsuccessful outcomes. This information needs to be included on the SST Initial Request Form. When meeting with the SST, teachers will need to provide work samples, data and written anecdotal evidence of areas of concern. The parents will be notified by the teacher that their child's name has been submitted, and will be informed of the SST recommendations. Sue Viegas reviewed the meeting protocol. The SST meetings are 30 minutes in length and each member reviews the documentation. At the start of the meeting clarifying questions are asked and then they discuss the current strategy, what the most pressing need is, what is and is not working and how the data is being collected. The group then discusses possible interventions and methods of data collection. At the end of the meeting the group summarizes and discusses next steps. The SST will then provide a handful of recommendations to the classroom teacher and a follow-up meeting is scheduled, usually in 6 weeks, to see whether the recommendations were effective, what progress has been made, and what other strategies might work. Mrs. Mclnereny concluded the discussion by saying that if a child shows little or no improvement in the area of concern, other avenues might be explored. In some instances the team will follow the Child Find obligations and if the team feels it is necessary they will recommend special education evaluation. Parents are kept informed of the student's progress and will be notified if the child is being recommended for a special education evaluation. Page 13 Mr. Robinson asked about the time allotted for the meetings. Mrs. Viegas said the 30 minute meeting follows a protocol. Mrs. Webb followed up and asked how coverage was provided for the teacher when they had an SST meeting. Mrs. Leonard said paraeducators that work in the classroom will cover for the teacher on an as needed basis. The SST meetings are scheduled on Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 2:30. These meetings are built into the schedules as a planned part of the day. They occur approximately every six weeks. Mrs. Borawski asked how the staff has responded to the SST. Mrs. Carroll said the staff embraces the collaborative support,the focus on students and dedication to problem solving. Mrs. Webb asked what kind of data was being collected. Mrs. Burchill referencing reading data said we use Dibels, phonics and some baseline assessments. Mrs. Carroll continued by saying the team also will look at frequency of behavior and will start the problem solving process. Mrs. Webb asked about classroom observations. Mrs. Burchill said sometimes data does not show the students struggle and many times the teacher will pick up on signs of student's struggles. Mrs. Leonard added that the observational data is closely tied to the area of concern. Mrs. Viegas added that the team spends a good part of the day in the classrooms which allows for an unobtrusive opportunity to observe. Students are not distracted when the team members are in the classroom. Mr. Nihan asked about the referral program. Mrs. Leonard said that only if there is a suspicion of a disability will a child be referred for a special education evaluation. A system of strategies will be used to address the student's needs. Mrs. Webb asked how students that need to be challenged are handled. Mrs. Leonard said these students are identified at Tier 2. There are grade level meetings with the data team and teachers to work collaboratively to develop strategies to ensure these students continue to succeed. Ms. Nastri asked if the students know they are being observed. Mrs. Leonard said only if the parent has shared the information with their child. Chair Caruso thanked the group for presenting this evening. User Fees, Participation and Donations Presentation Mr. Caruso said that this is an information gathering session as the School Committee prepares for the budget process. Ms. Sybert provided a background on the funding of athletics and extracurricular activities. She pointed out that the coaching salaries are included in the operational budget. She went on to review user fees and how Reading compares to other communities. Mr. Robinson asked if we had looked at charging sports and Page 14 activities that have higher operational costs a higher fee. Dr. Doherty said we had looked at that and opted not to use that model. Ms. Sybert reviewed participation and our numbers have been fairly consistent. Mr. Robinson asked about the difference between the drama and band fees. Ms. Killian said the drama fee was established with the prior administration and the band fee was set after the drama fee. Mr. Robinson asked if information on the cost per sport could be provided for the budget deliberations for equity purposes. Dr. Doherty said participation rates are better with a flat rate system vs. a differentiated system. Participation rates also are proportional to the size of the freshman class. Ms. Sybert then reviewed donations received for athletics and extracurricular activities. The School Department budget is used to run the programs. Parent group donations support the coaching assistants and other items not covered by the budget. Patricia Gernert, treasurer of the Band Parent Organization, shared that the number of assistant coaches needed is determined by Mr. Bunten. Mr. Zaya indicated that he sets the number of coaching assistants for each program. Mr. Caruso thanked Ms. Sybert for the information. Mr. Zaya and Ms. Killian left the meeting at 8:30 p.m. First Reading of Naming of Facilities Distinguished Service Award—Policy FF- R. Mr. Caruso provided a brief overview of the proposed policy. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the first reading of the Naming of Facilities Distinguished Educator Service Award Policy FF-R Mr. Robinson began the first reading. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to waive the first reading of Policy FF-R. The motion carried 6-0. The School Committee offered suggestions to the proposed policy guideline. Dr. Doherty will incorporate the suggestions for the second reading. Mr. Nihan asked if this will preclude the Naming Policy. Dr. Doherty said it will be a set of guidelines under Policy FF. The vote on the original motion carried 6-0. Page 15 D. Continued Business Superintendent's Goals Superintendent Doherty said he had made changes based on School Committee feedback he has received since the retreat. He also reminded the School Committee that the Administrative DDMs will be determined in January and the goals may look different down the road as a result of the work with the state in developing a strategic plan. Dr. Doherty reviewed the changes to the document. Mr. Nihan thanked the Superintendent for addressing the Committee's concerns. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to accept the Superintendent's Goals. The motion carried 6-0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. None b. Minutes (A) c. Bids and Donations (A ) Donations Lacrosse Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the donation in the amount of$3600 to be used to support the Girl's Lacrosse Team Coaching Assistants for the spring 2015 season. The motion carried 6-0. Parker Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept a donation as part of the Applied Materials Foundation Employees Engagement Fund to be used to support the music program at the Parker Middle School. The motion carried 6-0. d. Calendar Dr. Doherty said that the 2015-16 School Calendar will be discussed at the December 1st meeting and asked the School Committee for guidance on the calendar options they would like to see. It was determined that all scenarios should be explored. Page 16 IV.Information Mrs. Webb wanted to acknowledge the recent recognition of RMHS to the 5th Annual AP Honor Roll. Dr. Snow Dockser thanked the teachers for a productive conference day last week. V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. .v vt:, o F. Dohert Ed.D. Page 17