HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-22 School Committee Packet School Committee Meeting
January 22, 2015
Superintendent's Conference
Room
Open Session 7:00 P.M.
Public Hearing FY16 Budget
Town of Readin
p Meeting Posting with Agenda
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2015-01-22 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
7:00 p.m.
I Call to Order
PUBLIC HEARING ON FY2016 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT BUDGET
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
1. FY16 Budget Continued Discussion (I)
D. New Business
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
2. Minutes(A)
December 22, 2014
January 12, 2015
3. Bids and Donations(A)
Donation to RMHS Volleyball
Donation from the Coolidge PTO
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
�` -; Town of Reading
Ulf 6, `irt::: .1
AT I Meeting Posting with Agenda
G. Executive Session
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. Craig Martin
Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent
for Learning and Teaching
82 Oakland Road
Reading,MA 01867 Martha J.Sybert
Phone:781-944-5800 r Director of Finance 8s Operations
Fax:781-942-9149 -r`f
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: January 21,2015
TOPIC: FY2016 Budget
At our meeting on Thursday evening,we will hold the public hearing and continue our discussion of the
proposed FY15 budget.
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.
John F.Doherty Ed.D. Craig Martin
Superintendent of Schools ♦ Assistant Superintendent
for Learning and Teaching
82 Oakland Road
Reading,MA 01867
Martha J.Sybert
Phone:781-944-5800
Fax:781-942-9149 Director of Finance&Operations
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: January 21, 2015
TOPIC: Accept a Donation from the Coolidge PTO
At our meeting, I am asking the School Committee to accept a donation, in the amount of$1,000 from
the Coolidge PTO to be used support the travel and lodging expenses for the Challenge Day leaders.
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.
Proud to be a NELMS Spotlight School and Coolidge Middle School
a national Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School g
Memo
To: School Committee
From Sarah Merchant/Coolidge PTO
Date: January 14,2015
Re: Donation for Challenge Day
I want to express my gratitude for the interest and support of the School Committee for the REF-sponsored
Challenge Day that occurred at Coolidge on December 9 and 10. Special thanks to members Linda Snow Dockser
and Jeanne Borawski,as well as Administrators John Doherty and Craig Martin, for participating in the event
While most of the funding for Challenge Day came from the Reading Education Foundation (for which we are very
grateful),the Coolidge PTO has made a donation in the sum of$1,000 to contribute towards the travel and lodging
expenses for the Challenge Day leaders,who came from California.
Thank you for considering this donation!
•
The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,religion,national origin,sexual orientation,age ordisability.
COOLIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL P.T.O.
89 Birch Meadow Drive
Reading, MA 01867
2014-2015 Board Members
Jeanette Qur7es-Wgorito,President
Chris Sullivan, Vice President
Geoffrey Coram, Treasurer
Farid Fulhe,n,Secretary
January 12, 2015
TO: Coolidge Middle School
Attn: Principal Sarah Marchant
FROM: Coolidge PTO Board
RE: Challenge Day Donation
Dear Principal Marchant,
The Coolidge PTO Board board as a whole has voted to donate and hereby donates
$1,000.00 to the Coolidge Middle School to be solely used towards the expenses of
the Challenge Day Event held during the month of December 2014. This donation is
given freely and no repayment is expected.
Very, fly ours,
J-.ette Quiles-Vigorito
..iidge PTO President 2014-2015
John F.Doherty,Ed. D. Craig Martin
Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent
for Learning and Teaching
82 Oakland Road
Reading,MA 01867
Phone:781-944-5800
Martha J.Sybert
Y
Director of Finance&Operations
Fax 781-942-9149
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: January 21, 2015
TOPIC: Accept a Donation from the RMHS Volleyball Parents Organization
At our meeting, I am asking the School Committee to accept a donation, in the amount of$850 from the
RMHS Volleyball Parents Organization to be used purchase volleyballs and a cart for the girls volleyball
team.
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.
JAN 1 2015
•
January 10, 2015 .
1•
Dear School Administration,
RVPO would like to donate$850 towards the purchase of Baden volleyballs for the volleyball
program. This will help in providing volleyballs for all the players in the program. The ball cart
will be beneficial to the program as well.
Sincerely,
-.410 1
/ i cgt‘j•••r----,.. ,
Jennifer Flynn
RVPO Treasurer
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
DRAFT
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2014-12-22 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 Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent
Chris Caruso
Elaine Webb
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Andrea Nastri, Student Representative
Zach Camenker, Reading Chronicle
Chris Copeland, RTA President
Joanne King, Wood End Principal
Kelly Colon, Director of Facilities
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 7:02 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 Nastri reported that the Select Chorus had a very
successful caroling fundraiser and today was ugly sweater day at the high school
to benefit the Samantha's Harvest Club.
Sub-Committee
Mrs. Borawski updated the Committee on the Early Childhood Space Needs Sub-
Committee meetings. The group held its first meeting in October and submitted
46 questions to the Superintendent. At the second meeting in December the
questions were reviewed and goals for the group were established. The group will
be moving ahead visiting the buildings in small groups, finalizing the Space
Needs grid and developing a comprehensive communication plan.
Dr. Snow Dockser congratulated Amanda Robinson and the students in her ILP
class for all the good work they have recently done with the ringing of the Rocket
Bell. She also updated the Committee that Rob Surette will be painting 4 portraits
as part of the MLK Celebration and locations for the portraits to be displayed is
being investigated. The Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is donating funds, as
part of their community grant program,to offset the cost of the Martin Luther
King Day activities.
Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Martin shared that the first meeting of the Joshua Eaton Task Force was held.
The group is comprised of community, school and district members. Information
will be posted on Edline for the public to stay apprised of the work being done.
C. New Business (out of order)
Wood End Presentation
Mrs. King provided a brief introduction of BOKS at Wood End. The program is
made possible by a grant from Reebok to "Build Our Kids Success Through
Fitness". The program was launched in 2009 and now has more than 1,200
schools in 48 states participating. Studies have shown that kids that exercise
improve school performance. This before school program gets kids moving and
brains ready for learning.
Mrs. King introduced the Wood End BOKS team. Wood End parents Kelly
Mahoney, Matt Brearley,Natasha Costa, Lisa Zucchero and Kerry Giordano have
spearheaded the effort at Wood End. Wood End has received a$500 grant from
Reebok that provided materials and equipment for the program. Four Wood End
parents were trained as Lead teachers.
Mrs. Mahoney described the Lead Teacher training that was held at Reebok
headquarters. There was a four hour training session. At this training the
curriculum and resources were explained and the group was able to network with
other schools. There are online resources that contain tools and resources needed
to run the program. They also discussed assessment tools and surveys for parents
and students.
Page 2
Activities are geared toward building teamwork, develop motor skills,build
confidence,tolerance, empathy and respect as well as making healthy food
choices.
Mr.Brearley outlined a typical day which begins with an email from Mrs.
Mahoney with the day's activities. The BOKS classes are held on Monday and
Wednesdays and run from 7:30—8:10 a.m. Activities take place inside and
outside and the cost is $50 for 8 weeks. The kids arrive and have free play. The
session begins with a meeting and warm-up. Each class has a running related
activity, a skill of the week and a class game. Each session ends with a cool down
and`BOKS bit"which is a discussion on nutrition Natasha Costa. The students
are learning about healthy snack choices and how to determine which snack is
better than another. Mrs. Costa is teaching the students to read labels,nutritional
information and serving sizes.
Mrs. King thanked the parents for their support and dedication.
Mr. Caruso asked about the age breakdown and when the next session would
begin. Mrs. Mahoney said it was pretty even across the board and the next
session would begin after the Martin Luther King Holiday.
Mr.Nihan commended the group and appreciates that this activity will motivate
students to get to school. He then asked if the activities were developmentally
appropriate. Mrs.Mahoney said that skill level does not matter,the activities can
be done by all levels.
Mrs. Borawski asked if they would be able to accommodate an increased
enrollment. They believe they will be able to handle an increased enrollment.
Bella Bielicki and Ellie Mahoney are BOKS participants and enjoy the classes.
They fmd them to be a lot of fun. Ms. Bielicki talked about enjoying the different
games, learning to read ingredients from labels, and making better food choices.
Ms. Brearley talked about working with kids in all different grades,and earning
the sneaker charms when they learned a new skill such as sit ups. Dr. Snow
Dockser asked what they have learned about health food choices. The girls
shared that they have learned to read labels and know that if sugar is the first
ingredient it probably is not a good choice. The girls were then asked if they are
making healthier food choices. Their response was that they were.
Mr.Robinson is thrilled with the program on many levels. He feels that the
confidence building and teamwork are lifelong skills they will be able use.
Mr. Caruso thanked the group for presenting and called a brief recess at 7:28 a.m.
The meeting was called back to order at 7:31 p.m.
D. Continued Business
Full Day Kindergarten Option
Dr. Doherty began the discussion reviewing the memo that was included in the
packet. He discussed the full day enrollment from 2005 to the present and noted
Page I 3
that the demand for full day kindergarten has increased on a yearly basis and this
year is no different.
He thanked the elementary secretaries and Mrs. Engelson for their efforts to
ensure that we had the most up to date numbers for tonight. We have received
registration packets from 294 families. He cautioned that these numbers will
increase between now and August with families that are moving into town. We
have not been able to contact 50 families from the census as well. He has
concerns at Barrows and Killam with high numbers. Joshua Eaton's first grade
will also require an additional classroom next year. He next reviewed the
classroom needs for next year. Additional classrooms for kindergarten will be
needed at Barrows and Killam.
He then reviewed the options for next year. Option 1 is to develop a plan to build
additional temporary classroom space for Barrows, Joshua Eaton and Killam.
Part of this solution is to convert the multipurpose room at Parker into two
classrooms to house Eaton students. Option 2 proposes spot redistricting of
Barrows and Killam students. If this option is selected the students that are spot
redistricted will in all probability,remain at that school for their elementary
school years. Option 3 is to limit full day kindergarten and implement a lottery
system.
Discussion continued on the three proposed options. The Superintendent pointed
out that he would like to, at the very least,use three modular classrooms and
ideally would like five to address the enrollment issues. The School Committee
would, after discussions with the Finance Committee,request a Special Town
Meeting to vote on the appropriation of funds for either the purchase or lease of
modular classrooms.
Chair Caruso added that the Committee needs to work with the Finance
Committee, Town Meeting and the community to be sure the space needs of the
School Department are clearly communicated. The three options proposed are
short term solutions and will allow time for the Space Needs Sub-Committee to
continue to work on a long term solution.
The School Committee consensus was to choose Option 1 without using the
Parker Multi-Purpose Room in the solution. They did not feel it would be in the
best interest of students to place kindergarten students at Parker.
Ms. Colon spoke about multiple options her department investigated to address
the space issues. She reviewed the cost and construction time for these options
which included: (1) reconfiguring the Parker MPR, (2)purchasing modular
classrooms and(3) converting the Parker MPR and two modular classrooms.
A question was asked regarding the solution if Town Meeting does not authorize
the funding. Dr. Doherty said there would be a lottery for full day kindergarten.
Another question was asked if the use of modular classrooms would eliminate the
need for integrated classrooms. Mr. Caruso asked that a discussion regarding
integrated classrooms be put on the agenda for a future meeting.
Page 14
Mrs. King shared that the integrated classroom setting has been a positive
experience. Dr.Doherty added that teachers in the integrated classroom settings
have become more effective.
Dr. Doherty asked for direction from the School Committee tonight. He would
need to know which option they would like to pursue. If the use of modular
classrooms is one of the options,he would like direction regarding the number of
modulars,the scope and cost.
Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Webb,to direct the Superintendent
to develop a plan to build additional temporary classroom space in the form
of modular classrooms at Barrows,Killam and Joshua Eaton.
Dr. Snow Dockser proposed a friendly amendment,seconded by Mrs.
Borawski,to leave the option of using the Parker MPR in the discussion until
more information is available. The motion failed 1-5. Dr. Snow Dockser
voting in favor.
The motion on the original motion carried 6-0.
Chair Caruso called a brief recess at 9:30 p.m.
The meeting was called back to order at 9:34 p.m.
III. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll (A)
The following warrants were circulated and signed.
Warrant P1513 12.19.14 $1,456,145.61
Warrant S1526 12.18.14 $266,325.01
b. Minutes (A)
Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs.Borawski,to approve the open
session minutes dated December 1,2014. The motion carried 6-0.
Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs.Borawski,to approve the open
session minutes dated December 15,2014. The motion carried 6-0.
c. Bids and Donations(A)
Donations
Rotary
Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to accept a donation in
the amount of$2,800 from Reading Rotary to be used to purchase books as
part of their literacy initiative. The motion carried 6-0.
Page I5
CMS PTO
Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the donation in the
amount of$2,400 from the Coolidge PTO to be used to cover the stipends for
the orchestra members participating in the Coolidge Drama production. The
motion carried 6-0.
MLK Celebration
Mr.Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to accept the donation
in the amount of$100 from Moynihan Lumber to be used to support the
purchase of portraits as part of the MLK Day celebration. The motion
carried 6-0.
RMHS Wrestling
Mr.Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan,to accept the donation in the
amount of$759.98 from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to be used to
purchase two mat carts for the RMHS Wrestling team. The motion carried
6-0.
Parker Basketball Rims
Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to accept the donation
from Carl McFadden in the amount of$359.98 to be used to purchase two
breakaway basketball rims for the Parker Middle School. The motion
carried 6-0.
d. Calendar
IV.Information
V. Future Business
VI.Adjournment
Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to adjourn. The motion
carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not
the order they occurred during the meeting.
John F. Doherty,Ed.D.
Page 16
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes DRAFT
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2015-01-12 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 Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent
Chris Caruso
Elaine Webb
Members - Not Present:
Andrea Nastri & Carl Gillies, Student Representatives
Others Present:
Chris Copeland, RTA President
Debbie Butts, RISE Preschool Director
Les Kiehn, RMHS Team Chair
Kelly Bostwick, Elementary Team Chair
Heather Leonard, Barrows Principal
Joanne King, Wood End Principal
Marie Pink, Coolidge Assistant Principal
Patty Beckman, Birch Meadow Teacher
Paula Perry, Fincom
Reading Public Schools Budget Parents
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 7:05 p.m.
Chair Caruso welcomed guests and reviewed the agenda.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input(I)
Chair Caruso called for public input.
Page I 1
Andrea Quirbach, Wood End parent, urged the School Committee to reconsider
the reduction in paraeducator hours in the proposed FY16 budget. She feels their
role is vital to the success of the students and the school.
B. Reports
Sub-Committee
Dr. Snow Dockser reminded the community of the Martin Luther King
celebration that will be held on January 19m. The event begins at 9:30 a.m.with a
light breakfast and the program begins at 10:00 a.m. There will also be exhibit
tables and displays along Main Street reflecting the theme"We Stand Together
for Justice". She thanked all of the contributors that have made the purchase of 4
portraits painted by Rob Surette possible. The portraits of Martin Luther King,
Harvey Milk,Leonard Zakim and Malala will be hung in the Schettini Library
Media Center. Members of the Gay Straight Alliance and AWOD are researching
quotes to be embedded in the portraits.
Mr.Robinson reported on the recent Pop Warner banquet and wanted to thank
RMHS Football Coach John Fiore for attending and speaking to the group. He
spoke of the importance of teamwork. He thanked Coach Fiore for taking time to
attend.
C. Continued Business
D. New Business
FY16 Budget Presentation
Dr.Doherty reviewed the makeup and functions of this cost center. He went on
to review the strategic initiatives in this cost center which include the
implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks for Mathematics
and Literacy, support Level 3 improvements at Joshua Eaton and across the
district, develop professional learning communities and the implementation of the
Massachusetts System of Student Support(MTSS)to address the behavioral
health of all students. Dr.Doherty reviewed the drivers to this cost center. As
with all cost centers, contractual collective bargaining salary increases make up a
major portion of the budget. There will also be increases in the METCO and full
day kindergarten offsets and decreases in regular day bus transportation,
substitute teachers,per pupil building budgets, Virtual High School stipends and
regular education paraeducators.
Mr.Robinson inquired about the late bus for METCO students. Dr. Doherty
indicated that it runs on an as needed basis.
Ms. Sybert reviewed regular day staffing and the cost center by object. She went
on to review the impact of regular day bus transportation reductions. The current
contract cost for a bus is $52,200. We are currently entering the last year of a five
year contract with the bus company. She reviewed the ridership over the past
three years and it has remained fairly constant for both mandated and pay to ride
students.
Page 12
Mr. Caruso asked what the state mandate was. Ms. Sybert shared that we are
required to bus any student grades K—6 that live 2 or more miles from their
school. We currently have mandated riders on the Killam,Parker&Coolidge
busses.
Ms. Sybert is proposing an increase in bus fees to $450/rider with no cap to cover
the cost of the bus. The Committee expressed concerns that we need to be sure
that all students can get to school and we need to find a way to keep the bus
transportation for the non-mandated riders.
Ms. Sybert reviewed the proposed reduction in regular education paraeducator
hours and FTEs. She reviewed the roles of the paraeducators which include
before school, lunch and recess supervision, full and half day kindergarten and
office support,teacher and small group student support and classroom coverage
when a teacher is in a meeting. The possible impact of the reductions would
include a reduction in teacher and office support, elimination of before school
supervision and less classroom support.
Dr. Doherty said these reductions do not include tutors and are not connected to
the Extended Day Program which offers a before school option.
Dr. Snow Dockser asked for specifics in numbers as far as positions and hours
included in the $135,000. The Superintendent explained that he is currently
discussing the reductions with the principals and what can be done to address the
impact. He said that this is not a desirable reduction and a difficult decision to
make.
Mr. Robinson shared that it seems that every time cuts need to be made the
paraeducators take the hit. The School Committee must look at a means to retain
these positions.
Ms. Sybert reviewed the proposed reductions in the substitute cost center. She
said she and HR Administrator Micheala Saunders will be analyzing fill rates to
determine what impact the rate increase has had and reviewing the current
practices with regard to the use of substitutes for professional development.
Superintendent Doherty spoke about the impact a reduction in full day
kindergarten enrollment would have if we are unable to secure the modular
classrooms. Should the district have to use a lottery for full day kindergarten
there is the possibility of 80 families not being assigned to full day kindergarten
which would result in a$336,000 decrease in tuition revenues. Along with that
reduction there would be a reduction of 2.0 FIE kindergarten teachers and 2.0
FTE paraeducators.
Mr.Martin presented information on the proposed addition of K—8 Literacy&
Math Coaches. The positions will be funded as a result in the restructured
professional development cost center. These positions have been created to
support teachers in our transition to the new math and literacy state frameworks,
provide in house job embedded professional development and support in
instructional strategies and curriculum and work with the Professional Learning
Communities to provide consistency across grades between schools and levels.
Page 13
Mrs. Borawski asked how it would be determined which level will be targeted.
Mr.Martin responded that the first couple of years the focus will be on the
elementary level. The School Committee agreed that these positions are needed
to provide support for our teachers in the classroom and hope they are sustainable.
RTA president Chris Copeland asked for clarification on the tuition
reimbursement line and if there was any change.
Dr.Doherty shared that all tuition reimbursement across the district are shown in
that line and that all contractual obligations are built in and there is no reduction
in the teacher tuition reimbursement.
Special Education Cost Center
Dr.Doherty reviewed the makeup and functions of this cost center. He also
reviewed the budget drivers which include salary increases, an increase in out-of-
district tuitions due to known and anticipated placements and an increase in
special education transportation costs. Circuit breaker reimbursement is
decreased and the restructuring of how we use EMARC services also affect this
cost center. The will be a proposed increase in the offsets from the Special
education tuition account and the RISE revolving account as well. Dr. Doherty
pointed out that there are no unanticipated Sped out of district placements
included in this budget.
Mrs. Wilson reviewed the special education programs and enrollment of the
programs we have in district. She went on to describe the roles of the Program
Director for Student Support Program and Therapeutic Support Program and the
Board Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA)that are being added as a result of the
restructuring of the behavioral health staff and special education consulting. The
program Director for TSP/SSP will ensure consistent social and behavioral
supports are in place for these populations, coordinate the SSP/TSP programs at
Killam, Coolidge and RMHS, create consistency at all levels, coordinate meetings
with all staff to discuss student needs, adjust behavior plans and remain connected
with outside providers, identify Tier 3 support through MTSS and assist in the
development of parent outreach and support programming. This position is being
created by the restructuring of existing positions. The second position (Board
Certified Behavior Analyst) is also being created by restructuring the Special
Education Consulting line. We currently contract out for these services from
SEEM and feel it is more cost effective to have an in house Board Certified
Behavior Analyst(BCBA). This BCBA will assist in districtwide program
development for students with behavioral needs, including students in the DLC,
SSP and TSP programs, will complete functional behavioral assessments,will
allow for more consistent access to behavioral supports needed to develop
behavioral intervention plans and collection and analysis of data, oversee home
programming and will build our interventions available through MTSS.
Ms. Sybert reviewed the spending trends, staffing and expenses for this cost
center.
Mr.Robinson asked about the EMARC reduction and how it will affect the post
graduate population. Mrs. Wilson said that we are looking at job coaching and
Page 14
internships in district. We will continue to use EMARC services but are looking
to eliminate duplication of services.
III. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll(A)
There were no warrants.
b. Minutes(A)
Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mr.Nihan,to approve the revised open
session minutes dated December 22,2014. The motion carried 6-0.
c. Bids and Donations(A)
d. Calendar
IV.Information
V. Future Business
VI.Adjournment
Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to adjourn. The motion
carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not
the order they occurred during the meeting.
Page 15