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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-28 School Committee Packet School Committee Meeting April 28, 2015 Superintendent's Conference Room Open Session 7:00 P.M. ,-;,:;.: '-''z.,..,-,..- r`'- ' _ �'``ti Town of Reading r�r__ kI Meeting Posting with Agenda Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2015-04-28 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 II Recommended Procedure A. Public Input(I) B. Reports 1. Students 2. Liaison 3. Superintendent 4. Sub-Committee 5. Assistant Superintendent 6. Director of Finance&Operations 7. Director of Student Services C. Continued Business D. New Business 1. Killam Presentation (I) E. Routine Matters 1. Bills and Payroll (A) 2. Minutes (A) April 6, 2015 April 17, 2015 3. Bids and Donations(A) Accept a Donation from Coolidge School Science Olympiad Accept a Donation to Parker Middle School Accept a Donation to RMHS 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 lirL �r Town of Reading 4 `' I Meeting Posting with Agenda ',:w ar ' '. J�. 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 mi. 4 Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching 82 Oakland Road Reading,MA 01867 „ Martha J.Sybert Phone:781-944-5800 Director of Finance&Operations Fax:781-942-9149 "sc; £s 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: April 23, 2015 TOPIC: Killam Presentation Mrs. Kim Adamo,Killam Library Media Specialist will be sharing some of the tech projects our students (K-5)have created all which incorporate 21st teaching and learning such as: • Creativity and Innovation • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Communication and Collaboration These projects are directly aligned with each grade levels technology and content specific standards and are exemplars of our "blended classroom” approach to instruction and demonstrate the high level of teacher collaboration at Killam. 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 3 r Reading,MA 01867 Phone:781-944-5800 i ?` Martha J.Sybert Fax:781-942-9149 Director of Finance 86 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: April 23, 2015 TOPIC: Accept of a Donation from the Coolidge School Science Olympiad At our meeting on Tuesday evening I will ask the School Committee to accept a donation from the Coolidge School Science Olympiad organization to be used to support the coaching assistants for the Science 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. Proud to be a NELMS Spotlight School and Coolidge Middle School - a national Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School Memo • To John Doherty,Superintendent • Martha Sybert,Director of Finance and Operations From: Sarah Merchant,Coolidge Principal Date: April 9,2015 Re: Gift Acceptance by School Committee for Science Olympiad-Coach Compensations Please accept the donation in the amount of $3,000 from the Coolidge Science Olympiad (CSSO) for the- purpose of compensating the following coaches for science team duties for the 2014 — 2015 school year. These coaches include: • Jerald Coyne(Coolidge science teacher),who coached the"Green Generation"event:$1,000. • • Scott Campbell(a local volunteer),who coached the event Robo Cross:$1,000. , • Karawan Meade (head coach): Karawan has extended her head coaching duties following the state • tournament win in order to help prepare students for the national tournament:$1,000 We are grateful for this donation and ensuing payment, as it will allow for coaches to be compensated for the • good work they are doing with our Science Olympiad students. • • • • • • • • • • The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race,color,sex,religion,national origin,sexual orientation,age or disability. • Coolidge School Science Olympiad • 89 Birch Meadow Drive - Reading,MA 01867- 781/942-9158 April 1, 2015 • Dear Mrs.Marchant,Dr.Doherty,Mr.Martin and the Reading School Committee: The Coolidge School Science Olympiad(CSSO)hereby requests that the Reading Public Schools accept our donation in the amount of$3,500 for the purpose of compensating the following teachers for science team duties performed during the 2014-2015 school year. • Jerald Coyne: $1000 for coaching one event, Green Generation • Scott Campbell: $1000 for coaching Robo Cross • Karawan Meade,head coach: $1,000 for coaching beyond the Massachusetts state tournament through the national competition We hope that our donation will be accepted and remain grateful as always for the support that you and the Reading Public Schools continue to display for science education. Yours truly, cx,6, Liz Rogers CSSO 2014-2015 President I ESL r • John F.Doherty,Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin Superintendent of Schools w for Learning and Teaching 82 Oakland Road y ' Reading,MA 01867 Martha J.Sybert Phone:781-944-5800 * i S Director of Finance&Operations Fax:781-942-9149 Readin g 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: April 23, 2015 TOPIC: Accept of a Donation to the RMHS Library At our meeting on Tuesday evening I will ask the School Committee to accept a donation from Mr. Dean Koulouris to be used to purchase materials for the RMHS Library. 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. tc%,ZIL l6al9f OA40�P John F.Doherty,Ed.D READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Adam D.Bahr Superintendent Principal Michael R.Scarpitto 62 Oakland Road,Reading,Massachusetts 01867 Laura Olsen Tel:781-944-8200 Fax:781-942-5435 Thomas J.Zaya Website:http://www.edline.net/pages/Reading_HS Assistant Principals TO: Dr. John F. Doherty, Superintendent of Schools FROM: Adam D. Bakr,Principal DATE: April 15, 2015 SUBEJCT: Donation for Library/Media Center Please accept a donation in the amount of$100.00 from Dean W. Koulouris, a Reading parent. This donation is to be used for books in the Library/Media center. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank You. John F.Doherty,Ed.D. Craig Martin Superintendent of Schools Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching 82 Oakland Road * y ' Reading,MA 01867 � Martha J.Sybert Phone:781-944-5800 fir* 9 Director of Finance&Operations Fax:781-942-9149 iaz Readin g 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: April 23, 2015 TOPIC: Accept of a Donation to the Parker Middle School At our meeting on Tuesday evening I will ask the School Committee to accept a donation from Mr. & Mrs. Krol to be used to benefit the Parker band. 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. o R WALTER S. PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL a < - .� /* c\ 45 Temple Sheet, Reading,Massachusetts 01867 i ±) Tel 781-944-1236 Fax: 781-942-9008 \`B,3 ur:).=aT, https:l/www.edline.net/pagesWalter S Parker Middle_Schaol e mo To: Dr. John Doherty, Superintendent of Schools , • From: Doug Lyons, Principal CC: Brendan Norton,Assistant Principal Date: April 15, 2015 Re: Band Donation W.S. Parker Middle School has received a $500.00 donation from the John & Nancy Krol, grandparents of a Parker student, as an appreciation for the wonderful work of the band director, Andrew Norton. Please accept this gift for the benefit of the Parker band. • • Town of Reading Meeting Minutes [DRAFT ] Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2015-04-06 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 Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent Chuck Robinson Martha Sybert, Director of Finance Gary Nihan Carolyn Wilson, Director of Student Services Elaine Webb Chris Caruso Members - Not Present: Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Carl Gillies, Student Representative Others Present: Christine Kelley, REF president Nancy Dieselman, REF Grants Committee Chair Christine Downey, REF treasurer Janet Faulkner, REF Board Laura O'Neil, REF Board Lisa Gibbs, Samantha's Harvest Rob Gibbs, Samantha's Harvest Samantha Gibbs, Samantha's Harvest Nancy Docktor, SC candidate Steve Zessis, SC candidate Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Karen Janowski, Resident 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 7:01 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 There was none. B. Donations (out of order) Samantha's Harvest Mr. Caruso welcomed Rob, Lisa & Samantha Gibbs who are here to present the annual donation on behalf of Samantha's Harvest. Mrs. Gibbs thanked Mr. Caruso for his service on the School Committee. She continued stating that this donation is made annually to be used for professional development. Mr. & Mrs. Gibbs had met with Superintendent Doherty and Mrs. Wilson to discuss what has been happening in the district to ensure that the mission of Samantha's Harvest and the district align. Samantha's Harvest works to raise awareness by providing funding for programs and organizations that directly enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Mrs. Gibbs pointed out that the donation will be used to support professional development for the Student Services Department but is not limited to special education staff. Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept a donation in the amount of$3,500 from Samantha's Harvest to be used to support the Student Services Department professional development. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso thanked the Gibbs for the years of generosity and support of the Reading Public Schools. Reading Education Foundation Mr. Caruso welcomed members of the Reading Education Foundation who were at the meeting to present a check as part of the Grant program. Mrs. Webb thanked the group for all their hard work and support of the Reading Public Schools. Mrs. Christine Kelley, REF president, provided a brief overview of the organization and introduced the members of the board who were at the meeting. REF holds two major fundraisers each year, the Festival of Trees, which has developed into a great community event, and the Imagination Celebration which will be held on May 2nd. As part of the Imagination celebration there will be an online auction. REF is also hoping that the Teacher Tribute program, which is in its second year, will become another major fundraiser. Mrs. Nancy Diesleman, Grant Committee Chair,provided an overview of the grant awards. The Grants Committee received grant requests totaling $53,000. Each grant proposal was reviewed and the writers brought in to defend the grant proposal. REF was able to fund $40,000 this year. They saw a decrease in requests this year but would like to encourage staff to submit proposals. Page 12 Mrs. Borawski shared that each grant awarded may start out impacting one school but the information and materials that have been made possible through the funding tends to be shared throughout the district. Dr. Snow Dockser thanked the REF board for all they do to benefit the Reading Public Schools. Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mr. Nihau, to accept a donation in the amount of$40,117.09 from the Reading Education Foundation as part of the grant program. The motion carried 6-0. Chair Caruso called a brief recess at 7:22 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:25 p.m. C. Reports Liaisons Mrs. Borawski reported on a MASC workshop she attended entitled"Beyond tests: What really matters". Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the portraits created as part of the MLK Day celebration will be presented during the annual Artsfest event on April 14th from 6:20—6:30 p.m. She also reminded the community that the HRAC is looking for new members as well as anyone interested in volunteering. Mr. Robinson reported on the recent RCASA Board meeting. Director of Finance Ms. Sybert reported that she should be receiving the cost to repair the retaining wall at RMHS in the next couple of weeks and that the modular bid documents are ready. She said several packets have been requested and a walk-through will be held this week. D. Continued Business FY15 Budget Status Update Ms. Sybert reviewed the FY15 budget status as of March 31, 2015. She said there has not been significant change since the end of the last quarter. E. New Business Approval of the Last Day of School Superintendent Doherty recommended June 25th as the last day of school. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan,to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 25,2015 as the official last day of school. The motion carried 6-0. Page 13 Superintendent's Evaluation Process—Goals Update Superintendent Doherty updated the School Committee on the status of his goals. He pointed out the progress made in his five goals. Goal 1 —(Student Learning Goal—Learning& Teaching): Superintendent Doherty thanked Mr. Martin and the teacher leaders for their role in the significant progress made in this goal which includes the creation of PLCs, work with the Northeast District& School Assessment center to develop strategies to move the district out of Level 3 accountability status, the creation of the Joshua Eaton Task Force, the formation of a district IT Governance team, DDM implementation and a Special Education Audit to determine methods to improve services. Goal 2—(Professional Practice Goal—Capacity Building): Progress made in this area includes the training of teacher leaders, the formation of a PD Committee, the creation of a District Action Plan working with the DESE Planning for Success and the continued improvement in the use of the Educator Evaluation tool which includes teacher/student surveys. These surveys were conducted at no cost to the district by Panorama(DESE vendor) and will provide data for teachers and administrators will use this data/feedback for professional growth. Goal 3 —(District Improvement Goal: Implementation of MTSS): We have made great strides in implementing the MTSS strategy. The district secured two grants to fund RCASA, Mental Health First Aid Training, and the implementation of MTSS. A districtwide MTSS team has been created and all of our buildings have created MTSS teams to create strategies in addressing educational and social- emotional needs of our students. Additionally, a new health curriculum is being implemented grades 3 — 8 as well as the continued improvement in school safety and security procedures and the administration of the YRBS which will provide data for the administration to use to make recommended changes. Goal 4—(District Improvement Plan Goal—Addressing Space and Program Needs): The formation of the Early Childhood Working Group looked at possible solutions to the space needs of the Reading Public Schools. A short term solution (modular classrooms) will be used to address the space needs in the elementary schools affording the Working Group time to work on a long term solution. Goal 5 (District Improvement Plan—Communication Plan): addresses the development of a comprehensive communications plan for the district. The effectiveness of this plan will be measured by stakeholder surveys, the quality of the communication plan, and noticeable improvements in district and school communication. Superintendent Doherty would like to create a strategic plan for communication. The Superintendent is reviewing Communication Audit proposals. He also will discuss with the School Committee the possibility of the formation of a District Governance Program. Approval of Coolidge Field Trip Page 4 Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs.Borawski, to approve the Coolidge Science Team trip to the National Science Competition at the University of Nebraska in May. The motion carried 6-0. The Chair congratulated the team and wished them luck at the national competition on behalf of the Committee. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant 51541 4.2.15 $266,014.75 b. Bids and Donations (A) Donations RMHS BPO Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser,to accept a donation in the amount of$1,800 from the Friends of Reading Football to be used to support a coaching assistant for the 2014 season. The motion carried 6-0. c. Minutes Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan,to approve the open session minutes as revised date March 26,2015. The motion carried 6-0. d. Calendar IV.Information Mr. Robinson thanked Mr. Caruso for his years of service to the School Committee and town. Dr. Doherty thanked Mr. Caruso for all the support he received during his tenure. Mr. Caruso read a brief statement and thanked the residents of Reading and the teachers, administrators and staff of the Reading Public Schools. V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mrs. Borawski moved,seconded by Mrs. Webb,to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. Page 15 NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Page I6 (di, .f t Town of Reading 1 V I Meeting Minutes rt Board - Committee - Commission - Council: DRAFT 1 School Committee Date: 2015-04-17 Time: 7:00 AM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Linda Snow Dockser John Doherty, Superintendent Jeanne Borawski Martha Sybert, Director of Finance Chuck Robinson Gary Nihan Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Andrea Nastri, Student Representative Carl Gillies, Student Representative Julie Joyce Others Present: Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Vice Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:07 a.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. New Business Award of Contracts Modular Classrooms Ms. Sybert reviewed the proposals received for the modular classroom contract. She said we received 3 bids and one proposal was deemed non-responsive as it did not contain the required documents as outlined in the RFP. She shared that the remaining vendors were evaluated by the Selection Committee. The non-price proposals were reviewed and once the rankings were determined for both the pricing proposals were reviewed. The Selection Page I 1 Committee recommended that the contract be awarded to Vanguard Modular Building Systems. Mr. Robinson thanked the Selection Committee for their work. Ms. Sybert also said that the funding will remain from free cash to allow the tight schedule to be met. Mr. Nihan moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Vanguard Modular Systems to provide modular classrooms. The motion carried 5-0. Fire Alarm Contract Mr. Nihan moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with AFA Protective Services to provide fire alarm, testing, maintenance and repair services. The motion carried 5-0. Roofing Mr. Nihan moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Specialized Roofing to provide roof maintenance and repair services. The motion carried 5-0. III. Future Business IV.Adjournment Mr. Nihan left the meeting at 7:35 a.m. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 a.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Page 12 2014-2015 School Committee Meeting Date School Presenting @ mtg. April 27th Town Meeting April 28th School Committee Killam April 30th Town Meeting May 4th Town Meeting May 7th Town Meeting May 11th School Committee RISE State Reps 6:00 p.m./School Choice May 13th RCTV Organization Night 8:30 p.m. RCTV Studio May 18th School Committee Office Hours Borawski&Snow Dockser June 1st School Committee Office Hours Joyce&Robinson June 13th Friends&Family Day 11 am-3 pm Birch Meadow June 15th School Committee 4.23.15 All meetings are in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Dates and locations subject to change. (Bold indicates new or changed date or location. 2015-2016 School Committee Meeting Date [DRAFT ] School Presenting @ mtg. July 20th School Committee July FinForum I August 31st School Committee- New Teacher Introductions Sept.9th State Primary Sept. FinForum II Sept.21st School Committee Sept.28th School Committee Sept.30 RCASA Annual Meeting Oct.5th School Committee Office Hours Oct. FinForum III Oct.19th School Committee Oct. FinForum IV Nov.2nd School Committee Office Hours Nov.9th Town Meeting Nov.12th Town Meeting Nov.l6th Town Meeting Nov.19th Town Meeting Nov.23rd School Committee Dec.7th School Committee Office Hours Dec.21st School Committee Jan.7th School Committee Office Hours FY2017 Budget Jan.11th School Committee FY2017 Budget Jan.l4th School Committee FY2017 Budget Jan.21st School Committee FY2017 Budget-Public Hearing Jan.25th School Committee FY2017 Budget-Vote Jan. FinForum Sr.Center Feb.8th School Committee Office Hours Feb.22nd School Committee — March 7th School Committee Office Hours March FY17 Budget Presentation March 21st School Committee April 4th School Committee Office Hours April 5th Local Election April 25th Town Meeting April 28th School Committee May 2nd Town Meeting May 5th Town Meeting May 9th School Committee Office Hours School Choice May 23rd School Committee June 6th School Committee Office Hours June 20th School Committee 4.24.15 All meetings are in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 7:00 p.m.unless otherwise noted. Dates and locations subject to change.(Bold indicates new or changed date or location.