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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-31 School Committee Minutes A=MFR . j:3 t ` � Town of Reading Meeting Minutes � �-. moo, 6-390i1W oo#:: Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2015-08-31 Time: 6:30 PM Building: School - Coolidge Location: Meeting Room Address: 89 Birch Meadow Drive Purpose: Open Session Session: General Session Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson, Jeanne Borawski, Gary Nihan, Linda Snow Dockser, Elaine Webb &Julie Joyce Members - Not Present: Others Present: John Doherty, Superintendent, Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent, Carolyn Wilson, Director of Student Services, Martha Sybert, Director of Finance, Chris Copeland, RTA President, Micheal Saunders, Human resources Administrator, RMHS Principal Adam Bakr, Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant, Parker Principal Doug Lyons, Barrows Principal heather Leonard, Birch Meadow Associate Principal Patti Beckman, Joshua Eaton principal Eric Sprung, Killam Principal Cathy Giles, Wood End Principal Joanne King, Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle, Student representative Carl Gillies, Nancy Docktor & Rebecca Liberman, residents Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 6:38 p.m. Chair Robinson welcomed guests and reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. New Teacher Introduction Dr. Doherty provided an overview of the Induction Week activities. Mr. Martin shared that it was a great opportunity for the teachers and him to get to know each other. Mrs. Leonard introduced the new teachers at the Barrows School. Mrs. Beckman introduced the new teachers at the Birch Meadow School. Page I 1 Mr. Sprung introduced the new teachers at the Joshua Eaton School. Mrs. Giles introduced the new teachers at the Killam School. Mrs. King introduced the new teachers at the Wood End School. Mr. Lyons introduced the new teachers at the Parker Middle School. Ms. Marchant introduced the new teachers at the Coolidge Middle School. Mr. Bakr introduced the new teachers at the high school. Mrs. Wilson introduced the new district Special Education staff. Ms. Butts introduce the new teachers at the RISE Preschool. Mr. Martin introduced the new Curriculum Coaches. Mr. Robinson thanked the Administrators and welcomed the new teachers. Mrs. Webb was impressed by the energy of the group and their outstanding credentials. Dr. Doherty commended the principals for their efforts in hiring new staff over the summer. He also thanked Human Resources Administrator Micheala Saunders and Administrative Assistant Kristyn Cohen for their tireless work processing the new hires. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 7:16 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:22 p.m. B. Public Input (I) Chair Robinson called for public input. Rebecca Liberman asked when the PARCC scores would be available. Dr. Doherty responded that we expect to receive the scores late October/early November. Mrs. Liberman followed up with a question about the current math tracks and asked if middle school students would have an opportunity to take Algebra. Mr. Martin responded that the district is exploring the possibilities. She then asked if our students will be ready if the state decides to eliminate PARCC and return to MCAS as the testing method. Mr. Martin said that these tests are based on curriculum standards that are taught in our schools. C. Reports Liaisons Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the HRAC will be meeting on Thursday and is seeking new members. Central Office Report Page 12 Dr. Doherty reported that there have been 66 days between the last day of school until today and felt that during the reports the Committee and community hear what has taken place in the district during that time. Director of Finance Ms. Sybert reported on the summer work performed in our buildings this summer. She reported that all the buildings have been cleaned and ready to go for the opening of school. She reported that the retaining wall project has been completed and that the roofing projects at Joshua Eaton and Parker will be completed in the upcoming weeks. The modular project continues to move ahead with the hopes of a mid- September completion. Students will be housed in the gymnasiums at Eaton, Barrows and Killam. Other projects throughout the district have also been completed including painting, gutter replacement, boiler work, upgrading the lighting in the field house and the creation of new work spaces. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported on the activities of the District Leadership Team. The administrative team met in retreat like and business settings six times over the summer. During those sessions they discussed a variety of topics including student and HR legal issues,the teacher evaluation process, roles and responsibilities of team chairs and technicians in the district. Mr. Gillies arrived at 7:35 p.m. As part of the summer meetings the administrative team finalized the District Action Plans for Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, MTSS, PLC and Communication. Discussion around professional development revolved around how to effectively use the PLC meetings as settings for professional development. Assistant Superintendent's Report Mr. Martin provided an overview of the activities that took place over the summer in the area of Learning & Teaching. Teachers participated in several trainings in the areas of math, science and teacher leadership. The elementary report card committee reviewed the current tool; the Allergy guidelines were updated and reviewed as was the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan(DCAP). New teacher induction and a mentoring workshop were also held over the past few weeks. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson updated the Committee on work done in the Student Services Department. Teachers attended workshops for Team Chair Leadership, MTSS District and Building Leadership Team planning, Behavioral Health and Mental Health First Aid. Mandatory Employee trainings were held in harassment, discrimination, bullying and civil rights. There was discussion of the recently completed Walker Report addressing the needs and changes being recommended for the department. There was also discussion to add an ELL position to address Page I3 the Coordinated Program Review recommendations. This additional position is needed and required by the DESE to address the increase in our English Language Learner students. Superintendent Doherty shared additional information including the announcement that Birch Meadow has earned national recognition from the Read Across America Foundation. The wireless infrastructure at the middle and high schools has been upgraded to accommodate the increasing number of devices. Computers have been upgraded and there will be a change in the RISE parking and traffic procedure. He also pointed out that the district will be conducting a communication audit in the beginning of October. The Superintendent will be setting up focus groups for the Auditor to meet with. Lastly, the Superintendent reviewed the staffing changes for this school year sharing that there were 18 retirements, 17 resignations, 6 non-renewals and 4 transfers within the district accounting for the high number of new teachers. He explained that the major reasons for resignations include shorter commutes, staying home to raise families, advancement in career, increase in pay, workload and relocation out of state. We also had a large number of retirements this year, some due to illness and others age. D. Continued Business Second Reading and Approval of Policy GCCD—Domestic Violence Leave Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to approve and accept the second reading of Policy GCCD—Domestic Violence Leave. Mrs. Borawski began the first reading of Policy GCCD. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to suspend further reading of the policy. The motion carried 6-0. The vote on the motion carried 6-0. Second Reading and Approval of Policy JKAA—Physical Restraint of Students Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to approve and accept the second reading of Policy JKAA—Physical Restraint of Students Mrs. Borawski began the first reading of Policy JKAA. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to suspend further reading of the policy. The motion carried 6-0. The vote on the original motion carried 6-0. POST Program Presentation Dr. Doherty updated the Committee on what has transpired since the last meeting. The proposed site for the program will not be ready for the students on the first Page 14 day of school therefore there was discussion regarding the IMA between both Wakefield and Reading. He thanked Town Manager LeLacheur for his assistance in finalizing the agreement. A temporary space for the program was found at RMHS. Students will be using the staff lunchroom and surrounding areas until the Wakefield site is ready sometime after the first of the year. Mrs. Joyce asked how many students will be served by this program. Mrs. Wilson said there are currently 4 from Reading and 7 from Wakefield. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mr. Nihan, to authorize the Superintendent and Board of Selectmen to enter into an Inter-Municipal Agreement with the Wakefield Public Schools to provide collaborative post- secondary special education programs.The motion carried 6-0. FY15 Budget Update Ms. Sybert reviewed the status of the FY15 budget. E. New Business Facilities Update Dr. Doherty reviewed the recent restructuring of the Facilities Department. He indicated that the Town Manager and he had been discussing the restructuring proposal over the past several weeks. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant S1557 7.23.15 $147,573.93 Warrant S1558 6.30.15 $16,000.15 Warrant S1560 6.30.15 $446.02 Warrant S1561 6.30.15 $13,939.51 Warrant S1604 7.23.15 $85,418.04 Warrant S1605 7.30.15 $318,001.83 Warrant S1606 8.6.15 $247,912.74 Warrant S1607 8.13.15 $113,773.74 Warrant S1608 8.20.15 $147,874.33 Warrant S1609 8.27.15 $182,913.75 Warrant P1603 7.31.15 $1,037,307.02 Warrant P1604 8.14.15 $1,006,138.51 b. Bids and Donations (A) Boiler Cleaning & Repair Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Combustion Services to provide Boiler Maintenance and Repair. Page 15 Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids. The motion carried 6-0. HVAC Maintenance & Repair Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Cooling& Heating Specialists to provide HVAC Maintenance and Repair. Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids. The motion carried 6-0. Elevator Testing, Inspection, Repair and Maintenance Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Motion Elevator to provide Elevator Testing,Inspection, Repair and Maintenance. Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids. The School Committee expressed concerns about the bid amount. They would be more comfortable with awarding the contract to the current vendor. Ms. Sybert reviewed the procurement process and we are required to award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. Mr. Huggins has spoken with the owner who is comfortable the contract costs. The company references were checked and Mr. Huggins is confident that the vendor will perform the work at the prices quoted. The motion carried 6-0. Sprinkler Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Clarion Sprinkler to provide Standpipe, Sprinkler and Fire Pump Testing, Maintenance and Repair. Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids. The motion carried 6-0. Donations RMHS BPO Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce,to accept a donation in the amount of$3,300 from the RMHS band Parents Organization to be used to support the coaching assistants for the recent Band Camp. The motion carried 6-0. Anonymous Donation Page 16 Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept an anonymous donation in the amount of$1,000 to be used to support the "A World of Difference" program at RMHS. The motion carried 6-0. Reading Boosters Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to accept the donation of Snack Shack equipment from the Reading Boosters Organization. Dr. Doherty explained that the Reading Boosters Club has dissolved and they have donated the equipment in the Snack Shack to the Reading Public Schools. The Snack Shack operation will now be handled by the Reading Rotary Club who will have access to the donated items. The funds raised through the sales will benefit many community organizations. Rotary will be upgrading the shack. Ms. Sybert thanked Frank Driscoll for taking the time to go through the Snack Shack with her to inventory the equipment. The motion carried 6-0. AVEO Pharmaceuticals Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to accept the donation of office supplies and furniture,valued at approximately$8,000 from AVEO Pharmaceuticals. Ms. Sybert reviewed the donation. The motion carried 6-0. Friends of Reading Wrestling Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to accept a donation in the amount of$4,500 from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to be used to support the coaching assistants for the 2015-16 season. The motion carried 6-0. Friends of Reading Football Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept a donation in the amount of$4,980 from the Friends of Reading Football to be used to support the coaching assistants for the 2015 season. The motion carried 6-0. c. Minutes Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to approve the open session minutes dated July 20,2015. The motion carried 6-0. d. Calendar IV.Information Page 17 V. Future Business VI.Adjournment Mr. Robinson declared that executive session is necessary to protect the litigation positions of the body. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation and the approval of minutes and to NOT to return to open session. Te roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Borawski, Mrs. Joyce, Mr. Nihan,Mrs. Webb and Dr. Snow Dockser. 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. k ►A1 • ' rik. Jo I . Doherty, d.D. Page 18