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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-07 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading 5a Meeting Minutes "' .s rxrn Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2016 -01 -07 Building: School - Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: General Meeting Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM Location: Superintendent Conference Room Session: Open Session Jeanne Borawski, Linda Snow Dockser, Elaine Webb, Chuck Robinson & Julie Joyce Members - Not Present: Members Gary Nihan, Student Representatives Carl Gillies and Alex Nazzaro Others Present: John Doherty, Superintendent, Craig Martin, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Director of Finance Martha Sybert Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Robinson called the School Committee to order at 7:05 p.m. The Chair called for a moment of silence in honor of Joshua Eaton teacher Jody Carregal who passed away earlier in the week. Superintendent Doherty spoke briefly about Mrs. Carregal. He said she was an extraordinary teacher and amazing person who held many leadership positions in her 11 years in Reading. She will be sorely missed. He shared that the Joshua Eaton staff is working together to support each other during this difficult time. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input There was none. B. Consent A eg nda Mr. Robinson reviewed the consent agenda and asked if any members would like any items removed from the consent agenda. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried 5 -0. Page 1 1 C. Reports Chair Robinson reported that Dr. Nihan was recuperating from recent surgery at home. Liaisons Dr. Snow Dockser mentioned that the HRAC was meeting tonight and reminded everyone of the Martin Luther King celebration on January 18th from 9:30 — 11:30 a.m. Mrs. Webb shared excerpts from a recent Boston Globe article that featured the work the Reading Public Schools have done addressing the social - emotional needs of our students. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson reported that the SEPAC will be meeting on January 12' and 28' at 7 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room. She also reported that the POST Program will be in their new space in Wakefield beginning on Monday. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Doherty reported that the Committee would begin its budget discussions on Monday night. He will also be presenting the budget on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for the public. There is babysitting services available. The meetings wilLbe at Coolidge and Parker respectively. The Board of Selectmen will also begin their budget discussions over the next two Tuesdays. D. New Business Parker Principal Search Timeline Superintendent reviewed the Parker Principal Search Timeline. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to approve the Parker Principal Search process and timeline as presented. The committee asked clarifying questions. The motion carried 5 -0. Appointments to Collaboratives NEC Appointment Mrs Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to appoint Superintendent John F Doherty as the Reading Public Schools' representative to the Board Page 1 2 of Directors of the Northshore Education Consortium for the 2015 -2016 school year. The motion carried 5 -0. SEEM Appointment Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to appoint Superintendent John F. Doherty as the Reading Public Schools' representative to the Board of Directors of the SEEM Collaborative for the 2015 -2016 school year. The motion carried 5 -0. E. Continued Business FY2016 Budget Transfers Ms. Sybert reviewed the transfer requests. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to authorize the transfer of $45,000 from the Regular Education Cost Center to the Technology Cost Center and the transfer of $20,000 from the Regular Education Cost Center to the Administration Cost Center. The motion carried 5 -0. Superintendent's Goals Update Superintendent Doherty reviewed the DESE Planning Process which is used to develop the district action plan and school improvement plans. This planning process centers on the creation of a multi -year District Plan that is grounded in analysis of a wide array of district data; sets specific, measurable outcomes and identifies the objectives and initiatives to accomplish them; and serves as a foundation and guide for all other district systems. He went on to review the District Action Plan and Initiatives which drives all the vision of the district. This action plan will be reviewed by the District Leadership team in mid - January. The Superintendent pointed out that this document drives the budget development process and as the discussions begin this will become evident. The principals also use this document as a guide in the development of their School Improvement Plans. Second Reading of Revised Policy BEDH — Public Participation at School Committee Meetings Mrs. Borawski began the reading of the policy. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce to dispense with the reading. The motion carried 5 -0. Mr. Robinson addressed concerns from the community regarding this policy. He pointed out that the School Committee has always had this policy and it is not the intent of the committee to stop members of the community from voicing concerns and opinions. He will continue to be flexible in allowing adequate time for members of the community to address the board. Page 1 3 III. The committee supported Mr. Robinson's statement and welcome community involvement. The community is welcome to email the School Committee with their concerns or suggestions. Dr. Snow Dockser pointed out that although all members receive emails from the community, the Chair will be the member that responds to the email correspondence. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) The following warrants were circulated and signed. Warrant 51624 12.10.15 $559,071.98 Warrant S1625 12.17.15 $146,123.98 Warrant S 1626 12.24.15 $106,135.86 Warrant S 1627 12.31.15 $127,671.62 Warrant S1628 1.7.16 $293,901.33 Warrant P1612 12.4.15 $1,521,999.56 Warrant P1613 12.18.15 $1,521,538.65 Warrant P1614 12.31.15 $1,514,828.15 b. Calendar IV. Information V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce to adiourn. The motion carried 5 -0. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. JoVn F. Doherty) Ed.D. Page 1 4