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Home My WebLink About2016-04-26 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes C 1 i` ii K Board - Committee - Commission - Council: �•r~.`�!��i. Mi +SS. School Committee jplh Jul -1 P Q: 43 Date: 2016 -04 -26 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Rooms Address: 82 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Jeanne Borawski, Linda Snow Dockser, Chuck Robinson, Julie Joyce, Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Gary Nihan Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Student Representative Carl Gillies, Chronicle Reporter Al Sylvia, RTA President Chris Copeland, Coolidge Science Team Coach Karawan Meade, REF President Mike Foley, REF Grant Coordinator Nancy Dieselman 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 7:02 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input Chair Robinson asked for public input on items not on the agenda. There was none. B. New Business (out of order) Reading Education Foundation Donation Mr. Robinson turned the meeting over to REF President Mike Foley for the presentation of this year's donation as part of the grant program. Mr. Foley ga e a brief background. This is the fifth year of the grant program. REF is also holding two upcoming fundraisers; the Imagination Celebration on Saturday night and the annual Teacher Tributes. This year they are teaming with the PTO groups for the Teacher Tribute and the PTO groups will receive 30% the money collected. Page 1 1 Over the past 15 years REF has contributed $500,000 in support to the Reading Public Schools. This year's donation totaled $43,363.66. There was a remaining balance of $851.14 from last year's grant donation making this year's total $44,214.80. Mrs. Dieselman reviewed this year's grants. There were three grants awarded to the high school level, one to middle/high school, four to the middle schools and 4 at the elementary level. Mrs. Dieselman provided highlights of the grants awarded this year. Mr. Robinson asked how many applications there were for this year's cycle. Mrs. Dieselman said they received 13 applications. The number of applications varies year to year. He added that he appreciates the thoughtful, thorough process used when determining the awards. Mrs. Webb thanks the group for the enormous amount of work done to make these decisions. She reminded the public of the Imagination Celebration coming up this weekend and that the silent auction is now open. Dr. Snow Dockser thanked all of the volunteers. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to accent the donation in the amount of $43,363.66 from the Reading Education Foundation. The motion carried 5 -0. Coolidge Science Team Presentation Coolidge Science Team coach Karawan Meade and several members of the team were in attendance to update the committee on the team activities. Dr. Doherty introduced Sarah Murphy who provided a brief history of the team. The Coolidge Science team was started in 1992 by Dr. Doherty and former Science teacher John McCarthy and over the course of time the team has qualified for the Nationals 23 out of 24 years. She went onto describe what a great experience it has been for her as part of the science team. The experience has shaped and inspired several members to enter the STEM fields over the years. This year's national competition will feature three events; Building, Process and Content. Jason Kapodistrias shared information on the Process event. This event was a crime busters type activity where the team had to solve a crime using evidence and write an analysis of their methods. The Content event was called Reach for the Stars. Page 1 2 Brendan Wilcox described the time commitment required for the team. There is 16.5 hours of practice time per week. This is a great opportunity for the team to connect and work towards a shared goal. The team also learns time management skills. He also said that the actual competitions go by very quickly. Pete Koster shared the experience the team had at the state competition at Assumption College. There were 28 other teams competing in the events. The competition is truly a team effort, supporting and cheering on teammates in the different events. The team members have an opportunity to meet others from all around the state that share common interests. He also said it that the awards ceremony is exciting and exhilarating. Katherine Growney provided an overview of the national competition. There will be over 60 teams competing this year. Students will once again be able to meet and interact with students from all over the country who share an interest in science and they will be able to experience staying in a college dormitory. Kevin Upton spoke about the Building event in which the team built a bottle rocket. The goal was to build a rocket that would launch into the air and stay i the air for the longest time (ascent & descent). They also had to place an egg i the rocket and keep it intact during flight and landing. The team built several rockets before settling on the final option. They were required to use engineer skills and a lot of trial and error over the course of the rocket development. Ja; Kapodistrias added that the team had the opportunity to learn about many different materials that could be used. Brendan Wilcox shared information about the building process for the hov The hovercraft event was added after the state competition. The team was required to use high school level physics to build this machine. Mr. Robinson commended the students for being well spoken and articulate in their presentation. Mrs. Webb commended the students on their perseverance and persistence that will carry them over throughout their lives. Dr. Snow Dockser also commended the students on their resilience. The committee asked about the bottle rocket process. Ms. Growney said it was' a lot of trial and error and tried several designs before settling on the final rocket.) The tested a new fin concept that increased the overall flight time. Brendan Wilcox provided a demonstration of the hovercraft. Their model is of the smaller hovercrafts. He explained that more points are awarded the cli to 4 lbs. the craft is and they had to try many different skirt sizes to assist the to hover. Mrs. Borawski asked how adults have inspired the group. Sarah Murphy said tl this experience has provided her an opportunity to explore science and discover her interests and strengths. The School Committee thanked the group for sharing with them. Page 1 3 Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 7:45 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 7:50 p.m. C. Consent A eg nda Mr. Robinson reviewed the consent agenda and asked if any members would like any items removed from the consent agenda. • Approval of Coolidge Science Team Trip • Approval of RMHS Robotics Team Trip • Accept Donations to RMHS — Teresa Clark & Verizon • Accept a Donation to Coolidge — CMS Science Olympiad Parent Group • Accept a Donation to Barrows — Dave's Home Services and LandscapExpress (Labor and Materials) • Accept a Donation to Wood End — Wood End PTO • Accept a Donation to the Extended Year Program — 4 Families • Approval of Minutes — March 21 and April 2, 2016 Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 5 -0. D. Reports Student Mr. Gillies reported on the following: • RMHS Improvosaurus Show to benefit the DJK Foundation on Saturday • RMHS Arts — Minigolf Fundraiser of Friday • Seniors have 20 days left • AP Exams begin next week Liaisons Mr. Robinson wanted all to know that at last night's Town Meeting he spoke on behalf of the entire School Committee Dr. Snow Dockser attended the recent SEPAC meeting and said it was well attended and Understanding Disabilities presented. She mentioned the Buddy bench project that is being driven by Coolidge student Samantha Gibbs. She continued mentioning the RAD class being offered by the Police Department and that she attended the Mental Health First Aid Training offered by RCASA and encouraged others to attend. Mrs. Webb also highly recommends the Mental Health First Aid Class. She next reported that she is the School Committee representative on the Late Start Committee which held its first meeting last week. There was a good dialogue and it is a diverse group. The Committee discussed the direction we are moving and Page 1 4 how we can make this transition as seamless as possible. She also met with auditors for the SAMSA grant which went well. Mrs. Webb thanked the Chair for his work last night and it is an honor to serve with such an unbelievable professional. Mr. Robinson asked that information on the Late Start Group meetings be made available to the public. Mr. Martin said we would post the minutes on our website. Mr. Robinson asked how the late start will affect extracurricular activities. Mr Martin said the committee will be looking at all factors. Mr. Robinson would also like to invite Understanding Disabilities to an meeting. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson handed out a letter sent to high school families updating them on reading services. She shared that she has had difficulty providing the required reading services to students, particularly at the high school level. Reading services at the elementary and middle levels are provided by the special educat staff. We contracted services out last year and in 2015 hired a person for the positi however that person resigned and the position remains vacant. Interviews w conducted over the summer and fall and failed to find any qualified credenti, candidates. We are currently using 2 consultants to meet the reading service needs at the high school. Mrs. Joyce asked why it has been so difficult to fill these positions. Mrs. Wilsc said the position was originally .6 FTE which is currently being restructured to require special education licensure with specialized reading. Assistant Superintendent Mr. Martin reported on the recent Blue Ribbon Conference. This year the conference was a single day. The staff spent Thursday afternoon participating professional develops opportunities in several different offerings. It allowed f collaborative learning. The annual Blue Ribbon Conference was held on April 15`". We hosted 350 outside participants. The conference provided a great opportunity to collabo with 80 different concurrent sessions offered during the day. Mr. Martin briefly touched upon the new Science curriculum. We have 15 teachers across the district piloting the Know Atom Science curriculum. Killar is using this curriculum at all grade levels. Teachers have had insightful discussions during the PLC meetings on how to implement this curriculum as we begin the first year in the fall. Mr. Martin will provide a more in- depth presentation at our next meeting. Page 1 5 Superintendent Dr. Doherty reported that the RMHS Robotics team was successful in the NE Championships and now will compete at the national level in St. Louis. The district held the annual Artsfest prior to vacation. This Celebration of the Arts consisted of displays and performances by all levels of the Reading Public Schools. The RMHS Jazz Ensemble will, once again, be performing at the Hatch Shell on May 15th. Dr. Doherty shared that he had received very positive comments from area Superintendents on the quality of the Blue Ribbon Conference offerings and thanked Craig Martin and Lori Miller for their tireless efforts. Mr. Martin also wanted to publically thank his assistant Lori Miller for her efforts. Dr. Snow Dockser reminded the community of the upcoming Coolidge Science Team Yard sale coming up. E. Old Business FYI Quarterly Budget Update Ms. Sybert reviewed the budget status for the last quarter. The Committee asked clarifying questions. F. New Business Award of Bus Contract Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids received for the bus transportation. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with North Suburban Transportation to provide bus services to the Reading Public Schools. The motion carried 5- 0. Award of Electrical Services Contract. Dr. Doherty pointed out that this contract falls under the Core Facilities budget it is important to bring it to the School Committee to keep them current on the services happening in the town and district. Ms. Sybert reviewed the bids received for the Electrical Services contract. Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract with Your Electrical Solutions to provide electrical repair services. The motion carried 5 -0. Page 1 6 Approve the Last Day of School Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 21, 2016 as the last official day of school. The motion carried 5 -0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Q Warrant 51639 3.24.16 $49,803.68 Warrant 51640 3.31.16 $360,619.04 Warrant S 1641 4.7.16 $340,261.07 Warrant S 1643 4.21.16 $102,472.63 Warrant P1617 2.26.16 $1,456,524.44 Warrant P1620 3.25.16 $1,499,671.42 Warrant P1621 4.8.16 $1,514,928.01 Calendar Chair Robinson suggested that the Superintendent's Goals Update be postponed until the next meeting. IV. Information V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Mrs. Borawski moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce to enter into executive sess to discuss strategies with respect to litigation and the approval of minutes and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 5 -0 Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Joyce, Mrs. Borawski, Mrs. Webb and Dr. Snow Dockser.'' The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Jo F. D erty, d.D. Page 1 7 John F. Doherty, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools Craig Martin Asst Superintendent of Learning & Teaching Martha J Sybert Director of Finance and Operations Carolyn Wilson Director of Student Services 62 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781 -94" -9129 Fax: 781 - 944.8897 Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow April 12, 2016 Dear Parent or Guardian, It has come to our attention that high school parents have had questions about the implementation of reading services at Reading Memorial High School. For the past 2 school years we have had the position', of Reading Specialist posted. At the start of the 201.4 -2015 school year we were not able to locate an appropriately credentialed person to fill this role. As a result, the district determined that contracting with appropriately credentialed persons would be the next best option. The district identified 2 individuals who were scheduled to come to the high school weekly starting in October 2014. This arrangement continued until April 2015 when the position was filled. In June 2015 the position once again became vacant. Interviews were conducted throughout the summer and the fall and again no qualified candidates were identified. This resulted in the district again hiring the consultants for the 2015 -2016 school year. The consultants come to the school 1 time per week and recently this has been increased to 2 times per i week. The special education liaisons and Team Chairs work together to develop the schedule and communicate necessary information with the consultants. A communication binder has been established to ensure that all providers are aware of the IEP goals and student progress. The 2 consultants that the district is consulting with are: Ms. Denise Starpoli holds active Professional Licenses in the areas of Reading K -12, Elementary; Education K -8, and Special Needs K -12. Ms. Starpoli holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Salem State University and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education from Northeastern University. Ms. Starpoli is certified in the Wilson Reading System, Ms. Marie Zinna holds active Professional Licenses in the areas of Elementary Education K -8 and Special Needs for grades K -8. MS. Zinna holds a Bachelor's of Arts in elementary education and psychology from Emmanuel College and a Master's Degree in special education from Suffolk University. The Reading Public Schools is committed to providing high quality instruction to all students and does s by employing the most qualified individuals to teach and support each student in the classroom. The District will be shifting this position for the 2016 -2017 school year to a special education teacher who is certified in specific reading programs. This will open the candidate pool while still ensuring that specialized reading instruction will be provided to those students who require this service per their IEP. The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orieutation,'i age or disability. lfyou would like this document translated, please call 781 -670 -2883 $j[L: ijWH2= se vac@ quizer este documento traduzido, por favor ligue• Si quiere que se traduzca este documento, por favor, Ilame. Oba oyagala ekiwandiko k Neu 8ng muon tAi lieu nay dvgc djch sang Viol: ngir xin hay g9i -ino kiwuunuhve, tukubire essimu- Ukipenda hati hi itafskiwe, tunapenda otupigie simu -ol �,J-2 °I i V --lAl °I 15 °l 916H TA11g s+l 034 Z.ay ��I III tl, � -1 J+jAl• 3TrfC 3iTTf f 77 3i�ard <if �T i gl chi r R �? si ou swete yo tradwi dokiman sa a, rele souple- ca)e aED& odolsno o5V3ZZ nm zadDo a)LASD mle:9 Me, z,6iV&3s6 qn 4emaim I have worked closely with the High School Staff to identify any student who have not received services per their IEP and we have offered compensatory services. If you feel that your child's IEP services have not been implemented in the area of Reading please contact either Stephanie Leccese or Adam Blaustein; Team Chairs at Reading Memorial High School. Sincerely, Carolyn I Wilson, M. Ed., JD Director of Student Services CC: Adam Bakr, principal Stephanie Leccese, Team Chair Adam Blaustein, Team Chair The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability. If you would like this document translated please call 781- 670 -2883 5}SdU% i XWM se voce quizer este documento traduzido, por favor ligue• Si quiere que se traduzca este documento, por favor, flame- Oba oyagala ekiwandiko k Neu 8ng muon tai ligu nay dtrac dish sang Vet ngir An hay goi •ino kimunufwe, tukubire essimu• Ukipenda hati hi itafsiriwe, tunapenda otupigie simu•Of -ki-orr2i d_1 9_4 i&[-kl ai?{'oM TA ilR AiGjIt .;ui.yypsjj1:uw,R.a,YIy;.�.tl• 3iaTZ3ifq w�d�Tw� #RR Tquq��.siousweteyotradwi dokiman sa a, rele souple- @a oao odamrs o3o6mmo =693 mt2ftZ) mte779 =a, m6tdro=6 qo 4azazslm