HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-11-29 School Committee Minutes - Executive SessionRegular Meeting of the School Committee
Executive Session
Date: November 29, 2007
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
David Michaud
Carl McFadden
Chris Caruso
Chuck Robinson
RECEIVED
T oW N CLERK
READING. MASS-
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Staff Members Present
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. -Superintendent of Schools
Others
Ellen Doucette
Gary Brackett
Scott Dunlap
David Capaldo
I. Call to Order
School Committee Chair, Ms. Lisa Gibbs called the executive session meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
II. Litigation Strategies
The committee engaged in discussion regarding litigation strategies. Gary Brackett and Ellen
Doucette outlined the steps and process once the official complaint is served. Once received, the
town will provide answers and file a counter claim. TLT will do the same in response to our
answers. The process then moves to the discovery, deposition and summary judgment phases. The
whole process may take 18 months to 3 years.
Town Counsel provided clarification between binding and non binding arbitration.
Mr. McFadden asked how this litigation process will be paid for. He also suggested that the
Inspector General's office become involved in the process.
Superintendent Schettini stated that he would like direction from the School Committee to contact
the Inspector General's office. He felt contacting the Inspector General's office is premature until
Town Counsel had a chance to investigate the matter and provide a recommendation to the
committee and Superintendent regarding contacting the Inspector General.
Brackett & Lucas agreed to provide the School Committee with a confidential recommendation to
the board of the approach to take.
Mr. McFadden asked if there should be a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Finance
Committee to provide information regarding the lawsuit. The Superintendent stated that it is public
knowledge that TLT has filed a lawsuit against the Town of Reading.
There was discussion regarding the Additional Service order request from Design Partnership of
Cambridge.
Mr. Robinson requested to see a copy of the section of the original contract noted in the Additional
Services order request. Superintendent Schettini stated he would provide that document to Mr.
Robinson. The committee agreed to determine this request from DPC at a future meeting.
III. Approval of Minutes
Michaud
The committee voted on a motion by Mr , seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the
executive session minutes of October 15, 2007 The motion was approved with chanes noted
on a roll call vote 5-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the
executive session minutes of October 17, 2007. The motion was approved with chanes noted
on a roll call vote 5-0.
The -committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to approve the
executive session minutes of November 14, 2007. The motion was approved on a roll call vote
5-0.
IV. Motion to Adjourn
The Committee voted on a motion by Mr. Michaud, seconded by Mr. Caruso, to move
adjourn. The motion was approved on a roll call vote of 5-0.
Committee adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Approved 12/19/07
Released w/redactions 3/10/08
Released 01.05.17