HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12-07 School Committee Minutes - Executive SessionDate: December 7, 2009
Time: 7:04 p.m.
Place: Superintendent's Office
School Committee Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Chris Caruso
Karen Janowski
Chuck Robinson
Elaine Webb
David Michaud
I. Executive Session
A. Call to Order
Reading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
Executive Session
RECEIVED
TOWN G
READI, MASS.
loll FEB 23 P i= 3#
Staff Members Present
John Doherty, Acting Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities
Bob LeLacheur, Town Finance Director
Ellen Doucette, Town Counsel
7:33 p.m.
Chairperson Robinson called the Executive Session to order.
Pending Liti ag tion
Ms. Doucette updated the committee on the Midland Fire Protection request to submit this matter
to mediation.
Mr. Huggins provided additional information regarding some work that had not been done that
has come to light during the performance contracting work.
Ms. Doucette requested that the School Committee vote to authorize Town Counsel to participate
in non-binding mediation involving this case.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize Town Counsel to
participate, on behalf of the Reading School Committee, in nonbinding mediation in
the matter of Midland Fire Protection v. TLT Construction Corp. v. Town of
Readine. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Michaud, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Robinson, Mrs.
Janowski, Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs.
Ms. DeLai arrived.
Mr. Robinson asked how long the mediation would last. Ms. Doucette felt that it would not last
more than a day. Dr. Doherty stated that he had spoken to Superintendent Schettini regarding the
mediation and he supports the recommendation.
Ms. Doucette continued to update the committee on the remaining pending litigation. She
indicated that depositions were being given at this point. She indicated that Mr. Dunlap
deposition will be taken in January. Mr. Robinson asked to be updated after his deposition.
Mr. Huggins will also be deposed. Ms. Doucette indicated that she will work with Mr. Huggins
to prepare him prior to giving his deposition.
Mr. Robinson thanked Ms. Doucette and Mr. Huggins for coming to the meeting and they left.
2. Negotiation Strategies
Dr. Doherty stated that he and Ms. DeLai had been working on the FY11 budget and feel that
there will need to be approximately $740,000 in personnel cuts. They have been exploring areas
other than personnel to make cuts. He feels it is in the best interest of the committee not to
reopen negotiations with the collective bargaining units at this point.
The School Committee would like to keep this option open at this point.
Mr. LeLacheur left the meeting.
3. Personnel Matter
Dr. Doherty updated the committee on the RMHS Football account. He stated that he and Ms.
DeLai met with the town's auditing firm to discuss the best way to move forward.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the Executive Session minutes
dated November 23 2009. On a roll call vote, the motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Webb, Mr.
Caruso Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Robinson, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Janowski.
II. Adjournment
Mr. Caruso moved seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn and return to open session. On a
roll call vote the motion carries 6-0. Mrs. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr.
Robinson, Mr. Michaud and Mrs. Janowski.
Meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.
Approved 1.7.10
Released w/ redactions 5.17. 10
Released w/ redactions 7.5.11
Released 01.05.1.7