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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-26 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee READ 14 G. MASS. Open Session 2011 OCT 2b P 12 31 Date: September 26, 2011 Time: 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present Chuck Robinson John Doherty, Superintendent Karen Janowski Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Lisa Gibbs Patty de Garavilla, Assistant Superintendent Hal Croft Chris Caruso David Michaud Visitors: Garrison Doodlesack, Student Representative Barbara Jones, Reading Chronicle Ashley Testa, Student Representative Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Matt Casey, Reading Patch I. Call to Order 0 Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Croft. Mr. Robinson called open session back to order at 8:40 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (1) Reports (I) 1. Student Ms. Testa shared sports, drama and band activities are in full swing. Mr. Doodlesack Q agreed and has attended several events. He said the attendance has been very good at the events. September 26, 2011 2. Liaison QMr. Michaud shared that he attended the RMHS Back to School Night. He said the evening was very informative and thanked all the students, including our student reps, for assisting the parents in finding the classrooms. Mr. Croft attended the Community Dialogue and felt it was a good start in addressing the concerns of the community. He reminded the community of the October 6ih RCASA Meeting. Sucerintendent's Reoort Dr. Doherty announced that our three middle school art teachers have been selected to receive the Artsonia Leadership Award, an honor extended to teachers from only ten schools per state from across the United States. This honor is granted for going beyond the classroom walls to encourage Family and Community Involvement and Technology Integration in the Arts. The teachers are Amy Ropple and Diane Davis (Parker) and Sarah Doane (Coolidge). He encouraged everyone to go to the Astonia.com website to view the artwork. Dr. Doherty also informed the Committee that he is aware of the seating concerns in the cafeteria and is working with the administration for creative ways to increase the seating in the cafeteria for lunch. Ms. Testa said that the Student Council had discussed these concerns and suggested outside seating as a possibility. 4. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. de Garavilla thanked Mrs. Janowski for volunteering to provide Ipad training for the Special Education staff and Speech Pathologists. The METCO shuttle has been suspended until further notice. There has not been a need thus far and ridership needs will be monitored and revisited for the winter season. There is a METCO late bus from the middle schools and the elementary students will be participating in the extended day program on Wednesdays. B. Continued Business C. New Business (out of order) Transfer of Land Dr. Doherty reviewed the proposed transfer of land. The School Committee had previously voted to relinquish control and custody of land across from Reading Memorial High School but failed to include two small parcels. By relinquishing control of these two small parcels the Town will be able to investigate the best use of the parcel as a whole. September 26, 2011 V Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Croft, that the Reading School Committee motion carried 5-0. Approval of Field Trips Coolidge - Nature's Classroom Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the Coolidge seventh evade field trip to Nature's Classroom in April, 2012 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated September 22.2011. The motion carried 5-0. Coolidge - Washington D.C. RMHS — Model UN Conference Dr. Doherty gave a brief overview of this proposed field trip. He reminded the School Committee that Ms. Fedele and several students came to a meeting in the spring to share their experience at the 2010 Model UN Conference. FY13 Budget Calendaz Ms. DeLai reviewed the FY13 budget calendar. Dr. Doherty reminded the School Committee of the upcoming Financial Forum on October 12th. Ms. DeLai will be presenting information on the proposed Killam Building Renovation project. Mrs. Janowski asked about the Budget Parent process. Dr. Doherty explained it will be similar to the previous years. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mrs Janowski moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated September 12, 2011. The motion carried 5-0. CtJ September 26, 2011 • Bids and Donations Donations Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept a donation in the amount of $10.000 from the Coolidge PTO to be used to purchase instructional technologv and other instructional resources to support the students of the Coolidge Middle School. The motion carried 5-0. Mrs. Janowski asked what the major fundraising activities are at the middle schools. She also extended her appreciation of the continued support of all the school PTO organizations. Dr. Doherty said that the magazine drive and gift card program are the biggest fundraisers. Calendar IV. Information Mrs. Janowski thanked Dr. Doherty for the list of high school field trips taken last year. V. Future Business Mrs. Janowski would like to have a discussion regarding homework. The Superintendent indicated that he will update the School Committee on homework discussion. ® Mr. Croft would like to discuss field trip opportunities for students at the retreat. Mr. Robinson indicated that Mrs. Gibbs would like to revisit the naming policy. Dr. Doherty stated that the next meeting of the School Committee will be posted for the RCASA Annual Meeting on October 6". VI. Adiourmnc Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to adioum. The motion carried 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. J hn F. Dohe , Ed.D. uperintendent of Schools 0