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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-06 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED TO'it, CLERK READING. MASS. Board - committee - Commission - council: 1911 APR I I P 1: 401 School Committee Date: 2017-03-06 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School -Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Location: RMHS Schettini Library Session: Open Session Version: Final Jeanne Borawski, Chuck Robinson, Elaine Webb, Linda Snow Dockser, Gary Nihan, Nick Boivin Members - Not Present: Student Representatives Alex Nazzaro & Mario Cutone Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, RMHS principal Adam Bakr, RMHS Director of Guidance Lynna Williams, Reading Chronicle Reporter At Sylvia Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Borawski called the School Committee to order at 7:02 p.m. and reviewed the agenda II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Comment There was no public comment. B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson asked the Committee if there were any consent agenda items that they would like removed. There were none. Mr. Robinson moved seconded by Mn. Webb, to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried 6-0. - Accept a Donation to Wood End - Accept a Donation to RMHS Page I 1 - Approve a RMHS Field Trip — Robotics - Approve a RMHS Field Trip — Music Conference Approval of Minutes (January 12 & 26, 2017 & February 6, 2017) ' C. Reports Student Representatives There was no report. Liaison's Report Dr. Snow Dockser reported on the RMHS Drama production of 1776. She said it was a great example of extra -curricular activities going beyond just something to do after school. She pointed out that this year's theme for the Drama productions has been perseverance. Mrs. Borawski agreed. 1776 was a well-done production. Dr. Snow Dockser reported on the recent Human Relations Advisory Committee meeting with Senator Jason Lewis as the guest. The meeting was well attended and thanked the Senator for taking time to attend. The committee discussed the structure of the group which is due to sunset in June. The HRAC has a sub- committee working with the Selectmen. She thanked the RMHS students that oversaw a student survey given to high school students regarding hate and • discrimination in the Town of Reading. AWOD is actively recruiting students to serve as members and pointed out some upcoming events. The next meeting of the SEPAC will be March I i 1h. Director of Finance Mrs. Dowd handed out answers to several questions submitted by a Town Meeting member. These questions and all others received will be added to the budget that goes to Town Meeting. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty commended Director Caitlin Beckman and Musical Director Kristin Killian for the outstanding production of 1776. The success of the Drama program is a tribute on the impact Bill Endslow had on the program. There has been a lot of talent that has come out of this program pointing out that Natalie Cunha and Caitlin Beckman we alums. The Parker Middle School will be putting on the production of Once on this Island, Jr. this weekend. RMHS will be hosting the MAJE jazz festival tomorrow with our Stage and Jazz • bands participating. Page 1 2 The Coolidge Science Olympiad Team won the state championship over the weekend. There were 29 middle school teams competing and our kids did a (� remarkable job. They will now travel to Ohio for the National Competition. He a/ congratulated the coaches, parents and kids. The Superintendent updated the committee on the Joshua Eaton Principal Search. He said that the screening committee has been selected and had their first meeting today. We have received 29 applications to date. The goal is to have a new principal announced by April I0'". Understanding Disabilities/RCASA/RPS are hosting a 2 -hour presentation entitled "Just Talk About It" addressing mental health issues for teens. D. Old Business There was none. E. New Business Addressing Focus Area A of District Improvement Plan — Closing the Achievement Gap Mr. Martin began the presentation saying that closing the achievement gap is a ® focus area in the District Improvement Plan and he congratulated the teachers, staff and administrators for taking on this challenge. Mr. Martin defined achievement gap as being the disparity in academic performance between groups of students. The achievement gap shows up in grades, standardized -test scores, course selection, dropout rates, and college - completion rates, among other success measures. The state classifies schools and districts on a five -level scale with approximately 800/9 of schools classified as Level 1 or 2 based on the cumulative Progress and Performance Index for the "all students" and "high needs" groups. High needs students are designated as either economically disadvantaged, an English Language Learner, or a student with disabilities. Mr. Martin went on to review the steps taken in 2016-17 and into 2017-18 including the review of all grouping and instructional practices, examining how students with high needs are being grouped, ensuring that any grouping practices below Grade 7 are flexible and not fixed for long periods, retaining courses that provide opportunities to challenge and/or accelerate ready students, providing effective supports and Tier 2 interventions for students who may struggle and support teachers in providing support on inclusive instructional practices. We have also consolidated levels in Grade 7 Math and Grade 9 — 12 English, Science and Social Studies by eliminating the lowest level and moving from 3 to 2 levels. ® This does not mean that expectations are lowered. Mrs. Borawski asked questions about Grade 7 Math. Mr. Martin pointed out that the students are now grouped in heterogenous classes up through grade 6. Currently we have three options for grade 7 Math; Math 7, Math 7 Enhanced and Page 13 Math 7/8 Accelerated. Next year Math 7 will be eliminated and the math options will be aligned with the track at the upper levels. Mrs. Borawski pointed out that closing the achievement gap is a State/National ' problem. Mr. Bakr presented information on what other Middlesex League communities have for levels at the high school level. The trend seems to be heading towards two levels — Honors and Strong College Prep. The districts still offer AP classes as well. Mr. Bakr reviewed the reasons for going to a two-level system. By reducing to two levels; teachers will have fewer levels to prepare which allows for greater depth of feedback and more time to prepare lessons, there will be more sections at the same level allowing for a more even distribution of teachers and more even class sizes which in tum ensures adequate support and reasonable student/teacher ratios. More class sections provide increased flexibility for students to adjust their schedules as well as the flexibility to better distribute students with more serious academic and behavioral needs. Mr. Bakr went on to explain the implementation of the level consolidation. Level consolidation has begun in Social Studies 9 and English 12. The English, Social Studies and Science Department Heads have been facilitating a curriculum review to ensure that all sections in SCP are aligned within levels and to state standards. There have been ongoing discussions to better establish a rubric for what each • level means and to calibrate these expectations within departments. Our Guidance Counselors have been working with teachers and administrators in grades 8 — 11 to identify students who they feel are most concerned and to develop a more focused plan of support in terms of instruction, remediation, etc. The schools are also brainstorming ways to support incoming CP students in those anticipated challenge areas. Professional development is being provided in the areas of differentiated instruction & assessment, cooperative discipline, and building an inclusive classroom. Teachers are also being freed up from some administrative work to collaborate with PD facilitators and one another. Lead teachers will be identified in each department to become the point people in ongoing support next year during the first fit]] year of level consolidation. These teachers will receive training over the remainder of the year and over the summer to better support them as facilitators. Mr. Bakr said that the administration has been working with other Middlesex League Schools to identify common roadblocks and successful interventions to ensure smoother transitions and to reduce the leaming curve. He also shared that the Department Heads and administration (Leadership Team) have been meeting twice a week to monitor progress and are continuing to work with DESE partner CAST Professional Learning Group to develop a broad framework and practical understanding of Universal Design for Learing. The School Committee asked questions regarding the presentation. Mr. Robinson • asked about the lead teachers and department heads. Mr. Bakr said that lead teachers will complement the department heads and it is important to recognize teachers that are working hard and doing it well. Page 14 Mr. Boivin asked why these subjects and why now. Dr. Doherty said that budget concerns have accelerated the move to this model. Dr. Snow Dockser asked about the logistics of implementing this model. Mr. Bakr responded by saying that we need to make sure that the rubric is correct and listen to teachers who will share input regarding their students. Work is being done to ensure that each department has someone to provide support. Dr. Snow Dockser followed up by asking about communication with parents. Mr. Bakr said there have been a series of information nights, they are in contact with their child's teachers and guidance counselors regarding recommendations on the placements. Dr. Nihan inquired about our capacity to implement and support this and have we received input from districts that have been doing this for a while. Mr. Bakr said that leveling is not an issue. Providing interventions and level of supports needed will be a challenge at first. He feels it is important to provide timely supports and accurately diagnose the needs and determine why the behavior is happening. Mrs. Webb wants to be sure that we insure that we are providing the supports needed as we start thinking about the FYI budget. Mrs. Williams followed up on the question regarding parental concerns. The guidance counselors are meeting with all the high school students during the course selection process and are gathering input from teachers and parents during the process. She anticipates there will be more questions as we move forward. Chair Borawski thanked Mr. Bakr and Mrs. Williams for presenting tonight. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1733 2.09.17 $167,708.05 Warrant S1733E 2.06.17 $800.00 Warrant S1734 2.16.17 $111,672.71 Warrant 51735 2.23.17 $94,931.22 Warrant S1736 3.02.17 $74,068.31 WarrantP1717 2.10.17 $1,544,602.89 Warrant P1718 2.24.17 $1,542,124.27 b. Calendar Dr. Doherty proposed that the March 20'^ meeting be cancelled. Mrs. Borawski concurred. IV. Information Dr. Snow Dockser proposed two future agenda items. She would like the . committee to visit the Human Rights Resolution and the School Committee Brochure. Mr. Boivin would like to look at the Religious Holiday policy. Page 1 5 Mrs. Webb pointed out that the Superintendent's Evaluation process will begin 10 later in the spring. Dr. Snow Dockser inquired about the Accommodation Sub -Committee. Dr. Doherty said that would be slated for the summer. V. Future Business VI. Adioumment Adiourn Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs Webb to adjourn The motion carried 6 — 0. 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. 0 F. Doherty, Ed.D. • Page 1 6