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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-04-25 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes 9' 1RC04Y" Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2017-04-25 Building: School - Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: To Wly REA Lila G, M t i 1 tI S S. 1811MAY II P12.35 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Superintendent Conference Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Jeanne Borawski, Chuck Robinson, Linda Snow Dockser, Gary Nihan, Nick Boivin (arrived at 7:30 p.m.) Members - Not Present: Elaine Webb, Student Representatives Nazzaro & Cutone Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Erin Calvo Bacci and Reading Chronicle Reporter Al Sylvia, Director of Community Education Sandy Calandrella, Selectman John Arena 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 7:01 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Comment There was no public comment. B. Consent A eg nda 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 Dr. Snow Dockser, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 4-0. - Accept Donations to Barrows - Accept a Donation to Coolidge - Accept a Donation to the Extended School Year Program - Approval of Minutes (February 27 & April 3, 2017) Page 1 1 Reports Liaison's Report Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the Human Relations Advisory Committee will be meeting next week and encouraged residents to attend. She also attended the Elder Services Workshop. She reported that the group is exploring opportunities to collaborate with the schools. Mrs. Borawski reported that RCTV School Committee liaison John Carpenter has been appointed to the RCTV board and will no longer be able to serve as liaison. At our reorganization meeting in June the School committee will fill this vacancy and the others that are expiring. RCTV will come to a summer meeting to update the committee. She next reported that Town Meeting officially transferred the control of the Oakland Road parcel to the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen will explore the best use for the property. Friends and Family Day is on June 17'x'. The School Committee agreed to have a table at the event feeling it is a great way to have informal discussions and meet/greet opportunities with community members. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson thanked the Goldlust, Lee and Sanphy families for their donation to support the extended school year program. Mrs. Wilson announced that she has appointed Kelley Bostwick as the Director of the RISE Preschool. She also reported that an email has been sent to families updating them on changes that will be occurring with the Team Chairs. Mrs. Wilson will be hosting a Coffee & Conversation session Thursday morning and the SEPAC will be hosting a presentation by two of our School Psychologists who will describe their roles. She will also be presenting on IEP and Inclusion at an upcoming Joshua Eaton staff meeting. On May 81` Allan Blume and our Landmark Consultant will be meeting with all grade levels at Joshua Eaton on the IEP process and inclusive practices. Assistant Superintendent Mr. Martin reported on the recent districtwide in-service day. The teachers at the high school level did curriculum work by department, middle school teachers did collaborative activities and the K-2 teachers attended a math concepts workshop and the grade 3 -5 teachers attended a writer's workshop. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported on the staff and student attendance for the recent religious holidays. He also pointed out that the religious accommodations policy was followed. This year presented an interesting challenge because of several events and activities that occurred during this time including kindergarten screening, Page 1 2 Artsfest, MCAS testing, overnight field trips and school vacation. He thanked the teachers for doing a remarkable job scheduling around these events. The Superintendent next reported on changes to 2017 Accountability Reporting guidelines. The 2017 cycle of MCAS testing has begun with literacy first followed by math and science over the next month. In anticipation of the shift to the next generation MCAS, every district with a 90% participation rating, will not have their accountability rating negatively impacted based on the test scores. Mr. Robinson asked about the testing process and use of technology. Dr. Doherty said that this year's test questions are like the PARCC questions. There is more writing and more detailed responses required. The MCAS is an online test. Dr. Nihan asked if we will be able to compare our data with last year's. Dr. Doherty indicated the accountability piece is still being developed. Mrs. Borawski asked when we could expect to receive the results. Dr. Doherty said that he feels it will be earlier in the fall because it is an online assessment. Dr. Doherty wanted to congratulate and share that the boys and girls basketball programs were recognized for their participation in the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser over their season. C. New Business — (out of order) Extended Day Update — Discussion on Fee Reduction Ms. Dowd began by reminding the committee that during the FY2018 budget presentations that she has been monitoring the Extended Day Revolving Account based upon a prior audit comment related to the growing ending balance. She continued by saying that the program continues to experience growth. We are continuing to enrich the program and add additional staff and support structures but the revenue growth has continued to exceed the expense projections. Based on this information a 10% reduction in the program fee structure is being requested. In addition, an increase in the current sibling discounts are being requested. Ms. Dowd worked with Ms. Calandrella to craft a proposal that will be sustainable over the next several years. We will continue to monitor the enrollment to determine if adjustments will need to be considered. Dr. Snow Dockser asked how our fees compare to other communities. Ms. Calandrella said that our fees are in line with other communities although, the program structures differ from community to community. Mr. Boivin arrived at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Snow Dockser then asked about financial assistance. Ms. Calandrella said that families initially apply through the Child Care Circuit and if they are denied or waitlisted they can appeal to the Director of Finance. Mr. Robinson asked if the reduction request is a result of the audit findings. Ms. Dowd said it was and we have seen an increase in the revolving account balance. Page 1 3 Mr. Robinson followed up asking if there is a concern that with this reduction in fees if the programs will be oversubscribed and families will be shut out. Ms. Calandrella said that we do have some waitlists at some of the schools due to space restraints and she is actively investigating options. Mr. Robinson asked if funds from this revolving account are being earmarked to capital to address the wear and tear of our facilities. Ms. Dowd said that we are to the extent allowed. Dr. Doherty followed up by saying we do take an offset for the use of school property from this account. Dr. Snow Dockser asked if any of the offset could be used to provide transportation for METCO students if they wanted to participate in the Extended Day opportunities. Ms. Dowd indicated that she would investigate this type of use. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Nihan, to approve the proposed reductions in the Extended Day program fees beginning in the 2017 — 2018 school year. Mrs. Borawski wanted to be sure that the community understands that this program is completely self -supported and that revolving funds are strictly regulated. Dr. Nihan asked if staff are entitled to health benefits. Ms. Calandrella said some are benefitted. Mr. Boivin asked what the capacity of the program was. Ms. Calandrella said it is a maximum of 65/school for the after-school program and 45/school for the before school option. She feels the program could handle a maximum of 650 students. Dr. Nihan asked about offsite options. Ms. Dowd said there have been discussions regarding this option looking at proximity to these offsite locations to the schools. The motion carried 5-0. D. Old Business Superintendent's Evaluation Process Superintendent Doherty provided a brief overview of the final piece of the Superintendent's Evaluation process including the timeline and form to be used. At our next meeting, he will provide more in-depth information. This process is similar to the evaluation of any licensed educator. The Superintendent's evaluation is a public document. Each committee member will complete the evaluation of the Superintendent between May 8 and 22 n and send a completed copy to the Chair or designee and the Superintendent. Between May 22nd and June 5d' each committee member will meet with the Superintendent to review the draft evaluation. After the individual meetings, members may revise the evaluation document and then will send it to the Chair or designee who will Page 1 4 compile the composite report. The Superintendent's evaluation will be presented in open session at the School Committee meeting on June 19th. Mrs. Borawski will reach out to Mrs. Webb to find out if she would like to take on the role of compiling the information. If she is unable to act as the designee this year, Mrs. Borawski will assume the role. FY2018 Budget — Town Meeting Prep Dr. Doherty reviewed the action taken by Town Meeting last night which included a vote to authorize the use of $150,000 from the FY2017 budget for the implementation of the 2nd year of the science curriculum. This money must be used by June 301h and will be used to purchase durable goods, curriculum materials and technology for the K — 2 and high school science curriculum. Dr. Doherty had Town Clerk Laura Gemme send out the FY2018 budget questions and answers to the Town Meeting members electronically, he also provided paper copies last night. Next Monday, Town Meeting will hear the budget presentations from town departments including the schools. Dr. Doherty's presentation will be like the one given to the Finance Committee. E. New Business Last Day of School Dr. Doherty recommended June 20th as the last day of school. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Boivin, to approve June 20th as the last day of school for the 2016-17 school year. The motion carried 5-0. Northshore Education Consortium Capital Plan Dr. Doherty explained why NEC needs to establish a Capital Fund. NEC owns most of their buildings and needs to maintain them so they can meet the needs of students from member districts. The establishment of a Capital Plan will allow NEC to schedule capital projects. Dr. Doherty said that he is on the Board of Directors. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Dr. Nihan, to approve the Capital Plan of the Northshore Education Consortium and the establishment of a Board Designated Capital Fund for the Northshore Education Consortium. Dr. Nihan asked how many member districts were there. There are 20 districts and 18 board members. The motion carried 5-0. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Page 1 5 49 Warrant S 1741 4.6.17 $345,572.55 Warrant S1742 4.19.17 $161,269.42 Warrant S1742E 4.10.17 $17,826.81 Warrant 51743 4.20.17 $121,193.58 Warrant P1721 4.7.17 $1,539,415.76 Warrant P1722 4.21.17 $1,578,627.87 b. Calendar IV. Information/Correspondence V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Adjourn Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mr. Boivin, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, the approval of minutes and to not return to open session. The roll call vote carried 5-0. Mr. Boivin, Dr. Nihan, Mr. Robinson, Dr. Snow Dockser, and Mrs. Borawski. The meeting adjourned at 8.15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. John F."Doherty, Page 1 6