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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-02-26 School Committee Minutesr0FR. Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2018-02-26 Building: School - Memorial High Address: 82 Oakland Road Purpose: Open Session Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM MRS 0. W ki READ 2Q1 APR -9 PM 1: 42 Location: Superintendent Conference Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Chuck Robinson, Sherri Vanden Akker, Nick Boivin, Jeanne Borawski, Linda Snow Dockser, and Elaine Webb Members - Not Present: Student Representatives Cutone Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, RPS Administrators Joanne King, LisaMarie Ippolito, Sarah Leveque, Human Resourses Administrator Jenn Bove, Student Representative Catie Coumounduros, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle, SRO Brian Lewis, Lt. Rich Abate Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Robinson reviewed the agenda and called the meeting to order and reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Comment Rebecca Liberman urged the School Committee to hold a public hearing and act on Mr. Boivin's budget proposal to restore teaching positions. Jennifer Arria Coelho asked about school safety in light of what happened in Parkland, Florida. Marianne Downing asked about Policy IK — Academic Achievement pointing out that she has not received her 5h grader's report card. She also asked if there was a policy for including email correspondence in the School Committee packets. B. Reports Page I 1 Student Representative Ms. Coumounduros reported on the upcoming Future Freshman Night at RMHS on Thursday night and the Drama Club production of Harvey this upcoming weekend. Liaison Mrs. Webb reported on the recent RCASA Board meeting. She shared information on Game Change, sponsored by the New England Patriots and the MA Attorney General's Office. The goal of this activity was to foster long-term anti -violence & healthy relationship education in school. RMHS was awarded a $3,000 mini -grant which was co -written by RMHS and RCASA. In January RMHS hosted a 2 -day Peer Leadership Training for 26 student leaders representing a cross-section of our extra -curricular activities, clubs and athletics. Mrs. Webb also reported on the RCASA activities including the continued participation in the Eastern Middlesex Opioid Task Force and Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals that was attended by our nurses. Lastly, she shared that our high school nurses are conducting the SBIRT Screening process for 9th and 11th grade students and RMHS will host "Alex's Story" on April 5th to students. There will be an event at the Reading Public Library for new families to Reading. Mrs. Borawski reported that the Recreation Committee will be holding a public hearing on Sunday morning field usage on March 5th at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the community conversation originally scheduled for. March 21" has been pushed back to May 91h. She pointed out that this date is tentative. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson updated the committee on the OCR and midcycle reviews. Mrs. Wilson indicated that she has sent all email correspondence to OCR Attorney Fabiano on February 7th and Attorney Fabiano responded with the final reporting requirements related to the Bridge Program on February 26, 2018. There are three complaints open with OCR. Two of the complaints are related to one student. She is working with legal counsel to respond to these complaints. The district has not received any communication from OCR. She went on to review the DESE Mid-cycle review. Progress reports were uploaded into the security portal as part of the DESE website. A review of selected student records was completed and data submitted to the DESE as part of the progress reporting for the Mid-cycle review and feedback was provided for additional information required. Mrs. Wilson provided staffing and grant updates. Director of Finance Page 1 2 Mrs. Dowd said that she has been working with the Town Manager and Procurement Department to ask Town Meeting to vote to allow the district to enter into a contact with vendors for more than 3 years in length. Massachusetts General Laws allow for three contracts. This request to enter in a 5 — 6 year contract will allow the district to purchase digital curriculum at a better price. Mrs. Dowd said that the laws and rules have not kept pace with the industry. Mrs. Dowd will report back to the committee once the wording for Town Meeting has been decided upon. Superintendent School Safety/Security In light of the recent events in Parkland, Florida, Dr. Doherty started his report with school safety highlighting the strong collaboration with police, fire, town and RCASA which is not the case in many communities. We belong to STARS/NEMLEC Regional Emergency Systems. We also have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the police and District Attorney's Office which allows for the exchange of information. Monthly community based justice meetings with the police, schools and DA's office are held at which information is shared. This sharing of information allows us to ensure students are getting supports they need and are not falling through the cracks. There are members of the school administration and school committee on the RCASA board. Seven years ago, the district received an Emergency Preparedness grant from the federal government. A safety committee was created that developed the safety plans we have in place and oversaw the training and drills held for our staff and students. These plans are reviewed annually. We will review these plans over the summer and update as needed. Reading was one of the first districts to put ALICE in place. Parent information sessions were held as well as drills with and without students and drills for staff to ensure they were comfortable with the protocol. Each classroom has a backpack with student rosters and other items and each school participates in 6 drills per year, additionally the high school may have a canine search. Dr. Doherty has recently learned that the high school has not held an ALICE drill in 2 years but assured the community that our other buildings have had these drills. He will be working with law enforcement and the high school to ensure the drills are happening and continue in the near future. He next reviewed school security stating that all schools have visitor entrance procedures in place when school is in session, all exterior doors are locked during the school day, each school has security alarm and cameras in place and extra security measures are in place for the modular. Social Emotional Learning Social emotional learning has been a district goal for the past 3 years as part of the District Improvement Plan. He shared the practices being used at each level including Open Circle, Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) at the elementary level; Facing History and Ourselves, Advisory lessons, Challenge Day, A World of Difference at the middle school level; and Guidance Curriculum specific to grade at the high school level. At the elementary level these practices help create and reinforce the core values established in each building. At the Page 1 3 middle school level concepts of mutual respect and working together are developed and at the high school level the Guidance staff is meeting with each class regularly. Data Collection The Reading Public Schools have been using all types of data to address the needs of all students. Data is gathered from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, attendance records, office discipline referrals, teacher observations, SBIRT screening, Chemical Health Policy violations and Police information through the School Resource Officer. The data collected is used in conversations at the school level on the needs of different students that may need additional supports. Tramina Dr. Doherty reviewed the training happening in the district. 90% of the staff have been trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and it is now a prerequisite for all new teachers. Currently 30 teachers have completed the Lesley Coursework on Trauma Sensitive practices, several staff have attended and/or presented at workshops on social emotional learning topics. Superintendent Doherty is a member of the Safe and Supportive Schools Commission. The Commission meet monthly with the task of influencing Legislature on laws and regulations that can make schools safer. His professional organization, M.A.S.S. has also been focused on social emotional learning. Mr. Robinson asked if the staff attending the Trauma course is diversified. Mrs. Wilson shared that there is staff PreK —12. We are currently offering Course 1 and 4. Mr. Boivin followed up asking if there is representation in each grade. Mrs. Wilson feels that there is knowing who was attending. Looking Ahead Superintendent Doherty has spoken to Chief Segalla about a District Information session for parents on safety procedures and ALICE protocol. He will communicate information once the final plans have been established. As a result of the incident in Danvers the town had a Town and School Building Security Study done which was completed in Fall 2017. The study looked at infrastructure and policies and procedures. We have started to put policies and procedures in place as recommended by the study at no cost. The Superintendent, Town manager and Facilities have been discussing how to implement the recommendations to the infrastructure and how best to fund the changes and upgrades. C. Consent A ends Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted anything to be removed from the consent agenda. There was none. Consent A eg nda Accept Donations to the Wood End School Accept a Donation from the RMHS PTO Page 14 Approval of Minutes (February 5, 2018) Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 6-0. D. Old Business Kindergarten Dr. Doherty began by providing a historical context saying in 2010 the School Committee gave the Superintendent the ability to spot redistrict in an effort to balance class sizes across the district. Along with this option the DLC program was moved to Birch Meadow from Barrows and the families living in, what is referred to as the wedge area, were redistricted to Barrows or Joshua Eaton. In doing so students would be able to attend the middle schools with their peers. Kindergarten is the most unpredictable grade to place due to the unknown. Dr. Doherty spoke on the inconsistency of communication regarding the half day kindergarten placements and took full responsibility. Inconsistencies included information in the October letter that stated there would be half day classes in all buildings. The November presentation did state that half day programs may not be assigned to each school but no follow-up letter to parents was sent and the January budget presentations did state that there would not be half day programs at each school. Dr. Doherty reviewed the kindergarten points of emphasis which include maintaining class sizes from 18 — 22 students, provide tuition based full day kindergarten for families; providing FDK as an option for students on free and reduced lunch and FDK for students that are recommended for full day as part of their IEP. Integrated kindergarten is not an optimum program for kindergarten and the goal is to have dedicated full and half day classes. Factors associated with kindergarten placement needs flexibility because factors change annually. The district uses the birth census to predict incoming kindergarten numbers. The census provides trends and is not necessarily a definitive predictor of enrollment. Classroom space availability is dependent upon grade 1 — 5 classrooms, dedicated art and music classrooms and special education programs and learning centers. The desire is to have 2 separate programs (half day, full day), students who require FDK due to an IEP need to be assigned to specific schools based on the assigned program and each year is different based on the above factors. Full day kindergarten participation has steadily increased since the 2005-06 school year with 86% of the students enrolled have opted for full day. Due to space constraints we have not been able to offer separate full and half day programs consistently. This year all kindergarten classes are integrated due to space constraints. Educationally, integrated classrooms do not offer an optimum learning environment for all students because certain curriculum areas are compacted into the morning. Teachers and parents have expressed concerns regarding this model. Half day programs will be held at Joshua Eaton and Killam for the 2018-19 school year due to space constraints. Half day students from Page 1 5 Barrows will be placed at Joshua Eaton and the half day students from Wood End and Birch Meadow will be placed at Killam. Dr. Doherty reviewed the kindergarten enrollment and class sizes. There have been claims that the district is discriminating against half day families. Dr. Doherty shared the legal opinion from Attorney Joyce pointing out that there is no merit to any allegation that the policy of assignment of half day students discriminates against individual's ability to pay. In an effort to alleviate the drop off stress, half day programs will begin earlier to accommodate families with siblings in more than one school. We will also provide before school programming through the extended day for half day students at no charge. More information will be provided after the kindergarten screenings. Dr. Doherty reviewed the strategy for the redistricted half day students return to their home schools for first grade in the 2019-20 school year. The goal is to have all students return to their neighborhood schools. Parent Sam Morgan asked for clarification on class size. He also agrees there is no easy solution but is concerned with the communication gaps which lead to a lack of trust. Chad Smith shared concerns over exclusively displacing half day kindergartners for the 2018-2019 school year and how that decision was communicated to parents. See attached written statement and supporting presentation. Alicia Williams asked about mandated and non -mandated programs. Taylor Burns asked about space constraints. Shannon Fratto is concerned with the social emotional wellbeing and followed up asking how families from the deadline forward are handled. Dr. Doherty shared that the families are placed in half day and if they desire are placed on the waitlist for full day. Parents Kelly Roden, Andrea Lindmark, John Willette and Erin Calvo Bacci all expressed their displeasure with the half day decision. Mr. Robinson suggested that the committee discuss these concerns and move forward or vote to provide an integrated program. This will be placed on the March 19th agenda. Brian Lindmark asked about decisions on special education placements. Mrs. Wilson said the placements are determined as part of the team process during the IEP meetings which are occurring now. Dr. Doherty stressed this decision is based on space constraints and what is best educationally for the kids. Page 1 6 Mr. Boivin would like to reconvene on March 5ch to consider the options whether it is an integrated model or spot redistricting as necessary. Mrs. Webb said that these decisions will also impact the full day families. Dr. Snow Dockser would like to hear from teachers. Dr. Doherty once again apologized for the angst he has caused and has heard loud and clear the anger. It was never the intent to discriminate, his intent is to provide the best educational environment for each kindergarten student. Mr. Boivin would like discussion on the following: 1) integrated model; 2) amnesty for siblings; and 3) what 2020 looks like. Chair Robinson called for a brief recess at 10:36 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 10:40 p.m. Chair Robinson apologized to the Joshua Eaton principal and staff in attendance but deferred their presentation to the next meeting. He also deferred the quarterly personnel and budget updates. E. New Business Override Ballot Question Mrs. Dowd reviewed the proposed wording of the ballot question that the School Committee is being asked to support. She shared that it is consistent with what the Selectmen voted to support and has been reviewed by the Town Manager, the BOS Chair and Town Counsel. Mr. Boivin asked that semicolons replace the commas between the school department's requested amounts. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to support the proposed Override ballot question as amended. Mrs. Borawski thanked the administration for working with the town side. The motion carried 6 — 0. Assistant Superintendent Search Process & Timeline Dr. Doherty recognized Mr. Martin for his 21 years of service to the Reading Public Schools and appreciates all he has done as a classroom teacher, principal and assistant superintendent. The transition period will be a team effort ensuring the district stay on track. Mr. Martin's last day will be March 23`d. The job was posted on Friday and we have received several applications. Dr. Doherty shared that this is a good time to do an assistant superintendent search. A survey will be sent to the community and staff to solicit qualities they would like to see in the next assistant superintendent. The School Committee's role is to approve the Page 1 7 recommendation of the Superintendent and he would like to make his recommendation on March 28th prior to the Financial Forum. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Teaching search process and timeline. Dr. Vanden Akker is grateful for Mr. Martin's service and happy that the community will have the opportunity to provide input. Mrs. Borawski wanted assurance that if the search is unsuccessful, a candidate will not be recommended just to fill the position. Dr. Doherty assured her that would not be the case. Mrs. Borawski thanked Mr. Martin for all he has done. Mr. Martin expressed his gratitude to everyone. He shared that he feels that it is time to try new things professionally. He said he is proud to be an educator and Reading resident. Dr. Snow Dockser also thanked Mr. Martin for his years of service. Mr. Boivin questioned the timeline and feels it is accelerated and ask if it was known in August that Mr. Martin would be leaving why wasn't the search started sooner. Dr. Doherty said that he knew it was Mr. Martin's last year but his last day wasn't determined until recently. He also said the timeline is similar to the high school principal timeline. Marianne Downing sad she was sad to see Mr. Martin leave and asked if March 23rd date was hard and fast and how would the vacancy impact the district. Dr. Doherty said any candidate coming into this position is ready to go, regardless of the override passing or not, and if the search is extended there is a concern of losing candidates. Mr. Boivin asked if there was any benefit of extending the recommendation out to April 9tn The motion carried 5-1. Mr. Boivin voting against. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant 51832 2.08.18 $384,134.21 Warrant S1833 2.15.18 $160,595.42 Warrant S 1834 2.22.18 $133,980.43 Warrant P1816 2.09.18 $1,551,811.00 Warrant P1817 2.23.18 $1,627,148.02 b. Calendar IV. Information/Correspondence Page 1 8 V. Future Business VI. Adjournment Adjourn Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to .collective bargaining and the approval of minutes and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Dr. Vanden Akker, Mr. Boivin, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Webb, Dr. Snow Dockser and Mrs Borawski. The meeting adjourned at 11:06 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. 4f*- JF. Dolle , Ed.D. Verintendent of Schools Page 1 9 Statement to provide at School Committee Meeting 2/26/18 2/26/18 Superintendent Doherty, Members of the School Committee, fellow Reading residents, Thank you for this opportunity to speak, Thank you to the school administration for their time to make every possible effort to provide an outstanding education to our children. Thank you to the School Committee members for volunteering their time to aid in that effort. My name is Chad Smith and I'm a proud father of three little kids. My son is currently a first grader and attends the Birch Meadow school. My daughter is slated to attend Kindergarten in the 2018-2019 school year. The reason I'm here today is to provide information to the School Committee members in regards to the letter we received in the mail in early February stating that my daughter "has been assigned to the half day program at the Killam Elementary School." To preface the following arguments I, We, really appreciate all of the work that goes into managing the education of a bunch of kids. Anecdotally, my son has had an outstanding education to date. My wife and I couldn't be happier with the level of excellence displayed by his teachers at the Birch Meadow School. I know many of the parents here feel the same way from Birch Meadow and other Reading Elementary Schools. This group also appreciates the fact that Reading provides half day kindergarten and the option for full day kindergarten and that balancing the needs of all parents, students, and educators create challenges that include physical space and financial limitations with no easy answers. A parent's decision to send their child to either full or half day kindergarten is a personal one, and can be based on any number of factors including the child's developmental stage and needs, individual beliefs about how best to educate their children, ability and or willingness to pay for the optional full day program, and the ability to pick up at different times based on other constraints, etc. Until the time where full day kindergarten is mandatory or no longer offered, we believe parents should have the option to choose freely between half day and full day kindergarten without having to make other sacrifices in the quality of the educational experience. The decision to move the kids who don't pay for the optional program from their home school does just that. I'll share just a few reasons why discriminately moving the mandatory program is just plain wrong and how the information was communicated to the parents was both contradictory and misleading. I expect that by the time we are through here today, the committee and Superintendent will reconsider their decision to discriminately displace the mandatory half day kindergarten program. Inconsistent and Contradictory Communications Parent's made the best decisions they could based on the information received from the Superintendent. 1. The letters sent to incoming kindergarten parents dated October 2017 stated, "There will be a half day program in each building". [slide of letter] Here is a copy of the letter that we received. Since our son went to kindergarten one year earlier as part of a half day integrated program at Birch Meadow, we did not feel a need to attend the November 1 st parent information meeting at Killam. We saw the letter that said half day kindergarten is offered in each building and knew we were done with the decision. Note, that this letter was sitting on the information desk in the Birch Meadow School to be provided to prospective parents as late as February 16th, 2018. Contradicting the October letter, residents were told at the parent information meeting that, "depending on enrollment, some half day classes may need to move to another elementary school for their kindergarten year". [slide from meeting] I'm not sure what changed from October to November 1 st which would cause the school administration to all of a sudden opt for such a drastic change in course. It certainly couldn't be based on any enrollment numbers at the time, so the only other options are an accident or it was deliberate. Note, that the meeting on November 1, 2017 was not mandatory and no follow up letter or electronic communication was made to prospective kindergarten families to convey this dramatic change in information. If the October letter statement was a mistake, a retrospective edit to the information could have been sent to all families. Note again, this letter is actively provided to prospective parents as late as February 16th, 2018. A correction would have at least allowed families to make an informed decision. Many parents (my wife and I included) made their decision to register for half day kindergarten based solely on the letter received in October 2017 definitively stating there will be a half day program in each building. I can provide copies to any interested parties - Appendix A in that pile of references. 2. Further, at the parent information meeting on November 1, 2017, parents were told the hours for half day kindergarten will be, "Morning: 8:15-11:30AM session (4 days), 8:15-12:45 on Wednesdays. Afternoon: 12:00- 2:45PM (M, T, TH, F)".[slide from meeting] However, when parents of half day students received their kindergarten placement letters in February 2018, they were told, "To accommodate families that have students at more than one elementary school, we will be adjusting the start and end times of half day kindergarten at Killam and Joshua Eaton". [slide of letter] The communication about the change to school hours was made after the deadline of December 15, 2017 to submit paperwork for kindergarten registration - whether full day or half day. In the February 2018 letter, a statement indicates that "we do have a limited number of full day kindergarten slots available at some of our elementary schools. If you are interested in changing your child's placement from half day to full day, please contact...". [slide of letter] My wife was told about the February 2018 letter through the grapevine before we even received it in the mail. She immediately attempted to contact the Superintendent's office to change our daughter from half day at Killam to full day at Birch Meadow. We were told that she is on the wait list for the full day program at Birch Meadow prior to the letter being received. Then I started thinking I should look at the Elementary enrollment numbers to better plan for my family - maybe I could guess where she might be placed. [slide of enrollment numbers]We read from previous School Committee meeting minutes and correspondence from the Superintendent's office that the optimal class size for K-2 is 18-22 kids. There are three kindergarten classrooms for 2018-2019 at Birch Meadow, 52 full day kids, and 13 half day kids. This leads me to think that the half day kids are chosen to be discriminately moved away from their home school, while the optional full day kids are preferentially placed in their home school. Which gets into the next point of tuition based partiality. Overall, the information provided to families about the half day kindergarten program has been contradictory, inconsistent, and if done deliberately - manipulative. Parents were denied their right to make an informed decision. Since information continues to change, the trust gap between the administration and the community will continue to expand. Even if the Superintendent stands by the content of his most recent letter, we cannot be assured that we will not receive another communication that contradicts that letter. Tuition Based Partiality While half day kindergarten is the only kindergarten program the Town of Reading is currently mandated to provide, administrators have begun treating half day kindergarten as the lesser of two programs evidenced by the proposal to discriminately move the half day kids out of their home school and the full day kids are preferentially provided with adequate class space in their home school. Half day kindergarten and full day kindergarten are supposed to cover the same curriculum and provide adequate preparedness for first grade. All students have the right to a fair and equal education opportunity. 1. Families paying for the optional, tuition based, full day kindergarten program receive partiality in being allowed to have their children attend kindergarten in their assigned school district, which for many is the same school that their siblings and neighbors attend. Families who chose the mandatory half day program are displaced and in some cases, separated from their siblings and neighbors. 2. In preparation for this meeting,l read through old minutes where the Superintendent suggested eliminating the full day kindergarten program as a solution to the space constraints, through the minutes where the lottery program for full day program was offered as a solution, through the modular discussions, and several other meeting minutes and budgets. I attempted to research the process or metrics for how, why, and which kindergarteners would be displaced - I was not able to find those minutes. At the January 18th, 2018 School Committee meeting, the Superintendent indicated the School Committee would be consulted on the decision to "centralize" the half day kindergarten program - again, I was not able to find that consultation data. Based on the Superintendent's own response from a question of an audience member of the February 5th, 2018 School Committee meeting, this decision was purely administrative. So, I then read the data which shows the dramatic increase in full day kindergarten enrollment. [slide of data] I started to analyze this data and realized that the total number of kindergarten kids hasn't really changed that much over the last 13 years. [slide of data] In fact, the slope of the trend line is negative, indicating a slight decrease and extrapolated future decreases. This unequivocally tells me that the "space constraint" in regards to kindergarteners is self imposed. Imagine a situation where a parent is unsure about which kindergarten program they should enroll their child. They are then told, if they are not sure - they should enroll their child in the full day program to "save" their spot. [slide from meeting] This is a slide from the parent information night which states that "because of teacher and space assignments, we may not be able to accept requests to go from half day to full day after December 15th, except in extenuating circumstances." Note, there is no mention of switching from full day to half day. This group of parents have anecdotal evidence and email correspondence from school officials of the recommendation to sign up for full day, to "save" your spot in your home school. Then, the parent finds out that the half day program is not offered in their home school and they cannot change back to full day. The graph of half day versus full day over time shows what happens when parents are coerced to choose the full day program and should not be applauded. Here is a quote from the January 6th Superintendent's Recommended Budget - "Unfortunately, the space needs continue to grow as we continue to strengthen our district special education programs and more families are choosing full day kindergarten." The space constraints that exist for the kindergarten program are self imposed. Parents are forced to choose between the tuition based, optional full day program at their home school or the mandatory half day program now at a location to be determined. [slide of letter] Further, the February 2018 letter states that the half day kids without siblings at their home school may not be able to transfer back. In my opinion, this is an overt use of coercive tactics - sign up for full day or you might not attend your home school. I read the letter provided by NUTTALL, MACAVOY & JOYCE dated February 16th, 2018 which is included in the packet for this meeting. This letter includes the kindergarten enrollment numbers for 2018-2019 but states the school year is for 2017-2018. I'm not sure which it is or if this was provided in the past to hedge against the decision or future decisions. If this was provided previously, why would parents be told in writing that half day kindergarten would be offered in each building in October of 2017? Note, there are 49 half day kids this year and initially, there were 44 half day kids for 2018-2019. 1 note also that this letter references the 2010-2011 decision for the "Superintendent's option". I've selected sections of those School Committee minutes which detail reasons behind displacing kindergarteners and the considerations shown for why this would be or not be done. [show slide] Item a. under Kindergarten from the same reference used in the lawyer's letter states "As you can see by the attached map, there are currently 10 incoming kindergarten students in the Birch Meadow district, without siblings, that could be spot redistricted to another school." Does that mean that if there were siblings they could not be spot redistricted? Further, the minutes indicate which considerations will be given for spot redistricting. At this point, I see that all 4 of the considerations have been ignored at least in my case for having a child currently attending Birch Meadow, the enrollment numbers for Birch Meadow, my proximity to Birch Meadow, and student safety. Parents, by show of hands, have any or all of these considerations been ignored for your future kindergartener? The letter from the Michael Joyce indicates that the Superintendent can displace any child, at any time, for any reason, to any school within 2 miles. If this is the case, why even offer space constraint solutions such as cancelling full day kindergarten or the lottery system for certain schools when kids can be just be displaced without consideration? Further, why bother to offer considerations? From the School Committee meeting minutes dated January 5th, 2018 - "Dr. Doherty reviewed the elementary enrollment pointing out the large incoming kindergarten class which necessitates the additional staffing. He also shared that he is looking at a centralized half day kindergarten; one on the north side of town and one on the south in an effort to avoid the integrated model we have used in the past." I am not sure what has changed from October 2017 where the Superintendent states "the half day program may be a traditional or an integrated model based on available classroom space." This new statement from January clearly shows bias toward the optional, tuition based, full day kindergarten program. We recognize some parents want or need full day kindergarten. However, it is unacceptable for families to be coerced to pay for it out of fear of their children receiving a lesser educational opportunity or because of fear of their child being removed from their home district and away from older siblings. Impractical distance and Safety Concern At my house, drop off is my responsibility. I walk my son to school. This is coveted one on one dad son time. We can walk to Birch Meadow in 13 minutes while crossing three intersections on neighborhood streets with stop signs or mandatory yield signs. If the decision to displace the half day kids stands, I would need to walk to Killam, then Birch Meadow for school drop off. [show map] Here is a map of our proposed route. The time to walk to Killam is approximately 34 minutes. If the time is earlier for the kindergarten drop off, I would need to bring both kids and cross the intersection of Main Street and Lowell Street in order to utilize a cross walk. We'd have to cross Pearl Street, then walk up to the Killam School on Charles Street. After that, I'd need to walk my son back to Birch Meadow - about 28 minutes across Main Street again and along Forest Street. Are any other parents in the same or similar situation? I'll highlight again the considerations why students would not be spot redistricted. [slide from meeting] Here we have the Superintendent's written word that he does not recommend displacing kindergarten students from their home school due to "...safety concerns crossing a main street (Lowell Street), and some families having relatives already attending the school." and further states that for new student assignments "consideration is given for Student Safety (i.e. Students not having to cross major streets)". I am unaware of any substantial traffic pattern changes which would instigate that concern to no longer be considered. Conclusion In conclusion, the Administration's current position on the half day program cannot stand. There is no excuse to preferentially discriminate the half day kindergarten kids or show partiality toward the full day kids. The half day kids are participating in the mandatory program. The School Committee needs to immediately correct the mistake the Administration made of telling parents one thing and doing another. Alternatively, you can expect the trust gap to continue to widen and necessitate further actions by the community. At my job I get frustrated when correspondence from employees or clients exclusively offers problems. So, in an effort to do unto others I have a proposed solution to the current situation and one to use in the future [show slide]: At one time, the Administration offered an option to parents who would be willing to change schools to optimize class size. Offer that again for full day families or a choice to change to half day at their home school. To use for future kindergarten classes: Half day kindergarten will be offered to all children in the community in their home school. Where possible, every effort will be made to offer full day kindergarten in your home school through individual full day classrooms and the integrated program. However, if space limitations present due to increased full day enrollment numbers, your child may need to attend one of the other schools in the district where full day space is available. These solutions fall in line with the considerations of the "Superintendent's option", gives parents a real choice, and will solve the self imposed space constraint issues for the kindergarten program in Reading. As various School Committee members have repeatedly said "let the parents decide". I'll leave you with my references and an excerpt from the Attendance Areas policy File: JC which states that the Superintendent is authorized to make exceptions to attendance lines for individual children, and the Committee's primary basis for judgment must be the equality of educational opportunity for all students rather than the personal desires of any one group. Thank you very much for your time. Visual aids for kindergarten presentation Thank you for this opportunity to speak. Thank you to the school administration for their time to make every possible effort to provide an outstanding education to our children. Thank you to the school committee members for volunteering their time to aid in that effort. Inconsistent and Contradictory Communications John F. Doherty, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone; 781'944.5800 FAX 781-942-9149 wpoarutyy v st�'� g �1 dv'1i•�� a e,�,nA vubheX c;raig r tartin, r. Aaaistant Superintet Carolyn J. %Vilwn, ld.Ed Director of Student Sei Gail Dowd, Director of Fir Reaching Public Schools Instillinga 'o o learning joy f ng and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow tT i October 2017 L Dear Prospective Reading Public School Parents: Welcome to the Reading Public Schools! We are beginning the kindergarten registration process for the 2018-2019 school year. Tile School Committee Policy JEB — School Entrance Requirement: for admission to school is as follows: "A child must have reached the age of five years on or before August 31 of the entering year. Under no circumstances will children younger than five years be admitted to kindergarten." If your child is now attending a private kindergarten and you plan to enroll him/her in our first grade, please indicate this on the attached form. Please know that the building principals will assign students to first grade or kindergarten in accordance with their age. If your youngster meets the age requirements indicated above but you are not sure and/or are not planning to send him/her tc kindergarten in the fall, we would appreciate it if you would still return the registration form (next page) and check the appropriate box. The Town of Reading offers two kindergarten programs. Parents may choose which program they would like for their child to attend. There will be a half day program in each building. The half day program may be a traditional or an integrated model based on available classroom space. The other program will be a tuition -based full day class. Tobegin your child's kindergarten experience, we would like to invite you to a parent information meeting on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the Killam Elementary School, 333 Charles St. at 7:00 PM. At this meeting we will discuss the registration process, half and full-day kindergarten programs, and the screening process. Following this meeting, please complete the following information and return it to the Superintendent's Office, along with: • kindergarten registration form proof of residency (see attached document), Th. Aaatang R&Ge Snccol. doer oat InKII.Mare on Ne task or race, mrur, ern, 9en0e1,yC0tAy, rN}y,m, na.Hona/'dw , serval oneMaG'on, epe or 6a:eiGtr. "Parents may choose which program they would like for their child to attend. There will be a half day program in each building [emphasis added]. The half day program may be a traditional or an integrated model based on the available classroom space. The other program will be a tuition -based full day class." Letter received 10/2017 . Inconsistent and Contradictory Communications The current proposal is ALL from A$' •i #i' t ti'Re'• t n R f . three schools Kindergarten assignments will be based on graphical location, class size, and available space. Typical class size 18-22 students. ., Depending on enrollment some alf day classes may need to move to another elementary school for their kindergarten year. Transportation will be provided if it is greater than 2 miles. = Students assigned to another school, other than their home school, will be assigned back to their home school for Grade i. November Inconsistent and contradictory communications ZI Morning: 8:15 -11:3o AM session (q days L) 8:15- 12:45 on Wednesdays Afternoon: 12:00 - 2:45 PM (M, T, TH, F) Schools that have both half day and fu11 day sessions will switch sessions third week in January Schools that only have one half day session will remain in the mousing for the entire school year. Slide 9 - November 1st, 2017. Inconsistent and contradictory communications John F. Doherty, Ed. D. Superintendent of schootn PParinag, ���'(;•a,� .f .t.., �., d' 4'rvp, Martin, ht.L•'d. :'l mlaut Superintendent "To accommodate 84 DakLind Road ? � " �"! j #" Cerol}�rr J. 1Vtlsott, �1.Fd., JD Reading, MA 01867 �,an7:7At-2.91-19 �p9�t{ �� lie Dir ator of Student Services families that have F1$: 7@].9•t 2.J,d9 CcUt Ocnrd. �`tlA >�� - �,�*gyp Darretm of Fersgncr students at more than Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow February 1, 2018 To the ParenUGuardian ot: Dear Parent/Guardian, Welcome to the wondcrlid world of Kindergarten! We are pleased to inform you that your child has been assigned to the half day program at the Killam Elementair School. Due to the low number of students enrolled in half day kindergarten programs throughout the district, we will be offering half day kindergarte this year at the Killam and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools only. Students who would normalhr attend h. day kindergarten at Wood End or Birch Meadow will attend halt'day kindergartctt at Killam and students who would normally attend half day kindergarten at Barrows will be attending half day kindergarten at Joshua Eaton. To accommodate families that have students at more than one elementary school, we will tr adjusting the start and end time of half day kindergarten at Killam and Joshua Eaton. In addition, students who have siblings at another elementary school will return to that school in Grade 1. All other students will be able to transfer based on class size. We will give you more specific information later in the spring. We do have a limited number of full day kindergarten slots available at some of our elementary schools. If you are interested in changing your child's placement front half day to 11411 day, please contact Linda Engelson at the Beading Public Schools Administration Offices at 781-944-5800. Kindergarten screening will be held for all incoming Kindergarten students and will take place in April at your child's assigned school. Information regarding screening will be sent out in March. If you have decided riot to send your child to Kindergarten, please call the school immediately. We took Iorward to seeing you in April. If you have any further questions regarding the kindergarten program, prior to screening, please contact the individual school. Sincerely, ll� � John f. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools 7n# R<AMV nW r -4AOM do" nar ftY.AIknAWfe on the "J of rmce, cvlor. ser, rj n a'f My, reu?-m -,IK w V.jp'.. _-—t a•ao Mie^ .9 - W..AtWity one elementary school, we will be adjusting the start and end time of half day kindergarten at Killam and Joshua Eaton." Letter received 2/2018 Inconsistent and Contradictory Communications Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tornorrow February 1. 2018 To the Parcm./Guardian of: Dear Parent/Guardian. Welcome to the w'onderftd %vorld of Kindergarten! We are pleased to inform you that your child has been assigned to the half day program at the Killam Elementary School. Due to the low number ofstudems enrolled in half duty kindergarten programs throughout the district. we will be offering half clay kindergarten this year at the Killam and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools only. Students who would normally attend hal. day kindergarten at Wood End or Birch Meadow will attend half day kindergarten at Killam and students who would normally attend half day kindergarten at Barrows will be attending half day kindergarten at Joshua Eaton. To accommodate families that have students at more than one elementary school, we.rill be adjusting the start and end time of half day kindergarten at Killam and Joshua Eaton. In addition, students who have siblings at another elementary school will return to that school in Grade 1. All other students will be able to transfer based an class size. We will give you more specific information later in the spring. We do have a limited number of full day kindergarten slots available at some of our elementary schools. If you are interested in changing your child's placement from half day' to full day, please contact Linda Engelson at the heading Public Schools ,Administration Offices at 781-944-5900. Kinderatten screening will be held for all incoming; Kindergarten students and will take place in April at your child's assigned school. Information regarding screening will be sent out in rtlarch. Ifyou have decided not to send your child to Kindergarten. please call the school imnu:diately. We look fiorw•arl to seeing you in April. If you have any further questions regarding the kindergarten program, prior to screening, please contact the individual sehtx>I. Sincerely, L��n C'r John P. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools The Rla4t q grh4r :dAOP'+ dcr^s [lle Wpv or rArc, cultic, :< , ge"ra, KYMIMY. r cty,G , naf—t,U origp- se -1 a—r ltiw, JLV - d -4d, , available at some of our elementary schools. if you are interested in changing your child's placement from half day to full day, please contact..." -etter received 2/2018 John F. Doherty, Ed. D. sulwattendent of ,ehoo�� uPParun >" '' x' fro y, �a �.4,p Craig htarttn, '.l.hah Aasia:ant Sutxrintr.ndeni "We do have a limited / S2 Oakland Roadj Rci dtnr.. MA 0 t:rY% Phone: ;a1_W4-5800 r, a ` !�_~ Carolyn J. \Nilson. SI.Ed., JD Du t<lut Or Studtnt SCrV.cl$ number of full day Fax: 03,Gait Dtnvd, CPA Darrow, F-anca of kindergarten 'G,dtiR Punitc �rio�' slots Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tornorrow February 1. 2018 To the Parcm./Guardian of: Dear Parent/Guardian. Welcome to the w'onderftd %vorld of Kindergarten! We are pleased to inform you that your child has been assigned to the half day program at the Killam Elementary School. Due to the low number ofstudems enrolled in half duty kindergarten programs throughout the district. we will be offering half clay kindergarten this year at the Killam and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools only. Students who would normally attend hal. day kindergarten at Wood End or Birch Meadow will attend half day kindergarten at Killam and students who would normally attend half day kindergarten at Barrows will be attending half day kindergarten at Joshua Eaton. To accommodate families that have students at more than one elementary school, we.rill be adjusting the start and end time of half day kindergarten at Killam and Joshua Eaton. In addition, students who have siblings at another elementary school will return to that school in Grade 1. All other students will be able to transfer based an class size. We will give you more specific information later in the spring. We do have a limited number of full day kindergarten slots available at some of our elementary schools. If you are interested in changing your child's placement from half day' to full day, please contact Linda Engelson at the heading Public Schools ,Administration Offices at 781-944-5900. Kinderatten screening will be held for all incoming; Kindergarten students and will take place in April at your child's assigned school. Information regarding screening will be sent out in rtlarch. Ifyou have decided not to send your child to Kindergarten. please call the school imnu:diately. We look fiorw•arl to seeing you in April. If you have any further questions regarding the kindergarten program, prior to screening, please contact the individual sehtx>I. Sincerely, L��n C'r John P. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools The Rla4t q grh4r :dAOP'+ dcr^s [lle Wpv or rArc, cultic, :< , ge"ra, KYMIMY. r cty,G , naf—t,U origp- se -1 a—r ltiw, JLV - d -4d, , available at some of our elementary schools. if you are interested in changing your child's placement from half day to full day, please contact..." -etter received 2/2018 Inconsistent and Contradictory Communications Eleme-ntary Enrollment (Proiected2018-19) Barrows 72 67' 55 80 63 59 396 No. of Students Class Size 8 - HD 22-2.2.23 18-18-19 20-20-20-20 21-21-21 19-20-20 Optimal class size for K-2 64 -FD Teachers 3 3 4 3 3 i6 IS 18-22. Based on this Birch Meadow 65 62 65 62 64 65 383 No. of Students information, the Birch Class -Size 13 - HD 21-21-20 22-22-21 21-21.20 21-22-21 21-22-22 Meadow FD enrollment 52 -FD Teachers 3 3 3 3 3 15 IS 52. Suboptimal. Eaton 56 59 41 70 76 59 361 No. of Students Class Size 6 -HD 20-20-19 21-20 17-174-18 19-19-19-19 20.20-19 5o -FD Teachers 3.0 2 4 4 3 16 Killam 74 65 '67 81 61 71 419' No. of Students Class Size 9 -HD 21-21-22 22.23-23 20-20-20-21 22-20-19 23-24-24 66 -FD Teachers 3 3 4 3 3 16 Wood End 50 42 45 48 68 46 299 No. of Students Class Size 9-1-11) 21-21 22-23 24-24 23-23-22 23-23 41 -FD Teachers, 2 2 2 3 2 11 317 295 273 341 332 300 1858 Total 44—HD 273 -FD _ Total Teachers 14 13 17 16 14 74 id PreferentialTreatmentprogram. Table 1 777 E E a , a 300 225 150 75 Kindergarten Totals over Time I FULL DAY HALF DAY TOTAL - 1005 -2006 92 195 ! 2871 2006=2007 1061 2191 3251 2007-2008 123 2011 3241 2008-2009 120 2041 3241 2009-2010 123 1571 2801 2016-201i 145 203 3481 2011-2012 1661 1531 319 2012-2013 1771 1251 3021 2013-2014195 92� 2871 2014-2015 228 94' 322 .2015-2016 2371 811 3181 2016-2017 2031 64 2671 20174018. 2441 491 2931 ! 2018-2019 277 40 3171 777 E E a , a 300 225 150 75 Kindergarten Totals over Time Preferential Treatment for the paid program. 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 A 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 This is just a simple graph of the total number of kindergarteners over time in Reading since 2005. Of import is the relatively small standard deviation. The greatest increased fluctuation from the mean over time has been approximate 38 students in 2010. Averaged over 5 schools, that's about 8 kids. w: e ° Totals over a lip iii� 11 pq 111111 ,;. Child must be five years of age by August 31, 2oi8. ALL applications for Kindergarten registration are due by Fr6da December 15th to superintendent's Office; $35 non=refundable application fee. If you are choosing full day kindergarten, registration must be postmarked by December 15tH. .;. Because of teacher and space assignments, we may not be able to accept requests to go from half day to full day after December 15t", except in extenuating circumstances. This statement clearly shows a bias toward the full day program. There is no indication of an allowance for changing from full day to half day. Preferential Treatment for the paid program Jottn F. Doherty, F.(t. D. svperi,tten,tent of Schools c SuDPoni,R atm^ t'ro .� ;y.� ,.. . r a:4 Craig Martin. M.U. �a uunnt Super menden, "In addition students 84 onktand Road o=�1 j' Carolyn J. Wilson, tit.Ed., Jt) Rcading, MA 01867 ��..atg;0 a r61-NVQ-�ta4 yrT �' - • l� Dirtttor of student Services Coit who have siblings at ax: # 0 l of mance Direcwr of Flnancc Q. another elementary �rr'C t'uC1K `.drYaO� Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tornorrow Febniary 1, 2018 To the Parent/Guardian of. Dcar ParcntIGUardiatl. Welcome to the wonderful world of Kindergarten! We are pleased to inform von that your child has been assigned to the half day program at the Killam Elementary School. Due to the low number of students enrolled in half day kindergarten programs throughout tate district, we will be offering half day kindergarte this vear at the Killam and Joshua Eaton Elementary Schools only. Students who would nomially attend h. day kindergarten at Wood End or Birch Meadow will attend hal(day kindergarten at Killion and students who would normally attend half day kindergarten at Borrows will be attending half day kindergarten at Joshua Eaton. To accommodate families that have students at more than one elementary school, we will IN adjusting the start and end time of half day kindergarten at Killion and Joshua Eaton. In addition, students who have siblings at another elementary school will return to that school in Grade 1. All other students wi' be able to transfer based on class size. We will give you more specific information later in the spring. We do have a limited number of full day kindergarten slots available at some of our elementary schools. If you arc interestetl in changing your child's placement front half day to full day, please contact Linda l;ngelson at the Reading Public Schools Administration Offices at 781-944-5800. Kindergarten screening will be held for all incoming Kindergarten students and will take place in April at your child's assigned school. Information regarding screening will be sent out in March. If you have decided not to send your child to Kindergarten, please call the school immediately. We look forward to Seeing you in April. Ify'ou have on)' further tlucstions rc,garding the kindergarten program. prior to screening, please contact the individual school. Sincerely, John P. Doherty, F.d.D. Superintendent of Schools rho R$ddhg A&AC 5(fto,% docs na o%t"AMA ote on Me oaas of low, tot-; Sev. Verxfer kf—my, n,Ytc vA! angel. 5eaisaf a rori�. aW o (Ak Nwy school will return to that school in Grade 1. All other students will be able to transfer based on class size." Letter received 2/2018 Student safety still a concern? READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Preparing Reading's Youth To Be Productive, Informed, Independent Citizens In 4 Global Society John F. Doherty, Ed.D. 82 Oakland Road .Superintendent Readin", Massachusetts 01867 Telephone 781-944.5800 Fax 781-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools DATE: June 3, 2010 TOPIC: Elementary Class Size Update Please find attached for your information a copy of the proposed spot redistricting plan_ meeting on Monday evening, I will ask the School Committee to support and vote forth( proposed spot redistricting plan to allow the Reading Public Schools to place elementary students in schools based on class size. This plan will affect families moving into Readii If you have any questions, please contact me. b. Currently, the Birch Meadow % day kindergarten numbers for next year are at 22. My recommendation at this point is to not spot redistrict any currently enrolled kindergarten students. There are several reasons for this recommendation including the proximity of some students to the Birch Meadow School, safety concerns crossing a main street (Lowell Street), and some families having relatives already attending the school. 5. Moving Forward a. From this point forward, I would recommend that for every new student that enrolls at our elementary schools, overlay assignments be given so that we have the flexibility to reasonably assign new students within a two mile travelling distance from an elementary school. This would allow us to balance class sizes more effectively. We currently have this plan in place for Reading Commons and Johnston Woods. The process that we will follow is when a parent is looking to enroll their child who is a new student; they will contact the Superintendents Office to get direction as to what school they will be assigned to within the two mile limit. Consideration will be given to the tollowine when decidine on the asslened elementary school: i. If there are siblings already at a school. (This would be if the incoming student is coming from a private school). ii. Maintaining smaller class sizes (18-22 for K-2; 23-26 for 3-5) as much as possible. iii. Proximity to the school -If a student lives very close to one school. iv. Student safety (i.e. Students not having to cross major streets) Excerpts from June 7, 2010 School Committee. My walking , 'with a second gr.,dand .,kindergartener, POW- — V417 N 28 O P� Irving St �� � c �_ Q0 CD JVil Killam Bt. 64 D (Doe & ,: � � Elementary School spruce N ¢. �r is p t p0 FA 1 h2 minmiles Burbank YA .'' M &ak�rRd Birch Meadow School PuInan] Rd Ci^� ice �� Ltea ChafleS�{ wit Cemetery G., Birch ab�V of p sur Sti Meadow Park ` st Reading Memorial@ ncK High School p - riae� pS 3 28 � Timberd''ck � Swamp Ile e ' t���zyo t�r't` da U 12 �ettt 3 St a- �� •,sbun'S ustSt � �°? Chcrt�ues�e«�. ��2 Malllet, Sommes & ' °� f @2Dq 71 Locust Street � Morgan and � in Bird Xb L aUi Hill Cemetery a 9Kcn roi -ti` ptuary .v r c;4 dcttex ve 0 �� �je `7z9 m ? REI ` �^-7 pudleY Sz CVS, z � o m Fe�`t VeEn°� S9 NO asent 5c � � r concern? -Student safety still a READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Preparing Reading's Youth To Be Productive,Informe Independent Citizens In A Global Society John F. Doherty, Ed.D. 82 Oakland Road Superintendent Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Telephone 781-9444400 Fax 741-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee 3. Kindergarten a. As you can see by the attached map, there are currently 10 incoming kindergarten students in the Birch Meadow district, without siblings, that could be spot redistricted to another school. b. Currently, the Birch Meadow % day kindergarten numbers for next year are at 22. My recommendation at this point is to not spot redistrict any currently enrolled nts. There are several reasons for this recommendation including proximity of some students to the Birch Meadow School, safety concerns crossing a main street (Lowell Street), and some families having relatives already attending the school. FROM: John F. Doherty, Ed.D_ S Moving Forward Superintendent of Schools a. From this point forward, I would recommend that for every new student that enrolls at DATE: June 3, 2010 our elementary schools, overlay assignments be given so that we have the flexibility to TOPIC: Elementary Class Size Update reasonably assign new students within a two mile travelling distance from an Please find attached for your information a copy of the proposed spot is elementary school. This would allow us to balance class sizes more effectively. We meeting on Monday evening, I will ask the School Committee to sup ort a currently have this plan in place for Reading Commons and Johnston Woods. The proposed spot redistricting plan to allow the Reading Public School to pla students in schools based on class size. This plan will affect famil' s movi process that we will follow is when a parent is looking to enroll their child who is a new If you have any questions, please contact ma. student; they will contact the Superintendent's Office to get direction as to what school they will be assigned to within the two mile limit. Consideration will be given to the following when deciding on the assigned elementary school: i. If there are siblings already at a school. (This would be if the incoming student is coming from a private school). Are the safety concerns ii. Maintaining smaller class sizes (18-22 for K-2; 23-26 for 3-5) as much as still there? possible. Student safety (i.e. Students not having to cross major streets Excerpts from June 7, 0 School Committee, Current: Offer the option to parents who would be willing to change schools to optimize class size and a choice to change from full day to half day at their home school. Future: Half day kindergarten will be offered to all children in the community in their home school. Where possible, every effort will be made to offer full day kindergarten in your home school through individual full day classrooms and the integrated program. However, if space limitations present due to increased full day enrollment numbers, your child may need to attend one of the other schools in the district where full day space is available. These solutions fall in line with the considerations of the "Superintendent's option", gives parents a real choice, and will solve the self imposed space constraint issues for the kindergarten program in Reading. As various School Committee members have repeatedly said "let the parents decide". Solutions provided pro bono 1. Appendix A - Letter from Superintendent to prospective kindergarteners parents 10/2017 https://www.reading.kl2.ma.us/files/9715/0816/1298/FuII Packet.pdf 2. Parent Night presentation 11/1/17. https://www.reading.kl2.ma.us/files/9015/0962/2314/Kindergarten Presentation 11.1.pdf 3. Appendix B — Letter from Superintendent to prospective kindergartener parents 2/2018 4. Superintendent's Recommended Budget. https•//www.reading.kl2.ma.us/files/1215/1544/9029/FY19 Superintendents Recommended Budget R 1 6 18 clean.pdf 5. FY 18 School Committee Meeting Packets. https://www.reading.kl2.ma.us/files/2415/1759/2303/SC MEETING 2.05.18.pdf 6. Elementary Enrollment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlbitlOZAeg — presented by the Superintendent 1/18/18 at 35:31. 7. School Committee Meeting Agenda June 7, 2010. http://www.ed I inenet/files/ FEKKz/a06dOb823cO548823745a49013852ec4/SC MEETING 6.7.10.pdf 8. Google Maps. maps.google.com From Attendance Areas File: X — included in reference 1: The Committee will confer with community representatives prior to setting neve attendance lines. However, theCommittee's primary basis for judgment must be equality of educational opportunity for all students rather than the personal desires of any one group. The Superintendent is authorized to make exceptions to attendance lines for individual children in the best interests of the student and/or the school. Thank you fo.