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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-18 School Committee Minutes • rR O Town of Reading 5 t Meeting Minutes 'RECEIVED iOWN CLERK J.:.o..� REAT)I ;N(, MA, Board - committee - commission - council: School Committee XV SEP 13 PM 12: 03 Date: 2018-06-18 Time: 6:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson, Sherri Vanden Akker, Linda Snow Dockser, Nick Boivin (arrived at 6:42 p.m.), Elaine Webb and Jeanne Borawski Members - Not Present: Student Representative Catie Coumounduros others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Building Principals and honorees, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle 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 at 6:00 p.m. Recommended Procedure A. Accept a Donation from Samantha's Harvest Samantha, Rob& Lisa Gibbs of Samantha's Harvest presented a donation of equipment and supplies to be used in the Crossroads Program vocational component. Samantha's Harvest will also be ordering a stove, dishwasher and hood for this program. Mrs Webb moved seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to accept a donation in the amount of$975.22 to be used to support the Crossroads Proeram vocational component. Dr. Doherty asked that the Committee also accept the donation of the stove, dishwasher and hood so the Samantha's Harvest group will not have to come back to another meeting. Mrs Webb amended the motion to include the stove,dishwasher and hood. The motion carried 5-0. Page 1 1 B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. There were none. Accept a Donation from the Reading Lacrosse Association Accept a Donation from Joshua Eaton PTO Accept a Donation from the Birch Meadow PTO Accept a Donation from the Killam PTO Accept a Donation from the Parker PTO Accept a Donation to the Parker Middle School Approval of Minutes(May 21, June 4 & 13,2018) Mrs Webb moved seconded by Mn.Borawski,to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 5-0. C. Staff Recognition Dr. Doherty said this is a favorite event every year and turned the presentations over to Human Resources Administrator Jenn Bove who agreed and said this is a great way to end the year. Mrs. Leonard presented the awards to her staff. Gilchrist Julie Barrows Elementary School PTS Granth Bethany Barrows Elementary School PTS Herlihy Andrew Barrows Elementary School PTS Ms. Pelusi present the awards to her staff. ROBERTS JANE WOOD END ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 Years Bauer Christopher Wood End Elementary School PTS Breed Lisa Wood End Elementary School PTS Leahy Deborah Wood End Elementary School Retirements Ms. Leveque presented the awards to her staff. BALFE NINA KILLAM ELEMENTARYSCHOOL10 Years CHUHA KRISTINE KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years PEGORARO I CHRISTEN I KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10 Years Mrs. Hendrix presented the awards to her staff. CONNERY ELISABETH BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years COSTELLO MARGARET BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years RHEIN JAN BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10 Years MARY THOMAS BETH BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years KWIATEK DEBRA BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 Years SIMON MARIA BIRCH MEADOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 Years Page 12 Turner I Leica Birch Meadow Elementary School PTS Zahoruiko Keriann Birch Meadow Elementary School � PTS Mrs. Ippolito presented the awards to her staff. CORNETTA WJOSHUAEATON SHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years GRECO SHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10 Years HURLEY OSHUAEATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 10 Years LIBBY OSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 Years MAYBERRY OSHUA EATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 30 Years Conant oshua Eaton Elementary School PTS Derosier oshua Eaton Elementary School PTS Emery oshua Eaton Elementary School PTS Har dim Kelley Joshua Eaton Elementary School PTS Lynch Maureen Joshua Eaton Elementary School Retirements Mayberry Jill Joshua Eaton Elementary School i Retirements Mrs. Shankland presented the award to her staff. JAMES BRIAN PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 Years MERRILL JULIE PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 Years WALSH JAMES PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 Years RODIN BRIGID PARKER MIDDLE SCHOOL 20 Years rnazzam Kim Beberly Parker Middle School PTS Dougherty Jessica Parker Middle School PTS Moreau Kimberly Parker Middle School PTS Sanchez Alison Parker Middle School PTS Trapani Nicholas Parker Middle School PTS Mrs. Marchant presented the awards to her staff. BERNARD MICHAEL WMIDDLE MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 YearsFINIGAN KELSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 YearsGUILBERT MARGARET MIDDLE SCHOOL 30 YearsHETHERTON MARYBETH E MIDDLE SCHOOL 30 YearsHUIZENGA CHRISTIAN E MIDDLE SCHOOL 30 YearsHALLORAN ROBERT ACILITIES 20 YearsCastriano Eric Middle School PTSChiuve Janelle Middle School PTS Cody Daniel Coolidge Middle School PTS Pendleton Nikole Coolidge Middle School PTS Wentlent Anna Coolidge Middle School PTS Grant Maricia Coolidge Middlle SchoolRetirements Guilbert Margaret Coolidge Middlle School Retirements Ms. Bostwick presented the awards to her staff. Page 1 3 DELIGIANIDIS MAUREEN RISE PREKINDERGARTEN 10 Years OLEARY SUSAN RISE PRE KINDERGARTEN 30 Years Sage Mary RISE Preschool @ Wood End PTS Mrs. Wilson presented the awards to her staff. DICATO I KELLY PUPIL SERVICES 10 Years Mrs. Morello presented the awards to her staff. FEELV DIANE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 30 Years HALL MURIEL SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 10 Years IOOS SUZANNE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 10 Years LEARNED NANCY SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 30Years OBRIEN LAURA SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 30 Years DONAHUE GERALDINE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 20 Years MCCARTHY MICHELE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 20 Years MCCARTHY HILARY SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE 20 Years Dr. Doherty present the awards to the high school staff. KEANEY JENNIFER READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 10Years DYMENT AMY READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 20 Years LAVITA JOSEPH SCHOOL FACILITIES 20 years NAPOLI ILLEANA READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 20 Years VONEUW PAULA READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 20 Years MOONEY ROBERT READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 30 Years KILLIAN KRISTIN READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 35 Years Clawson Christina Reading Memorial High School PTS Griffin- Colleen Reading Memorial High School Roland PTS Howie Megan Reading Memorial High School PTS Leiper Bristol Reading Memorial High School PTS Lynch- Alexandra Reading Memorial High School DiSorbo PTS Murphy Andrew Reading Memorial High School PTS Dr. Doherty presented the awards to the Central Office staff. MILLER LORI SCHOOL CENTRAL OFFICE 20 Years Chair Robinson congratulated all the recipients on their milestones. The Chair called a brief recess at 6:27 p.m. The open session was called back to order at 6:30 p.m. Page 1 4 D. Reports Liaison Mrs. Borawski reported a workshop hosted by William James College and Teachers 21 on social emotional learning,behavioral health and leadership in schools. The keynote speaker spoke on the importance of mental health support in schools and how we can help kids become mentally healthy. She was happy to discover that the Reading Public Schools have many of the initiatives discussed already in place. She next reported on the recent SEPAC meeting. Discussion took place regarding the calendar and elections. The group would love to increase attendance at their meeting and the current chair is looking forward to engaging new leadership on the board. They will try to meet this summer. The 375 Anniversary Committee trivia night fundraiser was held recently and the group is planning another trivia night in the fall. There will be fundraising events over the next year for events that will occur in the late spring!early June of 2019 and a family movie night is planned at Memorial Park on July 3rd Dr. Snow Dockser said the Reading Embraces Diversity (RED)group is meeting this evening. "RED Reading Embraces Diversity(RED) is a community action group aimed at promoting communication and understanding across lines of difference. RED had a booth at the Friends and Family Day on Saturday and manyfamilies visited. There was a lot ofdiscussion ofthe escalation ofthe anti- Semitism expressed through swastikas drawn on town and school buildings, as well as this current incident at Parker Middle School that included alarming words as well. RED is meeting right now at the UCC Church on the lower level (25 Woburn St.). There is an accessible entrance. RED welcomes individuals of all abilities to participate in its events (or activities). The agenda includes a discussion related to Pride Month and a possible response to this alarming anti- Semitic graffiti. You can contact RED via email: ReadingEmbracesDiversity@gmail.com or the Facebook Page. Upcoming events include the Kindness Rocks Garden, a collaboration with Reading Public Library. "Rock Art @The Studio You can help build a welcoming and kind community!Paint a colorful and uplifting kindness rock Rocks can be placed in the Library's kindness rock garden, or take it home and start your own! Date: Thursday, July 26, 2018 Time: 2:06pm -8:00pm Location:Studio Kindness Rocks Week Wind up the summer and enter the school year in a positive, calm and happy way. Spread and share your good thoughts with others. Just drop by the Library's Children's Room and create a Kindness Rock to... Date: Monday, August 20, 2018 Show more dates Time: 9:00am - 9:00pm Page 15 Location: Children's Room" Mrs. Webb reported on Friends& Family Day. The School Committee table was busy with visits from parents, students and former graduates. RCASA continues to meet over the summer and pointed out that the Interface Referral Program is a valuable asset to the community. Mrs. Borawski reported that she is no longer a member of the Teachers 21 Board of Directors. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson reported on the recent SEPAC meeting. There was discussion on the report card working group and more regular meetings. Mrs. Wilson also reported that she has received the Parker Program Review from Melissa Orkin and it has been rolled out to the staff in addition,a parent information night was held and the information is now on the website. Mrs. Wilson was pleased to announce that Allison Wright has been hired as the Assistant Director. Ms. Wright is currently the team chair at the Parker Middle School. Superintenden[ Superintendent Doherty reported that Beth Leavitt has been named the new Barrows Principal. He thanked the search committee. He said there were four strong candidates who participated in a site visit at Barrows and met with staff, parents and students at all grade levels. Mr. Boivin arrived at 6:42 p.m. E. Old Business FYI Budget Transfers Mrs Webb moved seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to auorove the transfer of $50,000 from the Administration Cost Center to the Regular Day Cost Center. Mr. Boivin asked that the transfer request be put into context for the public asking why are we doing this although it is a small percent it is associated with public funds. Mrs. Dowd said earlier in the year a transfer was made to support the School Business Assistant position and if we were unable to fill that position the money would be returned to the Regular Day cost center. These funds will be used to purchase curriculum and technology items. The motion carried 6-0. Page 1 6 Mrs Webb moved seconded by Dr.Vanden Akker,to reduce the budgeted offset from the Extra Curricular Revolving account by$20,000 to$30,000 from the$50,000 originally budgeted. Mrs. Dowd has been monitoring the Drama revolving account and said this is the first year of increased user fees. We have looked at the decrease in student participation and choice of shows. Mrs. Dowd will be meeting monthly with the Department Head to track costs,discuss student participation and the cost of shows. It is important to monitor the ending balance because we front load expenses before student fees are collected. The motion carried 6-0. Dr. Snow Dockser asked about the graffiti incident at Parker. Dr.Doherty said there was information in the Pathways Newsletter and Principal Shankland sent a message out to the Parker community. The incident was immediately reported to the police and the investigation has concluded. Dr. Doherty shared that Mrs. Shankland,the students and he were upset. Both middle schools have worked hard to create a safe and inclusive environment promoting acceptance and inclusion. The principal and teachers have spoken to the students about the incident and continue to foster a safe and inclusive environment. The ADL has a series of resources on their website. Dr. Snow Dockser asked why the words written were not disclosed. Dr. Doherty indicated that in his research this is not the normal practice and the ADL does not recommend the release of the message. She followed up by asking if the information was sent to the entire community. The message was sent to the entire school community. F. Public Inout RMHS parent Geoffrey Coram pointed out that the Camp Bouredale trip is no longer happening. Dr. Doherty said the principals are looking for an alterative. He asked the Committee to revisit the Assistant Principal Secretary reduction and to find a way to fund the position feeling it is vital especially with a new principal coming on board. G. Old Business Superintendent's Evaluation Mrs. Borawski reviewed the process, goals and performance standards. She said the process began a month ago when the Superintendent provided the evaluation document. What we do is consistent with what School Committees across the Commonwealth do for the Superintendent's evaluation. Each member completes an evaluation and a designee compiles the information and creates the summative document. The evaluation documents will be posted on the website. Dr.Vanden Akker only provided comments due to her newness to the committee. Page 1 7 Mrs. Webb said this was an individual process and no members saw the evaluations until they were made public. Each member met with the Superintendent and feels this is an important aspect of the process to have this discussion and take feedback to be used as they finalize the evaluation. Mrs. Borawski commended the Superintendent on a strong evaluation and thanked him for his leadership. The committee feels significant progress has been made this year. She began her summary of the evaluations. Professional Practice Standard 41 —Instructional Leadership The committee rated the Superintendent proficient in this category. They are pleased with the curriculum improvements including the plan to hire two curriculum coordinators,the strong relationship with RCASA and creating the advisory model at the middle school levels. The Committee appreciates the Superintendent's commitment to data-informed decision making. There are deep concerns with the OCR findings and there is an expectation of 100%compliance. There is also a desire to see the development of curriculum maps and pacing charts. Professional Practice Standard 42—Management and Operations The Superintendent attained a proficient rating in this standard. The committee commends strong hiring practices and outcomes,the development of the intervention blocks and his leadership during the budget process and override election. Professional Practice Standard#3 —Family and Community Engagement The overall rating for this standard was proficient feeling the Superintendent's visibility and one-way communication is excellent. The committee would like to see the Superintendent focus on this area. Mrs. Borowski mentioned the challenge around kindergarten placement this year, and ultimately feel the final outcome was in the best interest of kids. The committee would like the Superintendent to work on better managing conflict going forward,he is described by several members of the committee to being receptive to feedback, reflective and open to change. They would like Dr. Doherty to work on showing a higher level of sensitivity in dealing with parents,particularly around difficult and emotional issues. The committee expressed concerns about the initial miscommunication regarding kindergarten and understand the general social media environment creates difficult challenges to quality communication. Professional Practice standard 4—Professional Culture Dr. Doherty earned high marks for establishing a professional culture in our district. His work ethic is unparalleled and his commitment to our students is evident in everything he does. He enjoys working directly with students when he can,and his love of education is abundantly clear. While the committee would like to see Dr.Doherty work on better managing conflict going forward,he is described by several members as receptive to feedback,reflective,and open to change. He earned an exemplary rating in his ability to nurture a district wide culture of continuous learning. Page 18 Mrs. Boraswki commended the Superintendent on a strong evaluation and thanked him for his leadership pointing out his critical role during the budget development, important curriculum updates across the district,exemplary hiring practices, sustained percentage of students accessing higher level math, leadership in SEL, thoughtful and thorough response to the bias experienced over the past year,commitment to data informed decisions,and the professional development offered to staff. Mrs. Borowski said the committee hopes that Dr. Doherty uses this evaluation as an opportunity for reflections and growth. Chair Robinson asked for any additional comments. Mr. Boivin wanted to point out that in last year's evaluation he noted concerns with demeanor and handling conflict and wanted to note that there has been marked improvement in this area in his dealings with the Superintendent. He thanked Dr. Doherty for this. Superintendent Doherty thanked Mrs. Borawski for all the work she did pulling this document together and went on to thank the Committee for the time,effort and thoroughness they put into this process. Dr. Doherty shared that he will incorporate the feedback into his individual goals and look upon this as a growth process. The feedback includes the OCR complaints, curriculum maps,two way communication, doing a better job communicating the kindergarten process, working with parents on sensitive and emotional topics and managing conflicts. This has been the most unusual year as an educator,there were highs and lows and nothing in between. Finally, he thanked his administrative team for the work they have done over this past year to continue to move the district forward. Mrs. Borawski thanked the Superintendent for his comments and is pleased that he will incorporate feedback into his goals. Attaining a proficient rating in this state is a highly rigorous process. Mn.Webb moved seconded by Mr. Boivin,to approve the Superintendent's End-of-Cycle Summative Evaluation Report for the 2017-18 school year. Mr.Boivin has four concerns regarding the structure of the goals,he voted against the goals but had to base his evaluation on these goals. He is opposed to any multiyear goals with two members up for reelection each year. The committee should have a clear indication of exactly what is to be accomplished each year. He feels the committee should be able to set the goals and draft them accordingly to allow for changes whether it is budgetary or other factors. Mr. Robinson said some goals cannot be completed in a year,how would this be handled? Mr. Boivin suggests rewriting goals each year as needed. He feels that this is highly subjective, and process driven. He had to use the goals as they were and is in strong disagreement with the committee and the wording of the goals. He would like to see smaller scopes with more manageable outcomes. He would be more comfortable with a process in which the annual benchmark was clearer and agreed upon. Mrs. Webb said that she feels SMART goals me a good idea and, in some cases„ cannot be implemented in a single year like the Know Atom curriculum. She Page 1 9 added that the goals are structured as part of the state Superintendent Evaluation process. Mrs. Borawski would like to ensure that the goals are broad, systematic and do not become too narrow. Dr. Vanden Akker feels some goals need to be multi-year and the action steps need to be more specific from year to year. Dr. Snow Dockser likes the three-year goals to adjust with changing conditions, as well as the chance to add a narrative as part of the process. Dr. Vanden Akker added the goals should be outcome based,responding to changing conditions. Mr. Boivin suggested if there continue to be multi-year goals,there should be more specific objective benchmarks. He mentioned the PRIDE survey and would like to periodically see data on how well we are resourced. He would like to see information on the value of teacher training and professional development. Dr. Doherty indicated that the PRIDE survey has questions relating to these topics. Mr. Boivin would like to see agenda topics that allow for conversation about curriculum and other topics citing test scores as one area. Mr. Coram thanked the committee for their work and comments on the evaluation document. Mrs. Liberman agreed with Mr. Boivin. She would like to focus energy on the high school with multi-year curriculum,curriculum maps/pacing guides, etc. as a possible goal. IT. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1849 6.7.18 $220527.21 WarrantS1850 6.14.18 $433,378.90 WalrantP1823 5.18.18 $1,557,814.99 WarrantPl824 16.1.18 1 $1,665,816.49 WarrantP1825 16.15.18 1 $1,529,251.45 b. Calendar III. Information/Correspondence W.Future Business V. Adioumment Adjourn Page 1 10 Mrs Webb stated to protect the bargaining position of the board and moved, seconded by Mrs Borawski to enter executive session to discuss strategies with respect to collective bargaining non-represented personnel and the approval of minutes and to return to open session at approximately 9:00 p.m. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs. Borawski,Dr. Vanden Akker, Dr. Snow Dockser,Mr. Robinson,Mr. Boivin and Mrs.Webb. The meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m. The Chair called the open session back to order at 10:53 p.m. Mr. Robinson said that the committee had voted for a 2% increase to the Superintendent's salary for the 2018-19 school year. Mrs Webb moved seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to a 2% increase totaling $186,728 to the Superintendent's salary for the 2018-19 school year. The roll call vote was 4—2 Mrs. Webb Mrs. Borawski,Dr. Snow Dockser and Mr. Robinson voting yes. Dr. Vanden Akker and Mr. Boivin voting against. Mrs Webb moved seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to adjourn. The motion carried 6—0. The meeting adjourned at 10:55 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Link to meeting video: hups•//www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIX51HPnXfR J .*try, D. Page 1 11