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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-08-08 School Committee Minutes rR Town of Reading a Meeting Minutes r_ 1 ° �D ia�f J9:IMCOPpP R[ ? f .. Board - committee - commission - Council: 2111 ON I -3 PH 1: 35 School Committee Date: 2018-08-08 Time: 7:00 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, Linda Snow Dockser, Elaine Webb and Jeanne Borawski Members - Not Present: Nick Boivin, Sherri Vanden Akker Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. Call to Order Chair Robinson reviewed the agenda and called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A. Public Input There was no public input. B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. There were none. Approval of Parker Natures Classroom Field Trip Accept a Donation from the RMHS PTO Accept a Donation from RMHS Volleyball Parents Organization Accept a Donation to RMI IS Athletics Approval of Minutes (June 18 &22, 2018) Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 4-0. C. Resorts Liaison Page I 1 Mrs. Webb reported on: As we start the new fiscal year, I wanted to share some exciting,positive news with the committee regarding an award that John received this past week at the MASS Summer Institute. On Thursdaj% July 121h, John Doherty was awarded the Dr. Christos Daoulas award at the MA.S.S. Summer Executive Institute in Falmouth. This award wa.s named after the late Dr. Christos Daoulas,former longtime Superintendent of Schools in Dracut and for years called the "Dean"of Massachusetts Superintendents for his decades ofservice. The award is presented to a superintendent who has provided outstanding leadership and services to the superintendency, including the use of written and spoken word, where Superintendent Daoulas excelled John is the 22nd Superintendent to receive the award in the 25 years that it has been in existence. For receiving this award, John will address the Superintendents at the MASS. Winter Conference which will be held in January. Please join me in congratulating.lohn on receiving this award—a very positive way,to close out one fiscal year and start a new one. Dr. Snow Dockser reported on the following: RCASA AWARD IN EDUCATIONAL EVENTS CATEGORY OF SAMIISA Is NATIONAL 2017 Recovery Month Annual Event Award Program. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that the RCASA event, "Reading Unites for Recovery, " "was selected by a panel ofjudges as the winner in the Educational Events category of SAMHSA's NATIONAL 2017 Recovery Month Annual Event Award Program. Reading Unites for Recovery (September 2017) was a coordinated series of educational activities designed to raise awareness, share resources and celebrate recovery. Kudos to Director Erica McNamara, RCASA Outreach Coordinator Julianne DeAngelis, and the RCASA Board for all they have accomplished for our community. This National recognition is a powerful acknowledgement of the vital role RCASA plays in our community and beyond. A letter from LeAnne De Francesco, Vice President of VannGuard Communications, wrote: "Your event was recognized as exceeding expectations and as a reflection ofyour commitment to expand the breadth and reach ofNational Recovery Month in 2017." As a result of winning this award a delegate of RCASA has been invited to travel to Wash DC on Sept 6th to attend events sponsored by the National Council for Behavioral Health—all expenses paid... ERICA MACNA MAR 4 WROTE: aaee 1 2 We couldn't have done it with our Dr. Doherty's support in planning the various events including the use of school buildings and resources. Sherri Vanden Akker and Dr. Doherty were a huge part of last year's recovery month in promoting the events via a special segment taped at RCTV,- their attendance and involvement throughout the month including hosting our first recovery celebration and candlelight vigil in Reading @RMHS in memory of lives lost to substance use. As the former Vice President ofRCASA. Elaine Webb (also on SC), was involved in aur first business breakfast with the Chamber and co-hosting our Annual Meeting featuring Dr. Puree and Marian Ryan during last year's recovery month. Tom Zaya, Assistant Director of Extracurriculars was a major support in pulling off the recovery celebration and being able to "ring the bell for recovery." At that Annual meeting. RCASA presented DA Ryan with 55 PROJECT LINUS blankets which were made with the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH at their OLD REDDING FAIRE- the blankets will be distributed to comfort children witnessing substance use tragedies. This is only a snapshot of the events organized as a part of Reading Unites far Recovery.' There will be more in the report that I am submitting to Mrs. Engelson for the minutes. VP DeFrance.sco concluded her letter with "congratulations and thank you for your amazing efforts to promote the messages that behavioral health is essential to overall health,prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover!" UPCOMING RCASA ANNUAL MEETING* RCASA's Annual Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 27th— put it into your calendar!Stay tuned for more details. All RCASA meetings are held the last Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:30 in the community room at the Police Station. The next meeting is on August 30th front 5.30-6.30. JAMS FOR JAKE As David Maroney's Spotlight Column highlighted. "The BeatHeart Foundation was established this Past April by 9 young adults who grew up in Reading to provide spaces in the community for creative expression while raising resources and awareness for addiction, in light of the growing epidemic." These organizers were inspired by their friend, .lake Czuczwa, whose musical creativity and talent rocked their world through his songwriting, music, and friendship, and then ultimately by his untimely death due to an overdose. Now there are 7 RMHS alums on the board of directors, 13 on the core staff and many more Reading students and alum who attend the Beatheart events and volunteer. Their energy and mission are contagious, and their impact is powerful. This last Sunday was their second Annual Jams for Jake free Event—They exuded the grit so often articulated as a goal ofour schools. Despite the torrential rains on Saturday. they re-grouped to hold their event on its rain date, Sunday, under glorious blue and sweltering skies. The music was awesome, the organizers were Page 1 3 skilled and passionate, and the resources available were helpful. I myself was trained in administering Narcan and received instructions on how to purchase it to have it available should a need arise. Symonds Field resonated with bands playing, oral testimonies, and resources to support those grappling with addiction and those who want to support them. Between the first Jams for Jake Event last November and this second Jams for Jake event, this motivated group held coffee houses, raised funds, approached sponsors and worked with town leadership to share their message. RCASA had a table at "Jams for Jake"where Director Erica McNamara, student James Rigney, and others shared vital resources. Last year's funds have provided a Community Service Grant to Lydia Freedman, an RMHS sophomore,for her high school "Green Ribbon Project"which aims to provide support for high school students coping with mental illness. BeatHeart will be right beside her as she transforms her idea into reality. This year's funds will go to supporting RCASA, another grant for a community service project, 2 cofjeehouses, a series ofNarcem educational nights, and next year's Jams For Jake. Stay tuned for the date of an open mic%offeehouse in the latter part of October. All BeatHeart events are substance free. Director of Student Services Mrs. Wilson reported on the Extended School Year program. This year 293 students were recommended for the program with 202 opting to participate. The five-week program, overseen by Assistant Director of Student Services Allison Wright,was housed at Birch Meadow, Coolidge and the RISE Preschool with 71 staff members providing the services. Mrs. Wilson next announced that she has submitted her resignation to Dr. Doherty. She said she has had the good fortune to work with an amazing group of administrators and educators in Reading and is looking forward to this exciting new opportunity. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kelley reported that she has been in her position for 6 weeks and has been working on her Entry Plan. She has met with many stakeholders over this time. She also has been meeting with the Curriculum Coordinators and feels these meetings will play an integral part in moving the district forward. Mrs. Kelley also has a blog and plans on updating the Teaching and Learning page of the District website. Mr. Robinson informed the community that the reorganization of the School Committee would be postponed until the next meeting when all members are in attendance. Superintendent Page 1 4 Superintendent Doherty thanked Mrs. Wilson for all she has done for the children of Reading over the past 4 years. He will be working with Mrs. Wilson and Ms. Wright on the transition. He next reported on the Central office move that happened over the summer. The Office of Teaching and Learning and Pupil services has relocated to the district office. All district administrators are in the same location. Dr. Doherty thanked all those involved in the move. He also shared that all the high school administrators are also located in the same office. Dr. Doherty followed up on an email correspondence received from Irene Bornstein regarding her concerns when the media was asked to leave the Parker neighborhood prior to a school event. They were present as a result of the graffiti incident that had happened. Dr. Doherty spoke to Mrs. Bornstein and she understood the reasons for removing the trucks. He touched on the summer hiring and said we were in very good shape. D. Old Business FY2019 Budget Approval Mrs. Dowd reviewed the FY20 budget as appropriated by Town Meeting which reflects the addition of the Override Funding. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the FY2019 budget of$44,860,275 as appropriated by Town Meeting with the following amounts by cost center: Administration $ 1,061,384 Regular Day $26,647,725 Special Education $13,899,069 School Facilities $ 1,325.220 District Wide Programs $ 1,926.877 The motion carried 4-0. FY 19 Capital Plan Ms. Dowd reviewed the FYI Capital Plan that was voted at Town Meeting saying there have been no changes. Director of Facilities Joe Huggins will provide an overview at the August 301h meeting. Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser,to approve the FY19 Capital Plan as it relates to the School Department in the amount of $835,000. The motion carried 4-0. Enrollment Update Dr. Doherty provided an update on district enrollment and pointed out that most elementary classes are within the enrollment guideline numbers. More information will be provided after the start of school. Page 1 5 Superintendent's FY2018 Vacation Buyback Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to authorize the Payment of up to$5.500 in vacation buvback to Superintendent John Doherty for the 7017-18 fiscal year as a one-time non-precedent setting compensation method. Mrs. Webb provided background information on this item. She said that the Municipal side has no vacation buyback and it is not in the Superintendent's contract. She added that the Superintendent has never received vacation buyback. The committee considered the extreme extenuating circumstances of this past year and felt a discussion was warranted. The Superintendent has 20 unused vacation days and is allowed to carry over five. The$5,500 equates to 7.8 days. Mr. Robinson said that the committee had a lengthy discussion in executive session and did not take this decision lightly. Dr. Snow Dockser reminded the community that the Superintendent has insisted on no raises for several years and feels this is important to do. The motion carried 4-0. E. New Business Approval of the RMHS Handbook Dr. Doherty introduced RMHS Kate Boynton and said that the School Committee must approve the high school handbook annually. Principal Boynton began by saying that as part of her Entry Plan she has met with many stakeholders and she is ahead of where she thought she would be at this point. She said that the high school is in good shape in the area of hiring and personnel. Mrs. Boynton next updated the committee on the NEASC process saying a site visit will occur on November 8 &9. She wanted to thank the NEASC co-chairs Jen Hagopian and Danielle Jones for the fantastic job overseeing this process. There are no substantive changes to the handbook. She reviewed minor language changes made to the handbook. During the school year the administration will be reviewing the policies and procedures. Chair Robinson asked how many Middlesex League communities will be switching to a later start time. Dr. Doherty said about half of the communities will be starting later at the high school level. Our district is hoping to implement a later start in the 2019-20 school year. Mrs. Boynton said she will be looking at the format of the handbook in hopes to make it more user friendly. The biggest change was to the Chemical Health policy which the School Committee will be holding the first reading later in this meeting. She thanked RCASA Director Erica McNamara for the assistance in revising the policy. RCfV coverage crashed at 7:47 p.m. Page 1 6 RCTV coverage resumed at approximately 7:50 p.m. Mrs. Webb moved,seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to approve the Reading Memorial High School Student Handbook for the 2018-19 school year. Mrs. Borawski and Dr. Snow Dockser thanked Mrs. Boynton for the update on the high school handbook. The motion carried 4-0. First Reading of Revised Policy JICH—Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited Mrs. Webb moved, seconded by Dr. Snow Dockser, to accept the first reading of revised policy JICH—Alcohol,Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited. Dr. Doherty shared that the revisions to this policy are consistent with the high school handbook. The MASC periodically makes changes to policies to reflect the changes in laws and regulation. There is also a regulation section of this policy that the School Committee is not required to take action. Mrs. Webb began the first reading. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs.Borawski, that the committee forego the further reading of the policy. The motion carried 4-0. The original motion carried 4-0. First Reading of Revised Policy EBC— School Safety Mrs.Webb moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to accept the first reading of revised policy EBC—School Safety. Dr. Doherty said that this revised policy has an increased focus on school safety. We will be improving and enhancing school safety plans as well. He used the STARS/NEMLEC recommended policy as a reference. Mrs. Webb began the first reading. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski,that the committee forego the further reading of the policv. The motion carried 4-0. The original motion carried 4-0. B. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1851 6.21.18 $293,228.53 Warrant 51852 6.28.18 $262,354.80 Page 1 7 Warrant S1853 6.30.18 $133,568.60 Warrant S1854 6.30.18 $204,457.52 Warrant S1855 6.30.18 $219,624.48 Warrant 51856 7.26.18 $36,053.93 Warrant 51857 6.30.18 $5,451.40 Warrant S1903 7.24.18 $172,753.48 Warrant 51904 7.26.18 $178,534.13 Warrant S1905 8.02.18 $107,069.23 Warrant TLS 6.20.18 $976,492.76 Warrant P1826 6.11.18 $1,334,307.56 Warra�rt P1901 7.13.18 $1,041,256.49 Warrant P1902 1 7.27.18 1 $1,111,910.41 b. Calendar Mrs. Webb shared that the School Committee meetings will now take place on Thursday evenings in the high school library. I11. Information/Correspondence IV. Future Business V. Adiournment Adjoum 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 and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 4-0. Mrs. Borawski, Dr. Snow Dockser, Mr. Robinson. and Mn.Webb. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 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: https://www.voutube.com/watch?riBSiM'fO-WGs J F. Doherty, Ed.D. Page 1 8 [ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR PACKET FROM ERICA MCNAMARA: Reading Unites for Recovery(September 2017)was a coordinated series of educational activities designed to raise awareness, share resources and celebrate recovery. Opening on 9-5-17 the Town Manager read the RECOVERY MONTH PROCLAMATION at an open televised Board of Selectmen meeting This was followed on 9.10 17 with RCASA participation at the READING FALL STREET FAIRE, attended by fifteen thousand people. Our focus on Stigma Reduction and celebrating National Recovery Month was accompanied with literature, education and conversation about the disease, treatment and support resources. RCASA hosted a BREAKFAST FOR THE LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY with Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce on 910.17 educating 15 business leaders on substance use in the workplace and overdose prevention. RCASA collaborated with the Faith Based community FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OLD REDOING FAIRE making blankets for PROJECT LINUS- the blankets to be distributed to children witnessing substance use tragedies. RCASA then worked with the Faith Based Community dedicating Sunday's services on 9.14.17 services to anti-stigma education and prayer offerings that included a personal journey presentation by an individual in recovery. On 9.26.17 RCASA hosted the MYSTIC VALLEY PUBLIC HEALTH LUMINARIA WALK AND REMEMBRANCE celebration for 75 attendees, dedicated to celebrating recovery and supporting f rmilies experiencing a loss to substances. Personal loss and recovery stories were shared, musicians performed to promote the first Jams for Jake event, and information tables were available. The RCASA ANNUAL MEETING on 9.28.17 featured Dr. Ruth Potee, Board Certified Family and Addiction Medicine Physician, who educated 60 attendees about substance use and mental health in families and youth.Joining her to speak was Middlesex DA Marian Ryan, acknowledged for her leadership in the opioid crisis. DA Ryan accepted 55 blankets for the Project Linos Pi oject handcrafted by local residents. Reading Public Television aired taped RCASA segments on READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TODAY with RCASA staff and Reading Superintendent of Schools throughout the month with afi cus on family substance use and mental health initlatives in the system. Quotes frons our federal partners: "Congratulations to RCASA!? Terrific prevention work. We very much appreciate the work you all are doing to create positive change in the lives of the people in your community! We understand that prevention work is often difficult...I hope you all will celebrate your success and that this ackniv,rledgement will serve to highlight the fact that advances and successes are possible when people work together to make a difference." Dan Fletcher, Senior Public Health Advisor, SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Project Officerfor Drug Free Communities "Excellent work and congratulations on this honor! We know Drug Free Communities Grantees always go above and beyond to create change in their communities. Keep up the good work" Helen Hernanrler, Administrator far the Drug-Free Communities(DFC)Support Program, Office of National Drug Control Policy(ONDCP), Executive Office ofthe President(EDP)] I have also included two pictures from the event. The first picture is John accepting the award from Michael Fitzpatrick(Superintendent of Blackstone Valley Technical Vocational School),who is a past recipient of the award. The second picture is John with (from right to left) Eric Conti, Superintendent of Burlington Public Schools and Current M.A.S.S. President, Michael Fitzpatrick,Cyndi Taymore, Superintendent of Melrose Public Schools and M.A.S.S. Executive Board Member, and Paul Andrews, who is the Director of Professional Development and Governmental Services for M.A.S.S. rc:�, y ry }� ICY o�P