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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-06 School Committee Minutes of kfa i G� p' t Town of Reading -' Meeting Minutes REE -0lV ioard - Committee - Commission - Council: 7111 DEC 25 PM 12: 32 School Committee Date: 2018-12-06 Time: 6:45 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, Nick Boivin Members - Not Present: Sherri Vanden Akker, Jeanne Borawski, Sharon Stewart Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, Assistant Facilities Director Kevin Cabuzzi, Guidance Director Lynna Williams, RMHS principal Kate Boynton, Director of Athletics Tom Zaya, Killam principal Sarah Leveque, Student Representative Maura Drummey, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle, Joanne Senders, Reading Advocate Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. Call to Order Mr. Robinson stated to Protect the bargaining Position of the board and moved seconded by Mr. Boivin,to enter executive session to discuss strategies with respect to collective bargaining and to return to open session at approximately 7.00 p.m. The roll call vote carried 4-0. Dr. Snow Dockser,Mr. Robinson. Mr. Boivin and Mrs. Webb. The open session recessed at 6:48 p.m. Chair Webb called the open session back to order at 7:01 p.m. Chair Webb reviewed the agenda. A. Public Input Mrs. Webb asked if there was any public comment on topics not on the agenda. There was none. B. Old Business Page I 1 FY2019 Capital Plan Mrs. Dowd updated the committee on the amended Capital Plan as it relates to the schools. Mr. Huggins updated the committee on the status of the FYI (Wood End Skylights) and FY19 Capital Projects. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the revised and amended FY2019 Capital Plan as Presented. The motion carried 4-0 C. Consent Agenda Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. There were none. Approval of RMHS Wrestling Field Trips Approval of RMHS Boys Hockey Field Trip Accept Donations from the Friends of Reading Rockets Hockey Accept Donations from the Friends of Reading Soccer Accept a Donation from the Coolidge School Science Olympiad Accept an Anonymous Donation to the Coolidge Middle School Accept a Donation from the Friends of Reading Football Accept Donations from PSST to RMHS Accept Donations to the RISE Preschool Accept a Donation from the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Approval of Minutes (October 18 &November 1, 2018) Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mr.Boivin to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 4-0. D. Reports Student Representative Student Representative Maum Drummey reported on the RMHS Drama Production Mamma Mia and said the auditions for the 2 winter shows are occurring. She congratulated the Girls Swim Team who won the Division 2 State Championship. Tryouts for winter sports have happened and the winter season is beginning. She reminded the community of the upcoming band and choral winter concerts. Superintendent Dr. Doherty reported on an incident of racist graffiti at Birch Meadow. He said it was discovered in a bathroom by the Extended Day staff and reported to Principal Hendrix. He added that the established protocol was followed,and a letter was sent to families. Page 1 2 Dr. Doherty congratulated RMHS Choral students Antonio Ruiz-Nokes and Isabel Molettieri who have been selected to participate in the 2019 NAFME All-Eastem Honors Choir. This incredible opportunity happens once every two years. The All-Eastern music ensembles will be rehearsing and performing April 4-7th in Pittsburgh,PA. He also congratulated Kristin Killian who has worked with these students during their time at RMHS. Lastly, the Superintendent reported on the annual Festival of Trees. He said this is a major fundraiser for the Reading Education Foundation and thanked them for the continued support of the Reading Public Schools. He also thanked the Reading Rotary Club for their support. Liaisons Mr. Robinson reported on the Recreation Committee meeting he attended. He thanked Reading Little League Softball for the donation of time and money to upgrade the Sturges Park softball field. He also reported that he attended the Annual Stoneham/Reading Football Luncheon. He is always impressed by the student athletes as they address the group. Mrs. Webb thanked Dr. Snow Dockser for spearheading the efforts for the School Committee/Central Office contribution to the Festival of Trees. Dr. Snow Dockser reported on the recent RCASA meeting and the MASS/MASC Annual Conference she attended. (See attached statements). Mrs. Webb read a statement regarding the Ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. (See attached). Mrs. Webb reported on the recent Select Board meeting at which Anna Ornstein was recognized. She encouraged parents to have courageous conversations with their children. Parents should not assume that the children fully understand what is going on or the impact of words. At the meeting the Select Board also discussed a proposal to establish an ad-hoc Human Rights Committee. Mrs. Webb will appoint two members of the School Committee to this ad-hoc committee. Mrs. Webb appointed Dr. Snow Dockser and herself as the School Committee representatives. The Chair also reported on the HRAC which is also meeting tonight and are planning the MLK Day celebration. E. New Business Late Start Committee Update Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley began the presentation by introducing members of the Late Start Committee and provided a historical background. Page 1 3 RMHS Principal Kate Boynton discussed the reasons for the change of start time saying that research has shown that teens require 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep per night. Sleep research shows that teens have later and different sleep cycles. This is based on biology and circadian rhythms not just on lifestyle and technology choices. Assistant Superintendent Kelley discussed the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on overall health,performance and safety. She continued by saying that the other Middlesex League districts have committed to making this change with 5 districts that already have new start times that began this past fall. Principal Boynton reviewed proposed changes for RMHS with the proposed school hours being 8:30 am—3:02 pm. Considerations and challenges being looked at include assessing and supporting impact of staff and their families' schedules/commutes,impact on traffic and ability to lead clubs and student support. She said that there will be the formation of a scheduling committee to consider other changes to the schedules during the day for the school year 2020- 21. Assistant Superintendent Kelley reviewed the considerations and challenges for students, families and community members. Mrs. Kelley shared some survey results with the committee. Mr. Boivin has safety and traffic concerns. Mr. Robinson asked if there is any feedback regarding athletics from the other towns. Mrs. Webb opened the floor for public comment. Autumn Hendrickson,junior at RMHS, stated the change deeply concerns her pointing out that she is familiar with the research. She cited the amount of homework that is given, and the amount of stress students are under as areas that need to be addressed. David Cory, parent and spouse of a high school teacher, supports the change in start time. He encouraged the School Committee to adopt the change. Alicia Williams,parent,has concerns regarding traffic in the area and asked about the impact on the RISE Preschool at RMHS. Dr. Doherty reported that RISE RMHS start time was discussed by the Late Start Working Group. He and Kelly Bostwick had discussed a potential 10-15 min adjustment and are continuing to address this. This type of operational adjustment is similar to what was done this SY at RISE Wood End. Dr. Jennifer Corwin supports the change in start time for the high school. Mr. Boivin would like the Reading Police involved in any traffic study and feels there should be a hard stop time for extra-curricular activities in the evening. Page 1 4 Mrs. Webb pointed out as part of the process, schedules, homework and stresses students are under are all being considered. Superintendent's Goals Superintendent Doherty reviewed the evaluation process and reminded the committee that they were voting on his Educator Plan. Mr. Boivin is opposed to multiyear goals. Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to approve the Superintendent's goals as presented. Mr. Boivin said he was voting on the whole package and said there needs to be public trust and clarity. The motion carried 4-0. II. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll(A) Warrant S1919 11.08.18 $407,939.86 Warrant S1920 11.15.18 $197,641.67 Warrant 51921 11.21.18 $285,763.54 Warrant P1922 11.29.18 $75,914.76 Warrant P19 1L16.18 $1592,549.64 b. Calendar III. Information/CorreMondence IV.Future Business V. Adioumment Adiourn Dr. Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mr. Robinson.to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 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.youtube.com/watch?w12gh8YoTfLs J F.Doherty, d.D. Page 15 Statement Regarding Ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement We are pleased to report that prior to this meeting, in Executive Session, the Reading School Committee and Town Manager Robert LeLacheur voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Reading School Committee and the Reading Teachers Association. The agreement is a three-year contract, expiring in August, 2021, which has the following highlights: • A Cost of Living Adjustment of 2.5% in the first year, 2.5% in the second year, and 2.25% in the third year. This is in addition to the teachers who will receive step and column adjustments. • Language changes around meeting time that will support our teaching and learning initiatives in our school district. • Other language changes which will support our teachers and allow them to do their jobs more effectively. With this agreement, we now have collective bargaining agreements in place with all our collective bargaining units. By having three-year agreements in place, it allows for budget certainty and stability in our school district. I would like to thank the negotiating teams for each of the bargaining units for their support in reaching these final agreements. I would also like to thank our negotiating team of Chuck Robinson, Dr. Doherty, Gail Dowd,Jen Bove, Joanne King, and Sarah Marchant for all of their work since March in reaching this agreement. Report on the MASC/MASS Joint Conference—Nov 9" —111h in Hyannis: Submitted by Linda Snow Dockser on Dec. 5, 2018 Logistics: In our budget there is an allotment for professional development for school committee members. This funding pays for only the registration fees of this conference. The hotel and dinners with speakers are paid for by our school committee members. One of the bonuses of this conference for me was sharing a hotel room with the vice chair of the Burlington School Committee. There was no end to our interesting conversations and all of the people we introduced each other to. This was my third time attending this conference, not counting the panel on Social Emotional Learning that I collaborated on two years ago with Reading Administrators. I will definitely set time aside to attend this conference again next year and hope my colleagues will be able to join ' me. It was a great opportunity to meet other School Committee members from across the state,and to have discussions about policy, philosophy, resources, and change. Folks were very interested in what is happening in our town and very impressed with how our schools have responded and with our collaboration with our town.. Everyone is dealing with the challenges of Social Media. My first workshop was led by Aaron Polansky and was called "Beyond the Curriculum." Mr. Polansky is a superintendent whom Dr. Doherty brought to the Reading Public Schools a couple of years ago. His message set the tone for the rest of my experience—his mantra is: "Relationships, Relationships, Relationships!" He stressed that the little things matter and that "making authentic connections between students and adults establishes and reinforces the mindsets and behaviors wherein staff, students and families communicate authentically, learn creatively and contribute passionately." He reminded me about the "Butterfly Circus"—check it outl https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p98KAEif3bi and about ourjob to empower our students to connect,to learn, and find joy in life. I attended workshops on many topics including School Committee Operations; Engaging Stakeholders; Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Updates; Social Emotional Learning; communication, and an emerging organization called "Coaching for Change: Building a local, Diverse Teacher Pipeline." I realized very quickly that Reading is not alone in our struggles with inadequate funding, hate graffiti, anxious students, and mandated change. It was also very clear how special our town is in the strength of our volunteers,the passing of an override,the constant communication and engagement with our parents;the collaboration of our town departments, and the compassion,work ethic and insightful contributions of our staff. It was exciting to connect with others,and together to think beyond the common constraints of 'the way it has always been done in each of our towns.'These discussions were catalysts for envisioning what can be possible with the high caliber teachers, administrators, and staff in our schools. I still have so much more to unpackage that I learned and to reconnect with the people with whom I started conversations. The conference was simultaneously an opportunity to engage in and think about learning—a great reminder of what our students and teachers submerge themselves in on a daily basis! One of the many highlights of my conference experience was hearing the speakers—Marc Brackett, Founder Director of Yale University Center for Emotional Learning;watching Andrea Cabral past Executive Secretary of Public Safety under Governor Deval Patrick stand up to Jim Braude; and a team of lawyers discuss the history and future of chapter 70 funding. It was refreshing to hear our new Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education,Jeffrey Riley put standardized testing into a more healthy perspective, emphasizing that standardized tests are only one data point amongst many important indicators reflecting the health,wellness, education,and potential of our students. I learned about district professional development resources as well as local strategies for engaging folks in change that I hope over time will be helpful here in Reading. The delegates at this conference discuss resolutions for ways that MASC and MASS can get involved in the legislation of education both in state and federally. I have attached the Report on the Resolutions which will be included in the minutes at the end of the packet. (https://www.masc.ore/images/events/2018/!tc/MASC Resolutions 2018 Results.pdf ) In short,some of the resolutions that have the potential of directly impacting Reading: • Rejecting the Arming of Educators • Call for a working group to advise the legislature to assist small and rural districts • Rejecting the elimination of the Federal Department of Education: BE IT RESOLVED that: the Massachusetts Association of School Committees works with the federal delegation to reject any notion of combining the U.S. Department of Education with other government departments. Reporting and Accountability Standards:BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association of School Committees works with the legislature and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to ensure that all students or persons in schools that receive public funds under the authority of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or a local public school district are held to the same standards and requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. • Reproductive Health Education:BEITRE50LVED that.the Massachusetts Association of School Committees supports evidence-based reproductive health curricula. We call upon the 0.5 Department of Education and the Executive Branch to stop their support of abstinence-only education. • Gender Identity Inclusive Athletic Participation Policy(Submitted by the Framingham School Committee)BE IT RESOLVED that:MASC help 11 le legislation which would have the effect of protecting LGBTO students from discrimination,harassment and bullying by that schools should treat students based on their gender identify,protecting their privacy,providing access to restrooms,locker rooms and private stall showers,using their preferred pronouns,embedding sensitivity training hiiprofessional development and providing uniform accommodations and to support accountability stands put in place by MIAA to ensure that the standards of protection are adhered to. • 8:Sports Wagering(Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors)BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts .Association of School Committees requests that,should the General Court enact legislation to legalize wagering on sporting events,the General Court,shall commit a portion of the revenues generated from sports wagering to public education. • 9:Access to Information for Parents and Students Who Are Clients of Special Education(Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors): BE IT RESOLVED that:MASC urges the legislature to amend state law to require that parents and students be provided with a copy via email or mail of all the assessments that are performed for students in the families'preferred language,at least five business days prior to any meeting at which parents and students will review a proposed Individual Education Plan(IEP). Thank you for this opportunity to learn with colleaguesl Report on Resolutions 2018 state and federal programs to support public education; and find strategies to ameliorate the impact of forces The following is a report on actions taken on the resolu- thatjeopardize the growth,stability and success of these tions that were considered by the Delegate Assembly at school districts the annual meeting in Hyannis on Friday,November 9. There were 99 districts represented at the Assembly. and Part 28 to consist of the concluding paragraph: Resolution 1:Rejecting the Arming of Educators BE IT RESOLVED that MASC oppose legislation or un. (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) legislated regulations that would attempt to undermine the right of any city,town or regional district to have im- 8E IT RESOLVED that the Massachusetts Association posed upon it a mandate to restructure,expand,region- of School Committees rejects the notion of providing alize,or dissolve its school district without its consent. firearms to any educators. The motion to divide the resolution into two parts(2A The resolution was approved on a unanimous voice and 2B)was approved by a show of hands. vote. A motion was made to adopt the reconfigured Part 2A. Resolution 2:Small and Rural Districts The motion to adopt Part 2A was approved by a show (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) of hands. BE IT RESOLVED that MASC call forthe creation of a A motion was made to adoptthe reconfigured Part 2B. working group to advise the legislature on the best Part 28 was The motion to adopt approved y public policy solutions to support small and rural school d b a show districts; and further of hands. That this working group propose modifications to the Foundation Budget and other elements of the Chap- Resolution 3: Elimination of the Federal Department ter 70 financial assistance program;designate speck of Education instances where excessive regulation interfere with the (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) ability of school leaders to direct the academic im- g p r state n of children; identify and advise u School Committeekith the federal delegation IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association of eligibility s works we eeraee for state and federal programs to support public edu- g cation;and find strategies to ameliorate the impact of to reject any notion of combining the U.S.Department forces that jeopardize the growth,stability and success of Education with other government departments. of these school districts;and further A motion was made for a technical correction to add That MASC oppose legislation or unlegislated regula- the words"Rejecting the"to the title of the resolution so tions that would attemptto undermine the right of any as to read: city,town or regional districtto have imposed upon it a R Resolution 3: ejecting the elimination of the Federal mandate to restructure,expand, regionalize,or dissolve Department: Education its school district without its consent A motion was made to divide the resolution into two The motion to add the new language was adopted on parts,with Part 2A to consist of the above paragraphs a voice vote. one and two reading as follows: The resolution,as amended,was adopted on a voice BE IT RESOLVED that MASC call for the creation of a vote. working group to advise the legislature on the best Public polity solutions to support small and rural school Resolution 4:Regional School Transportation districts,and further g P (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) That this working group propose modifications to the For clarity,the complete text of the resolution as origi- Foundation Budget and other elements of the Chap. nally submitted appears below. ter 70 financial assistance program;designate specific WHEREAS:Among the transportation cost concerns for reg instances where excessive regulation interfere with theWHEREAS: school districts is the lack of competition for ability of school leaders to direct the academic improve. bus contracts for regular day("yellow bus")services,as ment of children;identify and advise on eligibility for well as the steadily mounting cost for special education public funds under the authority of the MADepartment transportation; and of Elementary and Secondary Education or a local pub- lic school district are held to the same standards and WHEREAS: M.G.L.c.71,§ 7C prohibits certain uses of requirements in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. regional transportation authorities to provide school district transportation services; and The resolution passed,as written,with one abstention. WHEREAS: Elimination of M.G.L.c.71,§ 7C would free the regional school districts and Regional Transporta- Resolution 6:Reproductive Health Education tion Authorities to collaborate on plans to provide safe (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) and efficient transportation alternatives that lessen the financial impact on the both the districts and the Com- BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association of monwealth;and School Committees supports evidence-based repro- ductive health curricula.Further,we call upon the U.S WHEREAS:The lack of bidders on school transportation Department of Education and the Executive Branch to contracts requires a deeper analysis by the appropriate stop their support of abstinence-only education. state officials; A motion was to divide the resolution into two parts, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:To promote greater with Part 6A to consist of the first sentence of the para- competition for bus service contracts,the Legislature graph above reading as follows: should eliminate M.G.L.c.71,§ 7C,and authorize a deeper analysis of the lack of bidders on school trans- BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association of portation contracts. School Committees supports evidence-based reproduc- tive health curricula. An amendment was proposed to remove the word "regional"from the language of the resolution(see the and Part 613 to consist of the second sentence of the four instances above in bold-face italics). paragraph above: The amendment failed to pan on a voice vote. We call upon the U.S Department of Education and the Executive Branch to stop their support of abstinence- An amendmentwasproposed toincludethefollowing only education. language(italics)at the end of the resolution such that the final paragraph would read: The motion to divide the resolution into two parts(6A and 6B)was approved by a show of hands,with one THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:To promote greater abstention. competition for bus service contracts,the Legislature should eliminate M.G.L.c.71,§ 7C,and authorize a A motion was made to adoptthe reconfigured Part 6A. deeper analysis of the lack of bidders on school trans- portation contracts and that reimbursements will be The motion to adopt Part 6A was approved by a show provided to communities greater than 20 square miles in of hands. area. A motion was made to adopt the reconfigured Part 66. The amendment failed to pass on a voice vote. The motion to adopt Part 60 was approved by a show A motion was made to refer the resolution back to the of hands. original sponsor for further work. The motion to refer the resolution back to the sponsor Resolution 7:Gender Identity Inclusive Athletic was approved on a vote of 62-37. Participation Policy (Submitted by the Framingham School Committee) Resolution 5: Reporting and Accountability Standards BE IT RESOLVED that: MASC help file legislation which (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) would have the effect of protecting LGBTQ students from discrimination,harassment and bullying by that BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association schools should treat students based on their gender -- of School Committees works with the legislature and identify, protecting their privacy, providing access to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to en- gender-neutral restrooms,locker rooms and private sure that all students or persons in schools that receive stall showers,using their preferred pronouns,embed- ding sensitivity training in professional development and Resolution 8:Sports Wagering providing uniform accommodations. (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) A motion was made to amend the language of the reso- BE IT RESOLVED that:the Massachusetts Association of lution by removing the phrase"gender-neutral"in the School Committees requests that,should the General above paragraph. Court enact legislation to legalize wagering on sport- ing events,the General Court,shall commit a portion of The motion to remove the phrase passed on a voice the revenues generated from sports wagering to public vote. education. A motion was made to amend the language of the reso- The resolution passed,as presented,on a vote of 52-44. lution by removing the word"preferred"in the above paragraph. Resolution 9:Access to Information for Parents and The motion to remove the word"preferred"failed on a Students Who Are Clients of Special Education voice vote. (Submitted by the MASC Board of Directors) A motion was made to add the following language at the BE IT RESOLVED that: MASC urges the legislature to end of the resolution so as to read: amend state law to require that parents and students be provided with a copy via email or mail of all the BE IT RESOLVED that: MASC help file legislation which assessments that are performed for students in the would have the effect of protecting LGBTQ students families'preferred language,at least five days prior to from discrimination,harassment and bullying by that any meeting at which parents and students will review schools should treat students based on their gender - a proposed Individual Education Plan(IEP). identify,protecting their privacy,providing access to restrooms,locker rooms and private stall showers,using A friendly amendment was proposed to add the word their preferred pronouns,embedding sensitivity train- "school"to the above language to read as follows: ing in professional development and providing uniform accommodations and to support accountability standards at least five school days prior to any meeting at which be put in place by MMA to ensure that the standards of parents and students will review a proposed Individual protection are adhered to. Education Plan(IEP). The motion to amend the resolution by adding the The friendly amendment was accepted by the spon. above italicized language was adopted on a voice vote. sor. A motion was made to amend the final paragraph to read An amendment was proposed to replace the word as follows(revised language in bold face italics): "school"with the word"business"to read as follows: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that: MASC help file legis- at least five business days prior to any meeting at lation which would have the effect of protecting LGBTQ which parents and students will review a proposed students from discrimination,harassment and bullying by Individual Education Plan(IEP). that schools should treat students based on their gender identify, by protecting their privacy,providing access to The amendment,as proposed,was passed on a voice restrooms,instituting reasonable accommodations to vote. provide locker rooms and private stall showers,using their preferred pronouns,embedding sensitivity training An amendment to replace the language of the resolu- in professional development and providing necessary tion in whole was proposed.The proposed language d ifo, accommodations. follows: The motion to amend the language of the resolution as BE ITRESOLVED that:MASC urges the legislature to indicated in the paragraph above failed on a voice vote. amend state regulation 603 CMR 28.04(2Xc)to require that: The motion to pass the resolution,as otherwise amend- (a) parents,guardians,educational surrogate parents, ed,passed on a voice vote with two abstentions. court-appointed resources and students receive com- pleted reports meeting the requirements of 603 CMR at al.and related federal regulations,as well as the assess- ments and evaluations, and all supporting documenta- tion;and (b)documents will be received at a minimum of five PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE MASC BY-LAWS business days prior to any meeting at which parents, The Board of Directors of the Association has recom- guardians,educational surrogate parents,court-appoint- mended to members that the by-laws of the Association ed resources and students will determine eligibility and/ be amended as follows: or propose an Individual Educational Plan(IEP);and The following change to Article IX—Meetings of the As- (c) documents will be made available in the preferred sociation,Subsection 1,Annual Meeting and/or native language of the parents,guardians, edu- cational surrogate parents,and students;and The annual meeting of the Association,to be known as the Delegate Assembly,shall be held at such hour on (d)all documents listed in(a)will be provided to the such business day,not earlier than September 20 nor parents,guardians,educational surrogate parents, court- later than November 30, in each year and at such place appointed resources and student and not require that within Massachusetts as the Board of Directors shall such be requested;and determine.Resolutions and other purposes for which an annual meeting is to be held additional to those (e) the items specified above will be provided to the par- proscribed by law,by the agreement of the association, ent in hard copy and/or electronically free of charge. and by these by-laws may be specified by the Board of Directors and by written application made to the Secre- The motion to substitute the above language for the tary-Treasurer not later than July 1 in any year by at least original language of the resolution failed to pass on a five active members located in at least two Divisions. vote of 57-28,with 1 abstention. Resolutions submitted by a single school committee may be presented to the Delegate Assembly upon ap- The resolution,as otherwise amended,was adopted on proval by the Board of Directors,on the recommenda- a voice vote. tion of the Resolutions Committee.If an annual meeting is not held within the dates specified above,a special meeting may be held upon call by the Board of Direc- tors with all the force and effect of an annual meeting. The Board asks to amend the by-law by changing the July 1 date(noted in the text in bold face)to no later than June 1. The request to amend the by-law as indicated above was approved on a voice vote. A motion was made to reconsider Resolution 4. The motion to reconsider was not approved by the As- sembly. RCASA Liaison Report submitted by Linda Snow Dockser 12/6/18 At the meeting on Nov. 29, 2018, Erica McNamara updated the Coalition on all that is happening. We learned that Outreach Coordinator,Julianne DeAngelis will be retiring at the end of January. Many thanks to Ms. DeAngelis for her many years of devotion, organization, and support to our community. RCASA will celebrate Julianne's retirement at the RCASA meeting on January 3V at 5:30. 1 was thrilled to find out that there is a proposal that RCASA be funded out of Accommodated costs now that the grant funding is ending. This funding will not only continue to fund the director, but it will bring the Outreach Coordinator Position back to full-time.This position was cut due to budget woes in 2016.This proposal reflects what Reading can be so proud of—a collaboration between the leadership of the town, schools, and police in supporting this coalition and all of the vital programming and education it enables to address substance use and Mental Health needs in our community. Also discussed was the Rotary's honoring of Director McNamara as an Unsung Hero of our community—an honor well earned. With that came a donation of$1000 to fund RCASA's Prevention Projects. Ms. DeAngelis has been busy in the schools helping to implement the SBIRT(Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment)state mandated screening. 283 students were screened and the data was submitted as required to the MA Dept of Public Health. This month, RCASA will meet with other local schools to discuss best practices and lessons learned in implementing the SBIRT. RCASA has continued to offer Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid. They have now trained over 750 peoplel This means that there are 750 more people mostly in Reading who are familiar with the signs of Mental Illness and what to do if they sense someone is struggling. All of the new Reading Teachers go through this training as part of their Teacher Mentor Program. RCASA has started recruitment for the RMHS Student Outreach Team. These student leaders will visit local schools to raise awareness on Vapine prevention. The advisors include the RCASA Director and SROs. I am personally excited to hear about this opportunity because of the great skills and relationships developed when one of my sons and my daughter were RCASA Ambassadors while at RMHS. Meanwhile, RCASA has joined with the Mystic Valley Public Health Coalition to encourage parents of middle schoolers to talk to their children about substance abuse prevention AND an Alcohol compliance program in Reading showed 100%compliance—that is something to celebratel In addition, Director McNamara has continued her own professional development at a 2 day training on the"Science of the Positive'. I look forward to learning more about how she will be implementing what she learned about proactive and positive approaches to changing culture and attitudes in addressing Mental Health and Substance Use challenges. 12/8/2018 To Whom it May Concern: As Pediatric healthcare providers caring for the children and adolescents of Reading, we strongly support the proposal to delay the start time for Reading Memorial High School to 8:30am. We agree with the current evidence that shows that adolescents have a biological predisposition to a later hour of sleep onset, resulting in inadequate total hours of nightly sleep with wake times prior to Bam.We recognize that chronic sleep deprivation in adolescents can have a variety of negative effects on physical and mental health, including but not limited to increased risks of obesity, metabolic disease, depression, anxiety, and at risk behavior including impulsivity and unsafe driving. While inadequate sleep is a multifactorial problem, we agree that delayed school start times is a modifiable factor that has been shown to successfully increase the total hours of sleep for adolescents, resulting in a hast of benefits including improved physical health, academic performance and improved mood. We support the AAP policy statement recommending delayed school start times for middle and high schools, and therefore agree with the proposed change to the RMHS start time. Jennifer Corwin MD, FAAP Mark Curdo MD, FAAP Meenkashi Ganesh MD, FAAP Nicholas Kasdon MD, FAAP Haesik Min MD, FAAP Howard Rashba MD, FAAP Joan Sachs MD, FAAP Robin Smith MD, FAAP Luis Valles MD, FAAP