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Home My WebLink About2019-01-28 School Committee Minutes . � oda OPNE r Town of Reading RECEIVED ' Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK i_� ,� READING, MA. e''l9:IMCOPwP' Board - committee - commission - council: 2019 FEB I I PM 1: 34 School Committee Date: 2019-01-28 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, Nick Boivin, Jeanne Borawski Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Interim Director of Student Services Sharon Stewart, Human Resources Administrator Jenn Bove, Student Representative Maura Drummey, RMHS principal Kate Boynton, Coolidge principal Sarah Marchant, Parker principal Ricki Shankland, Barrows principal Beth Leavitt, Birch Meadow principal Julia Hendrix, Joshua Eaton principal Lisamarie Ippolito, Killam principal Sarah Leveque, Wood End principal Joanne King, RPS Budget Liaisons, Flncom members, Al Sylvia - Reading Chronicle Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Webb called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. A. Public Inou[ Mrs. Webb asked if there was any public comment on topics not on the agenda. There was none. B. Consent Agenda Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. There were none. Accept a Donation to the Parker Middle School Approval of Minutes(January 24,2019) Dr. Dockser moved seconded by Mrs.Borawski,to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 5-0. Page I 1 C. Reports Student Representative Student representative Maura Drummey reported that RMHS student Ayman Langlois recently became a published author. Her short story was published in the Canvas Teen Literacy Journal. She also reported on the Memory Project RMHS Art teacher's art students participated in and that John Hardy was this week's High 5. Director of Student Services Mrs. Stewart shared that she will be sending a letter to our legislators urging them to fully fund circuit breaker. Mrs. Webb followed up saying she will be sending a letter on behalf of the School Committee. Dr. Doherty said that a petition has been sent by M.A.S.S. as well. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kelley reported on the all-day professional development day on March 22ne The focus will be diversity and equity and the program will be uniquely pertaining to Reading. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported that he,Mrs. Dowd and members of the RPD met with DA Marian Ryan this morning to discuss programs and services to combat the ongoing graffiti incidents. He also shared that planning has begun for a community event in March. Liaisons Mrs. Borawski updated the committee on the Reading 375 event planning. The celebration will be May 31 through June 15. There are many activities and community events being planned. For more information she provided the website which is Reading375.com. She also shared there will be another Trivia Night on Much 8`"at the RCTV Studios. Mrs. Webb shared that she informed the Select Board of the School Committee vacancy on January 22nd. The Select Board decided to move ahead to fill the position. February 13"is the tentative date of the joint meeting with the Select Board to interview candidates. D. New Business Kindergarten Update _. Page 1 2 .o S Dr. Doherty reviewed the grade 1-5 enrollment for the 2019-20 school year. Most class sizes are within the recommended guidelines. He pointed out that he has concerns regarding classroom space for the 2020-21 school year. He shared that in working with RISE Preschool Director Kelley Bostwick for kindergarten placements for student on IEP's,we will be using the assumption that student's earmarked for special education programs will be placed in the building that houses the specific program. He pointed out that most of the IEP meetings will be held later in the yew. He also pointed out the kindergarten siblings of these students will also be placed in the same school. He shared that 4 out of the 5 schools will have an integrated kindergarten program due to a lack of available classroom space. Killam will be the only school that would have the traditional model. Parent Geoffrey Coram asked how the number of full day slots was determined. Mrs. Borowski pointed out the best solution would be free full day kindergarten and understands that the solution is not the best. Parent Erin Gaffer,would like the kindergarten process revisited. Parent Eileen Pruitt asked that the models be relooked at and is concerned that parents have not heard about the integrated option until now. Dr. Doherty pointed out that the options were discussed at the Parent meeting in November and was also in the cover letter of the registration packet. Mr. Robinson asked what the cost would be to bus the half day kindergarten students to Killam. The cost is approximately $64,000. Parent Melissa Murphy asked to relook at the models. She followed up by asking if the half day kindergarten classes could be combined. Dr. Doherty explained that we have no space. Parent Alicia Williams expressed her frustration with the lack of communication. Parent Tom Wise asked the committee to revisit the policy regarding kindergarten programs. E. Old Business FY2020 Budget Presentation—Continued Discussion and Vote Dr. Doherty addressed the 0.6 FTE music teacher position at the RISE Preschool. He cleared up the confusion that this position is being cut. This position has not been included in the budget for 2 years and was not included in the override budget. The RISE students have music integrated into their day and the RISE PTN has provided funding for music enrichment throughout the year. :The School Committee asked questions regarding the budget. Page 1 3 Dr.Dockser moved,seconded by Mr. Boivin to approve the FY2020 School Department Budget in the amount of$46,467,348. There was further discussion on staffing, different ways to look at the offsets and special education program review. The motion carried 5-0. II. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1930 1.24.19 $130,015.66 b. Calendar III. Information/Correspondence Prior to adjourning Mrs. Webb asked that the video of the Memory Project(which was mentioned earlier)be shown. IV.Future Business V. Adioumment Adiourn Mrs. Borawski moved,seconded by Dr. Dockser,to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 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: httt)s'//www.youtut>e.com/watch?�—BuOraEIKQU Jo . Do erty,Ed.D. Page 14