HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-11 School Committee Minutes r ,
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Town of Reading RECEIVED
Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
READING, FAA.
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2019 JUN -3 PM I: 48
School Committee
Date: 2019-04-11 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, Linda Snow Dockser, Elaine Webb, Jeanne Borawski, Tom
Wise and John Parks
Members - Not Present:
Superintendent John Doherty, Interim Director of Student Services Sharon
Stewart, Student Representative Maura Drummey
Others Present:
Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley,
Birch Meadow Principal Julia Hendrix, Killam Principal Sarah Leveque, Wood
End Principal Joanne King, Coolidge Principal Sarah Marchant, Parker
Principal Ricki Shankland, At Sylvia, Daily Times Reproter
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 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mrs.Borawski,to enter into Executive
Session for the purpose of discussine the deployment of security personnel or
devices,or strategies with respect thereto and to return to open session in the
Schettini Library at approximately 7:00 p.m. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.
Wise,Mr. Robinson,Dr. Snow Docker,Mr. Parks,Mrs. Borawski and Mrs.
Webb.
The meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m.
Chair Webb called open session back to order at 7:15 p.m.
A. Public Input
Mrs. Webb asked if there was any public comment on topics not on the agenda.
There was none.
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Accept a Donation from the Reading Education Foundation
REF Grants Chair Nancy Dieselman informed the committee that the group was
able to fund 12 proposals in the amount of$41,727.37. She thanked the
community for its continued support and said that this year's Festival of Tres was
the largest yet. Other fundraisers include Musical Bingo,the online auction in
May and Honor a Teacher.
Dr.Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mr.Robinson, to accept the donation
in the amount of$41.727.37 from the Reading Education Foundation as part
of the Grant Program. The motion carried 6-0.
B. Consent Agenda
Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent
agenda.
Accept a Donation to the Parker Middle School
Approve RMHS Robotics Field Trip
Approval of Minutes(March 28, 2019)
Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to approve the
consent agenda. The motion carried 6-0.
C. Reports
Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Dowd shared that we have been awarded a grant to be used to support the
social/emotional well-being of our students. This grant will be used to support the
Stepping Stones program which is to assist students that are returning to school
from hospitalizations at the high school.
Assistant Superintendent's Renort
Mrs. Kelley reported on the recent Parent University. The event received positive
feedback. We will be looking for a fall date for next year.
She next reported on Artsfest which was held Tuesday and Wednesday. The
highlights of the event were the student performances and artwork displayed
along Main Street. Mrs. Kelley shared that this was Kristin Killian's last Artsfest
because she is retiring in June after 36 years of service to the Reading Public
Schools.
Liaisons
Mrs. Borawski reported on the recent SEPAC meetings. At the March 12'"
meeting there was a meet& greet with special education staff and at the April 9'
meeting new Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys was in attendance. There
was positive feedback from attendees at both meetings.
Mrs. Borawski reminded the community of the upcoming Reading 375
celebration and asked that the committee spread the word.
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Dr. Snow Dockser attended the recent RMHS Formal Recital. She also attended
Senator Lewis' Roundtable discussion in Melrose.
Mr. Robinson&Mr. Wise reported on Senator Lewis' Roundtable Discussion on
how to fix the state aid formula they attended with Dr. Doherty and Dr. Snow
Dockser. They said it was a good discussion.
Mrs. Webb reported on HRAC. Their next meeting is April 21". She pointed out
two upcoming community events—New Residents Open House at the Library and
Friends and Family Day.
D. New Business
Elementary Uodate
The elementary principals highlighted the happenings at the elementary level.
They presented information on the ways they communicate with parents and staff.
The principals meet weekly with each other to discuss building-based learning
opportunities and professional development. They also meet with the District and
Building Leadership teams and collaborate with the Teaching& Learning
Department.
They went onto discuss the workshop models they use for reading and writing
that work extremely well. The elementary schools are in the process of
developing a workshop model for mathematics.
Middle School Update
The middle school principals highlighted the happenings at the middle school
level. They began by discussing the common areas of focus in social-emotional
learning and inclusive practices. They discussed the goals of the Advisory
Program and shared themes and resources. Areas of success this year include
flexibility for teachers to choose activities that match their teaching and learning
environment,the integration of topics and needs as they arise in the building and
the fact that a majority of students feel connected to at least one adult in the
building. They continued discussing the speakers that have come,professional
development opportunities for staff and Challenge Day.
E. Old Business
II. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll(A)
§121'
4.04.19 $307,455.50
Warrant 51941 14.11.19 $279,064.77
Warrant P1919 13.22.19 $1,630,565.64
Warrant P1920 14.05.19 1 $1,644,532.52
b. Calendar
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III. Information/Corresoondence
IV.Future Business
V. Adioumment
Adjourn
Dr. Snow Dockser moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson.to adjourn. The
motion carried 6-0.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 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: httos://www.voutube.com/watch?v=Jk2PvFgMPMU
Jt F. Do erty, N.D.
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