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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-06-27 School Committee Minutes Town of Reading e Meeting Minutes TOWGNLCVED LERK REM) INC, MA. ''�xooxo° Board - committee - commission - council: 2819 JUL IS PM 12: 03 School Committee Date: 2019-06-27 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: Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Interim Director of Student Services Sharon Stewart, Town Manager Bob La Lecheur, Director of Facilities Joe Huggins, Assistant Director of Facilities Kevin Cabuzzi, Town Engineer Ryan Percevil, Director of Public Works Jane Kinsella, Al Sylvia, Daily Times Reporter, Representatives from Activitas, Dale Gienapp, Gienapp Architects 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 6:02 p.m. A. Public Input Mrs. Webb called for public comment. Marianne Downing, Heather Drive, asked about an e-mail she had sent to the committee. Mrs. Borawski arrived at 6:03 p.m. Assistant Superintendent Kelley said that she would be responding. Mrs. Downing asked about the Superintendent's Office Hours and if they would be resuming. Chair Webb explained that the method of the way office hours are being scheduled is being reevaluated. Page 1 1 Mr. Robinson arrived at 6:04 p.m. Karen Janowski, Azalea Circle, wanted to thank the Assistant Superintendent for accepting her offer to hold a workshop in the area of assistive technology in partnership with Gordon College. Mrs. Kelley thanked Mrs. Janowski for offering the opportunity to offer the workshop. B. Consent Agenda Mrs. Webb asked if the committee wanted any items removed from the consent agenda. There were no items removed. Accept a Donation to the Coolidge Middle School Music Department Accept a Donation from the Wood End PTO Accept a Donation from the Reading Lacrosse Association Approval of Minutes (June 20, 2019) Dr. Snow Dockscr moved, seconded by Mrs. Borawski,to approve the consent asenda. The motion carried 6-0. Public Input Bryan Coombes, Tarrant Lane, Wakefield, asked that his children be allowed to re-enroll in the Reading Public Schools. Chair Webb said this was an administrative matter and a decision of the Superintendent. Dr. Doherty shared that he has had a conversation with Mr. Coombes regarding this matter. C. Reports Student Student Representative Maum Drummey reported on the end of year activities at the high school including Freshmen Fly-Up Day, Final Exams and Exam Cram at the Library and a Showcase of Student Local Research—The Role Reading had in the Revolutionary War. One Work, The Role of Reading During the Civil War, by junior Autumn Hendrickson, was published. Liaisons Dr. Snow Dockser reported that the Ad-Hoc meeting was postponed until July 15'^. D. Old Business Capital Update Page 1 2 Turf II Town Engineer Ryan Percival provided an update and overview to the project. The design was approved, and bids went out. We received 5 bids, all under the budgeted estimate. The scope of work includes replacing and expanding the turf to the fence, new fencing and netting, shock pad under the field and new lights. The committee asked clarifying questions. Mrs. Dowd said that once the contract is awarded and construction begins, we will provide periodic updates. Elementary Space Study Dale Gienapp of Gienapp Architects provided an update on the Elementary School Space Needs Study. He reviewed assumptions made which include MSBA reimbursement rates, the current modular classrooms as a short-temr solution and how the elementary schools feed to middle schools. NESDEC has been hired to provide enrollment projections. Walk-throughs were performed at all the elementary schools to gather information to aid in NESDEC's projections. Discussion was held with building principals and the Interim Director of Student Services to obtain input on space utilization and constraints. Next steps include tweaking the enrollment study and looking at Birch Meadow and Killam for possible expansion. Mr. Robinson asked if they have looked at adding second floors to the existing buildings. Mrs. Borawski asked that creative solutions are explored. Mrs. Downing asked about bussing, redistricting and changing the grade level structure. Building Security Study Town Manager Bob LeLacheur provided a broad update on the security study. Preliminary recommendations along with questions and suggestions were presented to the Superintendent and Town Manager. The next steps are to have a conceptual design completed with a cost estimate with the target to have the information available for the November Town Meeting. Mr. Wise asked if there would be public input opportunities based on discussions at Town Meeting. Mr. LeLacheur said the boards(Select Board, School Committee and Library Trustees) will work together on the paperwork portion. E. New Business it. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S1952 6.27.19 $227,14633 b. Calendar Page 1 3 Mrs. Webb reviewed the upcoming calendar. III. Information/Correspondence Dr. Dockser announced that the annual METCO pool party will be August 23`a Interim Director of Student Services Sharon Stewart said it was her last meeting and wanted to thank everyone for the opportunity to work in Reading. She will continue to support Jennifer Stys in her transition as new Director of Student Services. Dr. Doherty announced that he would be taking a leave of absence effective the end of the day on Friday for personal and family responsibilities. IV.Future Business V. Adjournment Adiou n Mr. Parks moved seconded by Mrs. Borawski, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 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?v=Ns4PNWRUOIO Page 1 4