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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-23 School Committee Minutes , OFRFa v ti Town of Reading F Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK RFA01NG, FAA. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Ali DEC 19 AM IDS D$ School Committee Date: 2019-10-23 Time: 5:30 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Joint Meeting School Version: Final Committee/Select Board to fill SC Vacancy Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson (arrived at 5:47 p.m.), Linda Snow Dockser, Jeanne Borawski, Tom Wise, and John Parks Select Board members: John Halsey, Andy Friedmann, Vanessa Alvarado, Anne Landry and Mark Dockser Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd, Assistant Superintendent Christine Kelley, Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys, Candidate Pat Calley, Candidate Alicia Williams Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: L Call to Order Vice Chair Bomwski called the joint meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.and reviewed the interview process. A. New Business School Committee Vacancy Mrs. Borawski invited each candidate to make an opening statement. Mrs.Calley shared she is a 23-year resident of Reading and an educator for 35 years. She loves education and as a taxpayer she would like to participate in the budget process. Mr. Robinson arrived at 5:47 p.m. She described herself as being a team player who is open minded and a good listener. Mrs. Williams shared her background as a parent of 3 children in the Reading Public Schools,Town Meeting member and active member of the SEPAC. She has also been attending, speaking and advocating for children at School Committee meetings. She feels Page 1 1 her knowledge of special education issues is an important element of her contribution as a School Committee member. Mrs. Borawski began the Q&.A session. Mr. Parks asked, "What changes would you like to see at the state and local level?" Mrs. Calley's response—She feels that curriculum is being pushed to the lower levels and would like to see that changed to bring back activities to allow kids to develop social skills. Mrs. Williams—Would like to see a change in funding. Mr. Dockser asked,"How would you work collaboratively to move education forward in Reading?" Mrs. Calley—She would use her experience working in teams to arrive at a solution that is agreeable to all. Mr. Dockser asked,"What are your skills and experience to advocate for all students?" Mrs. Williams—She would remain involved. Mr. Friedmann asked' "How will your position/volunteer/advocacy work help you as a School Committee member?" Mrs.Calley—She is familiar with what goes on in the classroom and is familiar with the workings of a budget. Mrs. Williams—Many people know who she is,and she is a face for the community. Ms.Alvarado asked,"What will be your biggest impact during your tenure?" Mrs. Calley—She comes in with a viewpoint and concerns of the educator,particularly during the budget process and as a member of the MTA understands how that works. Mrs.Williams—Being a short window she feels her expertise as a kindergarten parent will help addressing kindergarten concerns. She would also like to take a look at the social media policy and contribute to the budget process. Mr. Robinson asked,"What do you see as budget challenges?" Mrs Calley—She would like to see free full day kindergarten for all that includes socialization,play and recess time as being a valuable aspect. Mrs. Williams—She also sees kindergarten as a budget challenge and would like to look at enrollment numbers and solutions to our space needs. Dr. Dockser asked,"Provide an example how you supported a decision that did not go your way." Mrs.Calley—She has participated in IEP meetings that she had to step back and make a decision that is in the best interest of the child or best outcome. Mrs.Williams—She feels that the half day kindergarten is very limited and would like to work on kindergarten enrollment. Page 1 2 Mr.Halsey asked,"Since April have you stayed in touch with school committee issues as you did prior to the election?' Mrs.Calley—She has not stayed in touch with school committee issues. Mr.Halsey asked how she would catch up? Mrs.Calley said she would have to do a lot of homework. Mrs. Williams—She has been absolutely engaged since the election and has followed the meetings. Mr.Wise asked,"What is the one goal you would advocate for? Mrs.Calley—Her goal is to arrive at the best kindergarten solution for the next couple of years,eventually being able to offer full day kindergarten for all. Mr.Wise asked,"What policy would you like to see changed?" Mrs. Williams—Right now the School Committee is responsible for the hiring of the Superintendent and Director of Student Services, she would like to see the policy regarding the hiring of administrators to include a school committee member as part of the screening committee and decision. Mrs. Landry asked,"What distinguishes you from the other candidate?" Mrs. Calley—She has a variety of experiences in education and is not connected therefore has no baggage. She can also dedicate a lot of time to the role. Mrs. Williams—She is paying attention to what is happening on both the school and town sides. Mr. Robinson asked each candidate what their intentions were in March. Mrs.Calley—She will not be running. Mrs. Williams—She is undecided. Mrs. Borawski thanked the candidates and called for a roll call vote beginning alphabetically with Mrs.Calley. Mr.Parks,Mr.Friedmann,Ms.Alvarado, Mn.Borawski,Ms.Landry,Dr.Dockser and Mr.Dockser votine yes. Mr.Halsey, Mr. Wise and Mr.Robinson voting no. The motion carried 7—3. Il. Adiournment Adioum Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mr.Parks to enter into executive session to discuss strateev with respect to litieation and not to return to open session. The roll call vote carried 5-0. Mr.Robinson,Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise, Mrs. Borawski and Dr. Dockser. Mr. Friedmann moved,seconded by Mrs. Landry to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. Page 1 3 The meeting adjourned at 6:24 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: httns://www;voutube.com/watch?v=Lk4nVJul- TI&list=PLkibnMuzKYxt6AcM02oLuPV C9Hw20TARx&index=3&t=0s F. l5ahertyl ETD. Page 1 4