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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-16 School Committee Minutes • a� exeb Town of Reading rl Meeting Minutes 6j IMCORrOPP Board - Committee - Commission - Council: PAL School Committee - �u: 24 Date: 2020-04-16 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson, John Parks, Tom Wise, Erin Geffen, Carla Nazzaro and Shawn Brandt Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley, CFO Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Jennifer Stys, Human Resources Administrator Jenn Allard and Director of Facilities Joe Huggins Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Robinson opened the meeting and announced the School Committee was meeting in a virtual setting, fully remote via Microsoft Teams,practicing social distancing and in accordance with the Governor's suspension of certain open meeting laws. The meeting was being recorded and broadcast live on RCTV. The Chair called attendance: Mr. Parks—here Dr. Doherty—here Mr. Wise—here Mrs. Kelley—here Mrs.Nazzaro—here Mrs. Dowd—here Mrs, Gaffen—here Dr. Stys—here Mr. Brandt—here Mrs. Allard—here Mr. Robinson—here Mr. Robinson reviewed the agenda. The presentation on the Student Opportunity Act(SOA) would be postponed. Dr. Doherty said the state has moved the deadline to May 15"' or later in light of everything that is going on. Mr. Robinson said the next meeting will be April 23`d A. Public Input Page 1 1 Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting allowing the public time to email questions to deschoolcommitteeLi reading.k 12.ma.us B. Consent Agenda None C. Reports Student Representative Student Representative Marra Drummey reported on remote learning from a student's perspective. She shared that assignments are given on Monday and are due on Friday. The assignments are available on Google Classroom. She said that she appreciates having a week to complete the assignments. Ms. Drummey updated the committee on Senior activities. The class officers have been working diligently promoting virtual spirit. Seniors have decorated their doors around town. The annual fundraiser—MIISTER RMHS—was cancelled. The group is working hard to have this video livestreamed at some point. The senior slideshow is being put together as well. She said that as the class gift, seniors were asked to read a children's book aloud and record it to be shared with students at the elementary schools they attended. This activity has been well received. Director of Student Services Dr.Sys thanked Ms. Drummey for her inspiring report. The Special Education staff have made over 5000 contacts with our families. She thanked her staff for their hard work ensuring our families stay connected. She said that she and Ms. Wright are virtually meeting with the SEPAC every Friday. Continuation of Learning plans have been created for all students on IEPs. These are not the IEPs. They are plans that describe how we will focus on three tiers of support. There have been office hours, instructional meeting time and IEP meetings are being held as much as possible. There is a parent training planned—What an IEP looks like—via Microsoft Teams, Dr. Stys and Assistant Director Allison Wright have been holding parent drop in sessions. Dr. Stys and HR Administrator Jean Allard are working on a community mental health website with resources and emergency protocols. Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Dowd began by thanking Ms. Drummey for her report. She updated the committee on meal distribution and thanked Food Service Director Danielle Collins for stepping up to the challenge. We are seeing an increase in need. We have received a food donation from Boston Bean Co., Woburn that can be used to supplement our offerings. The MOA with the RTA has wording to allow our nurses to assist on the town side. The town nurse left a week ago and our Director of Nurses Mary Giuilana and other nurses have stepped up to assist the town side. The Board of Health and Fire Chief are very appreciative of their efforts. Our technology department is working with the building principals to ensure students receive the technology they need. Page 12 Mrs. Dowd shared that capital project management and monitoring is a little trickier now. There will be an update at a future meeting. Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kelley shared that she is impressed by how the senior class has rallied through this crisis and loves the idea of the class gift. Mrs. Kelley outlined the remote learning plans which have begun at all levels and are going well. She thanked the Reading Public Schools teachers and staff for their efforts. We are looking at learning globally and continue to focus on equity and supporting all. Her team continues on solidifying the curriculum work done to date and will be receiving more information from the state in the coming weeks on next steps. Our staff is still learning to use the technology tools and the teachers are working very hard and putting in a lot of effort. Superintendent Dr. Doherty thanked Ms. Drummey for her report. He went onto read an email from the SEPAC that was missed last week. He also read an email from resident Kevin Sexton. He said that the 20-21 calendar may need to be adjusted due to the Sept. 14'" Boston Marathon date. It more than likely will be a state holiday. There should be information coining from the Governor regarding this school year. He pointed out that MIT did a survey on all remote learning plans and Massachusetts ranked 2nd in the quality of remote learning plans. The Superintendent said that the FY21 state budget will have to begin from scratch stating that a version of a unified budget may come out in the next few months. MCAS testing has been cancelled for this year and an updated FAQ document was sent out to the families. Liaisons Mr. Robinson reported that the Select Board voted to move Town Meeting to lune 15" and are working on the logistics. There have been budget discussions focusing on a 1/12" budget at this point. Mrs.Gaffen reported on the SEPAC videoconference with Dr. Stys and Ms. Wright, She was impressed at how much is going on behind the scenes and the collaboration between the Board and the Office of Student Services. D. New Business 2019-2020 School Year Calendar Dr. Doherty shared that there will be 2 days of school during April vacation week. The RTA is in full agreement as we are gaining momentum with remote learning. I le recommended that June 19" be voted as the last day of school. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mn. Gaffen,to approve the continuation of remote learning on Tuesday,April 21st and Wednesday.April 22nd and to change the last day of school to Friday.June 19". The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr. Wise, Mrs.Naz aro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Page 1 3 Northshore Education Consortium Agreement Dr. Doherty provided a brief overview. Anytime there are changes to the Articles of Agreement the member school committees are required to vote to approve the change(s). Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to approve the proposed changes to the NEC Articles of Agreement. The committee asked clarifying questions on the proposed changes. The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson voting in favor. Mr.Wise voting against. RISE and Kindergarten Tuitions Mr. Robinson said letters went out to RISE and full day kindergarten families outlining the plan for tuitions. It was not meant to create angst. Kindergarten Mrs. Dowd said that we would forego and forgive the final tuition payments or issue refunds to families that have made the final payment. We feel this is the right direction to go in light of what families are facing. This will create a$113,920 in lost revenue. There will be a finance update at a future meeting. We continue to pay teachers and they are doing a great job reaching out to the students. We may have to comeback to the committee to ask for a decrease in the offset. Next year's kindergarten numbers are down, and several students are on IEP that recommend full day kindergarten. She also expects to see an uptick in free and reduced lunch applications. This is not a one-year issue, it is a multi-year concern for incoming revenue. RISE There has been positive feedback from families regarding remote learning. As with kindergarten, it is the right thing to do to forego and forgive or refund the last tuition payment. This will result in $33,595 of lost revenue. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to authorize the refund or forgiveness of one month's tuition for RISE and full day kindergarten. Mr. Parks asked if we were looking at furloughs for teachers. Mrs. Dowd said no,the teaches are still working. Mrs. Gaffen asked about the current revolving account. Mrs. Dowd said there is $1.6M in the account with a$1.1 M budgeted otYset and a$505K ending balance. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr. Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Tuition and Transportation Mrs. Dowd began by saying that we are monitoring all contracts with our vendors and have been in touch with our vendors. We want to be sure our vendors are ready when/if we return to school. In conversations with DESE,they are recommending the Page 14 continuation of payments. Mrs. Dowd has also had conversations with area district business officials. Out of District tuitions are a bit trickier. She thanked Allison Wright, Dr. Stys and the team chairs who have been reaching out to our OOD sites. Mrs. Dowd has been in constant contact with DESE Finance Department and will come back to the committee with any new information. Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mr. Parks,to authorize the Superintendent and Chief Financial Officer to negotiate rates for transportation and tuitions. Dr. Stys added the schools are required to do continuation of learning plans and we have been in contact with our families. Mr. Robinson asked about hidden costs. Mrs. Dowd said she is reviewing financial statement line item by line item. There are no extracurricular expenses being paid and she is working with METCO. She said we will be prudent and fair in all negotiations. Mrs.Nazzaro asked about expense structures and the state stimulus packages and if we were doing it individually or as a group. Mrs. Dowd said we are doing it as a group of business managers. Special education transportation is done through SEEM and we are able to provide more information as a group. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson. Superintendent Evaluation Process Mr. Robinson explained that the previous committee voted to go to a two-year cycle in December. He added, with no disrespect to the previous committee,that with the turnover of the committee he felt it was appropriate to revisit this process. Dr. Doherty reviewed the two-year evaluation cycle saying at the end of the first year the committee would provide a formative review with the full evaluation at the end of year 2. He reviewed the options: I year cycle—Complete in June. He would present evidence and what it looks like at the next meeting. 2 year cycle—the 19-20 SY would be year 1 with the committee providing a formative review. The 20-21 would be year 2 with the committee providing a full summative evaluation in June. 2 year cycle-the 19-20 SY would be year I with the committee providing a formative review. The 20-21 would be year 2 with the committee providing a full summative evaluation by election day 2021. I year cycle—Summative evaluation done in April 2021. Mr. Brandt is conceptually comfortable with a 2 year process but asked how the committee believes the process should be going forward. Dr. Doherty pointed out that the evaluation should be completed by June 30. Mrs. Gaffen asked how we would evaluate without seeing the goals and how much was driven by former committee members. How have other new members gone about this process? Mr. Robinson said new members should evaluate on what they are comfortable with. Page 1 5 Mr. Parks referred to the MASC Charting the Course program as being helpful in this process. MASC recommends that a School Committee member evaluate on what you have seen. Mr. Wise also felt the Charting the Course was valuable. He pointed out that contractually the Superintendent be reviewed annually on or before June 15th. Mr. Brandt referred to the recent MASC Covid-19 FAQ that says to delay the evaluation into the summer/early fall. Mrs. Gaffen asked if the Superintendent could provide a better picture of what the formative assessment would look like. Dr. Doherty said it would include ratings on each standard and a narrative. Mr. Robinson added that it would be a broad narrative. Dr. Doherty added there would be a midpoint check-in with the opportunity to make adjustments as related to the feedback. Mrs.Nazzaro asked if the Superintendent's contract was modified when the committee voted a 2-year cycle. Mr. Robinson said it was not and feels the formative satisfies the requirement. He will ask counsel to review the contract. Mrs.Nazzaro asked if the formative evaluation is written. The answer was yes. Mr. Brandt asked how the annual goals would support a 2-year cycle. Dr. Doherty said he would provide 2 sets of goals. The goals can be multi-year depending on the depth of the goal. Goals need to be fluid. The evaluation involves the progress of the goals, each indicator—all standards and an overall rating. Mr. Parks said the district improvement plan is generally a 3-year plan,this year it is a l- year plan. Mr. Wise said the committee should have a 3-year goal discussion. The committee should complete a 1-year cycle in the June time period and then look a what we want to do realistically,this year. Mr. Brandt agreed that the committee should have a clean break and align goals with the new process, looking at a July or August completion. Mrs. Nazzaro agreed that this is a viable option. Mr. Parks said that the committee will have to vote on the contract extension by June 30th. Mr. Robinson doesn't believe that voting or not on an extension doesn't necessarily go on the basis of the most recent evaluation. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt, to return to a one-year cycle with the intention of comoletine the summative evaluation by June 2020. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr. Wise,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. E. Public Comment—emails received during meetine Dr. Doherty read the entails that were sent. 'Hi school committee: Page 16 Glad to see you are well. I have a question and a commentfor tonight's meeting. The question does not have to do with any items on the agenda, but the comments do pertain to several items. When will the MOAIMOU that have been signed with RTA be made public? My understanding is that they are supplemental to the exisling RTA contract, which is a public document. Also, regarding agenda items: I support not charging RISE and full day K parents for the May tuition. This is in line with what other local districts, like North Reading, are doing. Isupport a one year evaluation timeline for the superintendent, which is consistent with past practice, with the current superintendent contract, and with what is done in nearly all other districts. Ifully trust the three newly elected school committee members, and the existing members, to provide fair and thoughtful input. I know that these three individuals have been following school matters very closelyfor the past several years and have been very engaged. They are fully ready to participate in an evaluation, which was the original plan back when the school committee approved the annual goals on 10124/2019." Thank you, Marianne Downing 13 Heather Drive. Ematls from Alicia Williams "Could you please provide the revolving account balances? For rise and kindergarten" Thankyou Alicia "Could a copy of MOA be made available to the public? Where would we find it?" Thank you Alicia Williams Answers: MOA questions Remote learning plan is the MOA and we will put both on the website. Revolving Account for RISE $219K Balance $119K ending year $90K beginning balance for next year. This will need to be refined based on current events. I. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll(A) Pap 1 7 Warrant 52039 3.26.20 $90,239.08 Warrant 52040 4.02.20 $15,936.52 Warrant 52041 4.09.20 $18,801.01 Warrant 52042 4.1610 $116,303.20 Warrant P2020 4.03.20 $1,668,044.85 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence Mr. Wise asked if the postponement of the SOA agenda item needs to be voted on. Mr. Robinson said it was not an action item. Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to indefinitely postpone the SOA feedback to such a time that we need to provide to the state. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mn. Nazzaro,Mrs.Caffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. 3. Future Business Mr. Robinson said the next meeting will be on April 23rd. 4. Adiournment Adiourn Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Parks,to adjourn. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mr. Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 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?v—yDphbwreSYY hn F. Dohe , Ed.D. Page 1 8 Engelson, Linda From: Robinson,Charles Sent: Thursday,April 16,2020 4:23 PM To: kevinmsexton@gmaii.com Cc: Engelson, Linda Subject: Re: one parents perspective Hi Kevin, I hope all is well and thank you for the email. We appreciate and respect your feedback. Stay well. Chuck Robinson From:Kevin M. Sexton<kevinmsexton@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday,April 16,2020 6:17 PM To:DG School Committee<SchoolCommittee@reading.kl2.ma.us> Subject:one parents perspective CAUTION:This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click links oropen attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe. Dear School Committee Members, First let me say...WOW! Our new,while temporary way of life sure happened fast!And as such,you've had to adapt on the fly to a new way of educating our kids. I can only assume you have received mixed reviews from parents,but usually in a crisis those reviews can mainly be angry ones.So I wanted to reach out to you as a Woodend and RISE parent to give my perspective,for what it's worth. My guess is,that this type of crisis had no formal step-by-step plan for our kids to be out of school for this period of time. From my perspective,what the Superintendent, staff and teachers have rolled out to my kids has been a good experience considering.While not perfect, I can appreciate that they did not let"great" be the enemy of"good." In the time of an unprecedented crisis, one in which no one alive has ever experienced.Which brought the complete stop to our way of life in a instant and for an uncertain period of time, I appreciate all that has been done for my kids. While some may not have liked the speed at which we got up and running, and again I can only speak for Pre-5,I found it absolutely necessary for us to digest. Lets face it, it's a big learning curve for all us parents. For my wife and 1,we are still working and easing into a new way of doing things with our jobs on top of recently being promoted to teachers(you all rock BTW! and can absolutely have the job back when this is over!).As the weeks went by, more and more information came out for the school departments,adding to what the previous week had done.To me,this slow but consistent roll out of where we are today was essential to making it all work under the"new norm." As a committee,you have a monumental task before you and I'm confident that you can work your way through this. Just remember,this was the ultimate of unknowns and there will be plenty of time to reflect on the good, bad and indifferent later.Just keep pushing through! Sincerely, Kevin M. Sexton 20 Emerson St 1 Engelson, Linda From: Alicia Williams <cordelephotography@mac.com> Sent: Thursday,April 16, 2020 7:23 PM To: DG School Committee Subject: : MOA CAUTION:This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe. > Hi >Could a copy of MOA be made available to the public? >Where would we find it? >Thank you >Alicia Williams >Sent from my iPad i Engelson, Linda From: Marianne Downing <mariannedowning@comcast.net> Sent: Thursday,April 16,2020 7:29 PM To: DG School Committee Subject: public comment question on the memorandum of understanding/agreement with RTA and also comment on the Supt eval timeline CAUTION:This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools.Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe. Hi school committee: Glad to see you are well. I have a question and a comment for tonight's meeting. The question does not have to do with any items on the agenda, but the comments do pertain to several items. When will the MOA/MOU that have been signed with RTA be made public? My understanding is that they are supplemental to the existing RTA contract,which is a public document. Also, regarding agenda items: I support not charging RISE and full day K parents for the May tuition.This is in line with what other local districts, like North Reading, are doing. I support a one year evaluation timeline for the superintendent,which is consistent with past practice,with the current superintendent contract, and with what is done in nearly all other districts. I fully trust the three newly elected school committee members,and the existing members,to provide fair and thoughtful input. I know that these three individuals have been following school matters very closely for the past several years and have been very engaged. They are fully ready to participate in an evaluation,which was the original plan back when the school committee approved the annual goals on 10/28/2019. Thank you, Marianne Downing 13 Heather Drive. t Engelson, Linda From: Marianne Downing <mariannedowning@comcast.net, Sent: Thursday,April 16, 2020 8:54 PM To: DG School Committee Subject: public comment- here is the voting record of"new'SC members Importance: High CAUTION:This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe. New ones who did reviews right away: Elaine, Linda, Nick,Tom, Gary New who did not: Sherri John Parks t