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Home My WebLink About2020-05-14 School Committee Minutes o�:orx b Town of Reading Meeting Minutes r I E 0 EPEC Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee 4 Date: 2020-05-14 Time: 6:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chuck Robinson, John Parks, Tom Wise, Erin Gaffen, 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 Student Representative Maura Drummey Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. 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. Dowd—here Mrs.Nazzaro—here Dr. Stys—here Mrs. Gaffen—here Mrs. Allard—here Mr. Brandt—here Mr.Robinson—here Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Gaffen to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to Iitieafioo and to return to oven session at approximately 7:00 p.m. The roll call vote carried.6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise, Mrs.Nazzaro.Mrs.Gaffen.Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Mr. Robinson called open session back to order at 8:05 p.m. A. Public Input Page I 1 Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting allowing the public time to email questions to deschoolcommittee(olreadine.kl 2.ma.us B. Consent Agenda Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to approve the consent aeenda. The roll call vote carried.6-0.Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. C. Reports Student Representative Student Representative Maura Drummey began by thanking the School Committee for the chance to serve as student representative. She went on to report on remote leaming for this week. The AP exams will begin next week with students taking the exams online. The Drama Club spring show was supposed to happen last week. The club held an interactive meeting and ran through the show. Senior activity planning is picking up. The senior countdown will be virtual,and seniors can sign up for a day. The banners will be displayed on Instagram. The virtual prom was held,and a large number of seniors attended. They were able to set up a Zoom call for the RMHS students to connect. Faculty and staff delivered the senior t-shirts and cookies to the seniors. Mr.Robinson asked what Ms. Drummey's future plans were. She will be attending Boston College in the fall. RMHS principal Kate Boynton gave a shout out to Ms.Drummey and went on to thank the senior class and its officers,advisors and parents for all the support. She reported on activities that have taken place to support the seniors including door decorations,01867 license plates,an article in the Readings magazine, lawn signs,a staff video to all students,virtual prom and virtual countdown. Ms. Drummey added that the following would be occurring during senior week: a virtual destination map, lip dub, live stream of MISSTER. RMHS and the senior slideshow,a scavenger hunt, on-line trivia and theme days for senior week. Mrs. Boynton shared there will be a rolling rally on May 231d starting at Jordan's Furniture and ending at RMHS. We are waiting for guidance from the state on graduation. We will hold a virtual awards night and hope to have an in-person celebration at a later date. Mrs. Boynton mentioned the senior gift which were stories read by seniors and recorded to be shared with the elementary students. The seniors shared information about their elementary school experience as well. Director of Student Services Dr. Stys thanked and congratulated Ms. Drummey.There has been instructional support meeting time,which we are calling office hours(State language). Page 1 2 Discussion is taking place regarding the ESY program. There are three models being considered:traditional,virtual and a hybrid of both.Parents should contact the team chairs with any questions/concerns. Speech language pathologists,receiving guidance from their professional organization and state are asking that families sign a telecommunications waiver to allow to provide services. This waiver will be sent to all families. Human Resources Administrator Mrs.Allard gave a shout-out to the members of the Behavioral Health/Districtwide Crisis Team. The group,using input from the District Leadership Team and state,have developed a plan for transition support and how to support everyone emotionally when we return. Superintendent Dr. Doherty shared that Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley had a death in her family and that our sympathies go out to her and her family. Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Dowd began by congratulating Ms. Drummey and wishing her the best of luck. Mrs. Dowd updated the committee on the steps being taken in the schools to add some protective measures similar to what you have seen at local grocery stores and convenience stores. Plexiglass barriers are being installed in the main offices of the schools. Mrs.Dowd reviewed the timeline for return to work.The district is also developing a reentry process saying it will be a slow transition. Liaisons Mrs.Gaffen reported that the SEPAC continues to meet weekly with Dr. Stys,Ms. Wright, Mrs. Kelley and Dr. Doherty. The SEPAC wants to hear from parents. Mr.Wise read an email from Madeline Liberian and shared this was not a Reading Public Schools item. (attached) D. New Business Intermunicipal Agreement Mrs. Dowd reviewed the contract saying that the arrangement with Wakefield to share the Food Service Director has worked very well and would like to extend the contract another three years. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Gaffen,to authorize the Superintendent to enter a new Three Year Inter-Municipal Agreement between the Reading Public Schools and Wakefield Public Schools The School Committee asked clarifying questions. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Griffen.Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Page 1 3 FY 21 Budget Update Mrs. Dowd shared that she and the Superintendent have been working closely with the Town Manager and Town Accountant on the FY21 budget. Discussions have been held with the District and Central Office Administrative teams outlining the changes in the FY21 budget that were presented to the Finance Committee on Tuesday. There are many unknowns as we await guidance from the state and DESE. We have been in contact with other districts throughout the closure. Mr.Wise asked if we were bound to a 9:55 p.m.stop time.He then asked if we should proceed with these cuts or proceed with using free cash. Mr.Brandt asked about the increased demand for substitutes and if there is a way to put ourselves in a better position. Mrs. Dowd said it would be difficult budgetarily—paying for services not rendered. Mr.Wise interjected due to the time restraints if the Social Media Policy should be postponed. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to postpone discussion of the Social Media Policy until the next meetine. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr. Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro.Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to petition the Finance Committee to move the budget presented in January to Town Meeting. Mrs. Dowd cautioned that$160,000 in reductions(offsets)would have to be found. Discussion continued regarding the FY21 budget. Mr. Wise withdrew his motion. E. Public Comment—emails received during meeting None was discussed due to time constraints. I. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll(A) Warrant 52043 4.23.20 $76,493.85 Warrant S2044 4.30.20 $9,323.32 Warrant 52045 5.07.20 $436,602.62 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence None 3. Future Business None Page 1 4 4. Adiournmen[ Adioum Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,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 10:00 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: hUgs://www.voutube.com/watch?v=gm Ii0XJM3YE *l* J h F. Doherty,Ed. .- Page 1 5 Engelson, Linda From: Madeline Liberman <madeline.liberman@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 20204:13 PM To: DG School Committee Subject: School committee meeting public comment Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged 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. Dear members of the school committee, Would you mind reading the following during the public comment period? I will also be at the beginning of the meeting if there are any questions. "As all of us are aware,there is growing pressure on families due to social distancing during COVID-19. I'd like to share a resource for families struggling to entertain their kids and kids feeling isolated with the loss of school,outside childcare, and activities. Reading Kids Connect pairs passionate,dedicated high school and college-age mentors in Reading with younger students(ages 7-15)for virtual video sessions. Kids who feel isolated without their friends will have someone to talk to,and parents can focus on work or take a break. For mentors,this is a great volunteer opportunity and a chance to make a difference for a Reading family.To find a mentor or volunteer,visit Reading Kids Connect on Facebook." Thank you, Madeline Liberman 1