HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-30 School Committee Minutes a GR
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Meeting Minutes
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School Committee
Date: 2020-04-30 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 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, Director of Facilities Joe Huggins 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—hem
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. Huggins-here
A. Public Inuu[
Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting
allowing the public time to email questions to dgschoolcommittee(t mading.k l 2.ma.us
B. Consent Aeenda
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Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to approve the consent aeenda.
Mr. Wise suggested revisions to the 4.16.20 minutes.
Mrs.Namro suggested revisions to the 4.06.20 minutes.
The roll call vote on the amended minutes carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.
Nauaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
C. Report
Student Representative
Student Representative Maum Drummey reported on remote learning for this week. The
work has been manageable. 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. There will be a virtual prom next week as well as senior week
activities.Lawn signs have been distributed to about half of the class.
Director of Student Services
Dr. Stys reported that"continuation of learning plans"are still being distributed. Parents
should contact the team chairs with any questions/concerns.There has been instructional
support meeting time, which we are calling office hours(State language).
Discussion is taking place regarding the ESY program. There are three models being
considered:traditional,virtual and a hybrid of both.
There is on-going training-for teachers and paras on the following:
o Reading(Morphology and Comprehension)
o Executive Functioning
o TEAMS
o Technology(Boomcards,Flipgrid, Bookshare)
o Fading Supports, Data Collection
Upcoming trainings for parents continue with the following:
o Training for parents
o Electronic Signing
o IEP and 504 Meetings
o What is AT
o Google Classroom
o Bookshare
Dr. Stys shared that she continues to meet with the State and SEPAC. We are also
partnering with SEEM on a variety of lessons. Dr. Stys and Ms. Wright continue to hold
office hours for staff and parents.
Assistant Superintendent
Mrs.Kelley reported on the following:
• Remote learning proceeding-Teacher appreciation day/week May 5
• Staff has set up platforms so that families/students can access one platform and
are using google classroom PreK-8 and HS is using either Portal or google
classroom
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• Working with tech to present lots of trainings for staff on google,teams,and
other topics
• Had our first live training with Reading resident Tech Integrator Specialist Karen
Janowski today with over 58 joining in and scheduling more by topic(certain
programs to use)as well as by grade level bans/positions
• Would like to offer more parent trainings
• Looking for continued training modules district wide as well as school-based
future parent trainings
• Learning and Teaching Coordinators are meeting weekly by grade level to
support staff as they plan activities and look for ways to provide meaningful
learning experiences;principals are helping to support this work
• Our goals moving forward will be to strengthen the remote learning program for
all students:
Prioritize meaningful connections with educators and peers.
Provide engaging core instruction focused on the prerequisite content
standards that are most critical for student success in the next grade.
Offer opportunities for enrichment,exercise,and play.
Ensure programming is accessible and secure and communication is
streamlined for students and their families.
• Principals are facilitating weekly staff meetings with entire staff as well as
smaller break out staff sessions
• Develop a system for identifying and supporting students not effectively engaged
in remote learning.
• Consider the strategic collaboration,teaming,and differentiated roles that remote
learning makes possible.
• Reiterate the recommendation shared by Commissioner Riley;"We generally
recommend that schools and educators deliver instructional lessons intended for
all students in an asynchronous format(e.g., record a video of the lesson as
opposed to asking students to tune in at a specific hour to watch it`live")."This
frees up educators to utilize the synchronous time to support students who need
help,provide structures to connect wit and among students,and utilize"live"
times to support social/emotional standards(Open Circle meetings.)
• We also promote the sharing of recorded lessons across grade levels, lessening
each individual workload and building engagement with "guest teachers"hosting
lessons.
• METCO update-regular contact with Director, looking at orientation and
meetings with prospective families,well checks,coordination with support,
graduation planning for METCO graduates.
• Curriculum and other committee work is proceeding.
• YRBS Committee upcoming parent presentation online Thursday May 14th at
7PM.The webinar description is below.An Eventbrite page to collect
registrations.
Vaping Trends&Cessation Support Webinar-Thursday May 14th,7PM
Since 2014,c-cigarettes have been the most commonly used tobacco
product by youth in the United States. Over the past year, rates of e-
cigarettes use among young people have skyrocketed.This webinar will
help parents understand the current trends in c-cigarette/vape product use
among teenagers,explore the most recent health data on the risks of
vaping,and discuss vaping cessation support strategies and resources.
Presenters: Samantha Salkin, BAPH,Outreach Coordinator,Reading
Coalition for Prevention&Support Kathleen O'Leary,RN,MS,FNP-
BC,NP-C,CTTS, Founder/CEO Lotus Health Education
• Professional Development plan which include updated planning(along with
updated onboarding/mentor/induction work that was detailed last week)
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Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Dowd reported on the following:
Last night we provided an update to the Select Board of the activities the Command
Group have been undertaking:
• As many of you have seen,the BOH has issued a Facial Covering Policy. We
have posted the notice on all of the school buildings,ensured that our Food
Services Director,Technology Staff and Custodians also were aware and are
following the guidelines while in the buildings and in their dealings with the
public(including food delivery, accepting deliveries and technology
distributions).
• We are developing a plan for re-opening the buildings once the restrictions are
released which we know have been pushed until at least May 18th. Starting next
week,all of our custodians will be back for full shifts based on guidance released
this week from the DLS allowing normal custodial work to begin. We are
working closely with the BOH,Command Structure,Central Office and the
building principals to develop a plan. As part of this we also realize that with the
closing on March 13th we were not able to close down our kitchens,teachers
were not able to pack up their classrooms and students did not clean out desks
and lockers. We are looking at the safest way to allow these close out processes
to happen.
• Also,the Facilities department has been working closely with the town and
schools to also look at key high traffic areas to look at ways to add some
protective measures similar to what you have seen at local grocery stores and
convenience stores. We are scheduling meetings with each building to walk
through and discuss our thoughts as we prepare to re-open. We are fortunate to
have a group of individuals who are staying ahead of the curve in addressing
safety needs as well as searching out PPE for the schools and Town personnel.
• All of these steps are being viewed from a safety standpoint and we will keep the
committee and community informed as we develop the plans.
• We are also working closely with the Town Manager to review the financial
landscape as information is provided from the state as well as federal
government. We will be providing updates to the Committee as information
becomes available.
• Also announced last night at the Select Board Meeting the Town will be holding
a Mask Distribution for residents over 60 or with compromised immune systems.
We have worked with the Command Group to coordinate the location and
timing. It is currently scheduled for next Tuesday morning at the RMHS parking
lot behind the field house. More information will be forthcoming from the Town
over the next couple of days.
Financial
• Linda Engelson and Chris Schweitzer are working hard to process the refunds for
full day kindergarten and RISE.
• We continue to review and monitor our operating budget and revolving accounts
and are also monitoring all of our grants. We have been following the guidelines
from the Federal and State agencies for all of our grants to ensure they are spent
down appropriately or carried forward if allowable.
• We have made the difficult decision to furlough our extended day staffing—the
office staff will remain and will be working on programs for the upcoming
school year as well as cross training. Chris Nelson talked to all of the staffing
regarding this decision.
• We are monitoring the Governor's orders and have not yet made decisions on our
summer programs and facility rentals.
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Regarding our Food Distribution:
• Charles D. Baker,Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,has
proclaimed May 1,2020 School Lunch Hero Day as a tribute to all school
nutrition professionals in the Commonwealth. I want to give a huge thank you to
Danielle Collins who is spearheading the food distribution for ourselves as well
as Wakefield.
• We are feeding over 50 students and we have seen the need increasing slightly
over the last couple of weeks.
• Danielle Collins continues to work very closely with the State to ensure we are
staying current in all of the changes in requirements related to the service we are
providing. The state and federal governments are issuing waivers and
information almost on a daily basis. We are also working very closely with all of
our commodity providers as well as the Federal food sources to ensure we are
taking advantage of all of the various sources of funding.
• Over the next month we will continue to monitor the need and will work closely
with the Town as well as the School Committee to ensure we have a well thought
out plan as we transition to summer.
Superintendent
The Superintendent gave a shout out to the Central Office administrators for their
continued support and hard work during this time. They meet every morning to share
information. The District Leadership team meets three times a week with Directors
attending one of these meetings.
He went on to acknowledge Swim coach Ken Holbrook who was recently inducted in the
Eastern Mass Swim Coach Hall of Fame. He thanked him for his tenure and dedication
to the student-athletes.
We continue to look for technology tools that will support remote learning.
He thanked the Behavioral Health/Districtwide Crisis team for providing resources.
Liaisons
Mr. Wise reported there was a RMLD update at the Select Board meeting.
D. New Business
Presentation by Labor Counsel Colby Brunt
Attorney Brunt will review the rules, roles and responsibilities of school committee
members. She suggested that the committee should familiarize themselves with student
handbooks,school committee policies,collective bargaining agreements and notices.
She went on to describe the SC authority reminding them that the committee acts as a
whole body and not individuals. The fundamental responsibilities include setting the
goals and policies,choosing a leader and approving a budget. DESE regulations state
that the superintendent shall be evaluated by the school committee. She next referred to
the Massachusetts General Laws pertinent to school committees including labor relations,
open meeting laws,public records and conflict of interest. It was recommended that the
committee refer to the Secretary of State and State Ethics Commission websites.
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The committee asked about access to personnel records for supporting documents as part
of the evaluation process such as exit interviews of principals and administrators and
input from CO personnel.
Ms.Brunt said that committee members would have access to the superintendent's
information and no access to personnel records.
There was a question regarding settlement agreements. These are public records and all
identifiable information would be redacted.
A question was asked if a parent wuld speak about their child during public comment.
Ms. Brunt cautioned the chair to be aware because the child is the topic under the
jurisdiction of the school committee.
Mr.Robinson thanked Attorney Brunt for attending tonight's meeting.
Modular Project Update
Mrs. Dowd reviewed the bid process and timeline for the modular classrooms. She said
that the bids do not include furniture,furnishings and equipment.
Mr. Huggins shared that we received favorable bid results. Based upon a review of the
proposals by the Review Committee(comprised of Allison Jenkins,Town Procurement
Officer,Joe Huggins,Director of Facilities,Kevin Cabuzzi,Assistant Facilities Director,
Dale Gienapp,Architect and Gail Dowd, School Department CFO),the contract was
awarded to Vanguard Modular Building Systems.
Prior to construction,DPW will be performing site work in preparation for construction
which is anticipated to begin in July and be done prior to the start of school.
Mrs.Nazzaro asked about health& safety plans. The contractors will need to follow the
protocols put in place by the state and town.
Mr. Robinson asked about the difference between the cost for 2 vs. 3 classrooms. Mrs.
Dowd shared that due to the favorable pricing we are going with the 3 classrooms. Dr.
Doherty added that he strongly recommends going with the bid as is,the committee has
approved 3 classrooms.
Mr.Wise asked about unexpected costs. Mr. Huggins said that we will oversee the site
work. There have been modular classrooms on the site before, so there are utility
connections available. There will still be unexpected costs but Mr.Huggins acting as the
Project Manager,will manage the contractors.
Transportation Contract Update
Dr. Doherty and Mrs. Dowd,along with the Superintendent and Business Manager from
Wakefield and the Business Manager and the Executive Director of Seem formed a
SEEM Transportation Sub-Committee with the goal of negotiating an agreement with
NRT. The negotiation was a collaboration of the working group as well as discussions
with other surrounding districts. Financial information was obtained and reviewed to
determine the reasonableness of the rate being negotiated. At the last SEEM Board
Meeting,the Board authorized SEEM to enter into an agreement for the known closure,
which at that time was through May 3,2020. At the next SEEM Board meeting,they
will discuss a second agreement that covers the period of May 4, 2020 through the end of
the current school year. SEEM will be bring forth an agreement that established a rate of
78%at their May 4th Board meeting. Each participating district will then be asked to
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vote on at the district level. Wording has been included to stat that the agreement has
been reached,based upon guidance and recommendations from the Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education that it supports the continued payment for uniquely
positioned vendors that are primarily in operation to support districts during the
Governor's Mandatory Closure because there is a tangible,monetary benefit to the school
district for them to assure that transportation contractors remain a viable business entity
so that when schools reopen they will be able to provide the necessary transportation.
We anticipate this would result in approximately$70,000. We will provide final figures
once all the invoices have been recalculated based upon day count,monitors and
locations.
Regarding our Regular Day Transportation,we have negotiated a 70%rate with the same
process of reviewing the financial information,discussions with the vendor,with similar
wording that they agree and represents that any of the invoices paid by the District are
representative of costs related exclusively to the readiness of services. We anticipate this
would result in approximately$14,000. We will provide final figures once all the
invoices have been recalculated based upon day count,monitors and locations.
Superintendent Evaluation Process
Dr. Doherty walked through the 5-step evaluation process. He will provide a large
amount of evidence to support the process which he will provide in a drop box.
Many of the initiatives associated with the District Improvement Plan had been moving
along until the stoppage at which point the focus had to he elsewhere.
Committee members suggested a 360-degree survey sent out to stakeholders that report to
the Superintendent to assist in assessment. Dr. Doherty said he can create a survey that
can be sent to direct reports. The survey would be anonymous with open-ended
questions and can he shared with the committee.
Mr.Wise suggested a change in the timeline,moving everything forward three days.
E. Public Comment—emails received during meeting
Many of the comments regarding remote learning and tech platform have been addressed.
Email from Alicia Williams:
"Dear School Committee,
I just want to let you know,that I had a wonderful conversation taday with Miss Dowd
and Mr. Huggins regarding the Birch Meadow modular project.
They eased my concerns regarding the slope down to the emergency access road and they
were very helpful with my questions!
I have been concerned regarding the drainage and was hoping they were going raja the
hill.
1 am happy to report they are!
Thankyou!
Alicia"
Email from Michael Monahan
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RPS does not resume in person/in-building school during 09/2020, is RPS
prophylactically endeavoring to construct a plan to host virtual classrooms that support
live full class and synchronous teaching?
I ask because the current model for asynchronous virtual teaching will not meet the needs
of the children for any extended period of time. Children need structured time live(either
in-person or virtually). The current remote learning model that is comprised of teachers
advising students to independently read a text book or watch a YouTube video and then
complete a worksheet is not a teaching/learning solution. This can and should be
remedied before 09/2020, if the shutdown continues.
Second question—If a plan is not put in place to restore live whole classroom
synchronous teaching, either in person or virtually,for the 09/2020 semester, I ask the
RPS communicate that fact to families as soon as possible and ideally well in advance of
09/2020, so families have time to pursue alternative solutions at other private schools.
Mike Monahan
Bancroft Ave."
Mrs. Kelley responded to Mr.Monahan's first question by saying that our plan has been
moving forward for the last seven weeks and we have held discussions regarding plans
for next year.
Her response to his second question was that we will be following the guidance from the
Governor and DESE.
1. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll (A)
None
b. Calendar
2. lnformation/Corresoondenoe
3. Future Business
4. Adioumment
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 10:30 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order
they occurred during the meeting.
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Link to meeting video: hgps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC_rJIUTU U
I�
Jon .Doherty,Ed.b.
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