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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-09 School Committee Minutes Q�. OFHgb, Town of Reading `5 Meeting Minutes _ Fo 'TJ9•pfO0.t60.T1 � . .. Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2020-07-09 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft 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 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. Dowd—here Mrs.Nazzaro—here Mrs. Kelley- here Mrs. Gaffen—here Dr. Stys—here Mr. Brandt—here Mrs. Allard—here Mr. Robinson—here A. Public Inout Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting allowing the public time to email questions to dgsehoolcommitteeLa reading.k l 2.ma.us B. Consent Agenda Mr. Robinson asked if there was anything to be removed from the consent agenda. Page I t Mr Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to accent the consent aeenda. Mr. Wise suggested changes to the minutes included in the packet(June 22& 25,2020). Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mr. Brandt to accept the consent aeenda as amended The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nama ro,Mrs. Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson. C. Reports Director of Student Services No report Chief Financial Officer No report Assistant Superintendent No report Superintendent No report Liaisons Mr. Parks reported on the recent Ad Hoc meeting at which they discussed an approach to start the discussion of the group's role. Mr. Brandt added that the committee received several questions from the Library with whom they are working,to be answered as part of a presentation to Town Meeting. D. Old Business Retreat Planning and Date Mr. Robinson said the retreat on August 13" would be used to hold a discussion on goals. Mr. Wise asked if we would be looking at a 3-year or I-year approach. He feels an in- person retreat would be preferred. Mrs. Gaffen agreed that it would be a more productive session in-person. Mr. Robinson said we would have to wait for guidance from the Governor as to when public meetings could be held in-person. Mr. Brandt would like a discussion on racial equity to be part of the discussion. Dr. Doherty suggested a discussion on the School and District Improvement Plans for this year be part of the discussion. Committee members felt there should be additional meetings during the summer. Social Media Assignments Page 12 Mr. Robinson had a discussion with Legal Counsel regarding Mr.Wise's post as Social Media Coordinator,to determine if it violated the open meeting laws. We have been told that it is not a violation. The response posted on Facebook could possibly be a violation of the policy and procedure because it put forth an opinion. It is important to remember that the committee social media coordinators should avoid the appearance of deliberation or opinion. Mrs.Nazzaro asked if the concern was brought up by a committee member or the public. Mr. Robinson said it was brought up by a committee member. Mr. Brandt said that he brought it up and was extremely upset by the post,not necessarily the content. The post did not follow the recommended procedure and was a gross misuse of the policy. Mr. Parks also questioned if the response was an OML violation and was not happy with the way the response was handled. Mr. Wise said that his response was not meant to create a firestorm. He tried to keep to the facts in the committee sjurisdiction. He appreciated the feedback. Mrs. Gaffen,as Social Media Coordinator, never spoke to Mr. Wise about the post. She would like to understand her role as Social Media Coordinator. She also felt the individual member could respond and didn't feel a whole committee response was warranted. Mr. Robinson's take away from the discussion is that the roles need to be clarified. Mr. Robinson lost his meeting connection at 7:37 p.m. Mr. Brandt felt the wording of the response made it sound like it was from the whole committee. He would not have supported a response like this. Mr. Robinson reconnected at 7:39 p.nt. Mrs.Nazzaro expressed concerns with the members and feels we need to review the policy. She felt her hands were tied because three members had responded in some form to the original post. If she posted a response it would have created a quorum. Mr. Robinson suggested the policy& procedure be suspended until the next meeting at which point the procedures be tighten up. He also suggested that if a particular member is mentioned in a post,that member should contact the Social Media Coordinators to indicate they would respond. The two coordinators should speak to each other before any post is acted upon. Mr. Parks, Mr. Brandt and Mrs. Gaffen support suspending further responses to posts and to relook at the procedures. Mrs.Gaffen does not think it is necessary to suspend the Facetious page saying that it has built a following. Mr. Wise appreciated the feedback and will work to be better. He has also drafted a disclaimer to post and was asked by the chair to hold off posting until this discussion took place. Mr. Wise said he would review this post with Mrs. Gaffen. Chair Robinson welcomed parent Sherilla Lestrade to the meeting. Ms. Lestrade read the following statement to clarity the most recent post on the School Committee vote. Page 1 3 Good Evening,I want to clarify my most recent post about votes that were passed both at the School Committee meeting and during the Instructional Motion.I wrote my post based on my true and honest feelings even though I knew I would receive ridicule and backlash. It,,not common practice for me to use social media to handle business but I saw no need to be silent since the School Committee meeting was live as well as it is public record Shortlyafter my postwent up I did receive a message from Carla inviting me to a meeting and which we did meet and it was a very nice meeting.i also had an opportunity to speak with Chuck pnor to my meeting with Carla. I met with Carla and we had a lengthy in depth conversation as mothers,community members, and advocates fighting in the best interest of our children and students.Sharing many similar concerns and some personal history,and discussed the reasons for her two"NO'Votesone against endorsing the rally and then the other age inst Town Meeting's declaration for justice. We discussed our frustrations on racial injusti w,redlining,and systemic racism that affords white privilege and economic slavery and equity. Out most importantly,we talked about the value and need of accurate inclusive education for all of our young people-That was wherewe found common ground and we could become allies in bringing real change to our town and school. I left the conversation feeling That we cou!d work together as examples of two people misu rcerstood by unintentional actions and show soli carry in the fight for justice and equality through our actions and not just words. I felt we learned about each other and gained a better understa Wing of shat drove each of us. I would later be confused by her asking me in a message to change my original port to denounce the mrirt comments. My response to the request was that it was a pleasure meeting with her,but that didn't change the way her anions made me feel.I was glad that we were able to share in the experience of the uncomfortable conversation that needed to be had-We both expressed how each other's anions made the other feel,and the work that needed to be done to bring diversity to the town and make everyone's lives and contributions count By no means did I agree to a joint statement that absolved my feelings or my post.In fact,I believe anion speaks louder than words.What I do agree to is,showing our solidarity through our learning, communicating and most of all our united actions. While her invent may not have been racist her salons made me feel different, As far as the post that was written in response to mine by School Committee Member Tom Wise,who is one of the School Commrtee's Social Media Coordinators for the month of July. You have already discussed broth his post and the policy and I thank you for that. nage 1 4 Ton's post indicated he was responding on behaff of the School Committee as the Media Coordinator.Based on his statement I feel that b is implied that this is the sense across the board and all are in agreement Otherwise this port was his personal feeling and Opinion are expressed both by what is induced in a message and that which is left out. It is clear that what Ni W se wrote was not a reflection of the School Committee's opinion,and does not accurately represent the entire board,a is important to find this out Thank you Our Children are Me future.Children of all ages,shapes,gender,religion,status,and color are screaming and demanding change.Let us,the adults,take a lesson from them and do better. Lets stop the hate and work towards building real lasting changes so that hundreds of years from now the society we are all a part of o in a better place. leaveyouwiththisFor almost 400 Years,while folks have had the privilege of not having to think about themselves as having a race.White is the default state of being.People of color have a race that makes them different from"normal'.Thus the all too Common statements 11 am Color-blind'ci don't see color'are racier statements as they erase non-white experiences. The idea that only inherently bad people demonrtrate racism is patently false.Racism in itself is no just about one's intention,anyone is capable of it,even inadvertently.Even people who 'don't have a racist bone In their body can still display racist attitudes. White fragility is a common reaction that surfaces when white people are racially Challenged you might have felt it during my statement today.White fragility is the defensiveness, awkwardness and anger that white people feel when confronted with their own support of racismit may look like crying rather than engaging in a discussion,avoiding the topic altogether,or requesting the way a person of color should frame their experience.It centers a white person's feelings as they often try to compare their hardships with the oppressions that black people have suffered for generations and distracts from the pressing matter of racial njustice. White fragility is a highly effective means of white racial control because it silences the voices and those who challenge racial hierarchy in place in our society. If you are offended by the concept of fragility'you need to ask yourself why?Why are you uncomfortable,or find it upsetting or even offensive to be reminded that you are'white' and of your white privilege? In our country,I am reminded every day that I am Black.There is racial inequality and it is increasing as we speak.Let us work together through the difficult conversations to make real positive changes and end this cycle of injuetia in our community. Mr. Robinson thanked Ms. Lestrade for speaking this evening and said that Ms. Lestrade is a valued and highly respected member of the community. E. Nev, Business MASC Anti-Racism Resolution Mr. Wise read the resolution. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to endorse the MASC Anti-Racism Resolution. Mr. Wise made a friendly amendment to add another point WHEREAS, every district shall examine their existing curriculum triols and instructional practices(or underlvina racial biases and work to remove prem. Mr.Brandt seconded the amendment. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs. Nazzaro, Mrs. Gaffer Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. The roll call vote to accent the original motion carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise, Mrs. Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffer,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson. rage 1 5 Discussion of Racial Equity Mrs. Gaffen said that she brought this topic up with the Chair. She feels it is important for the School Committee to commit to education on the subject of racism. The committee discussed options available to them. They decided they will read the same book as the District Leadership Team is reading,Ever Day Anti-Racism—Getting Real about Race in Schools. Fall Opening Update Dr. Doherty shared that the process has been frustrating at times and tonight he will share what is going on in the district. He reviewed the current working groups and what each group has been working on to prepare for the fall. Committee members asked questions about the budgetary impact,ventilation and air conditioning concerns and the use of fans. Dr. Doherty said that we are currently doing an analysis of all spaces. He shared that the ventilation in our buildings meets the needs and we do not have air conditioning in our buildings. He next reviewed the timelines for planning outlining ongoing activities. Over the next several weeks we will be doing a second round of family and staff surveys, scheduling for an in-person and hybrid model, begin MOA negotiations with bargaining units, RMHS graduation, making personnel and staffing decisions and continue with weekly communication to staff and families. As we approach August decisions regarding athletics and extra-curricular will be made,extended day plans will be finalized,the three plans for reopening will be finalized and teacher training planning will occur. Committee members asked questions regarding further DESS/State guidance on July 31", kindergarten—opting out of full day, parent concerns,graduation participant numbers and transportation guidelines. Dr. Doherty said that there is no timeline for parents to opt out of full day kindergarten and stressed the full and half day programs will look different in the upcoming year. We have followed DESE guidance and consulted with the Board of Health (BOH)on the graduation ceremony. The BOH is concerned about the density of people attending graduation. The plan has been developed by the high school principal and approved by the BOH. The Stadium Field is not big enough to safely accommodate a larger number of guests. DESE will provide guidance on transportation in a few weeks. Dr. Stys shared that we have submitted circuit breaker and thanked Sharon Stewart and Aromatic Foley for their hard work. ESY began this week for students remotely. In person services begin next week for our high need's students. The students will attend 2 days a week. Nursing Director Mary Giuliana has trained all staff and Assistant Director Allison Wright has handled the scheduling. We received further guidance from the state and are pleased that the work we have done is in line with the latest recommendations. Mrs. Kelley wanted to thank Gail Dowd,Chris Schweitzer and Lori Miller for their herculean efforts in the ordering of materials and supplies. We will be using the online tool Newslea for social studies and English,National Geographic Books and Online Programming for our grade 9, 10 & I I social studies, Envision for the Algebra 1 tool, Actively Learn for the grade 6-8 FLA tool, and have made a decision to use the Lexia Intervention and Early Literacy Screening tool. We are in good shape with our curriculum materials and supplies. Mrs. Dowd provided a high-level operations update. She outlined the PPE that has been ordered and is wet king with facilities on a storage and distribution plan. Work is also Page 16 being done to ensure that PPE training and safety measures are in place. She is working with facilities to identify maximum numbers of students that can safely learn in our classroom spaces using 3-foot minimum distance. Dr. Doherty reviewed work being done on equity and social justice. Several school staff members are holding book groups, the District Leadership Team will be reading Ever Day Anti-Rachon—Getting Real about Race in Schools and this will be a goal in school and district improvement plans. Dr. Doherty reviewed the three models being developed saying that plans are to be submitted to DESS by July 31" and posted on the website. The Superintendent reviewed the advantages and disadvantages to the in person, hybrid and remote models. The committee asked clarifying questions on the models. They also felt they should meet before the end of August. Dates proposed were August 6"and 27"' in addition to the scheduled meeting on August 13"i. F. PublicComment—emails received during meeting (emails are copied and pasted in the original form) Mr. Wise read the email from Linda Snow Docksec OML violations built into the new noliey Hello! 1 an,confused. In the past, SC members were legally not allowed to see responses to emails received before the packet was published and public. How is it different far sc members to publish their opinions on.racial media where all sc metnbers could possibly see those thoughts related to their deliberations? Also, sc members should be reminded that it is not permitted to speak to all school cmn members before a meeting. This is a violation of mnl. Sequemial communication beyond quorum is not allowed Thank you far revisiting this policy, it is problenmtie for reasons just discussed tonight. Linda Snow Dockser Beaver Rd Fortner RMHSpareni and METCO volunteer Mr. Robinson read the email from CeofGey Coram: .social media noliey 1 think the social media coordinators should NOT try to address any controversial issues by posts to social medias I think the response to controversial issues should be: 'This is a difficult issue, and the we invite yon to listen to the full discussion at the meeting on DATE. If this does not address your concern,please contact the School Conuninee by e-mail or comment during the public comment section of the next meeting." -Geoffrey Coram Ridge Rd. Page 1 7 Mr. Brandt read the email from Allison Starns: RMHS graduation Dear School committee, 1 am sitting at home watching the meeting and one thing John Parke mentioned earlier strikes to another issue. The SC voted to support the rally. A rally where a large number of people walked through our town, some social distancing, the vast majority not. Our town has opened up outside dining where 6 people can eat together. Also the state and BOH are OK with kids playing softball together with what appears to be any size audience watching. In a few weeks our students can graduate with only 2 family members present. How is that acceptable?I have contacted Ms Boynton who said that the BOH are being strict on this issue. But not so strict that the rally em can take place. Even High School Graduation Guidelines from DPH/HHS to Help Prevent the Spread of COPID-l9 is not prescriptive with numbers. When my family moved here from Ireland I knew that graduations and celebrations would be difficult, we are afamily offing,(myself, my husband, toy incoming RMHS sophomore and my graduating senior) and so don't have the support network that most have. Inow have to watch my child graduate whilst leaving the only other family member at home. Where he can apparently watch it on RCTV.. How can that be fair?And what can ymt do to rectify this? Kindest Regards Allison Siarns 247 South St There were two emails that were received and would be addressed by the Chair in writing. Mr. Robinson questioned if we should meet with the Board of Health to discuss graduation. Dr. Doherty said the planning of graduation is the purview of the high school principal. The Logistics of the event have been reviewed and BOH guidelines have been followed. Reorganization Mr. Robinson passed the virtual gavel to the Superintendent who called for nominations for chair. Mr.Brandt nominated Mr.Robinson. Mrs. Nazzaro nominated Mr.Wise. Dr. Doherty called for the roll call vote for Mr.Robinson's nomination. Mrs.Gaffen Ave Mr.Parks Ave Mr. Brandt Ave Mr. Wise Ave Mrs.Nazzaro Ave Mr.Robinson Ave Page 8 Mr. Robinson was elected 6-0. Dr. Doherty returned the virtual gavel to the Chair who called for nominations for vice chair. Mr.Brandt nominated Mr. Wise. The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr. Parks,Mr. Wise Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. I. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant 52053 6.30.20 $1,018,954.46 Warrant 52054 6.30.20 $204,112.13 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence None 3. Future Business None 4. Adiournment Adjourn Mr.Parks moved seconded by Mr. Brandt,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 10:48 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.Noutube.coin/watch?v—r8lc3WYlql J n F. Doherty, Ed.D. Page 1 9