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School Committee
Date: 2020-08-27 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
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 Mrs. Kelley-here
Mrs. Gaffen- here Dr. Stys—here
Mr. Brandt—here
Mr. Robinson—here
A. Executive Session
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Parks,to enter into executive session to discuss
strateev with respect to collective bareainin and to return to open session at
approximately 8:00 p.m. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks Mrs Gaffen.
Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson
The open session recessed at 7:03 p.m.
Mr. Robinson called open session back to order at 8:10 p.m.
B. Public Inou[
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Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting
allowing the public time to email questions to schoolcommittee(a�readine k12 ma us
C. Consent Agenda
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mrs Nazzaro to approve the consent atzenda.
Mr. Robinson asked if anyone had corrections or would like any item removed.
Mr. Wise and Mr. Brandt offered amendments to the minutes.
The original motion carried as amended 6-0. Mr. Parks Mrs Gaffen Mrs
Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson.
D. Reports
Director of Student Services
No report
Chief Financial Officer
No report
Assistant Superintendent
No report
Superintendent
No report
Liaisons
Mr. Wise reported that the Select Board discussed filing vacancies on the Board of
Health and green town initiatives that may have an impact on the schools.
Mrs. Gaffen reported that the SEPAC Board will be meeting with Dr. Stys on Friday
morning and the first meeting of the school year will be held on September 8"'.
Mr. Robinson asked if the Financial Forum is scheduled for September 9".
E. Old Business
Second Reading and Approval of Policy EBCFA—Face Coverings
Dr. Doherty shared information from MASC on the policy coding designations. This is
in response to Mr. Wises question about having policy EBCF. Policy EBCF would be
used as an umbrella for Pandemic Emergencies. Any policies that fall under the umbrella
of Pandemic Emergency would, therefore, be coded with a five-letter designation. As the
only pandemic-related policy specifically involving the health emergency at this point in
time, it is given the designation of EBCFA.
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Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Parks to accept the second reading and approval
of Policy EBCFA—Face Coverin s
Mrs. Gaffen asked what accommodations are in place for students that won't wear masks.
Dr. Doherty shared that these will be rare instances and we will refer to the social
distancing guidelines.
Discussion took place regarding some confusion when face shields would or would not
be permitted.
The suggestion to add 'Face shields alone will not be permitted unless it is provided
under the medical, health or disability exceptions se(forth below."be inserted in the
third paragraph in place of the current verbiage.
The roll call vote carried on the original motion as amended,6-0 Mr.Parks,Mrs.
Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr Robinson
Second Reading and Approval of Policy IHBHE—Remote Learning
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mrs Nazzaro,to accept the firs[ reading of Reading
Policy 11HBHE—Remote Learning. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr. Parks Mrs
Gallen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise, Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson
Reopening Plan
Dr. Doherty thanked the principals, Joe Huggins and Danielle Collins forjoining
tonight's meeting. He went on to say that there has been good attendance at the
community and staff presentations.
The Superintendent reviewed the phased in hybrid model plans. The first day of school
for all students is September 15"with grades I — 12 attending remotely. Kindergarten,
RISE and high needs students will be in person. Remote learning shall continue through
October continuing to monitor staffing and medical data as we transition to the hybrid
model in November.
Timing of DESE recommendations, staffing vacancies due to leave requests, delays in
technology and MERV-13 filter shipments are contributing to the delay in the phased in
hybrid. Dr. Doherty is confident that the HVAC systems will be ready to go for the start
of school.
Dr. Doherty said that the administration is currently reviewing requests for leaves and
accommodations. The process includes a interactive interview with each person to
explain options. He thanked Kristyn Cohen, Gail Dowd and Cathy Carberry for their
hard work processing all the requests.
By September 15" all classrooms will be cleaned and set up with appropriate social
distancing. Floor markings for hallways, protective shields in cafeterias and offices will
be installed, protective shields will be installed in the main offices,nurses offices,
guidance and cafeteria and all unit ventilators will be cleaned and have new filters
installed.
We have ordered enough PPE for staff and have it available for students that come to
school without masks. Dr. Doherty thanked Gail Dowd, Jen Stys, Mary Giuliana and Joe
Huggins for procuring the PPE for the district.
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Student technology deployment begins next week for families that have requested
devices and/or hotspots. The Superintendent thanked Julian Carr and the technology staff
for their hard work.
The fall sports season will be shortened,and some sports may be moved to Fall 2 which
will begin in February.
Dr. Doherty thanked Food Service Director Danielle Collins and her staff for seamlessly
handling the meal distribution each week. The waiver to provide meals to all families
ends on September 151".An extension is being sought, if that fails only families that
qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits will be eligible for meal distribution.
The staff 10-day training schedule was reviewed next. Dr. Doherty thanked Assistant
Superintendent Chris Kelley and her team for the tremendousjob done coordinating this
schedule and activities.
Mrs. Kelley reviewed the training schedule which consists of remote and in person
sessions. Sessions include a health and safety session, social-emotional support training,
equity and differentiation,technology, content, curriculum and tool planning days.
Mr. Parks asked questions about the half day remote kindergarten class and the
possibility of those students opting back into full day in person at the end of the first
marking period. Dr. Doherty said he has been monitoring those numbers and feels there
would be sufficient space in the kindergarten classrooms. We may have a teacher that
will teach the half day remote students. Mr. Wise asked about kindergarten screening
logistics. The screening is normally done in the spring. There will be no instruction
during the screenings. He followed up asking if the students would be screened for
dyslexia. Mrs. Kelley said we will be screening the students for dyslexia but not during
this time. We have a plan in place for the dyslexia screening.
Mr. Parks asked if there were technology programs that could be purchased or
downloaded. Mr. Kelley shared that we are developing a Google site with links that
parents and staff can access for drop-in sessions or access to the help desk.
Mr. Wise asked about the high school return. Principal Boynton hopes the students will
return mid to Tate October.
The committee members asked clarifying questions about staffing and asked what they
could do to accelerate the hiring process. Dr. Doherty said that the principals play an
important role in the hiring of staff. He also said we are working on streamlining the
process and trying to hire an HR Administrator. Barrows principal Beth Leavitt shared
that there are not many applications for the positions. The elementary principals are
discussing candidate with each other. They take the hiring process very seriously.
Mrs.Nazzaro would like to get thejuniors and seniors back in as soon as possible
because these students are entering a crucial time in their journeys. Principal Boynton
shared that Guidance Director Lynna Williams has been fielding parent calls about
concerns for college and career readiness. The Guidance staff has been in and are on
track with the communication to the seniors regarding timelines and schedule. There will
be an admissions panel discussion with several colleges virtually on September 23`d and
the Senior Parent Night is being scheduled as well. The high school is working on a
robust remote learning experience for all students.
A question was asked about new smff induction. Mrs. Kelley responded it went very
well with 25 new professional staff. Sessions were held in person in the PAC and
remotely. They have met with their mentors and are ready to go.
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Killam principal Sarah Leveque responded to the question of what the school committee
could do regarding the hiring process. She asked that they support the staff
understanding the staff wants to be in school and are not taking these decisions lightly.
F. New Business
None
G. Public Comment—entails received during meeting
(emails are copied and pasted in the original form)
Mr. Robinson shared that there have been several emails from the community and has
asked Mrs. Nazzaro to categorize them. Included in the emails are 4 from parents,37
from teachers& staff and 6 others.
Mrs.Nazzaro asked when we will be able to have live public input. Mr. Robinson will
discuss this with the Superintendent. Mr. Wise followed up asking when we could return
to live meetings. The Chair will discuss this possibility with the Superintendent.
Mr. Wise read an email from Katie Cole:
To the Reading School Committee and the Reading Community,
As a Reading resident and a Reading teacher, I wanted to lake a moment o commend
you, EACH OF YOU,for all that you have done and continue to do during this
unprecedented time. Each parent, each family member, each neighbor, each
administrator, each School Committee member and, most importantly, each child. Look
how far we have all come and look at all that we have overcome since March.I There is
no easy, no perfect, and no "one size fits all"as we plan to return to school during this
glohal pandemic.
We are all human and doing the very best we can to navigate this time with our own
individual/personal needs and the needs ofourfamilies in mind. WEAREALL INTHIS
TOGETHER We may dyler in our opinions and in what we want or think should be
happening, but we need to respect each other and remind ourselves that we are all riding
on different ships in the same storm. We need to continue to respect each other, Each of
as needs a village right now;your kids, you, myself, and my colleagues, as teachers.
Social media townwide, statewide, and worldwide has given us a forum to share
thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Unfortunately, some of those opportunities have resulted
in hurtful judgements and comments towards teachers and community members. Please
support each other and support your child's teacher regardless of any difference in
opinion. The children of Reading need all of us UNITED working to support them in the
best possible manner throughout this difficult time.
As we move to our school opening, I ask that you please continue to practice mask use
and enforce safe social distancing and vacation quarantines over these few weeks.
Throughout this pandemic, there is one thing I am certain of one thing that never
waivers; we all love Reading children and want the very best for them. We all wish we
were back in a time of teaching and learning where these struggles were not occurring,
but that is simply not our reality at this time.
BE THE VILLAGE.
Thank you,
Katie Cole
Minot Street, Reading
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Mr. Robinson shared that he received an email from Ann Jacobsmeier to read all emails,
valuing all input.
A suggestion was to read an email from the teachers— 1/each level and parent emails.
Mr. Robinson read an email from Jess Bailey:
Hello members of the School Committee,
1 want to begin by saying that I appreciate the difficult position you are all in, especially
Dr. Doherty after last week's announcement about needing to delay the hybrid phase of
our return to school. I know that was not a decision you made lightly, and I appreciate
that you did not try Injurer a return under conditions that would have set up the district
for failure. I know many parents are disappointed by the delay, but reopening in person
without the necessary technology or staff would only cause frustration and a negative
experience for children.
I out confident that our teachers will be able to deliver high quality, enriching, engaging,
and interactive remote lessons. Teachers I've talked to at the high school are planning
in-depth interactive projects that make use ofgroup-based learning—something we can
do remotely thanks to tools like Teams and Zoom, but would not be able to do in person.I
know many teachers have already been working—off the clock—setting up remote
teaching spaces, designing lessons, and preparing to meet virtually with their students.
Which is why I was so disappointed to learn that the district plans to require teachers to
be in their classrooms to deliver remote lessons. While Icertainly think teachers should
be allowed to come into the building if that better suits their teaching—to demonstrate a
lab,for example, or to use resources only available at the school—requiring all teachers
to deliver their lessons from their buildings feels both shortsighted and punitive.
It's shortsighted because despite assurances 10 the contrary, I don't believe that our wife
capabilities are robust enough for everyone (100+ teachers at the high school) to be
streaming their classes simultaneously. This summer I attended meetings with RPS
employees who were working from their buildings, and their wife connections were much
less stable than those of us at home. Additionally, we were told last week that we haven't
received all of the expected technology yet. While details have not been provided about
what is missing, I am concerned that we do not have the technology in place to be
successful teuehingfom the buildings. When our lessonsfail because of technology,
parents will assume it's because the teachers were unprepared.
It's shortsighted because requiring teachers to be in the building during remote learning
means they will be required to leave their kids at home. Moreover, many teachers feel
that requiring them to be in the school at this point, while the MERP-13 filters are not
expected to be installed far weeks, is not safe. This will force some teachers who were not
planning on beginning their leaves of absence until the hybrid phase to begin their leaves
immediately. This will jeopardize not only the hybrid model, but the remote model as
well. When this happens, the responsibility will NOT lie with the RTA, despite what many
in the community often think We cannot be more clear on this matter-we are urging you
to take action now to avoid this situation
It's shortsighted because the argument that it will help familiarize students with their
classroom is frankly without merit. On a Zoom or Teams meeting,participants are
reduced to a thumbnail sized image. Even in a full-screen mode, unless teachers
rearrange their classrooms which will have been carefully set up for distance learning,
students are going to be treated to a view of the classroom directly behind the teacher's
desk- hardly the full view of the entire room that could help students be familiar with
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their learning environment. Moreover, the students'learning environment is their homes,
not the teacher's. If a student sees their teacher in their home environment, it helps the
student feel that learning at home is more normal—less like they're missing something by
being at home.
Finally, this decision feels punitive because it's hard not to think that what's really meant
by "helping students get familiar with the learning environment and routines"is "we
don't trust teachers to establish routines and procedures without oversight from their
administrators". You've trusted us to deliver high quality, rigorous instruction to
Reading students before the pandemic. Give us the training we need to use the
technology, and trust us now. Teachers have always risen to the challenges placed on
them by whatever struggles the community was facing. Trust us like the professionals we
are, and we'll do it again.
Sincerely,
Jess Bailey, RMHS Social Studies Teacher&RTA Vice President
Jessica Bailey
RMHS Social Studies Teacher
Class of 2021 Adviser
Mr. Wise read the email from Debbie Hatters:
Dear Reading School Committee,
Thanks for all of the hours and hard work you have each put in the last several months to
help lead and guide our school district through the coronavirus pandemic and the many
other important social issues facing our entire community.
I'm writing this brief email to request that continued thought and consideration be given
to this year's seniors as you deliberate opening and operating plans for the schools in the
district. As a parent of two incoming freshmen and a senior I'm eager to see them all
back in the classroom as soon as possible but understand the myriad of constraints laid
out in recent updates from the Superintendent and in Zoom updates with Principal
Boynton that are causing delays to implementing the hybrid plan. Having already had
another child graduate from RMHS(2019)1 understand how important it is to get the
freshmen off to the right start and that in a normal situation it would make sense to get
them started first before the upperclassmen to acclimate them to the high school.
However, with the late start to the school year at RMHS and the in-person hybrid dale
potentially being moved back yet again combined with several midwestern and southern
college early action deadlines rangingfrom Oct I- Oct 15 quicklyfollowed by most
others on November 1st I'm asking that you consider having the senior/junior cohort start
first or at least give each senior the opportunity to meet with their teachers and guidance
counselor in person in the coming weeks to finalize college application information. I
remain hopeful that with continued hard work and creativity we can get our kids back in
the classroom as soon as possible and greatly appreciate your efforts to do so.
Thank you jar your consideration.
Debbie Hattery
Mrs.Nazzaro read an email from Stacy Kress:
Dear School Committee members. Dr. Doherty, and members of the Reading community,
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My name is Stacy Kress.I am the Reading Specialist at the Joshua Eaton School. 1 have
been an educator in Reading for 20 years. I have taught hundreds of students over the
course of my career in Reading, built relationships with parents, and supported both my
colleagues and administrators in a variety of initiatives.I firmly believe
I have worked hard at earning the respect of the community in which I teach in. I am
fortunate that I have a career that I value every single day.
I am writing you today to share a personal story. One that is my reality and a response to
the DESE recommendation that educators are required to teach remotely from
classrooms.
In preparation to return to work on Monday, I made the decision to remove my three
school-aged children from my home and send them out of state to stay with extended
family. This decision was made with the understanding that I would be able to work
remotely from home and juggle childcare on the weeks Td be in the building. This
decision is not ideal for my family but I was open to doing whatever was necessary to
support my students and school.
If the School Committee agrees that teachers will be required to be in the buildings 100
percent of the time, I will be forced to take a leave as my family 's emotional needs must
come first. I do not want to take a leave.
If I am forced to make this decision, it will cane with reservation because I know that
whether I am in the school building or at home leaching remotely,I am able to provide
meaningful instruction and emotional support to my students. In fact, I had parems send
emails to me in June supporting my efforts and thanking me. My work ethic is stellar
whether I am in the building or at home. My values do not change.
I want to continue providing quality instruction to the children of Reading. I am
respectfully requesting that Reading Public Schools extend the same respect to the
teachers that are open to managing personal responsibilities while maintaining the same
quality education we have always provided.
Stacy Kress
Reading Specialist
Joshua Eamn School
Mr. Parks read an email from licather Murphy:
Members of the School Comminee,
I am writing to ask you to reconsider your bargaining position with respect to requiring
teachers to teach from their classrooms. There are many, many teachers with young
children that will be home, or hybrid in the next few weeks that are now being faced with
childcare issues. This will result in additional leaves ofabsence and more teacher
openings. Employers everywhere are heingflexible with their employees and allowing
them to workfrom home to support their family needs. Why is this not a priority here in
Reading? What greater purpose does this serve the district, the staff or students?All this
does is cause more stress on already stressed teachers.
I respectfully request that the committee reconsider its position on this and show support
for your teachers and their families.
Thank youfor your consideration,
Heather Murphy
4th Grade Barrows Teacher
Page 8
Mrs. Nazzaro read an email from Claudia Azevedo:
I know the school committee is meeting tonight I just wanted to express my opinion
about the upcoming school year.Asa healthcare professional that has been working
throughout this pandemic I understand that it an unprecedented time. That being said,I
feel that it would be beneficial to get the students back in the classroom sooner rather
then later. The covid numbers in Massachusetts are down and this is when we should get
the students in to meet their teachers and set expectations for the school year. It is
inevitable that we will most likely to he remote at some point this fall. I also feel that the
best remote option would be for the teachers (without childcare issues) to be teaching
from their classrooms at the high school vs their homes. Teaching from school will
present a sense of normalcy to their students. The teachers will have the necessary
equipment and support from the technology staff if issues arise. Teachers would be less at
risk of covid teachingfrom the classroom without students then taking a trip to the
grocery store.
Thank you for your time,
Claudia Azevedo
Mrs. Gaffen read an email from Leah Cristi:
Good evening,
First and foremost, I want you to know that I appreciate all your time and efforts during
this difficult time. I also will publicly state that it is my extreme desire to return to in
person instruction with my students as soon as possible.
I have been horrified by the disrespectful comments toward Reading teachers on social
media and it is very disheartening. I worked the hardest I ever did in my life this spring.
I worked around the clock, 9-11 hour days, and I felt guilty and awful as I neglected my
own 6 year old daughter. 1 also virtually ignored my ll year old daughter but was
fortunate that she could handle her remote learning on her own. My 6 year old is also a
struggling reader and really needed more help but I was pouring myself into creating
lessons, screeneasts, slideshows with links and providing constant and immediate
feedback to my 80+students to keep them engaged and connected.
It has come to my attention that the Reading Public Schools seem to be favoring that
teachers workout of the building during remote learning This has just come up in the
past week If this is mandated, I will have to consider a leave of absence. My daughters
both attend the Wakefield Public Schools. My oldest attends Galvin and if the hybrid
model begins on Sept. 29th, she will be a1 school on Thursdays and Fridays. My
youngest in elementary will be assigned to a morning or afternoon cohort and she will
attend dailyfor 3 hours. We have three people in this house, at three different schools,
two different districts and none of our plans align. I need flexibilityto be here for my
own children. I'm offended that as a professional I'm not given the option. There are
almost no other professions that would be required logo to their buildings to perform
their jobs in a remote scenario. That is what the word remote means. I have taught
many of your children and I really hope no one would ever question my commitment and
dedication to the children of Reading and my job. We, as an entire nation, have been put
in an impossible situation and creative solutions must besought to make this work. Ido
not believe allowing teachers to be physically at their homes is too much to ask and am
really hoping that many of you will stand up and support as
Thank you for your understanding and consideration,
Leah Cristi
7thl8th grade Spanish Teacher, Parker Middle School
Page 19
Mr. Brandt read an email from Sarah Doane:
Dear School Committee,
I'm writing to urge you to eliminate the requirement for teachers to teach remotely from
our classrooms. This entirely new proposal,just days before school starts, is like ripping
the rug out from under us as teachers. Many more staff, like myself, will end up having
to take leaves for childcare reasons. This is on top of the 97 inquiries that had been
made before this new information was released. This is an issue for manystaff, but
especially for those of its that live in town, whose kids are now learning remotely from
home until a much later date.
I strongly believe there will be a flood of new leave requests, which will again delay the
start ofsehool for our community. This is not necessary. Teaching remotely from our
classroom has no educational benefits for our students. Much of the world has
transitioned to working from home, with success, over the last six months. Why would
teachers not be granted this sane opportunity?
Thank you,
Sarah Doane
Coolidge teacher and RPS parent
Mr. Robinson read an email from Jo-Ellen McGinnity:
Dear School Committee Members,
1 am writing to urge the committee to make in-person remote teaching from our
respective buildings an option for Reading teachers.
We want nothing more than to connect with our students and form the meaningful
relationships that are fundamental in education. This will prove to be challenging in a
remote forum, however, my colleagues and I are willing to go above and beyond to
ensure this happens. Whether we sit at a laptop in the school buildings or at another
location is not an essential component of these connections. With so many teachers
facing challenges in regards to their heahh/well-being and family dynamics, I believe the
location of where we instruct from should be optional.I can assure you, teachers will be
working far greater hours than those designated in our contract to create a viable,
meaningful learning community.
Sincerely,
Jo-Ellen C McGinnity
Killian- Grade 3
Mrs. Nazzaro read an email from Jay Tangney:
Dear School Committee:
I an,writing to express my sincere and deep concern about the constantly changing plans
for returning to school in Reading,particular at Reading Memorial high School. I have
three children in Reading Schools, 7th, 91h and 12th Grades.
All the children and theirfamilies need a meaningful, reliable and competent plan to
continue their education, and priority has to be given to the RMHS Senior Class,for what
.should be obvious reasons.
I won't belabor the long list of issues and pressures Seniors face as you already know
them. Many of these students hcwe worked their entire lives to make it this far, to the
brink of a very challenging and competitive college application process. To fail them
Page 1 10
now is irresponsible and unacceptable. Constantly changing the plan only adds to the
stress and uncertainty of an already dijjicult situation.
These kids deserve better, and it is your job and responsibility to find a way, however
creative, to navigate these challenging times and devise a remedy that works. So far, that
has not happened. Please dig in and find away to prioritize returning to school based
on the facts, needs and priorities of all those concerned. Seniors have to be at the top of
that list.
Sincerely,
Jay Tangney
Mrs. Gaffen read an email from Melissa Milner:
Good evening,
My name is Melissa Milner and I am a fourth grade teacher at Birch Meadow. I am very
concerned about the unnecessary riskfor all teachers if we do remote teaching at school.
The riskfor outweighs the few supposed benefits. Why take a risk that can be avoided?
We work very hard to provide an outstanding education for the children in Reading and
being physically in school for remote teaching does not make the content or our teaching
better. The core of our work is not our physical classroom. This process has been
unbelievably stressful for everyone. Why are we adding another level ofstress and one
more thing?
Below is an article from Education Week about this. It is balanced and realistic. I hope
you will vote to protect the teachers from unnecessary risk
hairs://mobile.edweek orelcisn?cid=25919801&bcid=25919801&rssid=25919797&item
=hemY3A%2P'I2Fapi.edweekoryY217vI%2Few%2F%3Fuuid%3DE546D70A-D68E-
1 l EA-AFC3-956 759D98AAA
Mr. Wise read an email from Katie Melly:
Dear Reading School Committee Members,
I am writing as a parent of 3 children in Reading public schools. To say I am
disappointed in the announcement to further postpone in-person learning in Reading
Public Schools, is air understatement It has come to my attention that the biggest issue
that our schools face, is the number ojstaff that have taken a leave and that our schools
are now unable to staff appropriately. I am shocked to learn that staff were offered the
opportunity to take a one year leave, if they have children under 18 years of age. Why
was this given as an option? When did an education for our children become optional?
Teachers and school staff are essential to the community and community members are
paying large amounts in tax dollars for their children to have access to an education. I
am a nurse at an area hospital and I have worked throughout this entire crisis. I had to
figure out how to have my children learning remote while both my husband and I went to
work as essential workers.I had to figure out how to have my children home this summer
without the option of tarn,or having grandparents help because we would not put them
at risk. I showed up every day for work when there was a 29%infection rate.I was
scared but I showed up because I have an obligation to the institution I work for to
provide care to the patients and families that need us,pandemic or not. I gave up planned
vacation time, I worked more weekends than I am required to work,I worked different
shifts than I was hired to work, because we are in a crisis and everyone needs to adapt
and do their part Why does our school's staff not feel an obligation to the children that
need an education,pandemic or not? We are in a state where our infection rates have
Page 1 11
steadily been less than 2%and most recently we have had periods with infection rates
less than 1.5%. We live in a.state where our leaders follow the data closely. If we need to
pull hack due to increased infection rates, Iam confident that will happen. We know a lot
more than when I was heading into work while there was a 29% infection rate. I am
incredibly disappointed that a public school education is being treated as optional.
Teachers that are contracted to teach in our schools should not have the option to bail on
this school year, on the children ofReading, because it's hard or out offear. The biggest
thing I learned walking into work every day for the last nearly 6 months is that I had to
face my fear.I followed all the rules and precautions, did my job, even while being
unsure if]would get the PPE I needed. I learned by facing that fear, that we could do it
safely. I have not yet been infected and a low percentage of employees at my institution
have been infected. With the exception of staff deemed high risk due to age or an
underlying health condition, I am appalled that the Reading school staff have been given
this "out". 11 was of to staff without time to prepare to fill open positions for the
school year, when children are depending on them. Nobody signed up for this. I did not
sign up to be a mother during a pandemic and 1 did not sign up to be a nurse through a
pandemic. Yet, here we all are and we need to step up and do the right thing for our
community. Our children deserve to have an education, in the classroom, with their
teachers. Personally, it is hard for my family if my kids return hybrid and it is hard for
my family if they are fully remote. I want what is in the best interest of my children, even
though it is difficult. My children need to be in the classroom unless the data shows an
increase in infection rates that not longer indicates that it is sale. Please set the
expectation that our students need to be back in the classroom as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Katie Melly
Mr. Robinson shared that it is not the intent to not hear anyone's voice and thanked the
community for their input.
I. Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll (A)
Warrant 52106 8.06.20 $20,982.41
Warrant 52107 8.13.20 $177,169.74
Warrant 52108 8.20.20 $624,941.48
Warrant P2104 8.21.20 $1,200,409.87
b. Calendar
2. Infortnation/Correspondence
3. Future Business
None
4. Adjournment
Adiourn
Mr.Parks moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to adiourn The roll call vote carried
6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen, Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.
Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
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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:
httos�//www,voutube.com/watch?time continue=9&v= 6AtDSg8 18&feat e—emb title
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F. Doherty, E .D.
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