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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-28 School Committee Minutes rR Town of Reading 3 Meeting Minutes MCOPPv - ,p Board - Committee - Commission - Council: CLLo ..�s School Committee Date: 2020-05-25 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 Tenn Allard Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: 1. Call m 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. Sys—here Mr. Brandt—here Mrs. Allard—here Mr. Robinson—here A. Public Input Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting allowing the public time to email questions to daschoolcommitteeCwreading.kl2.ma.us B. Consent Agenda Page 1 1 Mrs. Gaffen asked that the minutes of the May 14i'meeting reflect that due to time constraints all agenda items were not discussed. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to approve the consent aeenda as amended. The roll call vote carried. 6-0 Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson. C. Reports Director of Student Services Dr. Stys shared that we continue to work with our families and the SEPAL. 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. She shared that we have been able to look at our reading services including doing an observation of Andover's language-based programs. We continue to look at our assessment tools and work with Melissa Orkin. We are also looking at data collected across all programs and learning centers. Assistant Superintendent Before Mrs. Kelley began her report, Chair Robinson extended condolences to Mrs. Kelley and her family on the loss of her mother. Mrs. Kelley shared that we continue to work hard with remote learning. We are getting better, staff growing and asking questions. She thanked administrators and staff that have been working hard behind the scenes packing op classrooms and scheduling student material pickups. She gave kudos to the organizers of the senior parade. It was an outstanding community event. Mrs. Kelley said that surveys on remote learning have been sent out to stakeholder groups including students, parents and professional teaching staff. She asks the stakeholders to take the survey to allow us to collect data on what we can do better. Superintendent Dr. Doherty also mentioned the senior parade. It was an amazing event. He thanked the high school administration, School Resource Officers,police and fire officials and Jordan's Furniture. The Commissioner has put out guidance on graduation. Mrs. Boynton is looking at late July/early August as a possible timeframe for graduation. Dr. Doherty updated the committee on the MCAS testing which was cancelled this spring. The grade 9 science MCAS requirement has been waived,however students will have to pass a science course in that subject. Grade 10 ELA &math MCAS may be administered in the fall or winter. Dr. Doherty reviewed the calendar stating that September 14"'will no longer be a state holiday. We are awaiting guidance from the state on the ESY status and hope to receive more information on the fall reopening sometime in mid-June. The administration is exploring 2 models; a hybrid and full opening. Page 1 2 Dr. Doherty asked for a moment to read a prepared statement: "Good Evening, Reading Public School Community, As all of you know, we are in an extraordinary time in our world and in the maturer that we are providing education to our students. As I have communicated m you on several different occasions over the last few months, we have strategically and thoughtfully provided a remote learning experience for all students that addresses the social emotional and foundational needs and provides exposure to content and skills. This has been ajourney that we never could have predicted. Throughout this period, our educational system has adapted and will continue to change tremendously in numerous unprecedented ways.It has been an incredible undertaking where our educators have risen to the challenge and calling to support our community. Throughout this period, 1 have been reflecting on my own personal journey and the next .steps as both an educator and as a Superintendent in the Reading Public Schools. I am immensely proud of our educators and feel that our collective success has been a journey that is following a strong course forward. With this in mind, I have made a personal choice and have decided that I will fulfill the remaining time on my contract and leave the Reading Public Schools at the end of my contractual obligations. I have chosen this time to announce this decision because movingforward, 1 would like the focus to be on making a transition back to school and doing what is best for students. I will use ny remaining time in Reading to lead us through this transition of the pandemic and work to setup the schools for continued success. Please be assured that I will continue to provide the leadership, hard work, and effort that I have always provided during my 32 years as an educator in the Reading Public Schools. My focus has been and always will be to benefit students and I will do everything I can to position our school district for the next educational leader to come in and continue to move this district forward in the best interest of all students. This decision is not one that I make lightly, especially in what we are facing, and yet, I feel that it is the right decision for me personally in my own growth and professionalism. I will have an opportunity in the future to provide further reflection on my career here in Reading, one in which I am veryproud, but I would be remiss to not take a moment to thank the people who have supported me along the way. First, and foremost, ]want to thank my family, my wife,Laurie, and my daughters, Erin and Shealagh. They have supported me and inspired me in more ways than they will ever know throughout this journey. There are also many others who I have worked with over the years. You know who you are and it includes current and past Town Officials, Principals, Directors, Central Office Administrators, School Committee members,parents, and teachers. We have always led by our moral compass as to what is in the best interest of all students and not the select few. We have always done the best that we could with the resources that were available to us, even during very difficultfinancial times. During my time in Reading, I have led as a teacher, Department Head, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent during many different crises and challenges that changed the way that our schools have operated. Columbine and Sandy Hook,failed overrides in 2002 and 2016, September 111h, the 2009 economic downturn, the HI NI pandemic, the 2013 marathon bombing, successful overrides in 2004 and 2017, and now the COVID-19 pandemic. During each of those times, my focus and decisions at the level that I was a leader have always been on the children of Reading. It will never be any different as at my core, it is ny full belief that we are here for our students. I an,proud of the work that our building principals and directors have done over the past few years with their schools and programs. Collectively, this is the best team that I have ever worked with atone time. We have improved our academics and social emotional Page 1 3 learning, as well as ourfood service, technology infrastructure, and facilities. Over the last several years, we have managed our budgets as effective/y and efficiently as possible and have positioned ourselves jar this current crisis. I om grateful to the work that our leadership has done in these areas. As I reflect on my time in Reading, 1 have not always been perfect, no one ever is as a leader. I have made mistakes along the wary and have learned and grown from them As a leader, Irecognize that in doing myjab effectively, I was not going to please everyone. I have had to make difficult decisions along the wary, many were not popular at the time, but in my heart, it was the right thing to do for kids. Yet, by focusing or the needs of our students, we were stronger in each decision made.In my 32 years in education, there have been o few constants in my beliefs and values. I have always led with integrity, ethics, and my morals. I have worked within the fiscal parameters of our Town, working to maximize our learning within a limited budget. I have listened and changed based on the feedback that I have received. 1 have always prioritized the things that matter, safety and security, social emotional learning, and the academics. This is the heart of our school system. Finally, I want to thank the Town of Reading and the Reading Public Schools for giving me this opportunity 32 years ago, when I was first hired as a middle school science teacher at Coolidge. When I first started, I never imagined where I would end up. The journey has been amazing and I hope that I have made a difference in the lives of many children and adults along the wary. More to come. Take care." Mr. Robinson thanked the Superintendent for his thoughtful remarks. Chief Financial Officer No Report Liaison-(Reports given at the end of the meeting) D. New Business SEPAC Presentation Maria Morgan of the SEPAC Board updated the Committee on their mission statement, goals and highlights from the 2019-20 school year and a look ahead to the 2020-21 school year. Quarterly Personnel Report Mrs. Allard provided the quarterly personnel report. This report covers the 2"a and 3rd quarters ranging from December 10,2019 through May 8,2020. Quarterly Finance Report Mrs. Dowd started by saying she continues to meet with the SPED team, Mrs. Kelley (curriculum)and Julian Carr(technology)to discuss their budgets. She reviewed the saving and increases we are experiencing at this point. Mrs. Dowd said we are in good shape with the special education budget and she thanked Dr. Stys for her efforts. We currently have an unencumbered balance of$355,638 in the FY20 school department budget. Page 1 4 As we prepare for the next school year, we are looking at purchasing as much PPE as possible using this year's funding. Mrs. Dowd reviewed the reductions in offsets in the revolving accounts for both FY20 and FY21. The School Committee asked clarifying questions regarding extended day,raising fees, guidelines for revolving accounts and revenue for 2021. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs. Gaffen,to transfer$10,000 to the Administration Cost Center from the Special Education Cost Center. 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 Mrs.Nazzaro,transfer$75,000 to the Facilities Cost Center from the Special Education Cost Center. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mn. Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to reduce the offsets as outlined by CFO Dowd. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks, Mr.Wise,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mn. Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Transportation Contract Mrs. Dowd updated the committee on the status of negotiations with our transportation vendors. Negotiations were entered into to ensure continuity of service when schools reopen(either ESY or in the fall). We have negotiated reduced rates with both vendors. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to approve the reneeotiated terms of the regular day/METCO transportation contracts with North Suburban Transportation at a reduced rate of 70%. 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 Mrs.Nazzaro,to approve the reneeotiated terms of the special education transportation contract with North Readine Transportation at a reduced rate of 78%. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,Mn. Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Scheduling of Retreat for District Improvement Plan Chair Robinson said that the retreat would be used to review the District Improvement Plan. Dr. Doherty suggested that the committee provide areas to consider prior to putting the District Improvement Plan together. Mr. Robinson feels it would be more productive in a face to face setting,possibly this summer. Discussion continued on participants and date. Chair Robinson will oBer possible dates at an upcoming meeting. E. Public Comment—emails received during meeting Mr. Wise read an email from Heather Lombardo: "Dear School Committee and Dr. Doherty, Page 1 5 Asa teacher at RMHS, I have been frustrated with Microsoft Teams as asynchronous learning platform for video, like pretty much everyone else. I understand Zoom is coming, but the communication on the timeline far its rollout needed to be much clearer and more transparent. Teachers are frustrated, and they deserve a much more accurate understanding of how soon things will happen than some very vague notes, like "soon" or in the nearfuture", etc. MORE IMPORTANTLY, however, is my question for next year. This question has yet to be addressed by anyone in the many hours of Teams training I attended a few weeks ago. -Is the district going to consolidate and require all teachers to use the same platform for online assignments (not just videoconferencing)?Is that platform Teams? I think this is absolutely as students should NOT be expected to log on to multiple platforms: Google Classroom/Teams/Portal to do different teachers'assignments. This is not fair to students,parents, or teachers. There should be ONE platform that every teacher is REQUIRED to use and there should be REQUIRED, PAID TRAINING on this Platform. Most of the issues other teachers are having at this point with online learning are due to the fact that teachers have been allowed to use whatever they have wanted for online learning and assignments, AND little to NO paid training has been provided. I urge the district to consolidate and require a platform. I also urge them to use a different platform than Teams, but frankly, that is less important to me than requiring everyone to use the same platform. Thank you for your consideration, Heather Lombardo RMHS English Teacher" Mr. Robinson read an email from Bob LeLacheur: "Good evening, Just a quick thank you on behalf of the many town employees that have worked with Dr. Doherty over the many years on a wide variety of issues. We have faced more challenges than any of us could have imagined. I'm veryproud at how in every instance, we were able to work as a team for the betterment of the District and the community. Bets wishes John! Bab" Robert W. LeLacheur, Jr. CFA 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 townmanager@ei.reading.ma.us<tnailto.townmmnager@ec reading.ma.its> 781-942-9043 (Fax 9071) Mrs.Nazzaro read an email from Linda Snow Dockser: "Thank you for this opportunity to give public input. I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Doherty. Page 1 6 I have known him in each of his different roles in Reading over the last 20 years of his 32 years. 1 first met him when he was a science teacher registered for a program for which I was an evaluator-even back in 1990, he was determined to provide the best education possible for his students. The program focused on Alternative Methods of Evaluating Science Learning. It has been an honor to work with him since then in the RPS from the School Advisory Council at Coolidge to organizing programs in Social Emotional Learning and Holocaust Education, to the Human Relations Advisory Committee, RCASA, and the School Committee. In each program as well as through his involvement with State Organizations, Dr. Doherty has advocated for and collaborated with others to meet the needs and rights of every child. Through multiple override campaigns and budget cycles, he has been creative, straightforward, transparent, always present, and committed to what was best for the education of every child as well as what was right for our Reading Community. Despite the negativity on social media, he stayed focused on what he and his team felt was best for the children, listened to feedback, adjusted his decisions when appropriate, collaborated with the town leadership, and always worked to support his staff. He is always quick to acknowledge the work of all of those working around him, and they AND HE deserve all of those accolades. I want to publicly thank him for devoting his educational expertise, countless hours, and whole heart to our kids and our town through all sorts of challenging times. Thank you Dr. Doherty, we wish you a productive and less stressful final year here in Reading and a wonderful retirement afterwards. With Appreciation, Linda Linda Snow Dockser, Ph.D. 110 Beaver Road Reading MA 01867 IT (781)942-7586 haps.Ilpages]ls.orgllmhna/Nshorema20Adockser This email is my opinion as a citizen of Reading. Thankyou!" New Business(continued) First Reading of Social Media Police Mr. Wise began the first reading of Policy BEE—Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee Members. Mr.Parks moved to suspend the reading.Seconded by Mr.Brandt. The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson voting for. Mn.Nazzaro voting against. Mr. Wise began the first reading of Policy BHEA—Use of Social Media by School Committee Members. Page 1 7 Mr. Brandt moved to suspend the reading. Seconded by Mr.Parks. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mn.Gaffen,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Mr. Wise provided background on the two policies. The committee discussed the two policies and the proposed procedures. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to accept the first reading of Policy BHE —Use of Electronic Messaging by School Committee Members &Policy BHEA Use of Social Media by School Committee Members.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 52046 5.14.20 $221,958.15 Warrant 52047 5.21.20 $116,545.19 Warrant S2047 5.28.20 $31,838.08 Warrant P2021 4.17.20 $1,653,413.64 Warrant P2022 5.1.20 $1,630,739.50 Warrant P2023 5.15.20 $1,613,833.37 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence 3. Future Business None Liaisons(out of order) Mr. Wise updated the committee on the recent Fincom meeting at which the FY21 budget was discussed. He was pleased that the HR position and COLA were added back. Mr. Brandt reported that it looks like Town Meeting will be held virtually. 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. Mrs. Nazzaro reported on the recent RCTV meeting. She met the Board,an update on studio operations was given. RCTV continues to cover town and committee meetings. They are not sure what their summer programming will look like. 4. Adjournment Adiourn Mr. Brandt 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. Page 1 8 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. Link to meeting video: htto://www.rcty.ore/2020/05/28/school-committee-5-28-20/ V* 1 h F. Doherty, 4d.D. Page 1 9