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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-15 School Committee Minutes R ° Town of Reading NED a Meeting Minutes ,Q`,`JN CLER's: spa Fr ii�.h li`:. l), hi RX 'o�9:IMto0.Qp0.' K06 —3 PM I: 14 Board - committee - commission - council: B School Committee Date: 2020-10-15 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 Jen Stys, RMHS Principal Kate Boynton, Director of Facilities Joe Huggins 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 Mr. Robinson—here Mr. Robinson called open session order at 7:00 p.m. Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mr. Parks to enter into executive session to discuss strateev with respect to the deployment of security personnel or devices and to return to oven session at approximately 7.45 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 7:01 p.m. Mr. Robinson called the meeting back to order at 7:43 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. Page 1 1 A. Public Input Mr. Robinson explained that the live chat feature for public comment was not working and the committee would take public input via email tonight. schoolcommitteeC&readine kl2.ma.us B. New Business First Reading of Policv ECAF—Security Cameras in Schools Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mrs Gaffen to accept the first reading of Policv ECAF—Security Cameras in Schools. Mr. Wise began the first reading of the policy. Mr.Parks moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to waive the farther reading of the policy. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr. Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazmro,Mr. Wise Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Dr. Doherty shared that we are installing additional cameras and updating the existing cameras and felt it was a good time to update the policy. The proposed policy has been modified from the MASC policy to match the Reading Public Schools needs. This policy has been vetted by legal counsel. Mc Wise pointed out the need for a period to be added. Dr. Doherty said the policy has not been added to the school handbooks yet. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Approval of the 2020-21 RMHS Student Handbook Chair Robinson welcomed RMHS Principal Kate Boynton who shared that last year the HS staff and School Council began a deep dive into the handbook. She shared the overall goals of the handbook revisions and the goals of the handbook revisions to the academic section. Principal Boynton reviewed the work to date on the substantive handbook revisions. In the fall of 2019,the RMHS Department Heads and Administration discussed several school wide practices and made proposals to the staff to review and discuss at the January 8, 2020 staff meeting. The School Council met monthly through February and looked at the first 3 sections of the handbook. They looked into the language of the handbook and began looking at student handbook samples from other districts in the state. Mrs. Boynton shared the discussion of the January 8" faculty meeting with the School Council. She went on to review the next steps. The RMHS leadership will meet in October to restart the discussion of the proposed revisions. In November there will be a staff meeting to discuss the proposed revisions and the staff will vote on the changes. The first meeting of the School Council will be held to restart the work on the handbook revisions beginning with the academic section. In December the School Council will vote on the proposed revisions in preparation to present the proposed revisions in the academic section to the School Committee for approval. Throughout the winter work will continue Page 12 on additional sections of the handbook which will be presented to staff for approval and eventually to the School Committee for a vote. The committee members asked clarifying questions. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs Nazzaro,to approve the 2020-21 RMHS Student Handbook The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs. Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson. First Reading of Policy JLCB—Immunization of Students Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mn.Nazzaro,to accept the first reading of Poliev JLCB—Immunization of Students Mr. Wise began the first reading of the policy. Mr.Parks moved seconded by Mr.Brandt to waive the further reading of the policy. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro Mr. Wise Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Dr. Doherty reviewed the changes to the policy. The School Committee asked questions about the consequences for students that do not receive the flu shot before the December 31"deadline. Dr. Doherty said there are two ways to opt out of the student receiving the flu shot—religious beliefs or a written statement from a physician. Dr. Doherty said DESE guidance is to leave enforcement up to the local level and to work with families. Mrs. Gaffen asked for clarification before the second reading. Mr. Robinson asked about liability potential. Dr. Doherty said he would get more information. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. First Reading of Policy AC—Nondiscrimination and Harassment Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mr. Parks to accept the first reading of Policy AC— Nondiscrimination and Harassment. Mr. Wise began the first reading of the policy. Mr.Parks moved seconded by Mr. Brandt,to waive the further reading of the Policy. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Dr. Doherty shared that these changes have come about due to the change in the Title IV law in August. This policy has been vetted by legal counsel. Policy AC is a general overview policy. Policy ACAB/ACAC has more specific information regarding nondiscrimination and harassment. Committee members offered revisions and additions to this policy. There was discussion regarding adding political affiliation. Dr. Doherty said this may fit better in another policy. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr. Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Page 1 3 C. Old Business Reopening Plan Update Dr. Doherty thanked the school and town community for being flexible during this entire process. There is live remote instruction going on throughout the district. Cohort B in grades 1, 2 and 6-8 returned to in person learning and it has been going well. Cohort A of the same grades will return next week and grades I I and 12 the week of October 26". Dr. Doherty put the fall reopening plan into context saying that we are focused on the health and safety of staff and students and our remote learning platform. We have strategically developed a solid plan to be used in different settings. At this point staffing vacancies are preventing some levels from being phased into the hybrid model. The Superintendent reviewed the RMHS hybrid model change. This change will maintain the week on/week off model, dividing each grade in half by alphabet split with each half attending in person on two days with Friday as a remote day. During the week of October 261h,the juniors and seniors will be in person and grades 9 and 10 remote. Dr. Doherty has been working with the grade 3—5 teachers and principals on a model for a modified hybrid. Some questions that have arisen regarding the implementation of the grades 3— 5 hybrid model include reducing spacing from 6 ft.to 3 ft.,using parent volunteers to fill vacancies,the use of plexiglass barriers,allowing the schools that have staffing to start, using student teachers and other towns are doing it,why not us? At this point parent volunteers would have to become employees due to liability concerns. Mr. Brandt asked for a better understanding of liability concerns and asked what ajob share model would look like for parent volunteers? Dr. Doherty said that the principals are overloaded and adding the supervision of volunteers in their buildings would be an issue. Liability concerns include student injuries while being monitored by a parent volunteer,there are also confidentiality concerns,the risk of infection rates going up with more people in the buildings and can this model be sustained. Mr. Robinson feels that our insurance would cover the liability issue and asked if we went from 6 feet to 3 feet distancing would that solve our space problem. The answer was it will not totally solve the problem. Mrs.Gaffen would like to see this strategy mapped out. Dr. Doherty said he would not be able to reopen Killian, Wood End and Birch Meadow. We are short staffed with paraeducators and special education paraeducators. He is concerned about safety in the buildings. The question about use of plexiglass dividers was brought up in several emails received. These dividers are not a solution because they are virus contractors. As far as opening schools that have staffing before the others is not a good practice. We do not want schools competing against each other. The use of student teachers to fill the gap is not an option since student teachers need to be supervised. Dr. Doherty shared that all communities are having their struggles and not to believe everything that is out there. Mrs.Nazzaro commended the Administration for a well thought out plan and the decisions made that have benefitted staff and students. We need to stick to the plan and let's phase in correctly. The synchronous learning is going well. She asked if we have reached out to staffing agencies to fill vacancies. Dr. Doherty said we have reached out to agencies for special education paras and tutors. He said he will talk to the principals regarding shifting paraeducators. Page 14 Mrs. Gaffen feels that remote learning is going well but would like every possibility explored. Mr. Wise mentioned that SNL University has closed. Could we tap into their staff? Dr. Doherty said that staff is employed by Alphabest and have moved to another community. Public Comment Mr. Wise read an email from Rebecca Schromm: "Good evening members o/the Reading School Committee, Dr. Doherty, Mrs. Baynton and Mr. Goldstein: 1 am writing to express my great concern over the major changes to the hybrid model at RMHS as outlined in the Superintendents Fall Reopening Update 418. Reducing the number of days my 10th grade and Il th grade children are in-person (in school) to 4 days per month is unacceptable How can this plan be considered hybrid when students are only in school 115 of the time? How did the district not foresee this issue with staffing ofsatelhte classrooms when this model was proposed? How are neighboring districts able to successfully implement a true hybrid model and Reading is unable to? I understand that this is a challenging and unprecedented time but this plan fails our high school students at a critical time in their lives. Front looking at the RMHS job listings on TalenlEd, it appears that there are only 5 teaching positions open at this lime. How can this small number of open positions be enough to change the proposed hybrid model so drastically and unexpectedly? It seems like there are otherfactors in play that have not been shared with Reading Public School families and 1 strongly believe we deserve to know all of the reasons contributing to this change in RMHS(and grades 3-5) hybrid model. I am also concerned with the statement Dr. Doherty included in his latest update stating.: "We worked with the RTA on reviewing other models for RMHS, but collectively felt that this model was the best option of the least optimum options."I wonder how much union concerns played a rale in this dramatic change?I also wonder what were the other 'least optimum options?"Dr. Doherty also writes, "Our plan is to go to our original model once we are able to hire more staff."My concern is— what if our district is not able to hire more staff?Most of the RMHS open leaching positions on Talent Ed have been open for at least three weeks. I am fearful that these positions will remain open and my children will not have the opportunity to attend a true hybrid model at RMHS. The district needs to come up with another plan so that our students can return to school as originally outlined for the DESE. I lookforward to your response with answers to my questions listed throughout this email. This change to the RMHS hybrid model is not "slightly changing our hybrid model (as written in the Superintendents update)"but it is a major, disruptive and unacceptable change. Our students deserve better. Thank you, Rebecca Schramm" Dr. Doherty encouraged Mrs. Schromm to contact Mrs. Boynton. Mr. Robinson read an email from Katy Laplane Page 1 5 'Hi, listening to the meeting now. I think there is a high level of parent interest to volunteer in school. I understand the privacy issue but can a layer be addedfor volunteer screening, in addition to CORI could we consider a non-disclosure to cover privacy? Thankyou. Kary Laplant" Mr. Robinson read an email from Allison Sillers: 'I fully agree that our remote model is strong. I fully agree special education and K-2 must be prioritized first What I do not understand is why our other youngest learners, students aged 8-10, would not be prioritized above middle and high school students. Please explain this to me. Allison Sillers shelher/hers" Mr. Robinson read an email from Jen Kane: "Dr Doherty, I think we ALL feel that these young 8-10 year old young children and their education deserve to be our main priority? Can't we reassess the building plan, and re- survey our staff to see if there is any way a COMBINA ZION of the parental para support, PLUS possibly reducing the need for some of these satellites across the district could work? Maybe one solution alone won't get us there, but I do think the teachers want to work with us, and they want to be back in with our kids, their students,just like we parents want our little 8-10 year old kids to be with their teachers IN PERSON. And WE the parents want to help,please let us do this for our kids and for our teachers. They NEED this. And they DESERVE it. Jen Kane" Mr. Robinson read an email from Anthems Lombardo- 'Have ombardo:'Have you used a staffing agency to fill the FIR position? Have you reached out to HR consultants? Having an HR person would solve a lot of our problems." Mrs. Gaffen asked what the next steps would be. Dr. Doherty needs to discuss with the building principals. She would like a better grasp on how many openings there are and where are the gaps. Dr. Doherty said he needs to fill the vacancies for the October 261' plan to move ahead. Public Comment Mr. Robinson read an email from Alicia Williams: "Dear School Committee Thank you for all your work. h would seem Reading should increase the pay of a paras. Being a Para is not always easy work and the pay is not great If you can even attract half the amount of staff you need, it would help get more kids in. While funding maybe an issu, this would not or should not be a permanent para pay increase. This should be a short term fix to a problem to get kids in the building. Page 1 6 Respectfully Alicia Williams Parent" Dr. Doherty said any additional compensation would need to be bargained. He added that nobody is applying for these positions. Mr. Parks feels that a some point we need to look at the hybrid model. We need to get kids back in school. He also feels that filling the HR Director position is important. Public Comment Mr. Robinson read an email from Rebecca Schromm: "Thankyou for reading my message. I have the exactsame question as Erin Gaffen. How many staff members are needed to implement the originally proposed hybrid model at RMHS? I would think that these numbers would have been calculated prior to making this proposal. Thank you again, Rebecca" Dr. Doherty said he will continue to work with principal Boynton. He is as frustrated as everyone. D. New Business(continued) NEC Appointment Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mr.Parks,to appoint Superintendent John F. Doherty as the Reading Public Schools' representative to the Board of Directors of the Northshore Education Consortium for the 2020-2021 school Year. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs.Gaffen Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson. SEEM Appointment Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mrs Nazzaro,to appoint Superintendent John F. Doherty as the Readine Public Schools' representative to the Board of Directors of the SEEM Collaborative for the 2020-2021 school year. The roll call vote carried 6- 0 Mr.Parks Mrs Gaffen Mrs Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. E. Consent Agenda(out of order) - Accept a Donation from RM ITS Soccer - Approval of Minutes(10.1.20 & 10.7.20) Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs. Gaffen,to approve the consent agenda. The motion carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs. Gaffen,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. F. Reports Assistant Superintendent/Director of Student Services Page 17 Mrs. Kelley reported on last Fridays professional development day. Staff attended over 20 live and recorded workshops that allowed them to bolster their technology skills to support remote learning and teaching,work with district leads on topics that will support all students and collaborate with grade level teams and department levels. We are recording and archiving all trainings. Dr. Stys shared that we are focusing on reading training for special educators with Crafted Minds(on-going) and continuing through out the year. We are also reviewing the evaluation processes and procedures and work around equity. Mrs. Kelley said we are working towards district support of the Universal Design for Learning(UDL)philosophy. We are offering in school support through the"train the trainer"model and an after school graduate course in district. Mr. Brandt asked if the equity videos could be shared with the School Committee. Mrs. Kelley said she would share Mr. Hightower's presentation and said that we will be partnering with the Reading Public Library to offer presentations to the community. Chief Financial Officer Mrs. Dowd reported that the DESE and USDA have extended the food distribution program through June 2021. We will offer free lunches to all in person learners and family meal distribution two times per week. The district gets reimbursed at the free lunch rate and encouraged families to continue to complete the free& reduced lunch application. We have received the certificate of occupancy for the modular classrooms,the site work is completed,and the teachers are moving in. Students will be in on Monday. Food Service Director Danielle Collins held a pizza tasting today for the outsourced pizza. There were several students and staff members rating the samples. Superintendent Dr. Doherty said that a Protocol for Athletic Events During COVID-19 has been established for the Reading Public Schools. We have not received much guidance from DESE. He reviewed the protocol for participation in athletic events. Attendance in school every day is required by all students. Schools are required to take attendance. The secondary schools take attendance every period and the elementary takes attendance two times per day. DESE has changed the Band protocol. Band can have indoor practices with precautions. Dr. Doherty is working with the band teachers and department head on a safety plan. No changes have been made regarding chorus. Liaison Reports None C. Public Comment Mr. Wise read an email from Etain O'Dea. Mr. Wise redacted the portion that referred to her children: "Hello all Page 1 8 Thank you for the great questions in this evening's.School Committee meeting and especially to committee member Erin Gallen for asking-so what happens next? What is the plan? We will wait to see what the school principals say. 1 am incredibly grateful for the amazing effort from all of our teachers and completely agree with those who said our synchronous model is great and should not change. And 1 know that we are all in this together. However, if it is not working for some kids, then it is not working. It is so important for their academic success, and double that for their mental health. Haw can you capture how marry kids this is NOT workingfor? What are the long term consequences of that? Thank you for your creative problem solving. Etain O'Dea (Barrows and Parker)" Dr. Doherty encouraged Ms.O'Dea to contact her children's teachers and building principal. 1. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant 52115 10.08.20 $267,278.55 Warrant 52116 10.15.20 1 $82,530.12 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence 3. Future Business 4. Adjournment Adiourn Mr.Parks moved seconded by Mrs Nazzaro to at iourn. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs Gaffen Mrs.Nazzaro Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr. Robinson. The meeting adjourned at 10:35 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: haps//Nvww.voutube.com/watch?v=r)SshYpUoll'E Page 1 9 o F. Do erty, Kd.D. Page 1 10