HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-10 School Committee Minutes R =CEIVED
Town of Reading T01NN CLERK
Meeting Minutes RE!,DIt.IG, IIAA�
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2020-09-10 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, RMHS Principal Kate
Boynton, RMHS Assistant Principal Tom Zaya
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. Sys—here
Mr. Brandt—here
Mr. Robinson—here
Mr. Robinson called open session order at 7:00 p.m.
A. Public lima[
Mr. Robinson explained that public comment would be held at the end of the meeting
allowing the public time to email questions to schoolcommitteegreadine.kl2.ma.us
Mr. Robinson shared that there is a live chat option in Microsoft Teams that the public
can access for public input. Dr. Doherty has sent the Teams link to the meeting for
access to this feature.
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B. Consent Agenda
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to approve the consent agenda.
The motion carried 6-0 Mr. Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.
Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
C. Reports
RMHS Principal Kate Boynton
Mrs. Boynton updated the committee on the staff activities as they prepare for the start of
school. There has been a rich array of professional development to prepare for online
learning platforms. We were lucky enough to have in house training sessions that were
very successful. She thanked Assistant Superintendent Chris Kelley and her team for
their hard work putting together the 10 days of training.
The high school schedules were published and emailed to families today. Students can
contact their guidance counselors with any questions or concerns. Individual virtual
conversations were held with incoming freshmen, parents and guidance staff that were
very successful. Book distribution begins tomorrow and continues next week. It will
take place in the field house and will be similar to the pickup of belongings at the end of
the 2019-20 school year.
Mrs. Boynton thanked Chuck Strout for his herculean effort putting together the
schedules.
The high school administration continues to work with the custodial staff and technology
to set up the classrooms for a return in a hybrid model.
Mr. Parks asked how many students had reached out to their counselors with scheduling
concerns. Mrs. Boynton said that at the end of the day there were several. Many were
regarding the inability to see the second semester schedule,which had been shut off by
counselors, but this has been resolved.
Mr. Wise read a live question regarding book pickup.Only AP books could be picked up
tomorrow, all others can be picked up next week.
Mrs. Boynton shared that arrangements could be made if students were nervous about
picking the books up in person.
Chair Robinson thanked Principal Boynton.
Director of Student Services
Dr. Stys updated the committee on the extended school year program which went very
well. We had 33 students in person with 25 teachers and paraeducators. We were also
able to bring 6 TSP students in to ease the transition back into school. There were 194
students receiving services remotely from 31 teachers and paraeducators.
We were able to do many evaluations this summer in the Central Office which was
outfitted with plexiglass shield, hand sanitizer and face shields.
Over the course of the pandemic shutdown a very good collaborative relationship with
the SEPAC has developed. They had their first remote meeting of the year which was
well attended.
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The voluntary all staff meetings that began during this time will also continue. We are
working on the program descriptions and hope to have them published at the end of
October. Our team chairs have been busy contacting all families to review the student's
needs and what service delivery will look like. We are making sure that we have the PPE
that we need in place. Face shields have been delivered to the buildings and we are
working on the possibility of a close captioned Zoom feature. Transportation is being
finalized for those student's that require this service.
Dr. Stys reviewed the summer special education summer trainings. There were offerings
in executive functioning and use of technology. The Bridge Program staff received
training baseline assessment. There were also training opportunities in assistive
technology and reading training. This training looked at how to create an overview using
a reading rope;what makes a solid reader.
Mr. Wise thanked Dr. Stys for all the work that is being done in the area of reading
aligning with the Scarborough's Reading Rope(https://dyslexiaida.org/scarboroughs-
reading-rope-a-groundbreaking-infographie/)and asked about assessing Reading's
Curriculum Tools vs. the components of the Reading Rope. Dr. Stys talked about parent
education, how it aligns to the components of reading and work to help parent's
understand where they should see growth and why. There was further discussion about
maintaining a library, thing or podcast to be able to retain the training for future parents.
Dr. Stys pointed out that the Joshua Eaton staff has worked on a PowerPoint to reuse for
educating parents in the future. Dr. Stys pointed out that often times we see reading
issues when children are diagnosed with other disabilities as anxiety as well so this
training will be important across the parent spectrum. She gave a further example of
practicing phonemic awareness at the preschool level in alignment with training from the
Crafting Minds organization. Conversation shifted to late Middle School and the High
School and Dr. Stys talked about the hiring of Renee Limauro at the High School who is
a certified reading teacher and speech and language pathologist that has trained for a few
years under Dr. Orkin. Dr. Stys also discussed the background of Shana Goldwyn,the
team chair at Joshua Eaton and Killam, that has her PhD in reading and worked on
norming the CTOPP,at test frequently used on reading assessments for students. Dr.
Stys concluded by mentioning specialized programs that can be applied based on the
student's need,with examples including Orton Gillingham, Wilson, Rave-O and
Language Live.
Mrs.Nazzaro asked if we were on track to welcome our in person high needs students.
Dr. Stys said we are and many of these students attended the ESY program.
Mr. Wise asked to read a message from the live chat before moving on. The message
from Amelia Devin Freedman,asked about how the high school cohorts were formed.
Mrs. Boynton said difficult decisions had to be made when determining student's cohorts.
Building space and teacher schedules were driving factors which resulted in some
families with children in opposite cohorts.
Assistant Superintendent
Mrs. Kelley reviewed the 10 days of training to onboard teachers. There were training
sessions in Social-Emotional Learning and Health, Equity and Technology. Anti-bias
and equity will be a focus this year. METCO Director Grant Hightower presented
Courage, Vulnerability and Decentering to the staff. It was an excellent and thought-
provoking presentation. Building based anti-bias/equity discussions will continue
throughout the year. 18 technology drop-in sessions were held for staff. Mrs. Kelley
thanked the building principals,assistant principals,technology integration specialists,
building based teacher leaders and technicians for their hard work. We have been able to
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purchase tools such as Peardeck, Edpuzzle and Seesaw using funds from a COVID based
grant. All of the trainings have been posted on a virtual Google site.
Mrs. Kelley reported on remote half day kindergarten saying we will be having a
morning and afternoon session. Their home school will be Joshua Eaton. The morning
students will attend remotely 5 days a week until 11:30 a.m. The afternoon session will
run from 12:00—2:45 Monday through Thursday with no school on Fridays. The
sessions will switch at the end of January. We are also in the process of hiring the remote
kindergarten teacher.
We will be able to offer extended day programming for the kindergarten students
beginning on September 21" and when we transition to the hybrid model we will add
openings. We will have 78 METCO students this year attending our schools. The
Friends of METCO is teaming with parent groups to build a Reading Institute course on
equity for staff. The district will also be offering parent training initially around
technology.
Mr. Wise asked how we would catch up from the spring. Mrs. Kelley said that we have
to follow the standards. We will assess where we are and where we need to be to move
forward. Mr. Robinson asked about extended day staffing. We will have 2
staff/building. Mr. Wise asked about student email accounts at the elementary level.
Mrs. Kelley shared that, she believes, grades K-3 is parental access and grades 4—5 the
students log in. She will confirm this. All communication will be done through the Plus
Portal. Mrs. Gaffen asked if there would be half day in person kindergarten. The answer
was yes at Killam and Joshua Eaton.
Marianne Downing asked if there will be physical Algebra] books for all students or are
the books electronic only? Mrs. Kelley said we will have both text and electronic.
Brian Hanley wrote—My understanding is no new material was allowed to be taught into
the spring—our children certainly did not receive any new material. So, aren't we, by
definition, behind and catching-up?
Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Dowd began with a modular update saying the modulars were currently in Keene,
NIT and will be on site sometime tomorrow. Weare still on target for a mid-October
completion.
She next reported on the summer food distribution which was handled seamlessly by
Director of Food Services Danielle Collins. Mrs. Dowd announced that Ms. Collins was
named treasurer of the School Nutrition Association for the upcoming year. The summer
food distribution serviced 150 families and there is a hope that the program will be
extended through December 31"or until the funding runs out. We will be changing the
distribution day to Friday and adding Wednesdays. At this point,all students are eligible
to participate.
Our Technology Department has distributed 800 devices to families,and they are busily
setting up email accounts. The technicians continue to reimage and deploy additional
equipment. Mrs. Dowd thanked the Technology Department for their hard work.
The facilities and custodial staff have been busy setting up the classrooms to meet the
requirements. We have the furniture we need and will not have to find storage for extra
pieces. She thanked the facilities and custodial staff for their hard work.
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Mrs. Dowd shared that we are in good shape with PPE. It has been a collaborative
process and we have a replenishment plan in place.
Mrs. Dowd reviewed two grants we have received. We have received a Title grant in the
amount of$98,000. This grant follows the methodoly of our other Title grants. Austin
Prep will receive approximately $15,000 as part of the proportionate share. We have
spent$51,000 on technology to date and we are able to carry over a balance. The other
grant in the amount of$894,000 was received from the Federal Government to be used
on COVID related expenses that are not part of the operating budget. These funds have
to be spent by December 31". We have purchased additional cleaning supplies,cameras,
one to one devices, PPE,professional development and assessments for compulsory
services.
Mr. Robinson asked if the Title grant could last 24 months. The answer was yes. He
followed up on the status of the MERV-13 filters. Delivery is still on track for mid-
October.
Mrs.Gaffen and Mr. Wise inquired about using this money for staffing. Mrs. Dowd said
it really isn't meant for staff but could possibly use it for long term substitutes.
Mrs. Dowd shared that DESE is administering this grant, but the Federal government has
come out with a lot of guidance and accountability and it will be heavily audited.
Mrs.Nio zaro asked about cameras. We have received the cameras ordered in the spring
and we are purchasing additional cameras.
Mrs. Kelley shared information on student email accounts—no K-5 students have
ACTIVE email accounts. They were assigned Reading accounts and google accounts
that have their firstname lastnameOrdestudent.com. We don't plan to activate entails for
ANY elementary grades.
Nicole Cella. Question for is for Asst. Sup. Chris. Can you please provide further
information on how elementary school students will be assessed in the beginning of the
school year to determine what needs to be taughillearned, re-introduced,pre-introduced,
etc.?Is there a new assessment model being used given this new situation?Please
provide as much clarity as possible. Thank you!
Mrs. Kelley shared that we have an assessment calendar in place that has been shared
with the elementary teachers. We also have math assessments and an early literacy
screener in place. We will do formative assessments at the beginning of the year.
Dr. Doherty thanked his central office administrative team for the extraordinary amount
of work they have done to get us to the start of the school year.
Superintendent
Dr. Doherty began his report by updating the committee on known leaves,
accommodations and resignations. He knows the numbers will change. He next
reviewed the current vacancies in the district. We are working to fill as many vacancies
as we can for the start of school. The Superintendent reviewed the phase in hybrid model
schedule. School officially begins on September 15". Kindergarten, Preschool and high
needs special education students will attend in person. The district will continue to
monitor staffing and medical data to determine when we are able to move to the hybrid
model. Safety and adequate staffing are key priorities. He hopes to phase in grades I
and middle school, hopefully in early to mid-October.
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Dr. Doherty reviewed enrollment changes and said that due to low kindergarten numbers
we will not need satellite classrooms. We will be following DESE guidelines regarding
attendance which will be taken each period at the middle and high school levels and 3
times/day at the elementary.
Dr. Doherty said that DESE guidance has directed that all playgrounds be closed because
there is an increased chance of infection and we would not be able to adequately clean
and disinfect the structures.
Dr. Doherty reported that we have three MOAs in place with the teachers, paraeducators
and food service. He reviewed the MOA with the RTA and thanked the RTA executive
board for creating a good working relationship. He wanted the committee to be aware
that there may be instances that students would be in person and their teacher remote.
There would be an adult in the classroom monitoring the students.
The committee shared concerns with the inability to use the playgrounds. The question
was asked if some of the grant money could be used to get the playgrounds open.
Mr. Brandt asked what the phase in would like operationally. We currently have staff to
teach remote(accommodations), if staff cannot teach in the hybrid model,we will need to
post the positions and hire. We will need to 511 the vacancies before we can move to
hybrid learning. The community would get a two week notice of any phasing in.
Mr. Wise made a suggestion that the School Committee ask the Finance Committee for
funding to support the cleaning of the playgrounds. He asked that he had help
wordsmithing this action.
There was continued discussion about playground use. Questions were asked about the
cost to clean and disinfect($4,000/week)for the 10 playgrounds in town, who would do
the cleaning(third party)and supervision (could parents volunteer). Dr. Doherty shared
that money is not the primary driver.
Mr. Brandt moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to express the desire of the School
Committee to pursue fundine for the cleanine of elementary and RISE playgrounds
if they can be opened safelv.
Mrs. Boynton asked if the School Committee could act on the Athletics agenda item.
Mr.Wise moved to table the plaveround discussion to move to the athletics agenda
item. Mr.Brandt seconded,and the roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mrs.
Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson.
Reopening Plan—Athletics and Extra-curricular
Dr. Doherty reviewed the decision made by the Middlesex League Athletic Directors and
Superintendents decision to play a modified fall schedule. Tryouts will begin on
September 21"for soccer, field hockey,cross country and golf. Football, volleyball and
cheering will be moved to Fa112/floating season which will run February 221d to April
25"'. It has also been determined that because of the abbreviated season, the user fee
would be reduced by $75 per player/per season. The family caps will remain the same.
Mr. Zaya is looking forward to getting to the new normal and agrees it is not the best but
it allows for students to participate in athletics.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to allow students,who are currently
remote,to participate in the in person Athletic and Extra-curricular programs and
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that the user fee for athletics be reduced by$75 from $325 to$250 per season doe to
the shortened season.
Discussion continued and the committee felt the motion should be adjusted to cover
participation once we enter the hybrid model.
Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs. Gaffen,to allow students,who are engaging in
school remotely or in a hybrid model,to participate in the in person Athletic and
Extra-curricular programs and that the user fee for athletics be reduced by$75
from $325 to$250 per season due to the shortened season. The roll call vote carried
5-1 Mrs Gaffen Mrs Nazzaro Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Mr.
Parks voted against.
Mr.Wise moved to remove the plays o nd motion from the table. The motion was
seconded by Mr. Brandt. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,
Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Coram via live chat asked-Regarding playgrounds: especially at Birch Meadow,
where there is not a green space and the modulars have taken over the hardtop space.
Where will the children be during recess?
The Birch Meadow students will use the fields across the street.
Other questions submitted in the live chat had been addressed in the discussion.
The motion on the original plaveround motion carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,
Mrs Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Robinson shared that questions submitted to the live chat will be part of the video
record.
Mr. Brandt read an email from Linda Michel:
"September 10, 2020
Dear Dr. Doherty and School Committee-
I am writing this letter wearing many hats. I am a resident of Reading for 21 years,
parent of two teenagers attending RMHS, and an elementary school Special Educator at
Wood End. In addition, I am on the RTA Executive Board and most recently a member of
the lastfour Bargaining Teams. I also regularly watch School Committee meetings, so I
feel confident to say I am quite informed with what is happening within and around the
town concerning the school department. I try extremely hard to bean informed resident,
parent and teacher.
As a special education teacher, I am part of"cohort C". This means my colleagues and I
will be among the first staff back in the building teaching students in person full time.As
part of that group I would be remiss if I didn't express my disappointment with how
things are being handled thus jar. I feel disappointed that administration is failing the
students and teachers with the in-person teaching model.
I advocated for my students to come back into the building as they are in the high reeds
category and desperately need in person instruction.
Iknow that I, along with my colleagues, will go above and beyond our dadyjob
description to make the in-person model a success and to keep all students safe.
However, it has been a challenge since we started school on August 31st. We have had
inconsistent and limited guidancefrom administration.It trulyfeels like we are "building
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the plane" by ourselves as special education teachers. We need what was promised to be
put in place in order to get the plane off the ground come September 151h.
Some of the biggest concerns are explained below:
Administration: Where are they? Working¢om the safety of their own homes?
At this point, I need to digress and let you know that the principal as well as teachers and
paraprofessionals at Wood End have been beyond supportive. Any positive momentum
that has been created over the past
8 days has been due to the support and collaboration of our building principal and our in
person building based team
However, I have yet to see the in-person support of the Administration. Although we have
seen some of them through a zoom lens, we have yet to see a central office administrator
at Wood End in person. Their support is VITAL to this plane flying.
We need their support to advocate far the proper PPE for those of us working with high
needs students. We need their support to allow us adequate time to complete schedules.
We need their support to provide training and allow us time to access it. We need their
support to ensure we have proper staffing. We need to know they are building this plane
with us.
Special education has a high turnover rate in a typical year. This year especially, we
need them to support our new teachers. We are all new teachers this year. We need
support.
SchedulinglTimelTechnology:Special education teachers are responsible for creating
their own schedule, all their paraprofessional schedules, and all of their individual
student schedules. This is a time consuming process during a regular year—one that
many of us usually start over the summer on our own free time. Given the many
(necessary)changes occurring right now, it is taking at minimum, double the time and
effort to complete these schedules. Due to the exorbitant amount of time, many of us have
yet to be able to attend the technology[rainings being offered over these ten days.
Although we are delivering special education services in person, we are still responsible
for supporting our students online during general education time, as well as providing
virtual services on Fridays. Yet here we are, two school days away from opening, with
zero to minimal technology training.
Adding to the time and complexity issues, once we think we are finished with schedules,
we receive last minute changes that force us back to the drawing board. For example,
yesterday, September 9, 2020, at 2:00 pm were we informed that we are going from three
lunch periods to one. This meant that every special education teacher at Wood End had
to go back info every schedule (ours, paraprofessionals, and individual students)and
rearrange services to ensure students are receiving the proper services while also
receiving a hot lunch So again, here we are, two school days away from the start of
school, and we are expected to be rearranging schedules and not able to attend
technology training and planning for our in person instruction.
Having even more complications are my colleagues that have fully remote special
education students on their caseload, along with a full in-person case load. Even though
other schools may have fully remote special education students also, a special education
remote cohort was not formed and now this falls, again, on special education teachers to
figure out how to plan and teach in person and remote at the same time and be effective
teachers. I have been told that there is no more money for staffing. if we want this to be
successful for students and staff I fee[that this issue needs to be revisited.
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PPE: Where is it? To date, I have received one package of Huggies Simply Clean baby
wipes (64 count) and one canister of 100 alcohol wipes and ONE re-useable sponge, that
sadly has already been used and disposed of.
If we use one alcohol wipe per desk(on approx. 8 desks)five times per day(in between
groups/students), my wipes will be gone by the end of the week. So, now what?
We were told that computers can only be cleaned with Lysol wipes, however we haven't
been provided with any. Of course, I will bring in my own but, should I have to? My
students'families have offered to send them, but should they have to?
When school committee recently posted the photo of all the PPE in the field house, I was
feeling hopeful that the High Needs group, Cohort C, would be well taken care of With
two school days until the in-person start. I am feeling disappointed that my coworkers
and I are still trying to figure out where the additional PPE is. Most recently, today,
September 10, 2020 at 3:52 PM,I received an email stating that we should have some
face shields on Monday, but face coverings will not be arriving until next week. I'm
staying hopeful that that is true. However,I was also told that NO goggles would be
available for those that may need them. Additionally, I was told there are no extra
bottles ofportable Porch pumps.
In order to provide my students a safe environment, I will be providing my own
additional supplies. As will my colleagues. However, here we are (the special education
teachers) again, "building the plane"alone without guidance or consistent information
from administration.
Please know that as special education teachers, we are excited to lead this in-person
effort. We are the pioneers. We are building the plane without all the parts but high
expectations that the plane will have a successful departure.
We all know that the community, the administration, RPS staff, and School Committee
are looking to Cohort C as the Cohort that paves the way for every other teacher and
student to come back to into the building for learning. All we want is to be successful
and effective educators during this time, but we NEED to start seeing the support from
administration by having their actions speak louder than their words.
Thank you jor your time-
Lynda Michel, MED.
Special Education Teacher @ WE
Parent and Resident"
Mr. Wise read an email from Walter Lutter:
"I understand there is a delay in MERV 13 filter delivery. Is there an increase of risk to
students and staff If these are not installed by Tuesday.
Thanks
Waller Lotter
Special Education Paraedueator
J W. Killam Elementary School"
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Dr. Doherty replied that he has worked with our facilities staff and is confident that the
filters in place will provide the protection.
Liaisons
Mrs.Gaffing reported that the SEPAC Board meeting was well attended and they are
looking for volunteers for the board and the Friends of SEPAC.
Mr. Parks reported on the Fincom meeting at which the board held its reorganization. He
also reported that we have had a decrease of$500K in free cash and an increase of$367K
in growth.
Mr. Wise followed up by saying there are 3 financial forums scheduled over the next
several weeks. The financial state of FY21 will be discussed on September 23`d,October
7t'any needed actions will be discussed and on October 21"the Town Meeting warrant
will be voted and closed.
Mr. Robinson reported that we have received two RFQ for the Superintendent Search and
he and Mr. Wise will be meeting with Mrs. Dowd to discuss the next steps. We may be
adding a meeting for the presentations.
Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mr.Parks to table the book discussion until the next
meeting. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mn.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.
Wise Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
D. Old Business
E. New Business
None
F. Public Comment—emails received during meeting
(emails are copied and pasted in the original form)
L Routine Matters
a. Bills and Payroll (A)
Warrant 52109 8.27.20 $209,563.87
Warrant 52110 9.03.20 $161,053.77
Warrant 52111 9.10.20 $85,925.16
Warrant P2105 9.04.20 $1,493,667.59
b. Calendar
2. information/Correspondence
3. Future Business
None
4. Adjournment
Ad ourn
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Mr.Parks moved seconded by Mn. Nazzaro to adjourn. The roll call vote carried
6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs Gallen,Mrs.Nazzaro, Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.
Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 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,//wwwyoutubecom/watch9v=dRg7HOB3in3A
o F. Doherty, Ed.D.
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