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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-03 School Committee Minutes re Town of Reading 70 f N LFG Meeting Minutes t(: ; a;t AAA. e,.:,�Pa k'f0 2: r,bit: 23 Board - committee - Commission - Council: School committee Date: 2020-12-03 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 Geffen, 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 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. Robinson—here Dr. Doherty—here Mr. Parks-here Mrs. Dowd—here Mr. Wise—here Mrs. Kelley- here Mrs.Nazzaro—here Dr. Stys—here Mrs. Gaffen- here Mr. Brandt—here Mr. Robinson called open session order at 7:00 p.m.and reviewed the agenda. A. Public Input Mr. Robinson explained that for public comment, please use the live chat feature on the Microsoft Teams link which will be posted on the Superintendent's Bing and sent out via Connect Ed prior to the meeting. In lieu of the live chat, you may send an email in advance of the meeting to schoolcommittee@readine kl2.ma.us This email will be included in the next packet. Page 1 1 Mrs. Dowd introduced new Human Resourses Director Kerry Mcisinger to the committee. She begins officially on Monday and comes to Reading with a wealth of knowledge. Ms.Mcisinger is very happy for this opportunity and is looking forward to joining the team. B. Consent Agenda - Approval of Minutes(11.23.20) Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Parks to anorove the consent agenda. The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr.Parks Mn.Gaffen,Mn.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson C. Reports Student Student Representative Bridget Parks reported on the following: • The grade level yoga challenge(Gr9& I I vs. Gr. 10& 12) • Drama Show on Friday • Winter show auditions • Winter concerts • NHS Inductions • Winter sports Director of Student Services No report Assistant Superintendent No report Chief Financial Officer No report Superintendent No report Liaison Mrs. Gaffen reported that the SEPAC will meet on Tuesday night. Dr. Stys and Assistant Director Allison Wright will be in attendance to discuss the renaming of the Special Education cohorts. Mr. Brandt reported on the upcoming ad hoc Human Rights Committee meeting. Mr. Robinson shared that the School Committee has been posted to attend the December 7" Permanent Building Committee meeting. D. Old Business Page 1 2 Approval of Transportation Contracts Mrs. Dowd updated the committee on the status of negotiations with our transportation vendors and asked for committee approval on the renegotiated terms. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brand[ to approve the renegotiated terms of the regular day/METCO transportation contracts with North Suburban Transportation at a reduced rate of 70% for non-transportation days. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr.Parks Mrs Gaffen Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr. Robinson Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt to approve the renegotiated terms of the special education transportation contract with North Reading Transportation at a reduced rate of 78% for non-transportation days with a further reduction for the first 10 days of School that were professional development days(reduction of 50 per day). The roll call vote carried 6-0 Mr. Parks Mrs Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson Superintendent Search—Appoint Preliminary Screening Committee Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro,to appoint the preliminary screening committee as outlined in the Chair's memorandum. Mr. Robinson thanked all that submitted letters of interest to service on the screening committee. Mr. Wise,Mrs. Dowd, Mrs. Presser and he spent considerable time reviewing and discussing the pool of applicants. They wanted a balanced and well- rounded committee with broad representation. Mr. Brandt feels that the committee is light on middle school and classroom teacher representation. He would like the School Committee to consider adding Theresa Wiggins citing her experience as a classroom teacher. Discussion continued on adding another person to the screening committee and the lack of anyone with special education or related services experience. Mr. Robinson reminded the committee that Mrs. Presser recommended limiting the size of the screening committee to 11-13. We are currently at 15 members. Mrs. Nazzaro cautioned the committee not to change the parameters and wants to be transparent. We have to trust the process. Mrs. Gaffen feels the parent pool has a corporate feel and agrees with Mr. Brandt to add Theresa Wiggins. Mr. Parks concurred. Mr. Wise feels the process was followed and we should stick with who has been recommended. Mr. Wise read a comment from the live chat from Sherilla Lestrade: "I am a special education para at the high school, A METCO parent and have a middle school student" Committee members thought that the selection committee would vet the applicants and bring the recommendations to the full committee for discussion. Mr. Wise read a comment from the live chat from Mike Monahan: 7 suggest selecting the best candidates are more important than sticking to a policy or prior decision dedicating to a specific number of candidates. If we are fortunate enough to get more great candidates than we ever expected, increase the number of selectees to get the broadest and most diverse set ofilualified candidates and related backgrounds. A Page 1 3 larger number of qualified candidates is more important than a line in the sand number. Also-you should have an odd number.so there is a potential tie breaker" Mr. Brandt moved to amend the list to include Theresa Wiggins as the 16'h member. The amendment was seconded by Mr.Parks. Mrs. Dowd shared that this was a very thought out process with guidance from the consultant. It is tougher to come to a consensus with a larger group. She said the six members of the School Committee alone make the decision on the screening committee. Mr. Brandt shared that there are currently 16 people on the screening committee so adding another member would give an odd number. Mr. Brandt amended his original motion -amend the list to include Theresa Wiggins as the 171h member. Mr.Parks seconded. The vote on the motion carried 4-2. Mr.Brandt,Mrs.GatTe t,Mr.Parks,Mr. Robinson voting in favor. Mr.Wise and Mrs.Nazzaro voting aeainst. The vote on the amended original motion carried 5-1 Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen, Mr. Parks,Mr. Robinson and Mr.Wise voting in favor. Mrs.Nazzaro voting a a� inst. Mr. Wise read a comment from the live chat from Alicia Williams: "Can people potentially profit from the district be on the district?Is it a conflict of Interest?people WHO"COULD" Mrs. Dowd answered that it may be possible and would check with Mrs. Presser. Mr. Wise followed up saying that this committee appointment is for a set period of time. Mr. Robinson added that the first meeting of the screening committee will include OML, conflict of interest and Robert's Rules training. Second Reading and Approval of Policy JI—Student Rights and Responsibilities Mr. Wise moved seconded by Mr. Brandt,to accept the Second Reading and Approval of Policy JI—Student Rights and Responsibilities Mr. Wise began the second reading. Mr. Parks moved seconded by Mr. Brandt to suspend further reading of Policy JI. The roll call vote carried 6—0. Mr. Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise, Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson. Dr. Doherty said there were no changes based on the conversation of the last meeting. The motion carried 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs. Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzare,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson Continued First Reading of Policy IMB—Teaching about Controversial Issues/Controversial Speakers Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mr.Brandt,to accept the Continued First Reading Policy IMB—Teaching about Controversial Issues/Controversial Speakers Page 1 4 Dr. Doherty said that he met with Mr. Brandt and Mrs.Nazzaro regarding concerns brought up at the last meeting and made changes. Discussion regarding the changes was held. Revisions were offered to be included for the second reading. Mr. Brandt would like to reach out to student groups for feedback on this policy. Mr. Wise read a comment from the live chat from Tom Quinn: "Does this allow for too much strayingfrom the in class curriculum? Organic conversations around students concerns should and will happen." Mr. Wise read a comment from the live chat from Alicia Williams: "What will be the consequences on breaking or violating these policies?" Dr. Doherty said the policy will become part of the handbook. Mr. Brandt asked how violations are handled with staff. Dr. Doherty said it would be part of the educator evaluation process in the professionalism standard. Mr. Wise would like feedback from the administrators. Mr.Wise read the original motion again. The roll call vote carried 4-2. Mr. Brandt,Mr.Robinson Mrs.Gaffen and Mrs.Nazzaro voting in favor. Mr.Wise and Mr.Parks voting against. E. New Business First Reading of Police BDF—Advisory Committees to the School Committee In discussion with Dorothy Presser it was determined that the Superintendent Screening Committee is not a sub-committee of the School Committee, it is better as an advisory committee. We currently do not have a policy for advisory committees. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks,to accept the first reading of Policy BDF— Advisory Committees to the School Committee Mr. Wise began the first reading of the policy. Mr.Brandt moved seconded by Mr.Parks to suspend further reading of Policy BDF The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr.Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise, Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson The committee offered revisions to the proposed policy. The Chair and Superintendent will consult with legal counsel regarding the suggested revisions. The roll call vote was 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs Gaffen,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson Approval of the 2021-2022 School Year Calendar Dr. Doherty said that feedback from the RTA has been incorporated. The question regarding snow days was addressed. DESE has not offered guidance on snow days therefore, we have included them in the calendars. The RTA asked about changing Page 1 5 Columbus Day to Indigenous Persons Day. This has not become an official holiday at this point but if it does,we will change. Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs Nazzaro to aoorove Calendar A& B for the 2021-2022 school year with which calendar will be used will be determined at a future date. Mr. Wise pointed out a typo and asked if we need snow days on the hybrid calendar. Dr. Doherty said we are keeping both calendars consistent. Mr.Gaffen asked, if we do not include snow days could we look at starting after Labor Day. Mr. Parks read an email from Laura Fusco: "Hello, It appears that the color coding is wrong on Calendar B. It shows that this week Cohort B was in person but it was actually Cohort A in person this week. So unless the in person weeks change after the new year it may be wrong going forward. Laura Fusco 68 Haystack Rd" It was pointed out that we were discussing next year's calendar and not this years calendar. The roll call vote was 6-0 Mr.Parks Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro.Mr. Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson F. Old Business(out of order) Winter Hybrid Learning Update Dr. Doherty began with health and safety beginning with information on the Mask Up campaign in town. He went on to update the committee on the rases in the schools pointing that we have not had any in school transmissions. We continue to follow the MDPH quarantine guidelines rather the CDC. We await guidance from DESE as the MDPH guidelines apply to schools. Dr. Doherty shared information on winter sports. The EEA and MIAA developed guidelines for winter sports. The Middlesex League Athletic Directors and Superintendents modified the guidelines to include 10 games,masks required and no spectators. Sports that will be played are basketball, hockey and gymnastics.The committee discussed concerns that no spectators would be allowed at the contests. Dr. Doherty reiterated that this is not a Reading decision, it is a league decision made in the best interest of the health and safety of the participants. Mrs.Nazzaro feels that these are unnecessary restrictions and Reading needs to take a stand and pull out. Chair Robinson feels the league was lazy in making this decision and needs to roll up their sleeves to come up with creative ideas. Mr. Wise read comments on the live chat from: "jennifer Fichera 69 Richards road. - as a parent of a a winter sport athlete Lam kindly asking what involvement the school committee has in making the rule where no spectators will be permitted to Middlesex games. Specifically referring to the space in page 1 6 Burbank there is more than ample space to socially distance one parent per player. Can you please discuss how the decision was made and what criteria was used?And what documents were leveraged as well as.stats used to make this determination as it seems to not be in line with MIAA recommendations" Karin DiNapoli "My question is in regards to our.Senior athletes at RMHS. Pm a parent of a senior basketball captain. The Middlesex League's decision to ban all spectators from winter sporting events doesn't seem fair to our senior athletes. Given the facility we are lucky enough have here at RMHS, could this ruling be revisited to allow one parent per player to attend? This can safely be done if we utilize the balcony of the field house for a small group of socially distant parents. The health of our players and coaches are of utmost importance but as a food establishmemt owner in town, I know for sure that we have the space needed to safely add a small group of parents while still following all CDC protocols. The seniors are giving up so much already can't we work to try and restore their support on the sidelines for the 5 hone games they are able have? As a small group of senior parents, what can we do to try and have this ruling revisited? Thank you!" Alicia Williams "Please let the parents decide if they feel safe going to watch their students play. These rules jar sake of rules. Hockey rinks are big enough, If they don't feel safe, they don't have to go. Give them the option to attend. " Kristen Granas "As far as Tom has mentioned, blocking off stands. We are already doing this! Why can i watch my 9 year old squirt hockey player at Burbank. Stands are currently blocked off with socially distanced spots for seating. Contact tracing is done with check ins at the door. Masks are mandatory. We have been doing this since September without any outbreaks. This is unacceptable. 1 urge you to go back to the middlesex league and ADS for a reconsideration. " Mr. Parks read an email from Steven Sullivan: " December 2, 2020 An open letter to the elected and appointed leadership of the Town of Reading. Notwithstanding what is happening in the World, our Country, our State and in our Town as a result of the complete disruption and carnage of COVID19, 1 feel compelled to write this letter today. 1 know as town and school administrators, elected and appointed,your lives have been upside down during the last 9 months. 1 want you to know that 1 sincerely respect your commitment to our kids and to our community. With that 1 feel obligated to communicate to you, that I humbly disagree with the recent decision not to allow any.spectators to attend varsity and sub-varsity sporting events this coming Winter 2020121 season. Winter sports will he played at various types of venues including gyms, basketball courts and ice hockey rinks. Each have their own capacity for spectators. Some certainly larger than others. 1 contend that each and every one of these venues can accommodate a modest amount ofspectators that can be appropriately socially distanced with the mandatory personal protective equipment covering their face and hands. I feel that with the advent of a vaccine, and strong personal discipline, we can get through this winter sports season without keeping all parents, guardians and siblings away from their student athlete's interscholastic contests. I respectfully ask you to reconsider your decision not to allow spectators at winter sporting events. it has been a terrible year, our families need to be with Page 17 and support each other right now. Thank you in advance for your consideration. With Kind Regards, STEVEN R. SULLIVAN(617-283-7616)41 Colburn Road: ' Dr. Doherty updated the committee on hybrid learning. He updated the group on staff vacancies. He went on to the status of hybrid learning in the district. All grades now in hybrid learning or partial hybrid learning model. Preschool and some high needs students: 5 days/week in person; Kindergarten: 4 days/week in person, 1 day/week remote; Grades 1-8: Hybrid Cohort A/B week in person/week remote model with Fridays remote for all (except some high needs) Grades 9-12: Partial Hybrid. Dr. Doherty will be sending out a survey to parents, staff and students on hybrid learning next week and will hold focus group sessions in January. Dr. Doherty reviewed the high school partial hybrid model pointing out the positives which include strong synchronous remote instruction for 6 of 10 days, high needs students in person, two days in person/10 days, consistency in schedule. Challenges include two days in person versus four, two days of live streaming while teacher is teaching to in person classes as well. Other concerns include maintaining the balance of a strong remote program,maintain a safe healthy in person environment, and maximize the in-person experience. The RMHS Staff are meeting with students at risk to shift their schedules to more in person. Dr. Doherty thanked his central office administrators as well as the administrative assistants for the amazing job they have done. He pointed out the Northshore Education Consortium Annual Report that was included in the packet. He referred the committee to page 19 of the report to point out the cost effectiveness of belonging to a collaborative. The Town has announced a rent/mortgage assistance program in collaboration with the Reading Cooperative Bank. He will send out the press release. Funding is part of the Cares Act Grant that expires at the end of the month. In an effort to allow the band to hold indoor rehearsals special masks have been purchased to allow students to play instruments inside, socially distanced. The Daily Time Chronicle had an article on the food distribution program, He encouraged all to read it. Mr. Brandt asked about staff leaves that are ending at the end of the month. Dr. Doherty said some staff are coming back while others will take a leave until the end of the year. Mr. Gaffen asked about high-risk students more in-school time. Dr. Doherty said decisions are based on the first quarter grades. Mr. Wise is concerned about the social-emotional well-being and asked if the high school schedule would be adjusted. Page 1 8 Mrs. Nazzaro asked about the status of the high school pameducators. Dr. Doherty said we still have 9 vacancies. G. Public Comment None 1. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) Warrant S2121 11.19.20 $63,133.89 Warrant 52122 11.21.20 $79,339.32 Warrant 52123 1 12.03.20 $41,815.74 Warrant P2111 11.27.20 $1,748,595.11 b. Calendar 2. Information/Correspondence Mrs. Nazzaro asked for clarification on the social media coordinator calendar. 3. Future Business 4. Adiournmen[ Adjourn Mrs.Nazzaro moved,seconded by Mrs. Gaffen to adjourn The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mr. Parks,Mrs.Gaffen,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://www.youtube.com/watch?v—x7bYbi4VEEY k-- .loh. F. oher[y, Page 1 9