HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-11 School Committee Minutes LECEIV t
TOWN CLF
Town of Reading A K
Meeting Minutes A.
Lir
21,21 MAP, -9 AM 11: 41
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2021-02-11 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chuck Robinson, John Parks, Tom Wise, Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen and
Shawn Brandt
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
CFO Gail Dowd, Human Resourses Director Kerry Messinger, Tech Support
Andy Strutt
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha LaPierre 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
Mr.Parks-here
Mr. Wise—here
Mrs.Nazzaro—here
Mrs. Gaffen—here
Mr.Brandt—here
Mr.Robinson called open session order at 7:00 p.m.
A. Public Input
B. Consent Agenda
C. Reports
Student
Page I r
Director of Student Services
Assistant Superintendent
Human Resources Director
No Report
Chief Financial Officer
No Report
Superintendent
School Committee
D. New Business
Superintendent of School Candidate Deliberation and Decision
Mr. Wise shared the official document on how the voting and deliberation process would
work.
Chair Robinson asked each school committee member to discuss their top candidate for
the Superintendent of Schools position,and why.The results would be based on the
majority vote from the entire sitting committee.
Mr.Wise moved to proceed to the discussion related to the superintendency and
appointment of superintendent of schools.Motion was seconded by Mr. Robinson.
The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Wise,Mr.Parks,Mr. Brandt,Mrs.Naz ro,Mrs.
Gaffen and Mr. Robinson.
Mr.Wise stated his vote was for Mr.Tom Milaschewski. Mr.Wise believes Mr.
Milaschewski will inspire the community and the teachers and build the leadership
amongst the teachers and principals.Mr.Wise stated Mr.Milaschewski has proven his
ability to coach,guide, lead and mentor-and believes he will bring a wealth of
experience to Reading.
Mrs. Carla Nazzaro stated her vote was for Mr.Tom Milaschewski.Mrs.Nazzaro
expressed how the feedback received from Mr.Milaschewski's site visit proved he
motivates people on all levels professionally and personally.Mrs.Nazzaro believes he
will lift the community up,and inspire people to be leaders.
Mr.John Parks stated his vote was for Dr. Stephen Zadravec.Mr. Parks thinks Dr.
Zadravec will bring true leadership to the district,and will be able to guide a new High
School principal. Mr. Parks stated he has great staff retention rates in Portsmouth,and
recognized the professional development program that is specific to his district. Mr. Parks
believe Dr. Zadravec has a passion for education and an extensive resume to show how
he has grown as an educator.
Mr. Brandt stated his vote was for Mr. Tom Milaschewski. Mr. Brandt believes Mr.
Milaschewski will be a cultural leader and has the skills to set effective goals and develop
effective professional development.Mr. Brandt thinks Mr.Milaschewski is the best
candidate to lift up and support the staff and administrators across the district.
Page 1 2
Mrs. Erin Gaffen stated her vote was for Mr.Tom Milaschewski. Mrs. Gaffen shared
some quotes from the Medford site visit,which really stood out to her.The
Superintendent of Medford said that she gives him her highest recommendation in 26
years in education.The central office team said that they had over the top praise for him,
they think he is well positioned and well qualified to be a superintendent. A principal
state he has a strong moral compass,he will listen and collaborate,values opinion,will
bring the community together,surrounds himself with the right people,will justify a
decision if it is best for kids, and is respectful and classy.
Mr. Robinson stated his vote was for Mr.Tom Milaschewski. Mr.Robinson stated his
connection with staff was outstanding,his energy levels are great,and has strong
leadership skills.
Mr.Wise moved that Tom Milaschewski be appointed Superintendent of Schools
for the Reading Public Schools subject to the successful negotiation of a contract of
employment mutually agreeable to the candidate and the school committee and
signed by both parties or their designees,seconded by Mr.Shawn Brandt.The roll
call vote carried 5-1. Mr.Wise.Mrs. Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Brandt,and Mr.
Robinson.
The committee took a five-minute recess.Chair Robinson called Mr.Milaschewski to
offer him the position of Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Robinson returned to report that Mr.Tom Milaschewski was very thankful and
excited to accept the position.
Mr.Tom Wise moved to adjourn to executive session for the purposes of negotiation
of contract for the Superintendent of Schools without returning to public session,
seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro.The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt,
Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Parks and Mr. Robinson.
E. Old Business
F. Public Comment
None
I. Routine Matters
a. Calendar
2. InformatiordCortespondence
3. Future Business
4. Adioumment
Adioum
Mr. Parks moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to adjourn. The roll call vote carried 5-
0.
0. Mr. Parks,Mrs. Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 10:17 p.m.
Page 1 3
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�// Youtubecom/watch9r-qkiNxbH=SA
Page 1 4