HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-27 School Committee Minutes Fq
Town of Reading 'TCLERK
Meeting Minutes READING, MA,
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2021 JUN 24 PM 3: 54
School Committee
Date: 2021-05-27 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chuck Robinson, Erin Gaffen, Sarah McLaughlin, Tom Wise, Carla Nazzaro
and Shawn Brandt
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Superintendent John Doherty, CFO Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services
Jen Stys, Human Resourses Director Kerry Messinger
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha LaPierre on behalf of the Chair
Topics of Discussion:
1. Call to Order
Chan 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
Ms.McLaughlin-here Mrs. Dowd—here
Mr.Wise—here Dr. Stys—here
Mrs.Nazzaro—here
Mrs. Gaffen—here
Mr. Brandt—here
Mr. Robinson called open session order at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Robinson stated the meeting would begin in Executive Session.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to eo into Executive Session to discuss
strategy with respect to collective bargaining in that an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the bareainine position of the public body. The motion carried
6-0. Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.
Robinson.
Chair Robinson call the regular session back to order at 7:00 p.m.
A. Public Input
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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(�reading.kl2.ma.us This email will be included in the next packet.
B. Consent Agenda
Mr. Wise suggested an amendment to the May 13,2021 minutes.
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to approve the Consent Aeenda as
amended.
- Approval of Minutes(5-13-2021)
-Donation from Samantha's Harvest
The motion carried 6-0.Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen, Mr. Brandt,
Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
C. Reports
Student
No Report
Director of Student Services
No Report
Assistant Superintendent
No Report
Human Resources Director
No Report
Chief Financial Officer
No Report
Superintendent
No Report
School Committee
Ms. McLaughlin—No Report
Mr.Brandt stated that he,and Mrs.Nazzaro are members of the Audit Committee,and on
Wednesday 5/19/21,they met with Melanson Heath who audits the RMLD financial
statements. It was a clean audit with no management letters.
Mrs. Gaffen stated that SEPAC is having their final business meeting of the year on
Tuesday June 8,2021 at 7:00 p.m.There will be a SEPAC training on Tuesday June 15".
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Mrs.Nazzaro stated that she attended RCTV Board Meeting on 5/18/21. They are
holding summer camp again this year,there will be five works of summer camp
workshops-the dates are July 12'",July 10,August 2"a.August 9",and August 16^. A
full course description is posted on RCTV.org. An update has been announced about the
classes the RCTV will be teaching at RMHS which include TV Broadcasting and Film
Production.
Mr.Wise—No Report
Mr.Robinson—No Report
New Business
Public Hearing on School Choice
Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro to open the public hearing on School
Choice.The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzano,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr.
Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Dr.Doherty asked the School Committee to vote not to participate in the School Choice law
for the 2021-2022 school year as defined by the General Law Chapter 76, Section 12B. Given
that RPS has had school space concerns for the last several years and we are completing a
year of uncertainty in student enrollment due to the pandemic,Dr. Doherty recommended that
school choice should not be implemented for the upcoming year.An advisory from DESE
with FAQs and additional information on the program were included in the packet.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to opt out of the School Choice program for
the 2021-22 school year due to space constraints and enrollment.The motion carried 6-
0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.
Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Gaffen to close the public hearing on School Choice.
The motion carried 6-0.Mn.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.
Wise and Mr. Robinson.
MASBO Award Presentation
Ms. Margaret Driscoll,Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School
Business Officials,and Mr.Daniel Sanderson at Axion BT/KenMark presented the John F.
Conway Distinguished Service Award to Chief Financial Officer Gail Dowd for her
outstanding work as a School Business Official.C.P.A Dowd received the award at the
MASBO's 55i°Annual Institute Educational Conference that was held on May 14'^. The
award recognizes the accomplishments of MASBO members relative to enhancing the
effectiveness of a school district and addressing it educational mission.The press release was
included in the packet.
SC Final Vote on the FY22 Budget and FY22 Capital Plan
Mrs. Gail Dowd asked the Committee to approve the final FY'22 budget of$49,695,998 as
appropriated by Town Meeting,as well as approve the individual cost cent budgets.There
were no changes from the School Committee budget as of January 25,2021 and what was
approved by Town Meeting.Mrs.Gail Dowd asked the committee to approve the final FY'22
Capital Plan as it related to the School Department. The total capital related to the schools,
approved by Town Meeting, is$865,000.
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Mr Wise moved seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro to anprove the FY22 School Capital Plan of
$865.000.The motion carried 6-0 Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs. Gatfen,Ms.McLaughlin.Mr.
Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr. Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved seconded by Mrs.Gaffen,to approve the FY22 School Department
Budget of$49,695,998 to be broken down by cost center as follows:
Final FY22 Budget
Regular Day $ 28,395,443
Administration 1,278,967
Special Education 16,329,409
School Facilities 1,578,204
Districtwide Programs 2,113,975
$ 49,695,998
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs Nazzaro Mrs.Gagen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.
Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
Approval of MSBA SOI
Dr. Doherty presented the draft Statement of Interest for the Killam Elementary School.
Under the MSBA application process,the Statement of Interest is the first step in entering the
Massachusetts School Building Authority(MSBA)program. In order to submit this
Statement of Interest to MSBS,the following actions are required:
1. There needs to be a School Committee vote using the required text.
2. The Select Board will conduct a similar vote at the June 1"meeting.
3. The Town Manager,School Committee Chair,and Superintendent of Schools need to
certify the validity of the SOI by signing the SOI.
Mr.Wise motioned,seconded by Mr.Brandt.
"Resolved: Having convened in an open meeting on May 27,2021,prior to the
closing date,the School Committee of Reading,Massachusetts,in accordance with
its charter,by-laws,and ordinances,has voted to authorize the Superintendent to
submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest
dated June 4,2021 for the Killam Elementary School located at 333 Charles Street
in Reading,Massachusetts which describes and explains the following deficiencies
and the priority categories for which an application may be submitted to the
Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future
• Priority 5-Replacement,renovation or modernization of school facility systems,such
as roofs,windows, boilers,heating and ventilation systems,to increase energy
conservation and decrease energy related costs in a school facility. This includes the
installation of a fire suppression system,handicap accessibility throughout the
school,and replacement of all plumbing systems in the building due to high lead
content in the drinking water.
• Priority 7-Replacement of or addition to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a
full range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements. This
includes,but is not limited to addressing elementary enrollment increases over the
next 10 years,providing adequate space for special education programs and related
services,full day kindergarten,English Language Learner Services,and preschool
expansion.
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and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of
Interest Form,the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees
the acceptance or the approval of an application,the awarding of a grant or any
other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority,or
commits the Town to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts
School Building Authority."
The motion carried 6-0. Mrs. Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt,
Mr.Wise.and Mr.Robinson.
D. Old Business
Spring Update
Dr.Doherty provided a spring in-person update.Dr. Doherty provided an update on the
number of positive student and staff cases per day in May,as well as total cases as of
May 271. Dr.Doherty reported that a total of 593 RMHS students are vaccinated so far.
Pooled tested for Prom will be required for those not fully vaccinated.
Dr.Doherty congratulated RISE Preschool for being selected as an exemplar Pyramid
Model Preschool for Massachusetts,for addressing the social-emotional and mental
health needs of children. The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations(NCPMI)
on behalf of The Office of Special Education Programs(OSEP)requested states to
identify local programs that implemented the Pyramid Model with success.
Dr. Doherty provided an update to the K12 Graduation Guidance based on recent changes
from CDC and State guidelines.Effective May 291,for outdoor graduations only,
attendees and staff are not required to wear masks and are encouraged to distance from
individuals not in their household as feasible.Attendees are encouraged to wear face
coverings if they are not vaccinated.When outdoors,students are not required to wear
masks,and students should distance as feasible.It is now permitted to hand graduates
their diplomas and awards.Graduation facilities only need to clean high touch surfaces
and shared objects once per day,excluding certain circumstances.
Graduates may not have up to six guests—two on the field with the graduate and four in
the bleachers.Graduates and family members on the field are not required to wear masks
as the family Pods are socially distanced. There will be a QR code for guests to scan as
they enter the bleachers to keep track of attendance for contact tracing purposes.The
School Committee Chair and Vice Chair will be handing graduates their diplomas.
Parents/guardians may still accompany graduates as they receive their diplomas as the
family wishes for picture opportunities. Graduates and their families will still arrive in
staggered start times and enter through a pre-identified gate and there will be no formal
processional or recessional
Dr.Doherty discussed understanding the process of assessing for reading disabilities and
encouraged the Reading community to join SEPAC for the second in a series of
community reading training on June 151,2021 at 7 p.m.
Spring open house events are cancelled for this year.
The Reading Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council would like you
feedback on future topics for SEPAC meetings and workshops.Please complete the
survey no later than Friday lune 4,2021.
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The Special Olympics will take place on the RMHS Turf 1 and Track on June 116 at
10:00 a.m.
Due to the inconsistencies with food deliveries and the unpredictable changes in products
at times,there has been even greater collaboration between school nutrition and health
services to ensure that all food issues are being addresses.This will create a system for
future collaboration.
Mary Giuliana,Danielle Collins,and Tom Zaya have been participating in a Wellness
Study class at Framingham State which includes working on updating the Wellness
policy;at a future upcoming School Committee meeting,there will be a review of an
updated policy.
2 a Reading of Policy ACE(with MA vs. IGBA).BID and DKC Updates
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to approve the second readine of Policy
ACE.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro.to waive the readine of Policy ACE.
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,
Mr.Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Wise offered an amendment to strike"programs for disabled students"and replace it
with"programs for students with disabilities".
Mrs.Nazzaro offered an amendment on page two,under section one and two,to change
the words"handicapped"to"disabled'and"handicap"to"disability".
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,
Mr.Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Ms.McLauehlin,to approve the second readine of
Policy BID.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to waive the readine of Policy Bra.
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nammro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms. McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt.
Mr.Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms. McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,
Mr.Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to approve the second readine of
Policy BIBA.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to waive the readine of Policy BIBA.The
motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr. Brandt,Mr.
Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Brandt moved,seconded by Mr. Wise to amend this policy by removine the
sentence"The School Committee shall be made aware of School Committee
conferences.conventions and workshops."
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr. Brandt,
Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
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Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to approve the second madine of Policy
DKC.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to waive the readine of Policy DKC.The
motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs. Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.
Wise,and Mr. Robinson.
The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Namara,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt.
Mr.Wise,and Mr.Robinson.
E. Public Comment
Geoffrey Corm,Ridge Rd.:
"Did "Bridgil"get corrected? (1 emailed Samantha)
Geoffrey Corm,Ridge Rd.:
"All set,you can skip this comment."
Geoffrey Corm,Ridge Rd.:
"BIBA:paragraph 1 used to explicitly say the scecretary was responsible for maintain
the list."
Geoffrey Corm,Ridge Rd.:
"But now it just says "SC shall be made aware".
1. Routine Matters
a. Calendar
2. Information/Correspondence
3. Future Business
4. Adioummen[
Adioum
Ms.Mclauehlin second by Mrs.Gaffen,to adiourn.The roll call vote carried 6-0.
Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise and Mr.
Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 8:34p.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: School Committee 05-27-2021 -YouTube
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F. Doherty, Ed.D.
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