HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-13 School Committee Minutes Town of Reading 'R'E'C'E'IVED
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2021 JUN 24 PM 3: 54
School Committee
Date: 2021-05-13 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, Town Manager Bob
LeLacheur, Kevin Bohmiller
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha LaPierre 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.Robinson—here Dr.Doherty—here
Ms.McLaughlin-here Mrs. Dowd—here
Mr. Wise—here Dr. Stys—here
Mrs.Naz aro—here
Mrs.Gallen—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
schoolcommittm(�readine.kl2.ma.us This email will be included in the next packet.
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B. Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes(3-29-2021)
- Approval of Minutes(4-1-2021)
- Approval of Minutes(4-15-2021)
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to approve the consent agenda.The
motion carried 60.Mrs.Nauaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt-Mr.
Wise,Mr.Robinson.
C. Reports
Student
Bridget reported there were a lot of upcoming senior events.Next Friday is the last day of
classes for seniors at RMHS.May 28* is field day to replace the all night party which
will include kickball,crafts, and other events.June 3rd is the senior prom and graduation
is June 0. May 2e is the spring coral concert which will allow for parent guests and
will also be filmed. May 2nd is the band concert. On May 126 the boys lacrosse team beat
Woburn High School. On May I Ia,both the boys and girls tennis teams beat Woburn,
and on May 8ih the baseball won against Winchester.
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
Mr. Wise reported that the liaisons for the Select Board have been adjusted,Mark
Dockser will still be a liaison and Chris Haley will be the second liaison to the School
Committee.
Mrs. Gaffen—No Report
Mrs.Nazzaro-No report
Ms. McLaughlin-No Report
Mr.Brandt-No Report
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Mr. Robinson reported that the social media coordinators are Mrs. Carla Nazzaro and Mr.
Shawn Brandt.
D. New Business
Vietnam War Veteran's Recognition
Mrs.Gail Dowd welcomed Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Kevin Bohmiller who is the
Reading Veteran Services'Officer and Brigadier General Jack Hammond.
Mr.Bohmiller and Brigadier General lack Hammond presented their proposal to the
Committee to place a Vietnam Veteran Memorial on RMHS property to honor all
those from Reading who served during the Vietnam War.
Brigadier General Jack Hammond is a RMHS graduate of the class of 1979. He is
the Executive Director of Home Base Program,a Red Sox Foundation and
Massachusetts General Hospital Program dedicated to healing the invisible
wounds for Veterans of all eras.
The expected timeframe for the unveiling is Veterans Day 2021. Funding will
come from The Reading Veterans Memorial Trust Fund along with a GoFundMe
campaign in which many have shown interest in making contributions.
Mr. Bohmiller will work directly with Director of Facilities,Joe Huggins, on the
plan once approval is obtained from School Committee. The project and ongoing
maintenance will be funded by The Reading Veterans Memorial Trust Fund along
with donations.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro to approve the Proposal of the
Vietnam Veteran recoenition plaque or monument to be placed opposite the
memorial wall in front of Readine Memorial Hieh School The motion carried 6-0
roll call vote.Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms. McLaughlin,Mr. Brandt Mr.Wise
and Mrs.Robinson.
Appointment of Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Doherty made a recommendation with Dr. Milaschewski's approval, for the next
Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching for the Reading Public Schools.
This process began several weeks ago, we received 43 applicants, of which,9
were interviewed by the Screening Committee. As a result of those first round
interviews, four finalists were announced and went through in person interviews
with Superintendent-Elect Tom Milaschewski, CFO Gail Dowd,Assistant
Superintendent for Student Services Jennifer Stys, and Dr. Doherty. In addition,
there was an open microphone session with staff and an open microphone session
with the community. Reference checks were also conducted through our network.
Dr.Doherty recommended Dr. Sarah Hardy as the next Assistant Superintendent of
School for Learning and Teaching.
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to approve Dr.Sarah Hardy as the next
Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching effective duly 1" 2021 The
motion carried 6-0,roll call vote.Mrs Nazzaro,Mrs Gaffen Ms McLa ohlin Mr.
Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mrs.Robinson.
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Joshua Eaton Principal Timeline
Dr. Doherty asked the School Committee to approve the hiring process for the
next Principal of Joshua Eaton Elementary School. Dr. Doherty thanks Principal
LisaMarie Ippolito for the amazing job that she has done over the last four years
as Principal of the Joshua Eaton Elementary School. He wished her the best of
luck as the next Assistant Superintendent for the Newburyport Public Schools.
The timeline and the members of the screening committee were included in the
packet. The screening committee will include a combination of administrators,
teachers, staff members and parents.
Mr.Wise moved-seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to approve the Joshua Eaton Principal
search process as presented.The motion carried 6-0.Mn.Na turo.Mrs.Gaffen,
Ms. McLaughlin,Mr.Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mrs.Robinson.
Special Education Update Presentation
Dr. Stys presented an early literacy and Dyslexia guidelines,community update. She
reported that in October of 2018 Chapter 272 was enacted and took effect in January of
2019,which meant the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,in
consultation with the Department of Early Education and Care,shall issue guidelines to
assist districts in developing screening procedures to identify and support students with
indicators of a neurological learning disability,one of those being Dyslexia.This
guidance was issued by DESE in April 2021.
The Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines serve three purposes,to provide a set of
screening guidelines for all students, including students demonstrating one or more
potential signs of a neurological learning disability including, but not limited to,dyslexia
to provide a framework of intervention for students at risk of dyslexia and other learning
difficulties that is timely and responsive and to provide a comprehensive resource of
evidence-based practices aimed at all educators to support students at risk of dyslexia and
those identified as having dyslexia,consistent with and linked to other guidance from
DESE.
Allison Straker,director of Humanities and Allison Wright,director of Special Education
provided additional information on what systems we currently have in place at Reading
Public Schools,what has recently been added/is scheduled to be added and long-term
planning/goals.
Sorin 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 April and May,as well as total cases
as of May 13e.
Reading Public Schools is offering community and staff trainings to promote mental
health and wellness.The next training will take place on May 20"from 6-7p.m.
presented by Lynn Lyons.
On May 25° W indi Bowdich, LMHC will be conducting a virtual workshop on Stress,
Resilience and Self-Care for adults and educators in the Reading community.A flyer will
be sent out with direction on how to register.
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Student Services will be offering office hours for the remainder of the school year.Please
use the DOODLE Poll to sign up for a time to ask questions or speak with Dr. Stys and
Allison Wright.
Dr. Doherty provided an update on the latest MIAA guidelines based on EEA guidance.
Mandatory facial coverings for all sports during active play except for low or moderate
risk sports when outdoors where social distancing can be consistently maintained.
Participants for all sports must wear facial coverings on the bench, sidelines,start/finish
lines at all times and in any huddles or time-outs from active play.No change to indoor
spectator capacity limits. The capacity remains at no more than 50%of the facility's
maximum permitted occupancy up to a maximum capacity of 500.There are no
limitations on transportation out-of-state. Masks should be worn when travel extends
beyond family members. Contact tracing is required with information available upon
request by state officials, local boards of health or their authorized agents.
Through the extension of the Seamless Summer Meal Program,started in response to
COVID-19,RPS is able to offer free meals to children within the district until the end of
June 2022.Families may participate in both options-meals in school and meal
distribution for the remote days and weekend meals.
Gail Dowd provided an update on the data around meal participation. Meal distribution
vs. Meals served in schools. Since March 13,2020, 168,618 meals have been provided
through meal distribution and 87,253 meal have been provided though meals in schools.
RPS continues to work with St.Vincent De Paul and the Food Pantry.
Dr. Doherty announced that Reading Public Schools will hold the Special Olympics on
June I 11h from 9:OOa.m.-12:OOp.m on the RMHS turf I and track.
Dr. Doherty reported that according to DESE,Reading meets the requirements for special
education which is the highest level that can be achieved. Annually the department must
identify each school district's specific needs to technical assistance or intervention in the
area of Special Education.Based off of a rubric based off of a variety of categories which
includes your five-year cohort,graduation rate for students with disabilities,the annual
drop out rate for students with disabilities,public school monitoring special education
compliance data,problem resolution system,special education complaint data,
performance of special ed state performance plan and the annual performance report
indicators. Dr. Doherty stated this achievement was due to the hard work of Dr. Stys,
Allison Wright,the Team Chairs,the Special education teachers, paraeducators and
related service providers.
Dr.Doherty provided an update on the multiple searches that are currently in progress.
Kevin Tracey was hired for the position of RMHS Principal,Dr. Sarah Hardy was
recommended as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching tonight and Jay
Peledge was hired as the Assistant Principal of Parker Middle School.The HR Director
and Joshua Eaton Principal searches are currently in process. The three finalists for the
Birch Meadow Principal position have been announced,a decision should be made early
next week. The first round of interviews for the METCO Director position will take place
tomorrow.
The Statement of Interested will be on the May 271h School Committee agenda for
approval.Next it will go to the Select Board meeting on June 0,which will be ajoint
meeting between Select Board and School Committee.
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I"Reading of Policy Updates
Dr. Doherty asked the Committee to approve the first readings on two School Committee
policies that are currently not in your handbook.The two policies are policy BID—
School Committee Member Compensation and Expenses and policy DKC—Expense
Reimbursements.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to approve the first reading of policy
BID. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gagen,Mrs.Nazzaro,
Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Brandt,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to waive the readine of policy BID.The roll
call vote carried 6-0 Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gallen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.
Brandt and Mr. Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs. Gaffen,to approve the first readine of policy
DKC. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gaffey,Mrs.Nazzaro,
Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Brandt suggested changing the word"needs to"to"must'in the last line of the
second paragraph.
Mr.Brandt moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to waive the readine of policy DKC.
The roll call vote carried 6-0 Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gaffea,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.
Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
E. Old Business
2n^Reading of Policy Undates
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to approve the policies as listed on the
memo from Dr.Doherty dated May 13,2021 second reading of School Committee
olD ici".
Mr.Wise moved,second by Mrs.Nazzaro,to waive the second readine of the
policies as listed on the memo from Dr.Doherty dated May 13,2021 second reading
of School Committee policies.The roll call vote carried 6-0. Ms. McLauehlin,Mrs.
Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mrs.Gaffen moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to propose an amendment to oolicv
BDD to chanee the word "they"to"the Superintendent'. The roll call vote carried
6-0 Ms.McLaughlin,Mrs. Gallen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.
Robinson.
Mrs. Gaffen moved, seconded by Mr. Brandt to add "if any two Committee
members request an item be added to the agenda,the Chair shall
accommodate such request if the topic is appropriately within the purview of
the School Committee. The Chair shall include the item on an agenda as soon
as is practical, shall recognize when the item is time-sensitive and shall not
unreasonably delay. Committee members should be thoughtful and judicious
in utilizing this clause." to policy BEDB.The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mr.
Brandt,Mrs. Gallen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr. Wise and Mr.Robinson. Mrs.
Nazzaro voted against.
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Mrs. Gaffen moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to remove "of the committee"
in policy BIA.
Mr. Wise offered an alternate amendment to policy BIA.
Mr.Wise moved to remove"committees" in the first sentence of the second
naraeraph of policy BIA.The roll call vote carried 6-0 Ms. McLaughlin,Mrs.
Gallen,Mrs.Nazzaro.Mr.Wise,Mr. Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt to make an amendment to the name of
policv CHC from "Reeulations Dissemination"to"Procedures Dissemination',to
chanee the word "regulations"to procedures"in paragraph one and chanee the
word "regulation"to`procedure"in the last paraeraph. The roll call vote carried
6-0.Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gagen,Mn.Nazzaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.
Robinson.
Mrs. Gaffen moved, seconded by Mr. Wise to strike"at their annual
organizational meeting for a period of one year." in policy BDE. The roll call
vote carried 6-0.Ms.McLauehlin,Mrs.Gatfen.Mrs.Namaro,Mr.Wise,Mr.
Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Wise recast his original motion.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to approve the second readine of the
policies as listed in the memo by Dr.Doherty from Mav 13,2021 titled second
reading of School Committee policies except for ACE and including all other
approved amendments discussed this evenine.The roll call vote carried 6-0.Ms.
McLauehlin,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mr. Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
F. Public Comment
Monika Flaherty,Grove St:
"When k-1 is mentioned for Summer Programming, is this for current grade 1 students
who missed out on many of the fundamentals over the closure/hybrid timeframe?Is this
for general education students?"
Geoffrey Coram,Ridge Rd:
"To Chuck's point:I don't think I am revising the intent of the policies, I am just
proposing some improved/clamed wording."
Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd:
"If the principal is the supervisor of attendance, does that mean the SC needs to vote to
approve all the principal appointments?"
Geoffrey Coram,Ridge Rd:
"Thank you to Erin far addressing my email comments."
Geoffrey Comm,Ridge Rd:
"Policy CH "Consequently, it is expected that all School Committee employees and
students will carry them out."Is it intended as written, or is it meant to be "School
Committee members, employees, and students"?"
Geoffrey Coram,Ridge Rd:
"What are "School Committee employees"?Isn't the Superintendent the only
"employee"of the SC?"
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Geoffrey Comm,Ridge Rd:
"Unless SC members"are also supposed to carry them out?"
Geoffrey Coram,Ridge Rd:
Policy C$ as written, does not say that SC members are expected to carry out its own
policies.And I'm not sure if SC can "expect"students to carry them out."
Monika Flaherty,Grove St:
"For the upcoming summer program announced by DESE(and the Baker-Polito
administration)due to the effects of the pandemic, there is a math component
"Accelerating Math". Is the district looking to extend programming and applications to
all students at all levels?"
1. Routine Matters
a. Calendar
2. Information/Correspondence
3. Future Business
4. Adjournment
Adioum
Mr. Brandt moved seconded by Mrs.Gaffen,to adjourn. The roll call vote carried
6-0 Ms McLaughlin,Mrs. Gaffen Mrs.Naz aro.Mr.Wise,Mr.Brandt and Mr.
Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 9:46p.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 05-13-2021 -VouTube
J F. Doherty,Ed.D.
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