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Home My WebLink About2021-04-15 School Committee Minutes N 06AF r Town of Reading -IRTOWNECLERK 4Meeting Minutes READING, MA. �,��"`°" Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2021 JUN 24 PM 3z 54 School Committee Date: 2021-04-15 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 Melsinger Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha LaPlerre 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 Ms. Sarah McLaughlin- Mrs.Dowd—here here Mr. Wise—here Dr. Stys—here Mrs.Nazzaro—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(areadine.kl2.ma.us This email will be included in the next packet. Page I 1 B. Consent Agenda Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt,to approve the Consent Agenda as listed. - Reading Educational Foundation Donation - SNL University Donation - FY'22 Grant Update - Friends of Reading Football Donation—Coach Patrick Mahoney - Friends of Reading Football Donation—Coach Greg Sheridan - The RMHS Basketball Support Team Donation—Coach John Campbell - Friends of Reading Track Donation—Kathryn Miele The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs.Nmaro,Mrs.Gagen-Ms.McLaughlin,Mr. Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson. C. Reports Student Bridget Parks reported that last day for registration for spring sports was today. Saturday April 10'",the football won against Arlington High School.This Saturday April 17a,the football team will play against Lexington High School. Friday April 9a,the girls swim team won against Arlington High School and tomorrow they face off against Lexington High School. Indoor track had a meeting today against Lexington. Tuesday April 13 varsity volleyball won against Lexington and they will play them again on Saturday April 17°. Opening night for the spring musical nine to five is Friday April 30. This will be an outdoor production,at the High School with limited seating. After April vacation,the week of April 20 RMHS will have a spirit week arranged by the welcome back committee.Monday will be red rocket pride day,Tuesday is pajama day,Wednesday is beach day,and Thursday is silly hat day. Director of Student Services No Report Assistant Superintendent No Report Human Resources Director No Report Chief Financial Officer No Report Superintendent No Report Page 1 2 School Committee Mr. McLaughlin—No Report Mr. Brandt—No Report Mrs. Gaffen—No Report Mrs.Nazzaro-No Report Mr.Robinson—No Report Mr. Wise—No Report D. New Business 10 Reading of Policy Update Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to accept the first readine of the followine policies • BDD • ACE • BBA • BBBA/BBBB • BEDA • BEDB • BIA • BIBA • CBD • CE • CHC • CH Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro to waive the first readine of the following policies • BDD • ACE • BBA • BBBA/BBBB • BEDA • BEDB • BIA • BIBA • CBD • CE • CHC • CH The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs.Nazzam,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr. Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr. Robinson. Page 1 3 Mr.Wise moved,second by Mr.Brandt to waive the first reading of Policy CBI. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs.Ntu zaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr. Brandt, Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson. Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to accept the first reading of Policy CBI. The roll call vote carried 6-0. Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLaughlin,Mr. Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro to waive the first reading of Policy BDE. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to accept the first reading of Policy BDE. The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms. McLaughlin,Mr.Wise, Mrs.Nazzaro and Mr.Robinson. E. Old Business District Space Discussion Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to direct the Superintendent to submit a Statement of Interest for the MSBA core urogram to replace the Killam School to solve the programmatic,space and enrollment issues,at the preschools and elementary level and infrastructure issues at Killam. Dr. Doherty gave an introduction and asked the committee to provide some direction on submitting a statement of interest under the MSBA process. The window to submit a statement of interest starts is April 20"to June 2S". Dr.Doherty turned it over to Dale Gienapp of Gienapp Architects. Dale shared his screen and presented the Town of Reading Elementary Schools Master Planning Report which was included in the packet. Dale began by explaining the MSBA regulation for elementary school space standards. Dale discussed the two preliminary advantageous options that were determined to be most viable for the town.The most practical needs to address were determined to be Killam and Birch Meadow schools, which would increase space by 35%. Dr.Doherty stated that on April 201h,MSBA will open up the State of Interest(SOI) Process for school districts.Reading could participate in this process. The SOI closing date for districts submitting for consideration under the Accelerated Repair Program (ARP),which is primarily for the repair and/or replacement of roods,windows/doors, and/or boilers in an otherwise structurally sound facility, is Tuesday June 1,2021.The SOI closing date for districts submitting for consideration under the Core Program,which is primarily for projects beyond the scope of ARP,including extensive repairs, renovations,addition/renovations,and new school construction, is Friday June 25,2021. Dr. Doherty explain the implementation plan and next steps.On April 201h,MSBA will open up the Statement Of Interest Process-Application due by June 25th.Next the School Committee,Select Board and Town Manager will select and approve the option for which to pursue MSBA funding. Following these steps,the Town will be in the MSBA"pipeline"to be considered for a project,before beginning the first MSBA module. Page 14 The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms. McLaughlin,Mr.Wise, Mrs.Nazzaro and Mr.Robinson. Sorin In-Person 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 Marc and April,as well as total cases as of April 15'". Dr.Doherty provided an update on pool testing.He stated that support for testing is provided by the state.There is a team of clinicians from Medix Staffing who will be working with RPS to provide testing.They had the opportunity to work with the school nurses this week,and orient to each school.DESE is funding pool testing for the remainder of the school year and through the summer programs. Dr.Doherty provided an update on the return to full in person learning. The transition plan for Elementary Schools began on April 5a,and Secondary full in person will begin on April 26a. Dr.Doherty announced that Kevin Tracey was chosen as the new RMHS Principal. Kevin Tracey is currently the Principal at John Glenn Middle School in Bedford.Over the last 4 weeks,the candidates have gone through a very rigorous interview process,two screening committees then a public process of staff open microphone session and community open microphone session. This week the finalists completed a round of in person interviews with Dr.Doherty,Dr.Milaschewski,Dr. Stys,Gail Dowd and a student from RMHS.Lastly, site visits to the different schools of the three finalists. Kevin Tracey stood out as the candidate as the best match for RMHS,with his skill set and his vision of what a high school should look like and the work he has done with social justice and equity at John Glenn Middle School and in Bedford. Dr.Doherty congratulated Kevin Tracey and welcomed him to the Reading community. HR Director Kerry Meisinger discussed the other searches that are currently underway which include the Assistant Superintendent for Leeming and Teaching,Birch Meadow Principal,METCO Director and Parker Assistant Principal. The screening committee for the Parker Assistant Principal completed interviews for that position last Friday and Principal Shankland will be making a recommendation to the Superintendent shortly.The screening committee for the Assistant Superintendent for Leeming and Teaching had its second meeting early this afternoon,where they met to develop some questions for the upcoming interviews which are scheduled to take place on April 29a. The Birch Meadow Elementary School Principal screening committee had its first meeting this week.Interviews are schedule for May 6ih. The METCO Director screening committee is being led by Principal Ippolito and Principal Hendrix. Surveys have been sent out to community and staff and the first meeting for the screening committee is scheduled for April 261h and the interviews will occur on May 14a. Quarterly HR Report Kerry Meisinger provided a personnel quarterly report for 3rd quarter FY' 21.Included in the packet is a summary of personnel actions and other human resources initiative during the 3`a Quarter of Fiscal Year 2021.Mrs.Meisinger discussed how we are moving forward with the diversity recruitment initiatives. She attended a virtual job fair on March 31",which was sponsored by the Massachusetts Partnership for Diversity and Education. Mrs.Meisinger will continue working with the MPDE in the upcoming monthly meetings to discuss additional strategies for diversity recruitment and best practices.In addition, we have also partnered with Diveristyjobs.com in order to create a greater advertising presence and attract more candidates with diverse backgrounds.This is an online recruitment tool which will allow for unlimited postings on their website over the next 12 months.Any postings that appear on their website will also appear on their partner Page 1 5 websites-for example blackcamen.org. We continue to partner with METCO,who has also been posting the job openings on their website as well. RPS has taken steps over the last couple of months to market ourselves as an employer that values diversity in our staff. FY' 21 Budget Update Gail Dowd provided an update on the Fiscal 2021 budget. Within the packet is a table that reflects an unencumbered balance of$332,458 in the School Department Budget which represents approximately 0.7%of the Fiscal 2021 budget. When the Fiscal 2021 budget was developed in October 2019,the pandemic was not an issue factored in the budget planning.The fiscal 2021 budget had three adjustments since the School Committee approved it initially in January 2020 due to the pandemic.In addition,the landscape of the schools has continued to change and shift throughout the current year as we have migrated from remote to hybrid to in-person learning models. These shifts have resulted in various savings across each cost center,but there have also been some additional expenses incurred and we continue to see impacts to several of our Revolving Accounts.In addition to these items,we have also had staff turnover throughout the district that have resulted in savings in some instances and additional expenses in other instances. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt that the School Committee vote to authorize the following cost center transfers to cover the projected deficits: • Transfer$50,000 to the Administration Cost Center from the Special Education Cost Center • Transfer$500,000 to the Regular Education Cost Center from the Special Education Cost Center • Transfer$120,000 to the Facilities Cost Center from the Special Education Cost Center The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Wise, Mrs.Nazzaro and Mr.Robinson. Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,that the School Committee vote to authorize the following changes in the Revolving Account Offsets: • Reduce the offset from the Extended Day Revolving account by$150,000 • Reduce the offset from the Use of School Property Revolving Account by $80,000 • Reduce the budgeted offset from the RMHS Extra Curricular Revolving account by$10,000 and the Coolidge Drama and Parker Drama Revolving Accounts each by$4,500 • Reduce the budgeted offset from the Athletics Revolving account by$114,900 The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs. Gaffen,Ms.McLauehlin,Mr.Wise, Mrs.Nazzaro and Mr.Robinson. F. Public Comment Fd Ross,Kensington Ave: "Does the date of the MSBA application between 4/20 and June?If we apply earlier does it matter?Secondset for Dale: Clarification. there isn't a Killam replacement that will salve a pre-k movement from HS? Page 1 6 Fd Ross,Kensington Ave: "What%on average could be expected from MSBA?Note needed of SC asks before reading. Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd: "I'm concerned about the purple pie wedge:teachers who have not been able schedule a vaccination. Can you comment more?" Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd: "Scheme A has a higher total capacity, but does not address pre-K; what are those extra students?" Rebecca Liberman, 50 Pratt St: "I urge you to restore some of the opportunities that have been taken away from our students in recent years, including Virtual High School courses and a pathway for non- top track math students to gain access to middle school algebra and high school calculus. I am a former RMHS parent and a current MEICO host parent, and I have seen firsthand some of the opportunities that my oldest child's class had, which are now gone, firm also a college interviewer jor a competitive school, and I get to see what learning opportunities students in other schools and districts have that Reading does not.Just one example is that Reading only offer I AP computer science course, when there use to be many more.And most districts provide access to middle school algebra for a much higher percentage of students than Reading does. I also think should be an urgent priority to create opportunities for summer learningfor all students,such as online or in- person learning opportunities, summer work packets and lists of educational resources to help our students catch up on some of the learning they have missed during the pandemic. I also think that there should be more summer reading required, ideally associated with a writing assignment or town. We can't let our students fall any further behind." Geoffrey Coram,Ridge Rd: "All school Committee discussion and deliberation related to the Superintendent performance evaluation shalt be conducted in open session in accordance with the open meeting law."Should "School"be capitalized?Also "opening meeting law"is capitalized in other policies." Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd: "I think the SC should reauthorize subcommittees at the annual organizational meeting. Multi-year durations should not be allowed" Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd: "I emailed in several questions on the policies. How will those comments be addressed?" 1. Routine Matters a. Calendar 2. Information/Corresoondence 3. Future Business 4. Adjournment Adiourn Ms.McLauehlin moved,seconded by Mrs.Nazzaro,to adjourn.The roll call vote Page 1 7 carried 6-0.Ms.McLaughlin,Mr. Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.N=aro,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson. The meeting adjourned at 9:28 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: School Committee 04-15-2021 -YouTube o n F.Dohe ,Ed.D. Page 18