HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-29 School Committee Minutes �,H"t+e`AC O'
Town of Reading 'RECEIVED
,l� e Meeting Minutes 'TOWN CLERK
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council: H21 JUN 24 PM 3: 54
School Committee
Date: 2021-03-29 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chuck Robinson, Erin Gaffen, John Parks, 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 LaPlerre on behalf of the Chair
Topics of Discussion:
L 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 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 Blog 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
schoolcommitteena reading k12 ma us This email will be included in the next packet.
B. Consent Agenda
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to approve the Consent Agenda as listed
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- Reading Parents Supporting Student Theater Donation for Robert Smithney
- Reading Parents Supporting Student Theater Donation for Lein Richardson
The motion carried 6-0.Mr.Parks,Mrs.Na M.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
Mr.Parks—No Report
Mr.Brandt—No Report
Mrs.Gaffen—No Report
Mrs.Nauaro—No Report
Mr. Wise—No Report
Mr. Robinson—No Report
D. New Business
Assistant Superintendent for Leeming and Teaching Search Timeline
Dr. Doherty discussed the draft timeline for the Assistant Superintendent for Learning
and Teaching hiring process and screening committee. Dr. Doherty thanked Assistant
Superintendent Chris Kelley for all of her work over the past three years,particularly in
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the areas of curriculum instruction,assessment and professional development. Her
resignation is effective June 30,2021.
The position has been posted on a variety of diverse job sites; and application will be
accepted until April 231d.There have been 10 applicants received for the position thus far.
This week we will be soliciting members for the screening committee. The first round of
interviews is scheduled for April 20,with the possibility of a second day interview
based on the number of candidates.After the first round of interview,there will be a
vetting process of the pre-finalists which would include an announcement of the finalists
to the community and then have a public open microphone with staff and community and
potential site visits to the applicants' districts.
Following this timeline,the announcement of the new Assistant Superintendent for
Learning and Teaching is expected the week of May 10d'.
Mr. Wise moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt to approve the Assistant Superintendent
hirine process timeline as stated in the Superintendent's memo dated March 29.
2021.The motion carried 6-0.Mrs.Nazzaro.Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Parks,Mr. Brandt.
Mr.Wise and Mrs.Robinson.
E. Old Business
Resolution Condemning Harassment and Intimidation
Dr.Doherty read a prepared statement"This evening,the Reading School Committee
will be discussing and voting on two important agenda items: a resolution that condemns
harassment and intimidation of Reading Public Schools administrators,teachers,and
staff,and a second reading on Policy IMB,Teaching about Controversial
Issues/Controversial Speakers.An affirmative vote on the resolution will send a clear
message to our staff and administrators that they are respected and that harassment or
intimidation will not be tolerated for the work that they have been hired to do. In
addition,an affirmative vote on the policy will result in giving our staff a set of
parameters on how to allow discussion of controversial issues in our classrooms and
schools. Both are equally important and equally critical during a time when educators are
dealing with more complex and diverse societal issues in our classrooms and are
receiving less and less appreciation and respect for their expertise,efforts,and talents.
The resolution was initially proposed last week by two School Committee members
because of a hurtful,threatening,and disgusting email that was sent to our High School
Principal,Kate Boynton.What is important about the email is not the anonymity of the
email,but the hurtful content of the email and the impact that it had on the recipient of
the email. If a student received a similar email on their Reading email address,we would
want that student to feel safe and follow the same investigatory procedures for that
student that we have with Kate Boynton. This email,however, is the tipping point to what
has been several months of harassing,unjust criticism,and intimidation of our staff and
administrators. One example of this intimidation is the fixreadingschools(dvahoo com
emails that were sent with my name to staff and community members in January.
Another is the harassing phone calls that staff received at Birch Meadow,Killam,and
Central Office. The purpose of both the phone calls and the emails were to criticize the
great work that our Principals and staff are doing on equity and social justice issues.
Staff were intimidated and threatened in these communications and were told to stop their
work.A third issue that has emerged is the lack of support administrators have had from
members of the community either in public meetings,small group meetings or in emails.
Our administrators and staff are now at a point where they are physically and mentally
exhausted from the ongoing criticism and from the lack of community support.
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I am so proud of the work that our Principals,Administrators,Teachers,and Staff have
done inequity and social justice issues over the last three years. Itis work that has been
embedded in our school improvement plans and our School Committee approved District
Improvement Plan. This District Leadership Team of Principals and Directors have been
together for three years as a group and many have been here longer. They are an amazing
team and have been dedicated to this mission because it is the right thing for all students.
They have supported this mission with their staff,and they have done the difficult work
to make this happen in our schools.This year,they continued to focus on this important
work even during the pandemic. Unfortunately,what has now happened is the loudest
voices, not necessarily the majority of the voices are being the ones listened to and
instead of appreciation and respect,there is constant criticism and divisiveness.
Feedback is important,but it must be done respectfully and not in a condescending way.
That respectful dialogue has not been the norm over the last several months. We all
make mistakes,and we learn from them and that is part of the growing process. But,
when the work is not recognized by the Community or the expertise of our educators is
not valued,our schools and students will be impacted and suffer. Some administrators in
this district have already announced their resignations from their positions because of this
divisiveness,my fear is others will follow.As a Superintendent,I am disheartened to see
this amazing team being disassembled one key piece at a time.Unfortunately,I can only
do so much to protect and support staff.At some point,they will be so emotionally and
physically drained,that they will decide to leave.
As for Policy IMB,I have done exactly what the Committee asked me to do.I worked to
make the original policy that was developed 14 years ago, stronger to reflect the times
that we live in and the challenges that our teachers face in the classroom. Members of the
Committee asked me to reach out to those teachers and students most impacted. I did just
that and took their feedback seriously and the DRAFT D that you received in this packet
is reflective of that feedback.Policy IMB provides the language necessary to have those
controversial issues discussed in a way that encourages all sides of the debate in a manner
which respects differences.It also communicates to teachers that they cannot share their
points of view,except in the cases of human rights issues,which we all agree is
important.
As someone who has dedicated his career to the children of Reading,I am truly
concerned about this school district and this community and the direction it is heading.
This divisiveness, unjust criticism,and negative tone needs to stop and I am asking the
School Committee this evening to support these two key agenda items. I ask that
tonight's deliberations be respectful and follow the parameters of the proposed Policy
IMB.Please model the behaviors that we want our staff and children to have.
Thank you."
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to approve the resolution that condemns
harassment and intimidation of Readine Public Schools administrators,teachers
and staff. The roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Parks,Mr. Brandt,Mrs.Nazzaro,Mrs.
Gaffen,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Second Reading of the Policy IMB
Dr.Doherty discussed the background evolution of Policy IMB. Draft A is the current
unedited policy,Draft B is the policy that was presented to you in November which
contained the MASC language on the student initiative forums and requests from groups
or individuals outside the schools.Those changes are strictly MASC in an update of their
policy in 2016.Draft C was a version that was developed based on conversations with
Mr.Brandt and Mrs.Nazzaro,which included a definition of controversial issues and
made some adjustments to the section on teacher planned classroom discussions to reflect
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that.Draft D is a proposed draft based on meetings with teachers at RMHS and RMHS
students,plus the feedback from the March 4,2021 School Committee meeting.The
major changes include defining what a controversial is,which defines the purpose of the
policy,it provides more detail,definition and guidance for the teachers under teacher
plan classroom discussions,and it makes some minor revisions to the MASC changes.
The policy that was included in the March 46 packet,used the terms matters of public
concem which generated some confusion in the conversations.Dr. Doherty researched a
term that was more appropriate and provided back up information on controversial issues
within the packet and changed it back to the original title of teaching about controversial
issues and controversial speakers.
Mr.Parks moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt to waive the readine of Policy IMB. The
roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.Nazraro.Mr.Parks,Mr.
Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Brandt stated what he believes this policy should do.He stated he thinks it should do
two things,reaffirm,or affum the role of the schools and teachers in helping students
navigate some of these difficult conversations,and provide a framework so that teachers
and administrators understand what the expectations are for how to approach those
conversations. He stated that he intends to support Draft D as presented.
Mr.Parks thanked the students and teachers that came forward to work on this.Mr.Parks
stated he supports Draft D;he thinks the language is where it needs to be for the current
times.
Mrs.Narzaro stated that she has a different opinion about Draft D. She believes that this
policy is intended to protect students first amendment rights. Mrs.Nazzaro spoke with
multiple MASC field agents,who stated that the policy is meant to allow for an exchange
of ideas and displays all sides of an issue and it helps to ensure that students are able to
express themselves.Mrs.Na i taro made a proposal to start with Draft B and take our
changes and modifications from Draft D and approve each on individually.
Mrs.Gaffen stated she would like to continue working off Draft D. She believes this is a
joint policy,which protects students and provides a framework for how teachers should
navigate and conduct these difficult conversations. She continued to state that she thinks
Draft D is reflective of the current times we are living in,and the current real world
events that our students are dealing with.
Mr.Wise does not believe that the School Committee came to an agreement of coalesced
views,so he thinks the changes were suggestive and is not comfortable as they're written,
as the final copy. He thinks the committee should work off Draft B and incorporate the
material that are agreed upon in Draft D.
Chair Robinson suggested we start with Draft D.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt.to strike the sentence that says it is
important that students at all levels participate in these conversations in
developmentally appropriate ways,from Draft D of Policy][MB.
Mr.Wise withdrew his motion.
Mr. Brandt moved,seconded by Mr.Wise to accent Dr.Coram's sueeestion that we
replace the word create with the word expose.
Mr. Wise then suggested we use the word demonstrate, instead of expose.
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Mr. Brandt accepted the word demonstrate as the amendment.The roll call vote
carried 6-0.Mr. Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Parks,Mr.Wise and Mr.
Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved to strike the sentence from bullet number one,which says there
may be certain issues that are appropriate to teach across all classes.
After discussion, Mr. Wise recast his motion.
Mr. Wise moved to amend the words across all,to across multiple relevant.The roll
call vote carried 3-3.Mrs.Gaffen,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Mrs.Nazzaro moved,seconded by Mr. Brandt to strike appropriate and fair
presentation and emphasis in classroom discussions on number four.The roll call
vote caried 5-1.Mrs.Nazzaro
Mrs.Nazzaro amended her motion to change the words appropriate and fair,to
balanced.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mrs.Gaffen to chm se the words appropriate and
fair to equitable.The roll call vote carried 5-1.Mrs.Gagen,Mr.Parks,Mr.Wise,
Mrs.Nazzaro and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Parks moved,seconded by Mrs. Gaffen to reconsider chaneine the words
appropriate and fair to equitable.The roll call vote carried 5-1.Mrs.Gaffen,Mrs.
Nazzaro.Mr.Parks,Mr.Brandt and Mr.Robinson.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks to add the sentence"teachers will actively
encourage students to participate and share their viewpoint in class discussions by
creatine supportive and respectful environments"to the end of number four.The
roll call vote carried 6-0.Mr.Brandt,Mrs.Gaffen,Mr. Parks,Mrs.Nazzaro.Mr.
Wise and Mr.Robinson.
Mr. Wise withdrew his original motion.
Mr.Wise moved,seconded by Mr.Parks to approve the second reading of Policy
IMB ss amended. The roll call vote carried 5-1. Mrs. Gaffen,Mr.Parks,Mr,
Brandt,Mr.Wise and Mr.Robinson.
F. Public Comment
Geoffrey Corin,Ridge Rd.:
"Sound is workingfine for me on Teams. "
Annemarie Cory,Mount Vernon St.:
"I would like to emphasize that the teachers who provided input are not part of an
advocacy group. We are allies for students to facilitate open dialogue."
Mary Anne Lynn,RMAS Teacher:
"As a teacher who works with students to navigate challenging issues, I appreciate the
fact that Dr. Doherty took the time to meet with teachers and students to update the
polity. I believe that Draft D is written to support all students in finding their voice and
learn from their peers."
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Megan Howie,RMHS Teacher:
"The changes to the policy protect the right of students of all views to speak their mind in
class including students with conservative viewpoints."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.,Boston:
"I am a member of Reading Teaching Against Racism but more importantly,lam a
parent a METCO parent to be exact.I ask you the School Committee, Why is there even a
need for Policy IME or any other that set parameters on what can be discussed how it is
discussed and the fact it needs to be approved by anyone before it occurs? What happen
to the trust we claim to have in our teachers to serve in the best interest of the students?
We all know there are times when time does not allow for approval. What is considered
controversial conversations? THEERE ISA NEED TO HUMANIZE STUDENTSPY
Personally, I feel that it is sad that we need are spending so much time smothering the
true open and honest discussions of students in an open space with teachers providing the
safe space for that to happen."
Annemarie Cory,Mount Vernon St.:
"I don't know if I am confused, but 1 thought the policy's intent was to define appropriate
parameters to guide classroom discussions. I also don't understand why this document is
perceived as not supporting students. Perhaps Carla could clarify this?"
Linda Snow Docker,Beaver Rd.:
"Thank you to Shawn and John P for brining this to our attention and to John Doherty
for bringing the other important voices. Impact does not always align with intent.In this
case, it is important to consider the impact of saying that we make policy without
consideration of our educator's expertise, experience, and recommendations. I would
recommend considering Draft D and discussing what makes folks comfortable and
uncomfortable."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"I apologize why dear you compare the document that pertains to life to building a
building?"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St. Boston:
"How"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Isn't it more important to support our students"
Linda Snow Dockser,Beaver Rd.:
"Sorryfor my mistake in my previous message—please read this on instead Thank you
to everyone who has worked so hard on brining this policy to where it is-supporting the
students and guiding the teachers in how to support and encourage all students. Impact
does not always align with intent. In this case, it is important to consider the impact of
saying that we make policy without consideration of our educator's expertise, experience,
and recommendations. I would recommend considering Draft D and discussing what
make folks comfortable and uncomfortable."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"What is the liability? There is a need to support our students and if having safe open
conversations is a problem how we are serving the FIRST AMENDMENT right of ALL
students?"
Philmore Phillip II, Silloway St,Boston:
"It seems that some of the language around the policy/document that is being argued
about is a protection of one's self interest and not the interest of the students. If you
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would listen to the students you wouldn't use the original]ASB. We seem to forget why
were doing this or why people are present during the SC meeting and that's for the
students and not ones own interest(We Vs 1). As a former student of RPS and a METCO
Student some of my peers ad the opportunity to learn about history where as I had to
experience it. That is the definition ofprivilege."
Geoffrey Cort,Ridge Rd.:
"Reiterating a comment 1 think I made before, "expose a difference of opinion.Instead of
"create a difference"in the 3'sentence."
Theresa Wiggins,Terrace Park.:
"Teachers are the experts here and are able to judge what is developmentally
appropriate for various ages and stages. I do not think there is a need to legislate their
expertise via policy. Thank you, Erin Ga en-climate change is a great example."
Geoffrey Cort,Ridge Rd.:
"How about "participate in such conversations"instead of"participate in these
conversations"?"
Danja Mahoney,RMHS WL Dept Chair.:
"1 would strongly urge the committee to keep the policy written for all grade levels.As
Dr. Doherty suggested, this policy is a tool for supporting teachers and students in
having difficult discussions that involve different viewpoints. It is essential to our
curricula at every level that students learn how to have hard conversations that involve
disagreement. By isolating this policy to only a certain age group, we are not
acknowledging the need to learn the process of listening and dialogue through their time
at RPS"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Again I ask, where is the trust in teachers to develop our curriculum developmentally
appropriately in the best interest of our students?"
Linda Snow Dockser,Beaver Rd.:
"Children at all levels are facing difficult and and controversial topics, and our teachers
are experts at deciding what a developmentally appropriate. Teachers need to keep in
mind the needs of ALL children and the fact that different children have different needs.
Teachers need to plan to address the emotional social development of all of their
children. That is part of our curriculum and that is interdisciplinary. For instance, a
child in an elementary school class has two mommies or two daddies. Children bring into
the classroom what they hear at home. Ifo teacher overheard children's conversations, a
teacher might decide to plan to include book or curriculum to help children support on
another. This is probably not included in the frameworks per se, but it is important for all
children to feel safe in the classroom. This could be taught in a developmentally
appropriate way."
Philmore Phillip II, Silloway St,Boston:
"Philmore Phillip II' (You've mispronounced my name)
Philmore Phillip II, Silloway St,Boston:
"What is a controversial issue and what isn't a controversial issue? Who is it
controversial to and why isn't it controversial for others?"
Leia Richardson,English Teacher:
"Hello, I am an RMHS teacher and parent in the district. The MA Speaking and
Listening Frameworkfor ELA grade 9-121D is as follows: "Respond thoughtfully to
diverse perspectives, summarize points of agreement and disagreement, and, when
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warranted, qualify,or justify their own views and understanding and make new
connections in light of the evidence and reasoning presented"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey Sr. Boston:
"This is not every day conversations this goes back to curriculum... this is the third time I
am asking, Where is the trust in teachers and what about this document does not support
all students?
Danja Mahoney,RMHS WL Dept Chair.:
"In the most current curriculum frameworks approved by DESE and the Massachusetts
commissioners of education, man "controversial"topics are deeply embedded in all of
our content areas. Engaging and meaningful teaching is based on real world problems in
the world that we live in. The new World Language standards,for example, cover all of
these controversial topics based on students interest and current events. The controversy
is not what is determined by the curriculum. It is the discussion about situations that are
meaningful and directly related to students'lives and the world that we live in. I would
encourage the committee not to get distracted by identifying specific topics or
controversies. The building principals and content teachers are specialist in their areas
of expertise."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Have we now come down to micromanaging teachers and curriculum? Carla What is
theframework that is not beingfollowed?"
Jessica Bailey,RMI-IS Teachers:
"Hello SC members, I am a teacher at RLIHS and also a member of the Teachers Against
Racism group. I personally do not see a problem with Mr. Wise's suggestion to remove
the phrase "There may be certain issue that are appropriate to teach across all classes"
as long as any subject can address controversial issues like the ones Ms. Gaffen and MR
Parks have raised."
Karen Janowski,Azaela Circle:
"Thank you for this discussion. I think its also important to point out that students are
dependent on the teachers for their grades and they pick up non-verbal as well as verbal
cues from their teachers which cam stifle students willingness to share views that are in
opposition to what the teacher is communication. There is a power imbalance in the
classroom that needs to be acknowledged This may be an unpopular view but it is
reality. I know this from personal experience as a parent of three students who wen
through the high school several year ago. T hunk you."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Children hear conversations at home, school, in public that they bring with them to
class and it is through their experiences that those discussions happen based on the
subject of the class. Let's be real, not everyone's home life is the same and not every
students experience is the same so what one may bring to a subject another may not have
had to face. So again, where is the trust we have for the teacher to know how to do their
jobs?"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey Sr.Boston:
"This is real life, and the real life is flexible!!"
Linda Snow Dockser,Beaver Rd.:
"Interdisciplinary teaching and learning is a very powerful took that has been the subject
of professional development in our schools. Meaningful topics are a powerful tool for
lasting learning and an investment in learning. It is important to make the teaching
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environment safe for students and teachers.If a teacher clears the topic with the required
administrator then they need to be supported and their expertise trusted. "
Philmore Phillip 11,Silloway St,Boston:
"Where were you during 9111? What grade were you in?How were you informed of the
information?"
Connie Quackenbush,Teacher:
"Societal facts given during a class will often create discussions. We should make sure to
remember that we have thinking andfeeling students who respond to these facts.
Remember it is our jab to support the whole student."
Theresa Wiggins,Terrace Park.:
"I am concerned again about trying to legislate the expertise of teachers via this policy. I
think the words are fine as they are, but "multiple classes:would also be fine. The words
"indoctrination"and "overkill"in this discussion we troubling. Please respect our
teachers. To Mr. Robinson's point,you all just voted on a resolution to support our
teachers."
Allyson William,RMHS Math Dept.Head:
"I appreciate the acknowledgment that there is room to discuss controversial issues in
math, business and science that are planning in advance and based on the curriculum
frameworks. However, I would be disappointed if my colleagues, regardless of their
content area turned away students who approached them as trusted adults to help them
navigate through trying times even if it was not a discussion germane to their particular
subject."
Philmore Phillip 11, Silloway St, Boston:
"I was in P grade Ms. Connolly's (Mrs. Weatherbee) class at Joshua Eaton.
Philmore Phillip 11,Silloway St,Boston:
"What if you were a black student at an all white school?"
Anna Cuevas,RMHS Teacher:
"I want to point out that students of color have feared sharing their views and
experiences in the classroom forever. This is not a new issue."
Diane Naczas,Victoria Ave.:
"I believe there is a difference between "supporting a student", discussing challenges,
bringing up current events and a teacher expressing their views and expecting students to
believe)accept teacher's views with students knowing what the teacher wants to hear."
Linda Snow Dockser, Beaver Rd.:
"Often there are perceived slights that can be understood better and resolved by a
conversation directly with the teacher. Often there are multiple sides to a story and
taking a step back and having a conversation is one of the skills that our students will
hopefully leave our schools with.. -If the child would feel more comfortable because of
the power imbalance, then they can have their parent present. "
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teachers:
"I think that it's important for district leaders—as well as teachers-to recognize that
students with conservative views are the only ones who don't always feel comfortable
speaking up in class. Our students of color, LGBTQ students,female students, immigrant
students, non-native English speaker students, etc. have often felt this way. We as
teachers are obligated to encourage a classroom environment in which all students feel
respected and have space to speak up, but we can't guarantee that any of their peers will
sage 1 10
agree with them. I believe that this policy is meant to guide teachers in providing space
for all students—whether they are conservative or liberal, or identify as any
marginalized group—feel respected, valued, and encouraged to speak up in class.
However, if anyone's political opinion involves dehumanizing another person or group,
teachers have an obligation to engage in that conversation as well."
Phihnore Phillip 11,Silloway St,Boston:
"Impact Vs Intent is a very good point"
Connie Quackenbush,Teacher:
"Why not ask the parents to go to the teacher?I am surprised the the School Committee
Members are recommending going right to the principal. Saying the principals are the
reviewers say that you do not want to have open and honest discussions. Isn't this what
you are talking about all evening?By saying that there will be retributions,you are
saying that you do not trust teachers to be professional"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"As a parent of a graduate of RAMS and College when my student was uncomfortable
with things that happened in class I had to have have discussions several times and I had
to do just that.... Follow the chain of command and once I spoke with teachers things
changed Sometimes teachers didn't even realize how she felt because she was so quiet.
The problem is that when policies are made it does not cover one person it covers all of
them. Is the SC now taking on the new position in human resources?"
]enn Baskin,RMHS Teacher:
It makes me unhappy that students feel uncomfortable in our classrooms, and I hope that
all students have someone they could speak to about their concerns--another teacher,
Guidance,Administration, etc. I feel a need to point out that teachers are uncomfortable
teaching lessons currently within M9 frameworks in the current climate of the Reading
community. We're afraid of being fired Were afraid of being harassed. We're afraid of
being threatened.I have I?grade students who love to ask me questions about
controversial subjects because they want to know what I think and they want to have a
conversation. It utterly disappoints them when I tell them I don'tfeel comfortable even
answering their questions. Stifling the curiosity of our students and not allowing teachers
to demonstrate our humanity will make school a dystopic test-taking factory instead of a
lively and engaging learning environment."
Linda Snow Dockser,Beaver Rd.:
"There might be parents and students who are dealing with challenges that they are not
comfortable approaching the teacher—if this is the case, then a student and parent can
ask their guidance counselor to accompany them or another ally to accompany them."
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St. Boston:
"As a former student of color(mixed cultures) in a all white school and to make it worse
I was on that stifled because I spend many of those days as the only student of color and
certain conversations made me feel uncomfortable because I was colored on the outside
but the first time I shared my multiple identified my other cultural backgrounds I was
dehumanized, laughed at and then told that I am colored not what and I don't look
Indian. What would you say tow if you were the student ifI came to you?"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Correction: What would you say to me if I were your student and I came to you with this
problem?"
Nicole Cella, Franklin St:
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"Some of these examples that are being discussed by the SC members, are they
considered controversial or current events? Who and what is defining the controversial
piece of it, especially when it is centered around current events?"
Mike Monahan,Bancroft Ave.:
"Math teachers should teach math. Language teachers should teach language. Science
Teachers should teach science. History teachers should teach history. Parents and not
teachers should be teaching values stemmingfrom controversial issues given different
families have different world views. I would like to address a potential scenario posed by
another parent. If a child were to ask a teach "why they like girls instead of boys". Why
would a teacher be expected to educate a child in that areas and not instead advise the
child to speak to a parent?"
Connie Quackenbush,Teacher:
"Having principals control conversations feels very uncomfortable to me."
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teacher:
"I respecfidly disagree with Carla's suggestion to cute out "appropriate andfair"from
part#4. Not all sies of an issue deserve to be presented—a history teacher is not
obligated to bring up the perspective of holocaust deniers,for example. "
Etain O'Dea,West St.:
"please say Sherill'as name correctly(I am okay if you don't get mine right)"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St. Boston:
"I feel uncomfortable introducing any opinion in fear of being in violation and some may
feel like I was advising a student to feel on way over another. So now it is okfor me to
decided what is popular and not popular?"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St. Boston:
"I am confused?"
Philmore Phillip II, Silloway St,Boston:
"Instead of balanced what about equitable?"
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teacher:
"While it may be appropriate for teachers to present multiple sides of an issue to foster
critical thinking they should not all be presented equally. "Balance"and "equal"both
imply that all sides should be taken atface value—a teacher should not present
disproven (but still popular)perspective as equally valid I as a history teacher will
present the argument that the Civil War was a "war of Norther aggression", but I wont
give it balanced treatment because it doesn't deserve it."
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teacher:
"Can Tom please clarify how "equitable"is dierentfrom "equal"?"
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teacher:
"Following up on Tom's explanation, does this imply that some views need more time to
be presented in class because they're less popular and need more
Jessica Bailey,RMHS Teacher:
"excuse me!pressed enter too soon-that it needs more attention than the more credible
viewpoint?"
Philmore Phillip II, Silloway St,Boston:
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"Well said Equality vs Equity....Reading has a population of over 92.4%white people,
with that being said whose opinion do you think is being portrayed the most?"
Sherilla Lestrade,Lindsey St.Boston:
"Again I say micromanaging!Please tell me, One minute we are telling teacherst it's not
okjudge and put our views in the next minute we are asking teach to decide what iws
equal or equitable without someone using it to say we are being bias?"
Philmore Phillip 11,Silloway St,Boston:
"You just don't understand it because you're not a minority so therefore you don't have
to acknowledge it or the things people have to experience."
Jessica Bailey,RMI-IS Teacher:
"May I suggest adding "teaching will actively encourage students to participate and
share their viewpoints in class discussions by creating supportive and respectful
environments"instead of the term "equitable"?"
Allison Abate,Applegate Ln.:
"Can someone that was involved in drafting this version give some background as to the
line that was added in to paragraph 2. It seems like there has been a lot of dscussion
tonight concerning the teacher's rights to advocacy. The line that was added seems to
add a broad span of topics that could be discussed outside of the curriculum."
Philmore Phillip 11, Silloway St,Boston:
"supportive and equitable?"
Allison Abate,Applegate Ln.:
"Thank you for the clarification. My question was asked to ensure that both students and
teachers were protected equally."
Philmore Phillip 11, Silloway St,Boston:
"Thank you for the time!"
1. Routine Matters
a. Calendar
2. Information/Correspondence
3. Future Business
4. Adjournment
Adjourn
Mr.Parks moved,seconded by Mr.Brandt,to adjourn.The roll call vote carried 6-
0.Mr.Parks Mr.Brandt,Mrs Gaffen,Mrs.Namaro,Mr.Wise and Mr. Robinson.
The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.
NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order
they occurred during the meeting.
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'w"Op m.
Link to meed giy deo_School Committee 03-29-2021 -VouTube
John F. o erty, Ed.D.
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