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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-08-19 School Committee Minutesaorx RECEIVED Town of Reading TOWN CLERK 5yl Meeting Minutes READING, MA. 2021 OCT 12 AH I1 47 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2021-08-19 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road 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 Thomas Milaschewski, Assistant Superintendent Sarah Hardy, METCO Director Kurtis Martin, Human Resourses Director Michelle Roach Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha L.aPierre on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: L Call to Order Chair Wise called open session to order at 7:02 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. It. Routine Matters a. Public Inou[ Mr. Wise called for public comment. b. Consent Agenda Mr. Brandt moved, second by Mr. Robinson to aoorove the consent aeenda as listed The vote carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt. Mrs. Gaffen. Ms. McLauehlin. Mrs. Nazzaro. Mr. Robinson. and Mr. Wise. C. Report Dr. Milaschewski-No Report Dr. Hardy stated that 250 students and 65 staff members participated in the ESY program this year. She thanked Dr. Jen Stys and Alison Wright for all of their work to make the program such a success. Mrs. Nazzaro — No Report Page 1 1 Mrs. Gaffen — No Report Mr. Wise—No Report Ms. McLaughlin — No Report Mr. Brandt stated that he and Mr. Robinson attended the Finance Committee meeting where they conducted their annual reorganization. He stated that Ed Ross was nominated to return as chair and the committee nominated Liaisons for the School Committee. Major topics included planning for a series of upcoming Financial Forums specifically around COVID funding and how to best use these funds. Mr. Robinson—No Report III. Personnel Action a. New Administration Leadership Entry Plan Dr. Sarah Hardy walked the committee through her entry plan. She stated that she has spent her first nine weeks in this position connecting with staff and the community. She has focused on two-way communication with stakeholders thru conversations, meetings and meet and greets. She stated the main topics she has been focusing on building collaborative teams, professional leaming for staff, and instructional excellence including the METCO program, calendars, and new world language materials. . METCO Director Mr. Kurtis Martin discussed his background and goals for how to improve diversity in Reading. He wants all of Reading to understand what the METCO program is and how important it is for inclusion and diversity. Human Resources Director Ms. Michelle Roach stated that since her start at Reading Public Schools one month ago, the HR department has hired 66 new employces. She has spent time visiting all of the schools, building relationships in the district and community, and working to get a better understanding of how things work within the district and taking time to assess the current structure and procedures. Theresa Wiggins, Terrace Park She stated she is a member of Friends of METCO, and they are interested in partnering with School Committee and have a Liaison for their program. Ms. McLaughlin volunteered and was appointed as the Liaison. Mr. Brandt moved, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen to take out of order items El and E2 from the agenda beginning of school/ summer update and discussion on interpretation of Policy BGB The vote carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen, Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Namara. Mr. Robinson and Mr. Wise. IV. New Business a. Beginning of School/Summer Update Dr. Milaschewski provided a summer update and discussed the focus areas of the central office team throughout the summer. He shared some highlights from the weeklong leadership retreat which included Principals, Central Office Staff and School Committee and the leadership trip to Boston to get a better understanding of a typical day for METCO students. Page 12 Dr. Milaschewski provided an update on the protocols and guidelines for the opening of schools in September. He stated the priority is the ensure a safe, uninterrupted, in-person learning experience for every RPS student. He discussed COVID testing, physical distancing guidelines, contact tracing/ quarantine and other important themes for the opening of school. Dr. Milaschewski stated written guidance would be shared with the community tomorrow and virtual forums will take place the week of August 23rd. Marie Selvitelli, Arnold Ave. Asked if there was any experience from other towns about testing day, and how this process worked out. Patty Cofll, Park Ave. Stated that remote teaming, in conjunction with in-person leaming was difficult, and she does not think this is a viable option for the upcoming year. Atrisenne Angle, Whittier Rd Asked if there were added staff positions in order to support all of the additional work involved with COVID guidelines and testing. Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Rd. Asked if there was any advantage to begin testing a few days prior to the start of school in order to start the school year safe. Jason Clarke, Ash St. Asked if there was any planning for vaccination for children once it becomes available for children under 12. Maria Selvitelli, Amold Ave. Stated that remote while students are in person was very difficult and believes it is a lot of additional work for the teachers. Octavia Brouneq Pearl St. Asked if the committee could take the mask discussion out order. b. Discussion on Interpretation of Policy BGB — Policy Adoption Mr. Wise stated that according to Policy BGB "Any of the policies, Rules and regulations may be amended by a majority vote of the members provided that at least one week's notice of such proposed action shall have been given at a previous meeting and entry thereof made in records". He explained that by past process, the School Committee has applied the Policy Adoption policy even when amendment, no matter how small, was to be made. According to the language, provided proper notice is given, it appears as though we do not need to go through two meeting process for amendments to existing policies going forward. The committee engaged in a discussion to reach an agreement on our interpretation of key elements of Policy BGB — Policy Adoption. The policy was included in the packet. Ultimately the committee decided they were in favor of the protocol change. c. Review Agreement between Town & Schools for the Allocation of Costs — CH70 Net School Spend The committee reviewed the agreement between Town and Schools for the Allocation of Costs which is utilized to complete the annual End of Year Financial report filed with the Page 1 3 DESE. DESE required that Town expenditures on behalf of the school be allocated on the End of Year Report based on a methodology that is included in a written agreement between the Town and School. The full Agreement was included in the packet and reflects the current methodology to be utilized in completing the current year Report. d. Motion to Rescind. Repeal, or Annul Vote on School Committee Vice Chair Mrs. Nazzaro read a prepared statement in favor of rescinding the vote of the vice chair position. Mrs. Nazzaro moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to rescind the vote of the vice chair position. Mr. Brandt read a prepared statement providing his account of how the events occurred. Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Gaffen made statements against reorganization and stated that the committee took significant time to go over the events and as a committee have already determined that Mr. Brandt was not at fault and did not violate any polices. The vote carried 24. Mrs. Nazzaro and Mr. Wise. Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Griffen, Mr. Brant and Ms. McLauehlin voted aeainst. V. Old Business a. Policy EBCFA—Face Covering: Second Reading M. Brandt moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to accept the second reading of polic EBCFA — Face Coverines. Mrs. Gaffen moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to waive the second reading of policy EBCFA. The motion carried 6A. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen, Ms. McLauehlin, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wise. Chair Wise stated that at the Monday August 166 meeting, the committee conducted the first reading of Policy EBCFA and made various amendments to the policy. After the meeting, the amended policy was sent to legal counsel for review. The version being reviewed in this meeting has been updated by legal counsel. Edits will be reviewed and accepted by the committee. Mr. Wise moved, seconded by Mr. Brandt to accept the chanties as documented made in red and blue outlined in the document. The vote carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffea. Ms. McLauehlin, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Robinson. and Mr. Wise. Discussion about sports guidance was reviewed. Mr. Brandt offered the following amendment "students participating in athletics or other inter scholastic events may be subject to further restrictions by regional or state bodies such as the MIAA or Middlesex league." Mrs. Gallen seconded the amendment and offered a friendly amendment to Mr. Brandt's amendment: "students, staff, and visitors participating in or attending athletics or other inter scholastic events may be subject to further restrictions by regional or state bodies such as the MIAA or Middlesex league." Mr. Brandt accepted the friendly amendment. Page 1 4 The vote to accept the amendments carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen. Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wise. The following amendments were made: 14 -day case rate in Reading and Middlesex County. 14 -day Incidence rate in Reading and Middlesex County. Cases and Transmissions inside Reading Public Schools by total and trend. Days missed from school due to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation by total and trend. The vote to accept the amendments carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen, Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nazzaro. Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wise. At the suggestion of Dr. Milaschewski, Mr. Brandt and Mr. Wise worked to create an amendment that read: "The Administration will create Procedures for athletics and other extracurricular events in alignment with the intent of this Policy which reference public health best practice guidelines." The vote to accept the amendments carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen. Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nazzaro. Mr. Robinson, and Mr. Wise. Patti Cofll, ParkAve7 Asked if a student fell into a test and stay, would the student be able to participate in an unmasked sport? She asked how it would be enforced in schools that all students comply with wearing masks. Sherilla LeStrade, Gould St. Stated that all students should wear masks no matter what grade or vaccination status in order to keep others at home safe. The vote carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mn. Gaffen, Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr Robinson and Mr. Wise. b. Discussion and Vote on Creation of Policy Sub Committee The Committee discussed the creation of a Policy Subcommittee. The functions and duties of the Policy Subcommittee would be (1) Build a schedule to review the aforementioned polices for updates. (2) Catalog the remaining existing School Committee Policies, gather input from the Superintendent, gather input from legal counsel and prioritize policy review and updates. (3) Build a calendar of Policies for review and hold public meetings in alignment with Open Meeting Law, including proper agenda posting, minute taking and minute submission to the appropriate bodies. (4) Where necessary and appropriate, work with legal counsel, the Superintendent (or delegate), citizens, and students on updates to the policies. (5) Vote on policy changes to agree on recommendations to submit to the School Committee as a whole. (6) Provide notification to the School Committee Chair so policy amendment notification to the rest of the School Committee can be executed properly in alignment with Policy BOB — Policy Adoption. (7) Present recommended policy changes to the School Committee as a whole during a regularly scheduled School Committee meeting. Page 1 5 Mr. Brandt moved, seconded by Mrs. Namaro to approve the establishment of a Policy Subcommittee, pursuant to School Committee policy DDE, and to direct Chair Tom Wise to provide the subcommittee with a list of its functions and duties as required by the policy. The vote carried 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen. Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nazzaro, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Wise. c. Appointment of School Committee Members to Policy Sub Committee Mr. Wise asked for interest in being a member of the Policy Subcommittee. Mrs. Gaffen, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Nazzaro and Ms. McLaughlin volunteered. Chair Wise appointed Mrs. Gaffen as Chair of the Policy Subcommittee and Mrs. Nazzaro and Mr. Robinson as members. Mr. Brandt moved, seconded by Mr. Robinson to enter into Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, section 21(a)(7) to comply with, or act under the authority of, any general or special law or federal grant-in-aid requirements, specifically citing to the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30 A, section 22, subsections f and g. and not to return to open session. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Brandt, Mrs. Gaffen, Ms. McLaughlin, Mn. Nazzaro, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Wise. VI. Information/ Correspondence VII. Adiounr nen[ The meeting adjourned at 10: 14p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Link t7/- (.� Sch ommittee 08-18-2021 - YouTube Thoma ilaschewski, Fd.D. Page 1 6