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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-13 School Committee MinutesOFR R E C.E IV E D Town of Reading TOWN READING, CL MA. Meeting Minutes v - PE 2021 OCT 13 PM 1 35 ' xcoav� Hoard - committee - commission - council: School Committee Date: 2021-09-13 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 Nauam and Shawn Brandt Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent Tom Milaschewski, Assistant Superintendent Sarah Hardy, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Stys, Director of Finance Susan Bottan, Principal Kevin Tracey, Principal Stephen Burnham, and Principal Caitlin Shelburne Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Samantha LaPierre on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: A. Call to Order Chair Wise called open session to order at 7:0lp.m. and reviewed the agenda. B. Routine Matters 1. Public Inou[ Mr. Wise called for public comment. Bill Brown, Martin Rd Mr. Brown informed the committee on how the Reading Rockets got their name. Chris Haley, Tennyson Rd Mr. Haley thanked the School Committee for their participation in the dunk tank at the Reading Street faire. He stated that $1,326 was raised which will be donated to 625 Main Street. 2. Consent Agenda Mr. Brandt moved, second by Mrs. Namaaro to approve the consent agenda as listed. The vote carried 6-0 Mr. Brandt- Mrs. Gallen, Ms. McLaughlin, Mrs. Nmmam. Mr Robinson, and Mr. Wise. 3. Reports Page I 1 Dr. Milaschewski thanked all RPS staff for their participation in the opening of the school year. Dr. Jen Stys stated that the first SEPAC meeting of the year will take place tomorrow September 10 at 7:OOp.m. in the library and welcomed everyone to attend. She stated her team would be answering questions and providing info about IEP plans, 504 plans and more. Mrs. Susan Botmn introduced herself as the new Director of Finance, she stated she is excited to he in Reading and has been learning a lot through meetings with district and town leadership. She looks forward to serving the children of Reading Public Schools Mrs. Sarah Hardy stated how impressed she was with the teachers of RPS and their dedication she has been witnessing firsthand since the start of school. Mrs. N=aro stated the board of library trustees meeting will take place tonight. She will have more to report at the next meeting. Mrs. Gaffen stated the first Policy Subcommittee meeting took place last week. They reviewed two policies. The next meeting will be September 21'x. Mr. Wise — No Report Ms. McLaughlin —No Report Mr. Brandt — No Report Mr. Robinson stated the Coalition discussed the new chief of mental health position and that the job description is still being worked on. There are renovations happening at the Police Station. YRBS survey results are in and they will be shared with Leadership this week. They discussed the chemical health curriculum update. She will be presenting to the School Committee on Oct. 10. The annual meeting will take place on September 20. Additionally, Mr. Robinson stated the Recreation committee meeting discussed a group of volunteers who are looking to add a community garden at Hunt Park. C. Personnel Action 1. New Staff Introductions Dr. Hardy presented a slideshow that shared pictures of each of the new staff members within Reading Public Schools. She explained over the past few months, we have added 84 new members to our staff across various roles at both the building and district -level - Dr. Hardy asked the new staff in attendance to stand, and the committee welcomed them to the team. 2. New Principal Leadership Entry Plans Dr. Milaschewski introduced the new Principals in the district, Mr. Kevin Tracey, Dr. Stephen Burnham, and Ms. Caitlin Shelburne. Mr. Tracey thanked everyone for their wane welcome, and stated he is very grateful to be here in Reading. He expressed how proud he is of his staff for their resilience and positivity. He said it has been overwhelming to see the staff and student support at sporting games and extracurricular events since the start of school. He stated he is very excited for this school year. Page 1 2 Dr. Burnham stated he is very grateful for his experienced staff at Birch Meadow. Dr. Burnham stated that he is looking forward to all the upcoming enrichment programs that will be offered for the Birch Meadow students in the coming months. For example. Curriculum night, for families in person, as well as a virtual presentation option. Dr. Burnham discussed his idea to implement Restorative Community Circles and a brief discussion ensued on the similarities, differences and challenges (organizational funding) with the Open Circle model currently used. Ms. Caitlin Shelburne stated that she spent the summer meeting with staff and community and has learned how engaged and devoted the Joshua Eaton staff is. She expressed her excitement about her being in Reading and is looking forward to a great first year. 3. Superintendent Entry Plan Update Dr. Milaschewski provided updates in his Entry Plan. He discussed the strengths, challenges and areas of growth that he has observed over the past few months. He stated that throughout the fall he will continue to learn by conducting 1:1 and group meetings. Dr. Milaschewski and the leadership team will assess the district systems, structures, and practices currently in place and how RPS can approve upon them. He stated he will be conducting full-day school visits, where he and Dr. Hardy will be attending each school for a full day in order to learn more about each school and spend time with the staff and students within each school. D. New Business L ARPA Fund Discussion: Suggestions on Potential Fund Use and Actionable Next Steps The committee discussed how the School Committee would like to advocate for use of the ARPA Funds. During the Financial Foram at the end of August, the Town of Reading is expecting to receive approximately S7.6MM in funding from the federal government. All funds must be obligated within the statutory period between March 3, 2021, and December 31, 2024. Some ideas raised included funding full day Kindergarten, nursing staff additions, tactical expansion of Tutors for Pm -K through Elementary grades, curriculum materials in alignment with our goals on reading and addition of vocational or other educational tracks for high school students. Ed Ross, Kensington Ave Provided a real time update from the Finance Committee meeting that took place tonight. E. Old Business 1. District Improvement Plan Review & Update Discussion Dr. Stys discussed how the leadership team went through the original District Improvement Plan and created a shared understanding of the core values of RPS. The District leadership team put together a clear understanding of the vision and goals as well as the focus areas of all learners, equity and excellence. Dr. Milaschewski discusses the RPS Equity Statement which was developed by the district leadership team. The statement read "The Reading School Committee, Central Office, Directors, Principals, and Leadership of the Teachers association celebrate the diversity of the Reading Community and beyond by embracing difference to empower every student, staff member and family in the Reading Public Schools. We embrace all members of the Page 13 community no matter where we live, what we look like, what we believe or what language we speak, consistent with the human dignity of all. When we are unwavering in our commitment to equity, we support every student and staff member in maximizing individual potential. This requires us to identify, analyze, and confront faps in opportunities and outcomes for all students." Mr. Wise asked the Committee and administration to consider another "what' in the Equity statement with respect to our Special Education students. After group discussion. Dr. Stys suggested the addition of"how we learn' which was taken back as a potential addition. The committee provided additional updates to the Equity statement. F. Adioumment Mr. Wise. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 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 me ' v' o: School mmfttee 09-13-2021 - YouTube Tho Milaschewski, Ed.D. Page 14