HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-19 School Committee MinutesNa
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Board —Committee —Commission —Council:
School Committee
Date: 2023-01-19 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Memorial High School Location: Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
READING, MA.
Ak-
1823 MAY -4 PM 4: 57
Members Present: - Shawn Brandt (remote), Erin Gaffen, Carla Nazzaro (remote), Sarah McLaughlin, Charles
Robinson, Tom Wise
Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Tom Milaschewski, Susan Bottan, Dr. Sarah Hardy; Kurtis Martin, Joseph
Longbottom, Theodore Henderson -Brown, Korrey Lacey-Buggs
Minutes Respectfully submitted by: Susan E Brown on behalf of the chairperson.
A. Call to Order- Mr. Brandt opened the session at 7:00 pm and reviewed the agenda for the evening. Due to
some members being remote, roll -call attendance was done. Those present are as follows: Charles
Robinson, Thomas Wise, Erin Gaffen, Sarah McLaughlin, Carla Nazzaro (remote), and Shawn Brandt
(remote).
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to open public hearing on the FY'24 Budget, seconded by Mr. Wise, roll call vote,
passed 6-0.
B. Public Comment—Geoffrey Coram, Ridge Road, thanked the district for the budget for the district process
and the inclusion of items that have been discussed in the community for years (i.e.: elementary assistant
principals). He asked the administration to share how funding was found for these positions and how it
would be sustainable overtime.
Response: Ms. Bottan addressed the question by Mr. Corum.
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to close the hearing on the FY'24 budget, seconded by Mr. Wise, roll call vote
passed 6-0.
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to return to the regular SC meeting, seconded by Mr. Robinson, roll call vote passed
6-0.
Consent Agenda— Ms. Nazzaro moved to approve consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson, Mr. Wise
had corrections to 1/5 minutes, last 4 policies strike DEC etc. not amended strike language "As amended"
from the minutes. 1/9—Sarah M. Not remote. Roll call vote passed 6-0.
Reports:
4. Ms. Bottan reported that Catherine Franzetti, RPS Food Service Director will present at the next school
committee meeting, she will share feedback from students, staff, and family surveys as well as give a
staff update. She will also give an overview of the department's operational efficiency made this
school year.
2. Dr. Hardy updated that K registration is open for the next school year. There was a virtual parent
information night that was well attended. We introduced families to RPS and shared information
about kindergarten. There is a recording of the virtual night available on the website. The new forms
are fillable online as well. On 1/31/23 there will be a registration night at RMHS on Main Street,
families can bring in their forms at that time, there will be staff on hand to help with copies and
answering questions.
We are close to finishing our program of studies at RMHS, that should be available in a week. In
addition to that there will be better support for the transition of eight graders to RMHS. There will be
information coming soon about future freshman night. Lynna Williams Director of School Counseling
will be presenting at the 2/9 meeting to provide additional updates from the RMHS Counseling
Department.
Questions and discussion from the committee.
S. Dr. Milaschewski thanked everyone involved in the Martin Luther King Event on Monday, the student
participation was appreciated and inspiring. Jeremiah Sanford and Sophia Ortins, they are student
leaders who MC'd the event, thank you to the SOCA (Students of color & allies), RMHS jazz ensemble
and the mixed choirs.
6. Liaison/Sub-Committee
Mr. Robinson presented on the Symonds Way exploratory committee, Weston and Sampson
presented regarding environmental impact, the committee discussed what the committee wants to do
with the site, it was determined to create a town survey, and they will then determine what to do
next.
Mr. Wise updated on the By Law Committee, it was requested that they reconsider Gen Bylaw 12.2,
there will potentially be a warrant article in the next town meeting to adjust that bylaw.
E. New Business— METCO Update — Dr. Milaschewski introduced the METCO update, the presentation by
Mr. Longbottom and Mr. Martin is available in its entirety in the packet.
Dr. Milaschewski introduced Mr. Brown and Ms. Lacey-Buggs, new members of the District as METCO
Coordinators/Adjustment Counselors.
Ms. Lacey-Buggs presented the day to day in her position and Killam Elementary, they help the BRS
welcoming them in the morning at their respective schools, they check in with not only BRS students but
also to Reading resident students and their daily adjustments in going through the day. How they engage
the students, peer interaction, recess, classroom observations, monitoring behaviors of students to be able
to step in and provide teachable moments, check in with families etc. and coordinating with other
Coordinators in the district when issues arise etc.
Mr. Henderson -Brown, presented about his position at Joshua Eaton, being present in the school, and
working as part of the leadership team in the building, being able to make an impact. He has been
checking in with BRS and Reading residents as well, running a morning math group. Working closely with
Principal Shelburne as well. Building positive peer interactions, helping students dealing with anxiety.
Discussion and questions from the committee, addressed by Mr. Martin, Mr. Henderson -Brown, and Ms.
Lacey-Buggs.
In closing Dr. Milaschewski thanked the other METCO Coordinator/Adjustment Coordinators Neidi Mendes
(Wood End), Cindy Marta (Birch Meadow), Joanne Martin (Barrows), and also Metco Coordinator Greg
Canzater (Parker and Coolidge).
D. Old Business— Mr. Brandt asked if there were any committee members that wanted to address anything
else surrounding the budget discussion. There was some discussion surrounding the budget, addressed by
Ms. Bottan.
Mr. Wise motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Gaffen. Roll call vote passed 6-0.
Mr. Brandt adjourned the meeting at 8:37pm
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