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Home My WebLink About2023-01-26 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading RECEIVED Meeting Minutes TOWN *.wll R V Board—Committee—Commission—Council: 2623 MAY -4 PH 4:57 School Committee Date: 2023-01-26 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Memorial High School Location: Library Address: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA Members Present: - Shawn Brandt, Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin, Charles Robinson, Tom Wise Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Tom Milaschewski, Director of Finance and Operations Susan Rattan. Minutes Respectfully submitted by: Denise P. Santoro on behalf of the chairperson. A. Call to Order - Mr. Brandt called meeting to order at 7pm and reviewed the agenda for the evening. B. Public Comment—No public comment. C. Consent Agenda— Ms. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson Mr. Wise asked about disposal of surplus books — Ms. Rattan responded that the books being disposed of were among the oldest copies and not in good shape. Reading Public Library will be offered the books, and attempts will be made to resell before they are disposed of. Vote passed 5-0. D. Reports - 1. Update from Susan Bottan regarding new health software from Mary Giuliana, District Nursing Director and use of new process using the Blackboard Connect application to notify families of student absences. 2. Dr. Milaschewski thanked all of our educators and especially K-5 educators working with our new curriculum. He was excited to see leaders, teachers, and students in action with this new curriculum. Update from RMHS regarding collaboration with Mass Hire Metro North Workforce Board that will provide funding for seniors to participate in paid internships 100 hours @ $15/hr. Committee members asked questions about the logistics of internships, including timing relative to coursework / exams / graduation. Susan Rattan was named at the Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO), effective July 1, 2023. She will remain full time at RPS. This is a testament to her leadership and skill. E. Liaison Reports/Sub Committees 1. Mr. Robinson- reports that the January Coalition meeting was cancelled. 2. Ms. Sarah McLaughlin- No report 3. Mr. Wise -No report 4. Ms. Nazzaro- Reported on Barrows visit with Mrs. Gaffen. Reported on Birch Meadow visit with Mr. Robinson and viewing Illustrative Math in action. 5. Mr. Brandt—Committee will be posted for Finance Committee review of the budget on March V, School Committee meeting will be on March 26d. F. NewBusiness- 1. Ms. Franzetti- Presentation of Food Services Program. Mr. Robinson- commented on "Black Earth" a composting company. RPS is presently using them. Committee members shared excitement over the quality of the program and asked questions. Dr. Milaschewski- shared appreciation for whole of the food services team and the highlighted the connection of health and academic achievement to nutritious food. G. Public Comments: Karen Herrick- Dividence Rd- Speaking with Reading residents regarding the composting. She wanted to express her thanks to RPS for using the composting and wanted to share that they have started a community garden and phase 2 is coming soon, including bee hives. 2. Geoffrey Coram- Ridge Rd: Asked questions about the amount of artificial sweeteners given focus on reduced sugar, availability of full selection for all lunch shifts, amount of time available for lunch and number of students served. H. Old Business: 1. Dr. Milaschewski: Updated committee on progress regarding Superintendent goals 1-4. 2. Mr. Brandt: Highlighted need to develop a solution for extending the principal coaching support for new Assistant Principals 3. Mr. Wise, Ms. Nazzaro & Ms. McLaughlin: Curriculum and scheduling discussion 4. Mr. Wise requested that we place a higher priority on Middle School Math tracks as it has been a long- standing issue and could support students interests in the Engineering & Computer Programming Innovation Pathways and impacts Scheduling as well. S. Mr. Brandt- Reviewed Formative evaluation procedures regarding Dr. Milaschewski s review I. Budget Discussion 1. Mr. Wise: Provided update on full day kindergarten model and expressed confidence that the proposed changes in 2023-24 are sustainable and allow us to continue progressing towards universal Full Day K. 2. Discussion about creation of stabilization fund for Special Education with members and Ms. Bottan. 3. Geoffrey Coram, Reading resident- Question regarding revolving accounts that have held funds for a long time. 4. Ms. Bottan- Developing a plan to spend down funds in away to support our students for accounts that have rolling balances. Ms. Nauaro moved to approve the Superintendent's recommended budget for FY24. Mr. Robinson seconded, passed 5-0 with no further discussion. Ms. Nazzaro moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 pm, Mr. Robinson seconded, passed 5-0.