HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-08 ad Hoc - School Committee Legal Counsel Subcommittee Minutesr
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Meeting Minutes TOWN
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READING, MA.
Board - committee - commission - council: 1123 JUN 26 4117110 (O8
School Committee Legal Counsel Recommendation
Subcommittee
Date: 2023-06-08 Time: 8:00 AM
Building: School - Memorial High
Address: 82 Oakland Road
Purpose: Open Session
Attendees: Members - Present:
Location: Superintendent Conference Room
Session: Open Session
Version: Final
Tom Wise and Sarah McLaughlin
Members - Not Present:
Thomas Nuttall, Craig Kowalski, Colleen Shea, and Justin Gomes
Others Present:
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Assistant Superintendent Dr.
Jennifer Stys, and Director of Special Education Allison Wright
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Tom Wise, Chair
Topics of Discussion:
The meeting was held in person. Chair Wise called the meeting to order at approximately 8:00 a.m. Mr. Wise
walked through the agenda.
E.1. New Business - Conduct Final Round Interview w/ Nuttall, MacAvov & Joyce. P.C.
The Subcommittee welcomed representatives from Nuttal, MacAvoy 8 Joyce, P.C. (NMJ) to the interview
process.
NMJ was represented by partner Thomas Nuttall and associate Craig Kowalski in the interview. Mr. Nuttall
walked through a sample case NMJ was involved in as the Subcommittee requested. The Subcommittee and
administrative team asked questions about the sample case. Mr. Nuttall and Mr. Kowalski addressed the
questions.
The Subcommittee provided a brief overview of a sample case of their own. The Subcommittee then asked five
prepared questions to assess how NMJ would go about gathering information, supporting the district, engaging
with opposing counsel and the family, working through potential litigation, and finally agreeing on a settlement.
Mr. Nuttall and Mr. Kowalski responded to the questions. The Subcommittee and administrative team asked
follow-up questions.
Mr. Wise asked for the opportunity to speak with Mr. Nuttall, a partner of the firm, absent Mr. Kowalski. He then
briefly outlined why the Subcommittee was formed and discussed options and alternatives in the process of
moving forward.
The Subcommittee and administrative team thanked Mr. Nuttall and Mr. Kowalski for participating in the
interview process and excused them from the meeting.
E.2. New Business - Brieflv Discuss the Final. Round Interview w/ Nuttall MacAvov & Joyce, P.C.
The Subcommittee and administrative team briefly discussed the interview questions, answers, and process.
E.3. New Business - Conduct Final Round Interview w/ Stoneman. Chandler & Miller. LLP
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The Subcommittee welcomed representatives from Stoneman, Chandler & Miller, LLP (SCM) to the interview
process.
SCM was represented by associate Colleen Shea and associate Justin Gomes in the interview. Mr. Gomes
walked through a sample case SCM was involved in as the Subcommittee requested. Ms. Shea walked
through a second case SCM was involved in. The Subcommittee and administrative team asked questions
about the sample cases. Mr. Gomes and Ms. Shea addressed the questions.
The Subcommittee provided a brief overview of a sample case of their own. The Subcommittee then asked five
prepared questions to assess how SCM would go about gathering information, supporting the district, engaging
with opposing counsel and the family, working through potential litigation, and finally agreeing on a settlement.
Mr. Gomes and Ms. Shea responded to the questions. The Subcommittee and administrative team asked
follow-up questions.
The Subcommittee and administrative team thanked Mr. Gomes and Ms. Shea for participating in the interview
process and excused them from the meeting.
EA. New Business— Briefly Discuss the Final Round Interview wl Stoneman Chandler & Miller. LLP
The Subcommittee and administrative team briefly discussed the interview questions, answers, and process
B. Public Comment
There was none.
B. Consent Agenda
The consent agenda was tabled by default to the next meeting.
Mr. Wise moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. McLaughlin seconded the motion. The motion carried 2-0
The meeting was adjourned at 11;00 a.m.
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