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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-30 School Committee Minutes�p Orq O Town of Reading L 'IVES) Meeting Minutes cl_ERK a0jaxconvod 49 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2023-11-30 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: Tom Wise, Sarah McLaughlin, Shawn Brandt (remote), Erin Gallen, Charles Robinson and Carla Nazzaro Members - Not Present: Others Present: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sarah Hardy (remote), Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Stys, Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski and Student Sachi Selvakumar Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson. Topics of Discussion: A. Call to Order— Mr. Wise called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. to review the agenda Roll Call into session — Mr. Brandt— here, Mr. Robinson — here, Mrs. Gaffen —here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mr. Wise — here, and Mrs. Nazzaro — here. E. New Business 1. Vote to Approve 09-01-2024 through 08-31-2027 Reading Teachers Association Contract Mr. Wise noted contract negotiations with the Teachers Association have concluded for the contract starting next September through August of 2027. Thank you to the union for a productive and collaborative process and thank you to Dr. Milaschewski, Ms. Jessica Bailey and the staff. The following key financial terms and notes were shared regarding the contract: • COLAs of 2.75/3.25/4.00 for FY25/FY26/FY27 • Longevity was added in Years 15, 20, 25, 30, and 25 with amounts of $500,$750, $1000, $1250, and $1500. • Addition of an M45 Lane. • Reduction of after-school meetings in December, April, and one other month at the discretion of the administration. • Adjustments to the Parental Leave language, including up to 20 days for non - birthing parents. Page I 1 • Extended working year for High School Guidance Counselors to account for Schedule Building and Adjustments. • Continuation of the Joint Labor Management Committee on Workload for Special Education Teachers & Service Providers. • Continuation of the Joint Labor Management Committee but with a focus on the newest DESE Teacher Evaluation Rubric with the goal of implementation in FY25. • Creation of a Joint Labor Management Committee to focus on Safe Schools. • Creation of a Joint Labor Management Committee to focus on Stipends and an efficient Club Creation/Dissolution Process. • Creation of a Joint Labor Management Committee to focus on Nursing related concerns. Mr. Wise also thanked the Finance Committee and Town Manager for their support. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the 9-1-2024 through 8-31-2027 Reading Teachers Association contract, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Mr. Wise added this is currently a Memorandum of Understanding which will be turned into a contract. This also must be approved by the Town Manager who is present on Zoom with us tonight. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen— yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mr. Wise—yes, Town Manager Mr. Fidel Maltez — yes. The vote passed 7-0. B. Public Comment Public Comment — None Focus on Excellence 1. Spring 2023 State Champion Boys Lacrosse Team — Dr. Milaschewski welcomed and congratulated Coach Hardy and the RMHS Boys Lacrosse Team for their Division II State Championship win in June. RPS believes this represents the strongest level of team athletic accomplishment and we are excited to recognize this achievement tonight at the highest level of the district. It is important to note how well the team did in the classroom embodying what it means to be a student athlete and the way the team carries themselves in the community as they are held to a high standard by Coach Hardy. Thank you to Coach Hardy who has been the only Reading Boys Lacrosse coach in history since the program began in 2001 and thank you to the strong coaching staff: Rob Parkins, David Lautman, Brendan Murphy, Jackson Fritz and Doug Gibbs. Dr. Milaschewski acknowledged the team captains: Robbie Granara, Finn Granara, Ethan Haggerty, Mark Boyle, and Mike Miele. Coach Hardy had the opportunity to speak in front of the School Committee about the team and their successful season. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (11-02-2023) 2. RMHS Field Trip Approval Page 1 2 3. Best Buddies Donation 4. Friends of Reading Soccer Donation 5. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Donation 6. Coolidge PTO Donation 7. Donors Choose Intent to Donate 8. Accept FY24 Safe and Supportive Schools Grant Award 9. Revised FY24 Enrollment Update Warrant Reports 1. 11-02-2023 2. 11-09-2023 3. 11-16-2023 4.11-22-2023 Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Roll Call Vote — Roll Call Vote to approve the consent agenda, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen—yes, and Mr. Wise —yes. The vote passed 6-0. Reports 1. Student—Sachi Selvakumar provided the following highlights: - RMHS held the Thanksgiving pep rally organized by the Student Council where the State Championship Field Hockey team and all fall athletics were recognized. The Student Council also put on an amazing Veterans Day ceremony honoring local veterans in the community. - Acknowledgement of the RMHS Students of the Month and seniors demonstrating leadership and core values who have been recognized by RMHS teachers. - RMHS Drama had a great showing of Something Rottenl Shout out to Ms. Cunha and Dr. Mosher for another successful show. - The RMHS marching band won the NESBA Division I State Championship. This is the marching bands third straight state championship) - The Unified Basketball team had their end of season banquet where all the students were recognized. Thank you to Mrs. Herlihy for her hard work organizing this season. - Tryouts for winter athletics are underway and competitions start within the next two weeks. - Students are amid quarter two with mid-term exams happening in January. - Mr. Wise noted the first student advisory committee meeting took place tonight and it was quite productive. 2. Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning — Dr. Hardy announced the social emotional learning curriculum review team has officially launched. Thank you to Ms. Jillian Gately and Ms. Erica McNamara for their work on the team. We will keep the committee updated on progress. 3. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services — Dr. Stys thanked Mrs. Tara Herlihy and the YMCA for their work with Unified Sports this season. Thank you to Ms. Kelly DiCato and Ms. Lisa Studer for the training they provided tonight for early childhood community partners. Page 1 3 4. Superintendent—Dr. Milaschewski let the committee know the second annual RPS community report should be arriving in mailboxes in the next few days. Please let us know if you do not receive a copy so we can make sure a copy is provided. 5. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mr. Brandt—The Select Board will be appointing a screening committee for the Town Manager search and an interim Town Manager is expected to be appointed on Tuesday. The Audit Committee received a clean audit report. b. Mr. Robinson —The Charter Review Committee met twice and has started going through different sections of the charter. Eventually the School Committee will be invited to offer some feedback on sections of the Charter pertaining to the schools. c. Mrs. Nazzaro—The Killam School Building Committee met with the designer selection panel for a review of applications. There were four submissions of which one company was not selected for review due to how much work they currently have. Three companies were selected to give a presentation and interview with the team. Lavallee Brensinger Architects (LBA) was selected as the design company, and they are signing off on the contract today. Mr. Maltez's position on the committee will be handed over to the Interim Town Manager. d. Mrs. Gaffen —The District Wellness Committee had their first meeting and focused on nutrition and getting more students to eat breakfast. It was noted breakfast is free at middle and high school everyday. The Food Service Department is looking into establishing a cart service for students to grab and go. Overall, the committee is encouraging movement for students and teachers. The Coalition met and focused on social emotional work for students and the YRBS survey. Mrs. Gaffen also noted this weekend is the REF Festival of Trees. e. Ms. McLaughlin —The Dickens Faire is coming up on December V. f. Mr. Wise — Mr. Brandt covered the audit report which came in clean. Mr. Wise added that the audit of Athletic receipts was also clean with a very low percentage of cash receipts vs. ACH, Check, and Credit Card. E. New Business 2. Learning Center Program Review Presentation & Discussion Dr. Stys and Director of Special Education Allison Wright presented on the Learning Center Executive Summary. Dr. Stys stated this presentation is a summary of the report and the first few slides set the stage and explain why there is urgency around these program reviews. The evaluators commended the district's commitment to completing program reviews and for the work being done to make sure all special education staff have had training in reading and the brain. The evaluators also noted the districts collaboration with families. The evaluators noted general observations and needs within the district. Needs include strengthening Tier 2 implementation and the student support team (SST) process, defining the identity and purpose of learning centers, and refining the inclusion service delivery. Along with needs, the evaluators provided recommendations to meet these needs. Page 1 4 This year, the community can expect a virtual presentation which is scheduled for December 7t1, staff training on the new IEP process as well as training for parents, a training to help support parents with students in the middle school level so they thrive socially and academically, and ongoing office hours to address questions and concerns. The district has not decided if third party evaluators will be engaged for every program review going forward. It was important to the district to have a third -party evaluator for this initial go around with reviews and we are working with the program coordinators to determine the next cycle of reviews. The committee asked questions and discussed some of the following areas: • Putting supports in place for students not on IEP's needing an environment like the Learning Center • How are parents engaging? The team works closely with SEPAL and keeps them informed. SEPAL also provides great feedback to us so we can address areas of concern. This year we have seen a decrease in questions from parents. Parents/caregivers go to Dr. Stys and Ms. Wright directly when they do have concerns and a survey is provided to every family after every IEP meeting as follow up. • How do we clarify Tier 1 vs Tier 2? The team is working on a presentation to talk about this specifically. They also work closely with SEPAL and individual schools to make sure students are receiving the services they need. There is great collaboration between Student Services and the Learning & Teaching team to make sure support is in place for students. • Through rigorous targeted instruction and evaluations; we are working hard to make sure students receive services to meet their needs and programs are effective. • It is important to have transition support across all levels and to have built-in support systems. We can see this lost at the middle and high school levels. 3. Community Math Pathways Committee Findings Presentation & Discussion Dr. Hardy introduced Math Pathway Committee members joining tonight's presentation. The Community Math Pathways presentation will include an understanding of Math Pathways, review of the Math Pathways Advisory Committee tasks, and strategies to improve RPS Math Pathways as well as next steps and a timeline. The committee objectives were to: • examine the impact of middle school course placements determining the future ceilings of students within advanced math courses, • evaluate the discrepancy between student enrollment in advanced math courses vs. school demographics, • explore options for more advanced math course choices and interest -based options forjuniors/seniors, • and increase opportunities for accessing various math courses. Page 1 5 The committee had three main tasks: 1. Consolidate research and review sample pathways—There were several articles reviewed and discussed relating to Math Pathways. As the committee reviewed sample pathways they learned about alternative options. It is important to note these are not potential replacements, but promising practices that could be applied in Reading. 2. Review Reading data — RPS data shows disparities in students with disabilities, African American/Black students, and Hispanic students. 3. Review the RPS Math Pathways —There are challenges with our current Math Pathways. The middle school course placements determine the future ceilings of students within advanced math courses. Current high school acceleration options are not appealing to students and are not accessible to all. Students enrolled in advanced courses are not reflected in school demographics. There are limits to senior courses matching student post -secondary goals and aspirations. As for the next steps, the committee is looking at strategies to improve Math Pathways. Overall, there are six strategies provided: 1. Improve systems and structure that support student success in math. 2. Increase options for middle school acceleration in math. 3. Refine Grade 12 course selection for on -grade pathway. 4. Improve support for current acceleration points in high school. 5. Intentionally support students with disabilities, students of color and Hispanic students along the Math Pathway 6. Improve communication about Math Pathways with students and families. School Committee members noted this has been a conversation for a long time and it is important to offer choices to students while also challenging students and getting them where they need to be. The committee discussed creating flexibility for students to take more challenging classes. If students have the math ability, we want this available to them. The committee was encouraged by the idea of bringing back the math lab as often students who need the help do not seek the help needed. G. Executive Session Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adjourn to Executive Session and not return to open session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining on the bargaining position of the public body )Reading Facilities School Custodians) as the chair declares an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Reading School Committee, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote— Roll Call Vote to adjourn to Executive Session, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Gaffen —yes, and Mr. Wise — yes. The vote passed 6-0. Page 16 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w 0 ROw m I- n 0 Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 10:10pm Page 1 7