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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-01-25 School Committee MinutesVLH OrR�O e. Town of Reading T� rV LJ -= Meeting Minutes �e1tl LERK frx � . 'Ari . 6Jail#oPWPP 2024 FL_ i. ;ttl 8:07 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2024-01-25 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, Erin Gaffen, Charles Robinson and Carla Nazzaro Members - Not Present: Others Present: Director of Finance and Operations Dr. Derek Pinto, Student Sachi Selvakumarand Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski 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. B. Public Comment Public Comment - None Focus on Excellence 1. Fall 2023 RMHS Band State Champions - Dr. Milaschewski welcomed the RMHS marching band and color guard state champions. This was their third year in a row winning a state championship. Mr. Joseph Mulligan and student representatives of the RMHS marching band and color guard spoke about their success of the season. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (01-18-2024) 2. Killam PTO Donation Warrant Reports 1.01-18-2024 Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. Page i 1 Reports 1. Student—Student Sachi Selvakumar provided an update on the following: • The climate change club met recently with the facilities director and came up with some action steps. Within the next six months, we are expecting composting to begin at the high school. • The Student Advisory Committee met and discussed the addition of water stations in the field house. The committee has advocated for bathrooms on the main floor of the high school to be unlocked and they are now unlocked. The committee will help Mrs. Callanan pick out new tables and furniture for Main Street to give it an upgrade. • The new pilot schedule is underway and while students had mixed feelings at the beginning, they are adapting well. Report cards have been published and students are looking forward to February break on the horizon. 2. Director of Finance & Operations— Dr. Pinto thanked Food Service Director Catherine Franzetti for starting up the breakfast cart on Main Street in the mornings. This is designed to increase access to students. Dr. Pinto attended the secretaries meeting last week where he was able to provide an update on the budget. Finally, as the School Committee votes on the FY25 Recommended Budget this evening, Dr. Pinto thanked all involved in the completion of the budget book. 3. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski provided a composting update. Birch Meadow hosted the composting group a few weeks ago and shared information about their pilot program. Over the last few weeks, we have seen great progress and believe this initiative will move a little faster than anticipated. 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mrs. Nazzaro— Mrs. Nazzaro applauded Killam fourth graders who created and read reports last week to a large crowd of community members. The Killam Building Committee is in the process of establishing community meetings which will be shared out to this committee as well the entire Reading community. The Killam Communications Group is working on the website and anticipate being able to roll that out shortly. The Killam Building Committee has created a change order designee for the construction phase. The town manager and/or director of facilities will be able to approve items when necessary under $50,000. b. Mr. Brandt—No report c. Mrs. Gaffen — No report d. Ms. McLaughlin — No report e. Mr. Robinson —The Recreation Committee met and mainly discussed pickleball. SWEC met with Edge Sports as they were the only company to respond to the RFI. They provided a marketing presentation and the committee will meet with the company again to ask in depth questions. f. Mr. Wise—No Report E. New Business 1. Lacrosse Honorary Donation Request, Discussion and Approval (A) Dr. Milaschewski reviewed a proposal provided in the packet to place a rock and plaque under the Lacrosse score board in memory of John Moon. Coach Charlie Hardy shared some more information and the legacy John Moon had in Reading as an assistant Lacrosse Page 1 2 coach for 14 years. Reading Lacrosse donated the money to purchase and install a rock. A scholarship will also be created in his name and a ceremony will be held to unveil the rock. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to accept the Lacrosse honorary donation request seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 6-0. 2. Transportation Contract Approval (A) Dr. Pinto reviewed the transportation bid process as the current transportation contract comes to an end in June. With guidance from town procurement, a bid for services was put out for a new three-year contract. We received one respondent to the request and the bid summary can be found in the packet. We have had a lengthy successful relationship with the vendor who submitted a bid. The current contract does not have escalators, however, the new one will year over year. We did receive several requests from vendors, but this was our only respondent. We will review the rates for transportation and bring that forward for the committee to review. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to accept the new transportation contract, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 6-0. D. Old Business 1. FY25 Budget — Final Discussion and Vote (A) Mr. Wise asked for any final comments or questions on the FY25 budget. Seeing none, the committee moved forward with a vote. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to accept the fiscal year 2025 budget, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 6-0. 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 Paraeducators Association and Reading Cafeteria Employees) as the chair declares an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Reading School Committee, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Ms. McLaughlin—yes, Mr. Robinson—yes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38rLLn2p4Rc Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 7:32pm. Page 13