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Home My WebLink About2024-04-04 School Committee MinutesCAI�_ Town of Reading Meeting Minutes (sf Board - Committee - Commission - Council: i• 2G'[4 nd` i 3 s.1 7:41 School Committee Date: 2024-04-04 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Address: Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Tom Wise, Erin Gallen, Charles Robinson and Carla Nazzaro Members - Not Present: Sarah McLaughlin and Shawn Brandt Others Present: Director of Finance & Operations Dr. Derek Pinto, METCO Director Mr. Kurtis Martin, Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy and 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. This meeting is being held at the METCO Headquarters in Boston. B. Public Comment Public Comment — None Focus on Excellence 1. Spotlight on Class of 2024 Boston Resident Students — Mr. Martin highlighted Boston - resident high school seniors who will be graduating this spring. Six out of eight seniors have been in the Reading District since kindergarten or first grade. The Boston -resident students who are graduating include Jamir Celestin, Zidane Lopes -Oliveira, Nahkeem Singleton, Semaje Peete, Juliana Martin, Jeremiah Louis, Revaun Ryland, and D'monye Daughtry. Mr. Martin shared a video where each senior introduced themselves, shared their plans for post -graduation, and recounted their experiences in Reading. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (03-14-2024) 2. Parker Canobie lake Park Field Trip Request 3. RMHS Senior Prom Field Trip Request Accounts Payable Warrant Reports Paga I 1 1. 03-01-2024 2. 03-15-2024 3. 03-29-2024 Mrs. Geffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson. The vote passed 4-0. Reports 1. Student Report: a. This week marked the beginning of senior internships for close to 190 students, as they embarked on placements across various businesses. b. Throughout the week, RMHS celebrated World Language Week, fostering an atmosphere of diversity and inclusivity among students and staff. 2. Director of Finance and Operations — Dr. Pinto met with Mr. Feudo of the YMCA to review current partnerships and explore avenues for enhancing community impact. Dr. Pinto also met with Mr. Bill Stewart, the incoming president of the Reading Rotary, to discuss expanding our connections with local community leaders. Finally, Dr. Pinto participated in an information session hosted by Senator Jason Lewis, focusing on Chapter 70 funding and the Student Opportunity Act, advocating for an increase in funding allocation. 3. Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Teaching — Dr. Hardy attended a World Language Week event where 25 students who had achieved the Biliteracy Coalition Award were recognized. Dr. Hardy acknowledged Teacher Derrick Ryan for his contributions to student success in the area of World Language. 4. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski announced that American Sign Language will be offered as a new class next year, which has generated interest among students. On the topic of senior internships, Dr. Milaschewski highlighted that a budget allocation of $175,000 has been secured over the past two years to compensate students for their internship experiences. Finally, Dr. Milaschewski acknowledged Paraprofessional Appreciation Day and thanked RPS Paras for their commitment to students. S. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mr.Robinson—SWEC met to prepare for their upcoming Select Board presentation. b. Mrs. Nazzaro—The Killam Community meeting on Monday included discussions on traffic and site matters. Another meeting is scheduled for the 11th, which will include an opportunity for tours of the school. c. Mrs. Gaffen — No report d. Mr. Wise— Mr. Wise noted we have filed with MIAA to allow eighth graders to play Lacrosse this year. E. New Business 1. Friends of Reading METCO (FORMETCO) Discussion Co -Chairs of FORMETCO, Ms. LaVonda Epps and Ms. Ilka Walkley, began by introducing themselves and offering insights into the group's activities. They then presented questions for the committee to collectively address and discuss. These questions prompted Page 1 2 conversations about achievements, future aspirations for the program, and the individual contributions that shape its trajectory. Discussions included the impact that METCO counselors make on the lives of students and the dissemination of information to various school organizations to ensure all organizations are connected to the same information. 2. State of the Reading METCO Program Mr. Martin provided an update on the status of the Reading METCO Program. During this update, the following items were discussed: • The role of METCO coordinators, including the support they provide and the impact they make on student's time at RPS • Cultural events throughout the district • Professional development, attendance to various conferences, and Boston Public Schools site visits • Projected enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year • HBCU college tours • Level funding 3. Reading Children's Cabinet Discussion: Gathering Feedback on Resources to Enable Success Mr. Wise shared a video explaining the purpose of the Children's Cabinet, followed by initiating a discussion aimed at gathering feedback from community members regarding what they perceive as lacking. Specifically, he prompted the question: "What do you not have that you need for your student and your family to succeed?". Discussions included implementation of an anonymous referral program so information is not solely reliant on the principal and ways to remove as many barriers as possible to facilitate student success. 4. RMHS High School Scheduling Pilot Update Ms. Callanan provided an update on the pilot schedule, indicating that feedback has been collected and the schedule change will proceed. Following spring break, families can expect to receive communication detailing the specifics of this adjustment. The revised schedule aims to improve pacing for teachers, reduce stress, and allow for more efficient completion of homework by aligning class start and end times. Although a block schedule was trialed and manageable, it was not the preferred option based on survey results. S. Math Pathways Update Dr. Hardy provided the committee with a Math Pathways update, highlighting several projects initiated in November. Additionally, she mentioned the success of the middle school virtual night held in March, which garnered significant attendance and was also recorded for transparency. She also shared a summer opportunity for a high school geometry class and noted the math lab is back up and running. Page 1 3 6. FY25 Kindergarten Enrollment Update Dr. Milaschewski provided an update on kindergarten enrollment. Registrations have increased from 220 to 227 and efforts are being made to reach closer to the projected number of 262. Currently, four kindergarten classes are anticipated at Killam. However, due to lower enrollment and the need for an additional fifth -grade class, we will adjust to three kindergarten classes and increase the fifth -grade cohort to four classes. We will continue to monitor enrollment as students register over the summer. 7. Approve Last Day of School for SY23-24 (A) Dr. Milaschewski noted with one snow day, we are recommending the committee approves June 14th as the last day of school. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve June 14th as the last day of school, seconded by Mr. Robinson. The vote passed 4-0. 8. Appointments to JLMCs (A) Dr. Milaschewski provided background information, stating that negotiations for all bargaining units have recently concluded. Some negotiations necessitate the involvement of the JLMC's to address specific issues or challenges. These negotiation teams typically include representatives from the union, administration, and school committee. Mr. Wise made the following appointments: • Mr. Robinson appointed to the Overtime JLMC • Mrs. Nazzaro appointed to the Elementary Breakfast Program JLMC • Mrs. Gaffen appointed to the Nursing JLMC • Mr. Wise appointed to the Sick Leave/Leaves with and without Pay JLMC D. Old Business 1. Strategic Fee Review & Votes Dr. Pinto reviewed the athletic, drama, and band fees, which have been in place since 2018. The reassessment of these user fees was prompted by the necessity arising from escalating material and service costs, rendering the provision of activities more expensive. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the athletic, drama and band fees for FY25, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 4-0. Dr. Pinto provided an overview of the facility rental fees, which have been in place since 2018. Since then, there has been a notable increase in costs associated with custodial personnel, utilities (including lights, HVAC, and water), floor refinishing, equipment maintenance, security, custodial supplies, and other support services necessary for the operation and upkeep of school facilities. The recommendation for an updated fee schedule aims to streamline and simplify the fee structure while taking into account current wage and rental market rates. To maintain consistency, increases were calculated at 2.5% annually for facility use fees across all categories (Reading Non -Profit, Reading For - Page 1 4 Profit/Out-of-Town Non -Profit, and Out -of -Town For -Profit) over the seven-year period since the fees were last reviewed. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the facility rental fees for FY25, seconded by M r. Robinson. The vote passed 4-0. httos•//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtFD sOiAuM Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:19pm. Page 1 5