HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-07-11 School Committee MinutesTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2024-07-11 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, Shawn Brandt, Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Gallen and Carla Nazzaro
Members - Not Present:
Charles Robinson
Others Present:
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—None
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (0620-2024)
2. Parker Science AWOD and Environmental Clubs donation
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 06-20-2024
2. 06-27-2024
3. 07-01-2024
Payroll Warrant Reports
1. 04-12-2024
2. 04-26-2024
3. 05-10-2024
4. 06-21-2024
5. 07-05-2024
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote
passed 5-0.
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Reports
1. Superintendent— Dr. Milaschewski announced that we have named Dr. Jill Story as
the interim principal of Parker Middle School. Dr. Story has previously served as the
assistant principal of Parker Middle School. While we posted for both permanent
and interim principal roles, we were comfortable moving forward with an interim
principal. We are now undergoing the search for an interim assistant principal. The
permanent role will be posted next year, with a more favorable timeline, likely in
January 2025. Dr. Milaschewski also thanked the search committee for their time
during this process.
2. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mrs. Nazzaro—The next Killam School Building Committee community
meeting will take place on Monday, July 15th, at the Reading Library. We
have narrowed down our preferred options and will provide an update on
the design choices, as well as a presentation on consolidating the RISE
program under one roof at Killam.
b. Mr. Brandt—The Finance Committee reviewed their draft calendar at the
end of June, and the financial forums are tentatively scheduled for
September 18th and October 30th.
c. Ms. McLaughlin — No report
d. Mrs. Gaffen — No report
e. Mr. Wise — No report
C. Personnel
1. Vote on Appointment of Superintendent to Collaborative Boards
a. SEEM Collaborative
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to appoint the superintendent to the SEEM Collaborative,
seconded by Mr. Brandt. The vote passed 5-0.
b. Northshore Education Consortium
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to appoint the superintendent to the Northshore Education
Consortium, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 5-0.
2. Review and Adjust Liaison and Subcommittee Appointments including Vote on School
Committee Recommendation for School Committee Membership on the Killam School
Building Committee
Ms. McLaughlin is stepping down from the Killam School Building Committee, and we
propose nominating Mr. Brandt for this position. Additionally, Erin Gaffen has a conflict with
the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support and Partners and Allies for Inclusive
Reading, as both meetings occur on the same day and time. We are looking for a member to
take on one of these committees.
In alignment with the town bylaws, Mr. Wise motioned for the School Committee to
recommend to the Permanent Building Committee the appointment of Mr. Brandt to the
Killam School Building Committee. seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. An amendment was made to
include that Ms. McLaughlin would step down from the committee due to a work conflict.
The vote passed 5-0.
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After discussion, it was decided that Ms. McLaughlin would be appointed to the Reading
Coalition for Prevention and Support, replacing Mrs. Gaffen.
3. Review & Discuss School Committee Meeting Calendar for SY24-25
Mr. Wise reviewed the SY24-25 calendar. A meeting was tentatively scheduled for August
8th to approve the handbooks. However, since the handbooks will not be ready until the
August 22nd meeting, the August 8th meeting will be canceled.
The committee also discussed focus areas for the upcoming year and how the calendar
aligns with these priorities.
Dr. Milaschewski highlighted the importance of scheduling the Boston meeting, and Mr.
Wise suggested that planning this meeting as early as possible would be beneficial. The
committee considered March 27th as a possible date for the Boston meeting.
Additionally, the committee agreed to hold their September meetings on the 12th and 23rd
They also reviewed dates for the end of the school year, agreeing on May 12th, May 22nd,
June 5th, and June 12th.
D. Old Business
1. Review Appointments for Athletics Facility Naming Advisory Committee and Discuss
Next Steps
Mr. Wise reviewed the members of the Athletics Facilities Naming Advisory Committee.
After receiving information yesterday, Nick Face and Julie Centrella will volunteer to fill the
roles of Local Business Leader and Local Community Member. Mr. Robinson will proceed
with organizing the first meeting.
2. Annual School Committee Reorganization Continued — Vice Chair
Mrs. Nazzaro nominated Mrs. Gaffen for School Committee Vice Chair, seconded by Mr.
Brandt. Mrs. Gaffen accepted the nomination. The vote passed 5-0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo6iqP5Qf88
Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 7:33pm.
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