HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-02 School Committee PacketOpen Session 7:00 p.m.
RMHS Schettini Library
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 2, 2023
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be dis cussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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2018-07-16 LAG
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2023-03-02 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda:
Purpose: Open Session
Meeting Called By: Shawn Brandt, Chair
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate
amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be dis cussed at
the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
7:00 p.m. A. Call to Order
7:05 p.m. B. Public Comment
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (01-26-2023)
2. Minutes (02-16-2023)
3. SNL Athletic Donation for Equipment
4. RMHS Girls Basketball Jersey Donation
5. M. Boyle Weight Equipment Donation
6. Ski Club Ragged Mountain Field Trip
Reports
1. Student
2. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
3. Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Teaching
4. Director of Finance and Operations
5. Superintendent
6. Liaison/Sub-Committee
7:30 p.m. E. New Business
1. School Resource Officer Annual Update
8:00 p.m. G. Executive Session
1. To conduct strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open
meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of
the public body (all collective bargaining units)
8:30 p.m. E. New Business
2. SY23-24 Kindergarten Enrollment Update
3. Discussion and Potential Vote to Form Subcommittee to Evaluate
School Committee Counsel (A)
9:30 p.m. 1. Adjourn
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be dis cussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
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Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 2, 2023
Con sent Agenda
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Members Present: - Shawn Brandt, Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin, Charles Robinson, Tom Wise
Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Tom Milaschewski, Director of Finance and Operations Susan Bottan.
Minutes Respectfully submitted by: Denise P. Santoro on behalf of the chairperson.
A.Call to Order - Mr. Brandt called meeting to order at 7pm and reviewed the agenda for the evening.
B.Public Comment – No public comment.
C.Consent Agenda – Ms. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson
1.Mr. Wise asked about disposal of surplus books – Ms. Bottan responded that the books being disposed
of were among the oldest copies and not in good shape. Reading Public Library will be offered the
books, and attempts will be made to resell before they are disposed of.
2.Vote passed 5-0.
D.Reports –
1.Update from Susan Bottan regarding new health software from Mary Giuliana, District Nursing Director
and use of new process using the Blackboard Connect application to notify families of student
absences.
2.Dr. Milaschewski thanked all of our educators and especially K-5 educators working with our new
curriculum. He was excited to see leaders, teachers, and students in action with this new curriculum.
Update from RMHS regarding collaboration with Mass Hire Metro North Workforce Board that will
provide funding for seniors to participate in paid internships 100 hours @ $15/hr. Committee members
asked questions about the logistics of internships, including timing relative to coursework / exams /
graduation.
Susan Bottan was named at the Vice President of the Massachusetts Association of School Business
Officials (MASBO), effective July 1, 2023. She will remain full time at RPS. This is a testament to her
leadership and skill.
E.Liaison Reports/Sub Committees
1.Mr. Robinson- reports that the January Coalition meeting was cancelled.
Board – Committee – Commission – Council:
School Committee
Date: 2023-01-26 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Memorial High School Location: Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
2.Ms. Sarah McLaughlin- No report
3.Mr. Wise-No report
4.Ms. Nazzaro- Reported on Barrows visit with Mrs. Gaffen. Reported on Birch Meadow
visit with Mr. Robinson and viewing Illustrative Math in action.
5.Mr. Brandt – Committee will be posted for Finance Committee review of the budget on March 1st;
School Committee meeting will be on March 2nd.
F.New Business –
1.Ms. Franzetti- Presentation of Food Services Program.
Mr. Robinson- commented on “Black Earth” a composting company. RPS is presently using them.
Committee members shared excitement over the quality of the program and asked questions.
Dr. Milaschewski- shared appreciation for whole of the food services team and the highlighted the
connection of health and academic achievement to nutritious food.
G.Public Comments:
1.Karen Herrick- Dividence Rd- Speaking with Reading residents regarding the composting. She wanted
to express her thanks to RPS for using the composting and wanted to share that they have started a
community garden and phase 2 is coming soon, including bee hives.
2.Geoffrey Coram- Ridge Rd.- Asked questions about the amount of artificial sweeteners given focus on
reduced sugar, availability of full selection for all lunch shifts, amount of time available for lunch and
number of students served.
H.Old Business:
1.Dr. Milaschewski: Updated committee on progress regarding Superintendent goals 1-4.
2.Mr. Brandt: Highlighted need to develop a solution for extending the principal coaching support for
new Assistant Principals
3.Mr. Wise, Ms. Nazzaro & Ms. McLaughlin: Curriculum and scheduling discussion
4.Mr. Wise requested that we place a higher priority on Middle School Math tracks as it has been a long-
standing issue and could support students interests in the Engineering & Computer Programming
Innovation Pathways and impacts Scheduling as well.
5.Mr. Brandt- Reviewed Formative evaluation procedures regarding Dr. Milaschewski’s review
I.Budget Discussion
1.Mr. Wise: Provided update on full day kindergarten model and expressed confidence that the proposed
changes in 2023-24 are sustainable and allow us to continue progressing towards universal Full Day K.
2.Discussion about creation of stabilization fund for Special Education with members and Ms. Bottan.
3.Geoffrey Coram, Reading resident- Question regarding revolving accounts that have held funds for a
long time.
4.Ms. Bottan- Developing a plan to spend down funds in a way to support our students for accounts that
have rolling balances.
Ms. Nazzaro moved to approve the Superintendent’s recommended budget for FY24. Mr. Robinson seconded, passed
5-0 with no further discussion.
Ms. Nazzaro moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 pm, Mr. Robinson seconded, passed 5-0.
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
School Committee
Date: 02-09-2023 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Memorial High School Location: Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA
Members Present: - Shawn Brandt, Erin Gaffen, Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin, Charles Robinson,
and Tom Wise.
Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Tom Milaschewski, Finance Director Susan Bottan, Assistant
Superintendent of Learning & Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy, Humanities Curriculum Coordinator Erin
Burchill, and Director of School Counseling Lynna Williams.
Minutes Respectfully submitted by: Denise P. Santoro on behalf of the chairperson.
A.Call to Order – Mr. Brandt called meeting to order at 7pm and reviewed the agenda for the
evening.
B.Public Comment
No public Comment.
C.Consent Agenda-
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to approve consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Wise.
Mr. Brandt asked to strike the minutes due to some transcription errors when the document was
converted to PDF. Vote passed 6-0 on the remaining items on the consent agenda. Committee will
vote on 1/26/2023 minutes at the next meeting.
1.Minutes (01-26-2023) (stricken from consent agenda)
2.Science Olympiad Tournament Field Trip
3.Robotics Competition Field Trip
4.PSST Improv Advisor Donation
5.PSST Playwriting Advisor Donation
6.Proficiency-Based Outcomes in Languages Other than English Grant
No further discussion on consent agenda.
D.Reports
1. Student- No Student Report.
2. Assistant Superintendent Learning and Teaching
•Update from Dr. Hardy on the Math night for families at the Elementary Level in
collaboration with Wakefield Public Schools.
•Seal of Biliteracy- demonstrated competency of English and one other language.
Eleven students earned with this honor and more will test later this year.
3.Director of Finance and Operations
•Updates on Killam School Building Project
•All of school spaces have been toured by Ms. Bottan and Facilities to examine how to
best use our spaces.
4.Superintendent
•Thank you to Facilities team dealing with the cold weather and enabling our schools to
open Monday morning after the extreme cold weather.
•Thank you to Lori Miller, who retired from working as the administrative assistant to
the Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Teaching. Lori has worked for the district
for twenty-four years and will be greatly missed.
•Thank you to the staff members that have met with Dr. Milaschewski to check in. He
went to five schools over five days to meet with staff in the district.
5.Liaison/Sub-Committee
•Mr. Brandt shared a Select Board update.
•Fidel Maltez, Town Manager contract has been renewed for three years.
•Shared updated on grants that have been approved – including two which will
improve traffic and pedestrian safety in and around the Birch Meadow complex .
•March 2nd School Committee meeting will include a discussion about evaluating
counsel and considering new representation
.
E.New Business
1.K-8 Literacy Update- Presentation by Erin Burchill, Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
a.Members asked a number of questions about the implementation of ARC and
progress in other areas.
2.RMHS Guidance Department Overview and Update- by Lynna Williams,
Director of School Counseling.
a.Discussion around presentation occurred including questions about Mrs. Williams’
perception of the trends we’re seeing in college vs. other options.
Recess started: 9:01 pm
Return from recess 9:07 pm
3.Introduction to Multi-year District Strategic Plan
a.Dr. Milaschewski reviewed the plan and discussed the additions that were made.
b.Dr. Milaschewski asked for feedback from the committee. School Committee
members shared feedback and questions.
4. Discuss and vote to request Town Meeting warrant article to create
Special Education OOD Stabilization Fund (A)
Ms. Nazzaro Motioned to approve, Mr. Robinson seconded, Mr. Wise moved to
amend the motion and remove “Out of District”. Amended motion reads “to
recommend to the Select Board and to Town Meeting a warrant article establishing a
Special Education Stabilization Fund.” Vote passed 6-0.
Public Comment: Geoffrey Coram Ridge Rd. - Commented regarding wording of statement –
placeholder text in packet didn’t reflect the final language that will be included on the warrant .
4.Review and approve Superintendent Formative Assessment
a.Mr. Brandt summarized their positive observations regarding Dr. Milaschewski. Mr.
Wise asked that a sentence be added at the end of the evaluation highlighting a
focus on math pathways by the end of the year. Mr. Brandt will add that language
and share the final version with Dr. Milaschewski.
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to approve as amended, Ms. Gaffen seconded the
Superintendent’s Formative Assessment for FY 22-23. Vote passed 6-0.
5.Discussion regarding the recommendation of the bylaw change regarding staff needing to
have new employee physicals.
a.Ms. Nazzaro motioned, Ms. Gaffen seconded to recommend to the Select Board
and to Town Meeting a warrant article eliminating from the bylaws a requirement
for new staff physicals.
b.Mr. Wise motioned to amend, stating that the wording was adjusting the
requirement not eliminating the requirement of physicals for new hires.
c.Vote as amended passed 6-0.
6.Ms. Nazzaro made the motion to adjourn, Ms. Gaffen seconded. Vote 6 -0.
Meeting adjourned at: 10:12 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoVzoy7udyw&t=2859s
Date: 1/10/23
To: Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent of Schools, and the Reading
School Committee
From: Michael Boyle
Re: Donation
Please accept the donation of 10 sets of dumbbells and 3
Hexagonal bars for Reading Memorial High School on behalf of
Michael Boyle. This donation will be used to support various
athletic teams.
Thank you
Michael Boyle
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 2, 2023
New Business
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Brian Lewis and Matt Vatcher, School Resource Officers
DATE: March 2, 2023
RE: School Resource Officer Annual Update
Dear School Committee,
During Thursday’s School Committee meeting we will be presenting an overview of our work in the
schools this year, which includes some of the updates below.
We look forward to the conversation.
• Maintained excellent partnership between the Reading Schools and Reading Police.
• Officer Vatcher and Officer Lewis received State recertification as SROs.
• Officer Vatcher and Officer Lewis continue to work as members of the Reading Police Crisis
Intervention Team (CIT)
• SRO Lewis and SRO Vatcher received training and certification on from the National Association
of School Resource Officers on adolescent mental health.
• Both SROs have received training on Comprehensive School Treat Assessment Guidelines
(CSTAG) and will be a part of newly formed district and school based CSTAG teams.
• Continued to work closely with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to provide
resources to students and families in need.
• The SROs continue to be a part of the District Crisis Team and RMHS Core Crisis Team to update
school safety protocols and policies.
• Worked with the Reading Police Civil Rights Officer and the Director of the Office of Equity and
Social Justice to address any hate-based incidents.
• Several members of RPD including SROS attended training from FBI Boston on responding to
recent hoax or “swatting” calls at area schools.
• We will be working with the Reading Collation for Prevention and Support to teach choose to
refuse (opiate prevention) in RMHS health classes this spring.
• Officer Vatcher will be presenting on internet accountability to 5th grade students this spring.
• Officer Vatcher and Officer Lewis will present internet safety with the US Attorney’s Office in the
Middle Schools this spring. Officer Vatcher will also be teaching a similar class for outgoing 5th
grade students.
• The SROs will join other members of the Reading Police in the upcoming months to serve
elementary school lunches.
• The SROs have rolled out the Comfort Dog program. Rusty and Cooper have successfully melted
the hearts of all who have met them. Rusty and Cooper continue to be trained and are working
hard to achieve their Therapy Dog titles.
Respectfully,
School Resource Officer Brian Lewis
School Resource Officer Matt Vatcher
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
1 | P a g e F Y 2 2 S e c o n d Q u a r t e r F i n a n c i a l R e p o r t
To: Reading School Committee
From: Susan Bottan, Director of Finance and Operations
Date: March 2, 2023
Re: FY24 Kindergarten Registration Update
As of February 27, 2023, Reading Public Schools has received 262 registrations for enrollment in the
Kindergarten program for the 2023-2024 school year. Of this total, 5 families requested enrollment in
the half day kindergarten program. Projected Kindergarten enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year
totaled 276 students. Over the last five years, an average of 88% of enrollment was received during the
first 3 months of the registration period. The census data for rising Kindergarten age students, those
born between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2018, totaled 284 students.
The timeline for Kindergarten registration is outlined below:
o December 5, 2022 - Mail parent/guardian letters and post info to website
o January 3, 2023 - Post registration documents
o January 4, 2023 - Virtual Kindergarten Information Session
o January 31, 2023 - Kindergarten Registration Parents/Guardians bring in their completed
registration packet
o By March 15, 2023 - Principals reach out to enrolled students to share transition
activities
o Spring 2023 -Building-based transition activities
On the page to follow, please find projected kindergarten class sizes by school for the 262 registrations
received to date:
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
2 | P a g e F Y 2 2 S e c o n d Q u a r t e r F i n a n c i a l R e p o r t
Comments
Barrows Grade K Barrows Grade K Barrows Grade K
FDK 17 FDK 19 FDK 17
FDK 18 FDK 19 FDK 18
FDK 18 FDK 20 FDK 18
# Sections 3 # Sections 3 # Sections 3
Total 53 Total 58 Total 53
Birch Meadow Grade K Birch Meadow Grade K Birch Meadow Grade K
FDK 19 FDK 20 FDK 15
FDK 20 FDK 20 FDK 16
FDK 19 FDK 21 FDK 16
# Sections 3 # Sections 3 # Sections 3
Total 58 Total 61 Total 47
Joshua Eaton Grade K Joshua Eaton Grade K Joshua Eaton Grade K
FDK 20 FDK 21 FDK 17
FDK 21 FDK 21 FDK 17
FDK 21 FDK 21 FDK 18
# Sections 3 # Sections 3 # Sections 3
Total 62 Total 63 Total 52 2 Requests for HDK
Killam Grade K Killam Grade K Killam Grade K
HDK 11 HDK 11 FDK 16
FDK 17 FDK 18 FDK 17
FDK 17 FDK 18 FDK 17
FDK 17 FDK 19 FDK 17
# Sections 4 # Sections 4 # Sections 4
Total 62 Total 66 Total 67 3 Requests for HDK
Wood End Grade K Wood End Grade K Wood End Grade K
FDK 17 FDK 14 FDK 21
FDK 17 FDK 14 FDK 22
# Sections 2 # Sections 2 # Sections 2
Total 34 Total 28 Total 43
TOTAL Grade K TOTAL Grade K TOTAL Grade K
Total Sections 15 Total Sections 15 Total Sections 15
Total Students 269 Total Students 276 Total Students 262
Reading Public Schools Kindergarten Enrollment
Registered Class Size, 2023-2024
as of March 1
Actual Class Size, 2022-2023 Projected Class Size, 2023-2024
Actual Class Sizes 2022-2023
Projected Class Sizes 2023-2024
Registered Class Sizes 2023-2024
Administrative Offices
82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
781 944-5800
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Shawn Brandt Chair
Carla Nazzaro Vice-Chair
Erin Gaffen
Sarah McLaughlin
Charles Robinson
Thomas Wise
Thomas Milaschewski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Shawn Brandt, Reading School Committee Chair
DATE: February 27, 2023
TOPIC: Counsel Recommendation Subcommittee
All,
At our meeting on March 2nd we will follow up on a desire expressed by some members during our budget deliberations,
and explore reevaluating our relationship with counsel.
If we choose to consider new counsel for either or both positions, I have been advised that the preferred approach is for
the Committee to vote to create a subcommittee tasked with working with Dr. Milaschewski, Ms. Bottan, Dr. Stys and
others on the administration team to solicit proposals, evaluate candidates, and prepare a recommendation for the full
Committee to consider.
Should there be a desire to go down this path, I expect there will be several elements of the conversation as well as a
vote:
• Determine whether a subcommittee would be tasked with considering candidates for Labor counsel, Special
Education counsel, or both
• Review / vote on the proposed subcommittee creation including the draft charge contained in this memo
• Solicit interest from Committee members so that I can make subcommittee appointments (2 or 3 individuals)
• Have a forward-looking discussion for all members to provide input on what they would like the subcommittee
to look for in prospective candidates
DRAFT CHARGE:
Counsel Recommendation Subcommittee
In partnership with Dr. Milaschewski, Dr. Stys and / or any other staff members that may be involved:
• Hold public meetings (as many as may be necessary) to conduct the subcommittee’s business
• Prepare a timeline for soliciting interest from qualified attorneys, evaluating candidates and developing a short
list
• Develop list of qualifications / requirements and a rubric for evaluating candidates
• Conduct interviews with preferred candidates
• Vote to recommend one or more candidates for consideration by the full Committee
• Coordinate with School Committee Chair to conduct full committee interviews (if applicable) or hold a full
committee vote on recommended candidate
This subcommittee will sunset when the work of the subcommittee is completed, or upon a vote of the full Committee,
whichever should come first. Ideally, the subcommittee would complete its work and prepare its recommendation no
later than the end of May.
If you have any questions about the formulation of a subcommittee, please reference policy BDE.
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 2, 2023
Calendar
Reading School Committee – Remaining SY22-23 Meetings
Note: All Regular SC Meetings will be held at the RMHS Library at 7 PM unless otherwise noted
February
February 9th – Regular SC Meeting
March
March 1st – Posted for Finance Committee review of School Committee’s Recommended Budget
March 2nd – Regular SC Meeting
March 16th – Regular SC Meeting
March 30th – Regular SC Meeting
April
April 6th – Regular SC Meeting
April 24th – Town Meeting Night 1
April 27th – Town Meeting Night 2
May
May 1st – Town Meeting Night 3
May 4th – Town Meeting Night 4
May 8th – Regular SC Meeting (Monday night)
May 25th – Regular SC Meeting
June
June 2nd – RMHS Graduation
June 8th – Regular SC Meeting
June 22nd – Regular SC Meeting