HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-25 School Committee PacketOpen Session 7:00p.m.
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Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 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 discussed
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: 2023-05-25 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Location:
Address: 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 discussed 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 (05-08-2023)
2. RMHS Band Parents Organization Donation
3. Friends of Reading Wrestling Donation
4. Coolidge Middle School Natures Classroom Field Trip Request
5. RMHS Varsity Lacrosse Field Trip Request
6. REF Grant Donation: Additional Funding
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
7:20 p.m. E. New Business
1. Comments from Milly Arbaje-Thomas, METCO President & CEO
2. Reading METCO Update
3. Friends of Reading METCO Introduction
4. SEPAC Introduction
5. Final Vote on 2023-2024 Budget and Capital Plan (A)
8:15 p.m. C. Personnel
1. Review Superintendent Review Process / Timeline
F. Information / Correspondence
1. Email from Brian Paulsen
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 discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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9:00 p.m. Adjourn
**Times are approximate
Please note, this meeting will not be broadcast live. The meeting will be recorded by RCTV
for later broadcast/availability on YouTube.
Consent Agenda
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 2023
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2023-05-08 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft
Attendees: Members - Present:
Shawn Brandt, Carla Nazzaro, Sarah McLaughlin (Remote), Charles
Robinson, and Tom Wise.
Members - Not Present:
Erin Gaffen
Others Present:
Superintendent Dr. Tom Milaschewski, Assistant Superintendent of Student
Services Dr. Jennifer Stys, Director of Special Education Allison Wright &
Student Jayda Hayes
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson.
Topics of Discussion:
A. Call to Order – Mr. Brandt called the meeting to order at 7pm and reviewed the agenda for
the evening.
B. Public Comment- Alicia Gallagher of 36 Augustus Court spoke on behalf of the St. Vincent
De Paul Society of St. Agnes church bringing awareness of the work they do providing food
to Reading families through their summer program. This is a free program offered to
families in Reading who are at risk of hunger during difficult financial times.
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (04-06-2023)
2. Reading Parents Supporting Theatre donation
3. Friends of Reading High School Baseball donation
4. Surplus Property
Ms. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson, vote
passed 5-0.
Reports
1. Student – Jayda Hayes reported students are moving through the fourth quarter of
the school year and we are seeing a dynamic time as the seniors prepare for
graduation. This is the second week of AP exams and there is some added stress, but
there is a lot of momentum moving towards the end of the school year. Seniors are
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reflecting on their time in the district and the many people who have impacted their
lives.
2. Assistant Superintendent of Student Services – Dr. Stys reported on the following:
a. There was a rescheduling of the Lynn Lyons presentation – more
information to come.
b. SEPAC will be offering a movie showing of the Anxious Nation on May 16th
which is a Lynn Lyons movie. All are welcome and more information can be
found on the website.
c. Unified Basketball is a new Basketball Team in Reading this year. Their final
home game is this Thursday at 4pm at RMHS.
d. We are celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurse Appreciation Week
and Food Service Appreciation Day. The Central Office thanks each
individual for the work they do.
3. Assistant Superintendent of Learning & Teaching – No report
4. Director of Finance and Operations – No Report
5. Superintendent – Dr. Milaschewski reported on the following:
a. As noted, it is Teacher Appreciation Week. We have amazing educators
across our district impacting the lives of our students and we thank them.
As a way to thank our teachers, the Central Office leadership team is
stepping in to cover as many classes, recess and lunch duties as possible.
b. Reading Education Foundation (REF) is in attendance tonight. Staff tributes
can be made to REF that help recognize and celebrate our teachers.
c. Information will go out this week about the Distinguished Teacher Award.
We have expanded the category to have non-RTA members awarded this
year as well such as secretaries, food service, custodians, paraprofessionals
etc.
d. We have some personnel updates that have been discussed in previous
meetings we would like to update you on:
i. Jessica Swindell has been appointed as the Joshua Eaton Assistant
Principal
ii. Parker Middle School has completed their Assistant Principal search
naming Dr. Story.
iii. The R.I.S.E Director search is ongoing and we thank Dr. King for
stepping into the interim role this year. We have two finalists and
hope to have more information to share next week.
iv. The Director of Finance & Operations search is underway and we
have four candidates coming in this week to meet with the
screening committee.
v. We did not find the right fit in our interview process for the K-8
STEM Coordinator position. We are reposting the position as a K-8
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Math and Science curriculum coordinator to see if we attract new
candidates.
e. We are in the process of writing a multi-year district strategic plan and
anticipate presenting to the School Committee in June.
f. Thank you to the School Committee and town leaders who stepped in on
April 26th for school visits.
6. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mr. Robinson – Update from Recreation Committee: The main topic of the
last meeting was the discussion of a warrant article for Birch Meadow
which passed at Town Meeting. SWEC met to discuss open meeting law
violations – the scope of the committee is being expanded.
b. Ms. Gaffen – No reports
c. Mr. Wise – The special education reserve fund was passed by Town
Meeting. The policy subcommittee will be taking that up shortly. Bylaw 4.2
was agreed to be changed by Town Meeting as well so the policy
committee will make that change. Other policy related items: at the last
meeting, the committee reviewed and approved six policies. School
Committee will review at the next meeting. The Legal Counsel
Subcommittee created an invitation letter to 14 legal law firms for the
student services legal counsel position receiving seven responses back. The
team will be interviewing six of the seven firms.
d. Ms. Nazzaro – The Killam Building Committee met and received six bids.
They have one week to review and set up a subcommittee to conduct
interviews.
e. Ms. McLaughlin – No report
f. Mr. Brandt – The School Committee recommended budget was approved
at Town Meeting.
E. New Business
1. Reading Education Foundation (REF) Grant Update
REF board members presented a check for $42,478 first giving a short overview of REF
and how this money is raised.
2. Special Education & Student Services Update
Dr. Stys and Ms. Wright presented an update on Student Services. The information in
the presentation is rooted in the strategic plan around sense of belonging. The
presentation is included in the School Committee packet. Some highlights from the
presentation include:
a. The district committed to gathering data and used the Panorama Data
System to survey grades 3-5 at the elementary level and 6-12 at the middle
and high school level.
b. Student services has identified next steps to positively impact the student
experience which include: fostering positive relationships, increasing access
to opportunities, providing professional learning, and examining policies and
practices.
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c. The Tiered Focused Monitoring (TFM) report has been approved by the state
with no findings.
d. Student services provided a timeline of upcoming special education program
reviews. They also provided a history of recommendations from past
reviews.
e. Finally, student services has launched a new logo that is rooted in the belief
“All Means All, Every Learner, Every Day”.
f. Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) Board member Ms. Maria
Morgan joined the meeting to acknowledge the hard work SEPAC and the
student services team puts in everyday and also to stress the importance of
family engagement for the students.
G. Executive Session
Ms. Nazzaro moved to enter into Executive session in preparation for negotiations with
nonunion personnel or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract
negotiations with nonunion personnel (Superintendent) and to discuss strategies with
respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental
effect on the bargaining or litigation position of the public body and the chair so
declares (and this is for all bargaining units) we will be returning from executive session
in approximately 45 minutes. Mr. Brandt so declared it would have a detrimental effect
on the bargaining position, seconded by Mr. Wise, vote passed 5-0.
Mr. Brandt called regular session back to order at 9:57 pm
C. Personnel
1. Superintendent Successor Contract Update & Potential Vote
The School Committee has reached an agreement with Dr. Milaschewski on a
Superintendent Successor Contract which will take effect on July 1, 2023. Some key
components include: a contract term of six (6) years, base salary will increase to
$214,000 starting July 1, 2023 and based on performance there will be an annual
increase of no less than 2.5%, a clause is being modified about a travel expense allowing
a $4,000 car allowance and finally, a longevity payment of $15,000 will be issued if the
six year contract is completed.
Ms. Nazzaro moved to ratify and approve an amended successor contract with Dr.
Milaschewski, seconded by Mr. Wise, vote passed 5-0.
Dr. Milaschewski thanked the School Committee and expressed his enthusiasm to
continue working with the Reading Public Schools District.
D. Old Business
1. Review and Approve Updated SY23-24 Calendar (A)
There were minor updates issued to the 2023-2024 school year calendar. The dates for
elementary and high school back to school nights have been swapped in September and
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the May open house night was moved to Thursday of the same week. The calendar is
posted on the district website.
Ms. Nazzaro moved to approve the updated SY 23-24 calendar, seconded by Mr. Wise,
vote passed 5-0.
E. New Business
1. School Choice – Review Available Seats and Potential Vote to Opt Out (A)
Dr. Milaschewski pointed out there were nine (9) students participating in school choice
this year leading to an additional $42,500 in funding for FY24. We see this program as a
good strategy to recruit and retain staff members across the district. The packet outlines
the number of seats available per grade. We do not anticipate filling every seat.
There is appreciation about the thoughtfulness around not squeezing class sizes and
setting expectations. A question was raised about collecting data as to why a student is
interested in coming to Reading for school. Families are called when accepted into the
program and we can ask this as a follow up question.
The committee would like to have a discussion in the future about a marketing approach
and whether it would be beneficial or not.
The committee will not opt out of school choice for SY23-24 therefore a public meeting
is not needed to discuss the topic.
2. Review and Vote to Submit Letter of Support in Favor of Earmarks (A)
There were four earmarks submitted on behalf of the district outlined in the packet. Mr.
Brandt drafted a note to send on behalf of the committee to representatives on Beacon
Hill. School Committee members discussed how priorities were determined. We looked
at one time funded items and what is on the radar of the district. Please note, we were
notified at the same time as the community about the music keyboards funding, but
there was no additional communication to discuss the ranking of items submitted.
School Committee members discussed adjusting the letter to prioritize items and ask for
reconsideration in the reconciliation budget. There are other grants and funding
opportunities for a few of the items listed in the letter, but Keys to Literacy would be the
item to advocate for in the next round as we are not sure where funding could come
from.
Ms. Nazzaro moved to submit a letter to our state delegation asking for further review
of our Keys to Literacy request of $40,000. Seconded by Mr. Robison, vote passed 5-0.
Ms. Nazzaro made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Wise, vote passed 5-0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy30lti9bPs
Meeting Adjourned 10:23pm.
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: May 22, 2023
RE: Vote to Accept donation RMHS Band Parents Organization
Please vote to accept a donation of $1,250 from the RMHS Band Parents Organization to Carly Sheehan
for her outstanding work with the 2023 RMHS Winter Guard.
Please find attached the award letter from Mr. Joe Mulligan, Director of Bands of Reading Memorial
High School.
Thank you.
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
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: May 22, 2023
RE: Vote to Accept Friends of Reading Wrestling Donation
Please vote to accept a donation of $2,949.13 from the Friends of Reading Wrestling to pay Coach John
Puleo for the 2022-2023 wrestling season.
Please find attached the award letter from Ms. Kerry Blomgucst, Treasurer of the Friends of Reading
Wrestling.
Thank you.
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
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: May 22, 2023
RE: Vote to Approve Nature’s Classroom Field Trip Request
Please vote to approve a Nature’s Classroom Field Trip request on behalf of Coolidge Middle School. The
dates of October 18-20, 2023 have been reserved, pending approval.
Please find attached the field trip approval form.
Thank you.
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
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: May 23, 2023
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Varsity Lacrosse Field Trip Form
Please vote to approve the RMHS Varsity Lacrosse Field Trip request. The request is for an out of state
scrimmage on May 30, 2023.
Please find attached the field trip approval form.
Thank you.
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
To: Reading School Committee
From: Susan Bottan, Director of Finance and Operations
Date: May 25, 2023
Re: School Committee Vote to Receive Reading Education Foundation Grant Donations:
Additional Grant Funding
The Reading Education Foundation has awarded an additional sum of $583.56 for the Wood End
Speech grant entitled Augmentative Alternative Communications Project. Since the REF grant
application was submitted in December, the materials cost of Talk to Me Technologies has
increased.
Thank you.
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
New Business
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 2023
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:
FROM:
DATE:
TOPIC:
Reading School Committee
Shawn Brandt, Reading School Committee Chair
May 22, 2023
May 25th Agenda Topics
In addition to the agenda items which have distinct memos in this packet, we will hear from a number of individuals
and groups on Thursday, including:
•Milly Arbaje-Thomas, the President and CEO of METCO, who will provide comments on the METCO program as a
whole.
•Kurtis Martin, Reading’s METCO Director, on the latest developments and progress within our own district.
•Friends of Reading METCO – introducing their organization and an overview of the important work they do on
behalf of our district.
•SEPAC – Members of the SEPAC board will join us to re-introduce SEPAC to our Boston-resident families.
Reading
METCO
2022-2023
Enrollment •June 2021, we had 47 Boston
resident students enrolled.
•October 2021 enrolment
increased to 67.
•October 2022 enrolment
increased to 103.
•4 new students added to the
district for 2023-2024 school
year.
•All new students have
adjusted right away making
connections with peers and
staff.
•Top 10 (Nov 2022)
1.Newton -414
2.Brookline – 293
3.Lexington – 219
4.Needham – 184
5.Weston – 165
6.Wellesley – 155
7.Wayland - 134
8.Melrose – 117
9.Reading – 103
10.Bedford – 98
11.Lincoln Sudbury Regional HS - 91
METCO
Coordinators/SAC
•We started the school year with 6 Coordinators/SAC.
•With the hiring of Jerika Santiago (New Coolidge/Parker
METCO Coordinator/SAC), we will have 7
Coordinators/SAC next year.
•“Jackson loves Mr. Brown and talks about him all the
time. As a parent it gives me flashbacks to when I was a
student hanging out in the METCO office with my METCO
Coordinator. I love the mentorship that my son is getting
from a black male in his school. I am a huge fan of the
METCO Coordinator role.” Naomi Brown-Jones
•“Cindy has made an amazing impact on the Birch
Meadow Community through her ability to forge deep
connections with both students, staff, and
families. People trust her and look to her for feedback
on tricky situations throughout the day.” Stephen
Burnham
Coordinator 2023-2024 Focus
Meeting with Boston resident students regularly to support academic, social, and emotional needs. (Small
groups, Individually)
Build connections and relationships with and between Boston and Reading resident students.
Build connections and relationships with and between Boston & Reading resident families.
Act as a member of the school leadership team; model culturally responsive leadership competencies.
Assisting principals & teachers with proactive & responsive communication with the Boston resident families
regarding their students experience in school, including academic, social and emotional progress.
HBCU Tour Reflection
Highlights from the year
•ZaZ Black History month lunch.
•Apple picking
•Race Class.
•MDA Conference turnout.
•Middle School students attending and participating in all after school events.
•Middle School boys taking part in Boston Follow Suit program.
•Middle School students participating in Empower Our Crown. (8-week program self-belonging, team building, mental health awareness, identity and self-esteem, emotional and social skills, personal development, communication skills, and advocacy).
•Advocacy Day
•Killam - Ally Horton teaching students Jazz, Blues, Hip Hop, Reggae, rock bands from Tokyo
Senior
Shoutout
•Alvin Day
•Bianca Fergsuon
2023-2024 Focus
Found Family.Sense of belonging.
More cultural learning
events throughout
the district and in the
classroom.
School field trips in
Boston.
Roll out of new high
school coordinator.
More cultural
responsiveness PD
opportunities for staff.
More academic
support for Boston
resident students who
need it.
Bus monitor for
elementary bus.
Shortening the
afternoon school pick
up for elementary
bus.
Increase partnership
with friends of
Reading METCO.
Our Purpose
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Susan Bottan, Director of Finance and Operations
DATE: May 25, 2023
RE: FY24 Final Budget Approval
On May 25, 2023, School Committee will be asked to approve the Final FY24 Operating and Capital
Budgets for Reading Public Schools, as appropriated by Annual Town Meeting in April, 2023:
Cost Center FY24
Appropriated
Budget
% Change
FY24 v. FY23
Administration 1,311,157$ 0.57%
Regular Day 31,954,246$ 7.57%
Special Education 16,716,166$ -1.27%
School Facilities 1,644,782$ 1.48%
District Wide 2,380,272$ 7.10%
Total 54,006,623$ 4.29%
FY24 APPROPRIATED BUDGET
CORE Capital Budget
Capital Request School Description FY 24
Arc Flash Hazard Study All Schools Safety assessment of electrical equipment 163,000
Total CORE 163,000
SCHOOL DEPT Capital Budget
Capital Request School Description FY 24
Phones Districtwide Annual repairs, replacements as needed 10,000
Network Districtwide Annual upgrades to Network as needed 100,000
Security Districtwide Card Readers & Vehicle Barriers 65,000
Total SCHOOL 175,000
GRAND TOTAL 338,000
FY 24 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CAPITAL BUDGET
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
Personnel
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 2023
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: May 22, 2023
TOPIC: Superintendent Evaluation Process and Timeline
At our meeting on May 25th, we will kick off the Year End Summative Review process for Dr. Milaschewski. This process
will be completed at our June 22nd meeting. Listed below are Dr. Milaschewski’s goals as approved by the committee, as
well as a reminder of the Focus Indicators against which we have agreed to evaluate. Finally, you’ll find the timeline for
submitting and reviewing individual evaluations, as well as a link to the relevant forms / documents via DESE.
Goals
Goal 1 (District Improvement Goal): District Strategic Plan: Design and publish multi-year district strategic plan by
June 30, 2023.
Key Actions
1.Organize key themes identified through several review processes, including but not limited to the
Superintendent Entry Plan Report, DESE District Review, and Special Education program reviews to create
outline of District Strategic Plan.
2.Collaborate with District Leadership Team and school-based staff to articulate specific strategic objectives,
initiatives, and outcomes for the District Strategic Plan.
3.Gather feedback from various RPS stakeholder groups to inform finalization of District Strategic Plan.
4.Publish District Strategic Plan on district website and through district communication channels.
Benchmarks
1.Present outline of District Strategic Plan to School Committee by February 28th, 2023.
2.Present first draft of District Strategic Plan to School Committee by May 15th, 2023.
3.Gather community feedback (staff, students, families) on District Strategic Plan through listening sessions and
surveys by June 1st, 2023.
4.Present District Strategic Plan, reflecting community feedback, to School Committee for approval by June 30th,
2023.
Goal 2 (District Improvement Goal): Innovations: Prioritize, address, and/or create path forward to address structural
and systematic issues/themes/dilemmas outlined in Superintendent’s Report of Entry Findings, including elementary
half-days, secondary math pathways, school schedules, RMHS innovation pathways, middle school literacy
curriculum, elementary musical programming, full-day Kindergarten, and community partnerships.
Key Actions
1.Identify 2-3 themes that should be prioritized within the 2022-2023 school year. This prioritization should focus
on themes that can be fully resolved, or gain major traction, during the year.
2.Create collaborative teams for each of these priority themes to calibrate on the issue and determine paths
forward to reach positive outcomes.
3.Ensure each collaborative team defines problem statement, ideal outcomes, and action steps to move forward.
4.Engage community within the 2-3 prioritized themes to ensure that community voice and perspectives are
reflected in progress.
5.Include themes not addressed as priority themes for the 2022-2023 school year within the finalized District
Strategic Plan. The District Strategic Plan should map out a path forward to resolving or addressing the theme.
Benchmarks
1.At Superintendent's Formative Evaluation, provide a progress update that includes the 2-3 priority themes for
2022-2023 and the rationale for their selection.
2.Between Formative Evaluation and Summative Evaluation, provide update presentations to School Committee
on all of the themes, including those not selected as priority themes for 2022-2023, focusing on the ongoing
work of the collaborative teams and/or what’s ahead.
3.At the Summative Evaluation, provide an update on all themes, with each including a clear problem statement,
ideal outcome, and action steps required to move from current state to ideal outcome.
4.By June 30th, 2023, highlight themes that have been addressed during the 2022-2023 school year and outline
how all themes have been integrated within District Strategic Plan during a School Committee meeting.
Goal 3 (Student Learning Goal): Coaching, Developing, and Supporting Principals. Implement a district strategy for
coaching, supporting, and developing principal talent
Key Actions
1.Implement structures that reflect best practices for coaching, supporting, and developing principals that align to
Reading context.
2.Onboard school leaders with goals, rationale, and structures for district approach in coaching, supporting, and
developing principal talent.
3.Build partnerships with educational leadership organizations/groups as necessary to support strategy.
4.Select focus area(s) for principal leadership and align professional development, resources, and support to that
focus area.
5.Consistently monitor progress and effectiveness to drive adjustments in strategy or approach.
Benchmarks
1.Analysis of agendas, protocols, and resources with a focus on the connection to student learning (process)
2.Formative feedback through ongoing principal surveys addressing impact of strategy on student learning
(process)
3.Interviews with principals addressing impact of strategy on student learning (process)
4.Analysis of statewide student growth measures, common assessment data, student work samples, and teacher
instructional practice (outcome)
Goal 4 (Professional Practice Goal): New Superintendent Induction Program. Develop skills in strategy development,
data analysis, equity and instructional leadership by actively engaging in the second year of the New Superintendent
Induction Program.
Key Actions
1.Attend six day-long sessions.
2.Complete all NSIP assignments.
3.Meet with assigned coach at least monthly.
Benchmarks
1.Calendar documents attendance and contact with coach (process).
2.Verification from NSIP that superintendent actively engaged in first year of the program (process and outcome).
Focus Indicators
Below are the nine focus indicators we agreed to evaluate during this performance year. These are the only indicators
upon which you should base your evaluation, though you are welcome to make comments about additional indicators:
I-B Instruction: Ensures that practices in all settings reflect high expectations regarding content and quality of effort and
work, engage all students, and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning styles, needs, interests, and levels of
readiness.
I-C Assessment: Ensures that all principals and administrators facilitate practices that propel personnel to use a variety
of formal and informal methods and assessments to measure student learning, growth, and understanding and make
necessary adjustments to their practice when students are not learning.
II-A Environment: Develops and executes effective plans, procedures, routines, and operational systems to address a full
range of safety, health, emotional, and social needs.
II-B Human Resources Management and Development: Implements a cohesive approach to recruiting, hiring, induction,
development, and career growth that promotes high-quality and effective practice.
II-C Scheduling and Management Information Systems: Uses systems to ensure optimal use of data and time for
teaching, learning, and collaboration, minimizing disruptions and distractions for school-level staff.
II-E Fiscal Systems: Develops a budget that supports the district’s vision, mission, and goals; allocates and manages
expenditures consistent with district- and school-level goals and available resources.
III-C Communication: Engages in regular, two-way, culturally proficient communication with families and community
stakeholders about student learning and performance.
IV-A Commitment to High Standards: Fosters a shared commitment to high standards of service, teaching, and learning
with high expectations for achievement for all.
IV-E Shared Vision: Successfully and continuously engages all stakeholders in the creation of a shared educational vision
in which every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education and become a responsible citizen and global
contributor.
Timeline
No later than June 11 – submit draft individual evaluation to Superintendent and Ms. Lejeune
June 12-16 – individual committee members meet with Superintendent to discuss evaluations and submit any revisions
to Dr. Milaschewski, Ms. Lejeune and the Chair
June 17-19 – Chair creates consensus evaluation for distribution via June 22nd meeting packet
June 22 – Review and approve final consensus evaluation at School Committee meeting
Relevant Links
Massachusetts Model System for Educator Evaluation – includes the rating form on pages 31-37
Superintendent rubric – describes the focus indicators in detail and outlines the standards for alignment
Superintendent Evaluation
May 25th, 2023 School Committee Meeting
Superintendent Goals Review
●Goal 1 (District Improvement Goal): District Strategic Plan
●Goal 2 (District Improvement Goal): Innovations
●Goal 3 (Professional Practice Goal): Coaching, Developing and Supporting
Principals
●Goal 4 (Student Learning Goal): New Superintendent Induction Program
Design and publish multi-year district strategic plan by June 30, 2023.
Goal 1 (District Improvement Goal): District
Strategic Plan
Goal 1: District Strategic Plan
Key Actions
1.Organize key themes identified through several review processes, including but not limited to the
Superintendent Entry Plan Report, DESE District Review, and Special Education program reviews
to create outline of District Strategic Plan.
2.Collaborate with District Leadership Team and school-based staff to articulate specific strategic
objectives, initiatives, and outcomes for the District Strategic Plan.
3.Gather feedback from various RPS stakeholder groups to inform finalization of District Strategic
Plan.
4.Publish District Strategic Plan on district website and through district communication channels.
Benchmarks
1.Present outline of District Strategic Plan to School Committee by February 28th, 2023.
2.Present first draft of District Strategic Plan to School Committee by May 15th, 2023.
3.Gather community feedback (staff, students, families) on District Strategic Plan through
listening sessions and surveys by June 1st, 2023.
4.Present District Strategic Plan, reflecting community feedback, to School Committee for
approval by June 30th, 2023.
Goal 1: District Strategic Plan
Goal 2 (District Improvement Goal): Innovations
Prioritize, address, and/or create path forward to address structural and systematic
issues/themes/dilemmas outlined in Superintendent’s Report of Entry Findings, including
elementary half-days, secondary math pathways, school schedules, RMHS innovation
pathways, middle school literacy curriculum, elementary musical programming, full-day
Kindergarten, and community partnerships.
Goal 2: Innovations
Key Actions
1.Identify 2-3 themes that should be prioritized within the 2022-2023 school year. This prioritization should
focus on themes that can be fully resolved, or gain major traction, during the year.
2.Create collaborative teams for each of these priority themes to calibrate on the issue and determine paths
forward to reach positive outcomes.
3.Ensure each collaborative team defines problem statement, ideal outcomes, and action steps to move
forward.
4.Engage community within the 2-3 prioritized themes to ensure that community voice and perspectives are
reflected in progress.
5.Include themes not addressed as priority themes for the 2022-2023 school year within the finalized District
Strategic Plan. The District Strategic Plan should map out a path forward to resolving or addressing the theme.
Goal 2: Innovations
Benchmarks
1.At Superintendent's Formative Evaluation, provide a progress update that includes the 2-3 priority themes for
2022-2023 and the rationale for their selection.
2.Between Formative Evaluation and Summative Evaluation, provide update presentations to School Committee
on all of the themes, including those not selected as priority themes for 2022-2023, focusing on the ongoing
work of the collaborative teams and/or what’s ahead.
3.At the Summative Evaluation, provide an update on all themes, with each including a clear problem
statement, ideal outcome, and action steps required to move from current state to ideal outcome.
4.By June 30th, 2023, highlight themes that have been addressed during the 2022-2023 school year and outline
how all themes have been integrated within District Strategic Plan during a School Committee meeting.
Implement a district strategy for coaching, supporting, and developing principal talent
Goal 3 (Professional Practice):
Coaching, Developing, and Supporting Principals
Goal 3: Coaching, Developing, and Supporting
Principals
Key Actions
1.Implement structures that reflect best practices for coaching, supporting, and developing principals that align
to Reading context.
2.Onboard school leaders with goals, rationale, and structures for district approach in coaching, supporting, and
developing principal talent.
3.Build partnerships with educational leadership organizations/groups as necessary to support strategy.
4.Select focus area(s) for principal leadership and align professional development, resources, and support to that
focus area.
5.Consistently monitor progress and effectiveness to drive adjustments in strategy or approach.
Goal 3: Coaching, Developing, and Supporting
Principals
Benchmarks
1.Analysis of agendas, protocols, and resources with a focus on the connection to student
learning (process)
2.Formative feedback through ongoing principal surveys addressing impact of strategy on
student learning (process)
3.Interviews with principals addressing impact of strategy on student learning (process)
4.Analysis of statewide student growth measures, common assessment data, student work
samples, and teacher instructional practice (outcome)
Develop skills in strategy development, data analysis, equity and instructional leadership by actively
engaging in the second year of the New Superintendent Induction Program.
Goal 4: New Superintendent Induction Program
Goal 4: New Superintendent Induction Program
Key Actions
1.Attend six day-long sessions.
2.Complete all NSIP assignments.
3.Meet with assigned coach at least monthly.
Benchmarks
1.Calendar documents attendance and contact with coach (process).
2.Verification from NSIP that superintendent actively engaged in first year of the program
(process and outcome).
Goal 4: New Superintendent Induction Program
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
1.I-B Instruction
2.I-C Assessment
3.II-A Environment
4.II-B Human Resources Management and Development
5.II-C Scheduling and Management Information Systems
6.II-E Fiscal Systems
7.III-C Communication
8.IV-A Commitment to High Standards
9.IV-E Shared Visions
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
I-B Instruction: Ensures that practices in all settings reflect high expectations regarding content and
quality of effort and work, engage all students, and are personalized to accommodate diverse learning
styles, needs, interests, and levels of readiness.
I-C Assessment: Ensures that all principals and administrators facilitate practices that propel personnel
to use a variety of formal and informal methods and assessments to measure student learning,
growth, and understanding and make necessary adjustments to their practice when students are not
learning.
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
II-A Environment: Develops and executes effective plans, procedures, routines, and operational systems to address a
full range of safety, health, emotional, and social needs.
II-B Human Resources Management and Development: Implements a cohesive approach to recruiting, hiring,
induction, development, and career growth that promotes high-quality and effective practice.
II-C Scheduling and Management Information Systems: Uses systems to ensure optimal use of data and time for
teaching, learning, and collaboration, minimizing disruptions and distractions for school-level staff.
II-E Fiscal Systems: Develops a budget that supports the district’s vision, mission, and goals; allocates and manages
expenditures consistent with district- and school-level goals and available resources.
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
III-C Communication: Engages in regular, two-way, culturally proficient communication with families
and community stakeholders about student learning and performance.
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
IV-A Commitment to High Standards: Fosters a shared commitment to high standards of service,
teaching, and learning with high expectations for achievement for all.
Superintendent’s Performance Rating Focus
Indicators
IV-E Shared Vision: Successfully and continuously engages all stakeholders in the creation of a shared
educational vision in which every student is prepared to succeed in postsecondary education and
become a responsible citizen and global contributor.
Information/Correspondence
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 2023
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Milaschewski, Thomas
bp94960@yahoo.com; DG School Committee
RE: Youth Risk Behavioral Survey Thursday,
May 18, 2023 3:48:07 PM
Hi Brian,
I hope you are well! Below is a response that Rochelle Rubino (Parker Principal) just shared with her
families. This is the same response that Sarah Marchant (Coolidge Principal) shared with her families.
We are all in full agreement that the survey should be shared electronically and we are also taking
some time to look in to the other questions and feedback that we’ve heard from families. We will be
in touch with any additional adjustments that we plan to make prior to administering the survey. In
the meantime, let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss in more detail.
Best,
Tom
Dear Parker Families,
Over the past few weeks, we have shared out information regarding the YRBS survey.
We appreciate those who have reached out with questions and feedback on both the
survey administration process and the content of the survey. While we planned to
administer the survey this coming week, we are going to hold off until we have the
chance to review all questions and feedback and make any appropriate adjustments.
We will follow up with new survey administration dates and any updates to our
process/survey soon.
Sincerely,
Rochelle Rubino, Parker Principal
Sarah Marchant, Coolidge Principal
Tom Milaschewski, Superintendent
Jen Stys, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Sarah Hardy, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching
Erica McNamara, Reading Coalition Director
Krystal Mellonakos-Garay, Reading Coalition Outreach Coordinator
From: Milaschewski, Thomas
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 3:48 PM
To: Brian Paulsen <bp94960@yahoo.com>; DG School Committee
<SchoolCommittee@reading.k12.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Youth Risk Behavioral Survey
Hi Brian,
Thanks for reaching out on this. I will respond tomorrow with more context, but I wanted to let you
know that we are going to make a shift and share the survey electronically. Our team (principals,
RCPS Director, etc) agree with your feedback.
I’ll be in touch shortly with more information.
Best,
Tom
From: Brian Paulsen <bp94960@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 1:36 PM
To: Milaschewski, Thomas <Thomas.Milaschewski@reading.k12.ma.us>; DG School Committee
<SchoolCommittee@reading.k12.ma.us>
Subject: Youth Risk Behavioral Survey
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe.
Good Afternoon Dr Milaschewski and School Committee members,
I went down to view the survey be given to 6-12th graders the week of 5/22. Although it wasn't as bad as the Boston
Middle School Survey I found it still inappropriate to give to middle school students especially 6th graders. When I
contacted Coolidge about getting a copy of the survey I was told that the survey was not being sent to parents and to
reach out to the Reading Coalition Prevention and Support director.
The RCPS director told me that the survey wasn't being sent to all parents to "ensure parents view the correct
survey". When I asked "How in 2023 can you not trust school principals to attach the correct survey to an email?" I
was told very bluntly that "this was the way the survey is being handled."
An email was sent out to all parents on 5/8 saying we could schedule a time during view the survey at the school
because they only have one hard copy. This is unacceptable. What about the parents that work full-time and can't
make it into the school? All parents should have a chance to view any and all material with this content before it's
given to our children. In doing so it's gives us a chance to either opt out or at least discuss the questions with our
kids first.
This is very sneaky and makes RPS look untrustworthy. Please consider sending all middle and high school parents
a copy of this survey before next week (5/22).
Thanks,
Brian Paulsen
John Carver Rd
Calendar
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
May 25, 2023
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
June
June 2nd – RMHS Graduation
June 8th – Regular SC Meeting
June 22nd – Regular SC Meeting