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Home My WebLink About2024-02-08 School Committee PacketOpen Session 7:00p.m. Reading Memorial High School Library Reading, MA Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet February 8, 2024 Consent Agenda Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet February 8, 2024 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. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2024-02-08 Time: 7:00 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda: Purpose: Open Session Meeting Called By: Thomas Wise, 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 7:00 p.m. B. Public Comment Focus on Excellence 1. Parker Kindness Kits Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (01-25-2024) 2. RMHS Basketball Support Team Donation 3. Habitat for Humanity Field Trip Request 4. Request to Surplus Property Warrant Reports 1. 12-22-2023 2. 01-05-2024 3. 01-19-2024 4. 01-25-2024 5. 02-01-2024 Reports 1. Student 2. Director of Finance & Operations 3. Superintendent 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee 7:15 p.m. E. New Business 1. Killam Building Project Update with Designer Lavallee | Brensinger Architects (LBA) 2. FY25 School Calendar Initial Review & Discussion 3. FY24 Q2 Financial Report w/ Potential Budget Transfer Approvals 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. Page | 2 F. Information / Correspondence 1. “RE: Letter for Varsity Asst Coach Salary” – O’Brien, Kristen 9:30 p.m. Adjourn Join Zoom Meeting https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/83025812463 Meeting ID: 830 2581 2463 Find your local number: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/u/kcidlDi7gs Kindness Kits Pine Street Inn, Boston Pine Street Inn About the Pine Street Inn Founded in 1969, Pine Street Inn provides a comprehensive range of services to over 2,000 individuals each day. They are the largest homeless services provider in New England, and could not do their work without the support of their community of friends and supporters like us, today. Pine Street’s programs include permanent housing, emergency shelter, street outreach and workforce development. Their goal is to end homelessness by making the safety and stability of permanent housing a reality for all. Importance of our “Kindness Kits” Outreach Bags Pine Street Inn's Street Outreach teams offer clothing, food, blankets, health care referrals and human contact to homeless individuals who - often struggling with mental illness and addiction - choose not to come into shelter. The team works to build trust with these individuals. Through these relationships, many chronically homeless people have moved from the streets to permanent housing and toward independence. Pine Street's Outreach Van program has run every night since 1986. Pine Street is the only organization offering consistent nightly street outreach in Boston. Their vans travel the city streets from 9:00pm to 5:00am, providing assistance and compassion to upwards of 100 people staying on the street in Boston each night. They go out regardless of the weather. In fact, the need is greatest during blizzards, hurricanes, and heat waves. A message from the Outreach Team at PSI “Pine Street Inn has an operating budget of close to $85 million. Collectively these types of donation drives happen all throughout the year to support our guests and tenants on the street, in the shelter, job training and in housing. Because of the generosity of communities like Parker Middle, we are able to supply individuals with basic necessities, while at the same helping to cover the costs that PSI would otherwise incur, thus allowing more resources to be allocated to the different strategies/programs aimed at helping people get out of shelter and into housing.” Some Images from our Collection this Year! Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG 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: Draft 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 | 2 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 RIF. 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 | 3 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. TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: February 6, 2024 RE: Vote to Accept RMHS Basketball Support Team Donation Please vote to accept a donation of $2,800 from the RMHS Basketball Support Team. This donation is in support of the RMHS girls varsity basketball assistant coach, John Campbell. Please find attached the donation letter from Kristen O’Brien. 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: February 6, 2024 RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Field Trip Request Please vote to approve an out of state, overnight field trip request to Winston-Salem, North Carolina for a Habitat for Humanity Summer volunteer trip. The trip will take place from July 13 – July 20 and it is anticipated that students from grades 10, 11 and 12 will participate. 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: Thomas Zaya, Assistant Principal Athletics/Student Activities (RMHS) Derek Pinto, Director of Finance and Operations DATE: February 8, 2024 RE: Request to Surplus Property In compliance with the surplus disposition requirements of Massachusetts procurement law MGL Chapter 30B, I ask that the School Committee declare the items outlined below as surplus property: Reading Memorial High School Item Number Age Reason Portable Scoreboard 1 Approx. 20yrs old Does not work Once declared, the school department will take the required steps to offer these items to Town departments, or resold, or disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please feel free to contact me with questions about this request. 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 February 8, 2024 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: February 6, 2024 RE: Killam Building Project Update with Designer Lavallee | Brensinger Architects (LBA) During the 2/8 School Committee meeting, Lavallee | Brensinger Architects (LBA) and Colliers will provide a brief update on where we have been the last several months and a look ahead as we continue forward in the “design” stage of the planning for a new Killam School building. 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 J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 "A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS" TEAM My Learning Place Educational Programming Samiotes Civil Engineering, Site Survey B+AC Structural Engineering CES HVAC & Electrical Engineering CA Crowley Plumbing & Fire Protection Engineering Terraink Landscape Architect Thornton Tomasetti Sustainability Consultant Hastings Consulting Code Consultant KMA Accessibility Consultant PM+C Cost Estimator Crabtree McGrath Kitchen/Food Services Consultant 3si Security, Technology, AV, Telcom Acentech Acoustical Consultant Kalin Associates Specifications Consultant Gene Leitermann Theatrical Consultant Mohar Design Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment (FF+E) GPI Traffic Consultant UEC Hazardous Materials FS Environmental Lahlaf Geotechnical Engineering MIKE CARROLL Project Director SUZANNA YEUNG Owner’s Project Manager DEREK OSTERMAN Sr. Project Director LEIGH SHERWOOD Principal-in-Charge JENNI KATAJAMAKI Project Manager DAVID HARRIS Project Manager Design Phase SCOTT REYNOLDS Project Designer DESIGNEROWNER’S PROJECT MANAGER SUB-CONSULTANTS J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 PRELIMINARY OVERALL PROJECT SCHEDULE*““ 2023 Feasibility Study SELECTDESIGNERMay 20 PDP Submission Schematic Design Design Dev August 21 PSR Submission Dec 2023 - August 2024 April 30 MSBA Approval Sept 2024- Feb 2025 Construction Documents Building Construction June – Oct 2025 Nov 2025 – June 2026 August 2026 - October 2028 Nov Architect Selection Fall 2028 Move-In 2024 2026 20272025 June Town Vote June 2028 Substantial Completion August Bid Award 2028 2029 Site Demo & Construction Fall 2028– Summer 2029 Summer 2029 Final Completion *Assumes New Construction and Chapter 149 Procurement 2024 PRELIMINARY DESIGN PROGRAM PROGRAM & CRITERIA PREFERRED SCHEMATIC REPORT KICK-OFF FEB MAR APR MAYJAN SEPJULAUG OCTJUN PROJECT CHARTER SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATIONAL PLANNING MSBA PROCESS TRAFFIC, SITE, & COMMUNITY DESIGN & COST ESTIMATING TRAFFIC ANALYSIS $$DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES PDP EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES PSR SCHEMATIC DESIGN FAS 10/30/24 MSBA BOD MSBA REVEW DISTRICT RESPONSE MSBA REVEW DISTRICT RESPONSE 5/20/24 PDP SUBMITTAL 8/21/24 PSR SUBMITTAL PROGRAM $$ NARR 7/18/24 PDP ACCEPTANCE EXISTING CONDITIONS PRELIMINARY ENERGY MODELING PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY WORK PLAN TODAY J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS A SENSE OF BELONGING COMMUNITY-CENTERED EDUCATIONAL VISION RESPONSIBLE SUSTAINABILITY SAFE & HEALTHY PROJECT GOALS J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 EDUCATIONAL VISIONING - SHADOWING WHAT MAKES KILLAM, KILLAM?? •Warm and welcoming community •People like one another •TRRFCC values J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 EDUCATIONAL VISIONING – SCHOOL TOURS Mindess Elementary Ashland, MA Center Elementary Tewksbury, MA Smith Elementary Danvers, MA J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 EXISTING CONDITIONS ASSESSMENTS Completed Existing Conditions Assessments of the Building and Systems: •Architecture •MEP •Telcom/PA/Security •Structure •Code & Accessibility In progress: •Site Survey •Traffic Study •Environmental Assessment •Geotechnical •Hazardous Materials J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATIONS •Identified community meeting times and dates through August •Website under construction •Identified Project Sustainability Goals •Identified baseline Sustainability requirements (code and MSBA) •Identified potential incentives and rebates J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 NEXT STEPS •Next SBC Meetings: March 11 – Educational Visioning March 25 – Traffic, Site Analysis, & Existing Conditions •Next Community Meetings: Feb. 29 – Sustainability Goals & Project Charter March 18 – Site and Traffic Listening Session •Space Programming – March 5-7 •Finalize Existing Conditions Assessments •Develop Initial Site & Massing Strategies J. WARREN KILLAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOWN OF READING School Board Meeting | 2/8/2024 THANK YOU TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Dr. Sarah Hardy, Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Teaching DATE: February 6, 2024 RE: FY25 School Calendar Initial Review & Discussion In anticipation of a School Committee vote on the final 2024-2025 school calendar on February 29, we will present a first draft of the calendar during the February 8th School Committee meeting. In preparing this draft, the central office leadership team reviewed the calendar for 2023-24 to determine which dates should be brought forward in the same timeframe and which dates needed reconsideration. Below are some items that are shifted in the 2024-25 school year calendar. • In consultation with the leadership team and by incorporating feedback from preschool families, the schedule for RISE Back to School nights was adjusted. In the 2024-25 school year RISE Back to School nights will be based on the school/location of the preschool program instead of being on the same evening. Therefore, preschool classrooms at Wood End and Killam will hold their Back-to-School nights on the same evening as the elementary schools. Preschool classrooms at RMHS will hold their Back-to-School night on the next night, which happens to be the RMHS night. In years past, RISE has always held their Back-to-School night on a separate night from elementary, because so many families who have preschoolers also have students in K- 5. However, preschool families have expressed that their priority for Back-to-School night is attending their child's school and being able to spend time in their child's preschool classroom. This format will allow the PK families at Wood End and Killam to participate as members of those school communities in this event. • Based on feedback from building leaders and teachers, elementary conferences will shift back to November in the 2024-25 school year. • The calendar indicates the November conferences will be held for Grades PK-12. Our middle school leaders are currently working with their staff to determine an appropriate model for middle school conferences. • School will be closed on Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24, leading into the winter break. Opening school on those two days would likely have resulted in increased absences as many families in our school community travel for the holidays and/or have family commitments. 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 Reading Public Schools | 2024-2025 CALENDAR AUGUST ‘24 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 V 31 19-23 New Staff Induction 26-27 Teacher In-Service: No School 28 First day of School (1-12) 28-29 Pre-K & K Orientation 30 No School Teacher Days: 4 Student Days: 2 JANUARY ‘25 S M T W Th F S H 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 H 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 New Year's Day: No School 2 School Resumes 10 MS & HS Early Dismissal 20 M.L.K. Day: No School Teacher Days: 21 Student Days: 21 SEPTEMBER ‘24 S M T W Th F S 1 H 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 2 Labor Day: No School 3 First day of School PK and K 11 PK-5 Back to School Night** 12 PK & HS Back to School Night (Early Dismissal)** 19 MS Back to School Night (Early Dismissal) 27 MS & HS Early Dismissal Teacher Days: 20 Student Days: 20 FEBRUARY ‘25 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 H V V V V 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 7 MS & HS Early Dismissal 17 Presidents’ Day: No School 18-21 February Vacation: No School Teacher Days: 15 Student Days: 15 OCTOBER ‘24 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 H 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 14 Columbus Day: No School 25 MS & HS Early Dismissal Teacher Days: 22 Student Days: 22 MARCH ‘25 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 10 Teacher In-Service: No School Teacher Days: 21 Student Days: 20 NOVEMBER ‘24 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 H 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 H H 30 5 Teacher In-Service: No School 11 Veterans Day: No School 14 PK-5 Conferences: Early Release 15 Conferences PK-12: No School 27 Early Release* 28-29 Thanksgiving Recess: No School Teacher Days: 18 Student Days: 16 APRIL ‘25 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 H V V V V 26 27 28 29 30 4 MS & HS Early Dismissal 21 Patriots’ Day: No School 22-25 April Vacation: No School Teacher Days: 17 Student Days: 17 DECEMBER ‘24 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 V V H V V 28 29 V V 23-31 Winter Recess: No School Teacher Days: 15 Student Days: 15 MAY ‘25 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 H 27 28 29 30 31 9 MS & HS Early Dismissal 15 PK-5 Open House 22 MS Open House (Early Dismissal) 26 Memorial Day: No School 30 High School Graduation Teacher Days: 21 Student Days: 21 *Note: On 11/27/24 and the last day of school, the below release schedule will be observed: District-Wide Early Release Schedule School: Start: Early Release: Elementary 8:25 AM 11:00 AM Middle 7:50 AM 10:45 AM High School 8:30 AM 11:15 AM Total Student Days: 180 Total Teacher Days: 185 JUNE ‘25 S M T W Th F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 H 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 16 Last Day of School (Early Release)* (No Snow Days) 19 Juneteenth 24 Last Day of School (Early Release) * (5 Snow Days) Teacher Days Without Snow Days:11 Student Days Without Snow Days: 11 School Closed District-Wide Early Release Teacher In-Service Days: No students Early Dismissal for HS/MS BACK TO SCHOOL AND OPEN HOUSE NIGHTS . Fall: Back to School Nights Preschool – 5th Grade – September 11, 2024 Middle School – September 19, 2024 Preschool & High School – September 12, 2024 Spring: Open Houses PK and Elementary – May 15, 2025 Middle School – May 22, 2025 **Wood End and Killam Pre-K locations will have Back to School the same night as Elementary. The High School Pre-K location will be the same night as High School Back to School Night. PARENT/GUARDIAN – TEACHER CONFERENCES Preschool – 5th Grade: November 14, 2024 Preschool – 12th Grade: November 15, 2024 Preschool and ELEMENTARY EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS Elementary will be dismissed at 12:45 every Friday. Exceptions are listed below and Preschool early dismissals are noted: November 27, 2024 District-Wide Early Release 11:00 AM June 16/24, 2025 Last Day of School 11:00 AM SCHOOL START AND RELEASE TIMES . School Start Time End Time Early Dismissal District-Wide Early Release Elementary 8:25 AM 2:45 PM 12:45 PM 11:00 AM Middle 7:50 AM 2:30 PM 12:30 PM 10:45 AM High 8:30 AM 3:02 PM 1:02 PM 11:15 AM MIDDLE SCHOOL EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS .. September 19, 2024 Back to School Night 12:30 PM September 27, 2024 Professional Development 12:30 PM October 25, 2024 Professional Development 12:30 PM November 27, 2024 District-Wide Early Release 10:45 AM January 10, 2025 Professional Development 12:30 PM February 7, 2025 Professional Development 12:30 PM April 4, 2025 Professional Development 12:30 PM May 9, 2025 Professional Development 12:30 PM May 22, 2025 MS Open House 12:30 PM June 16/24, 2025 Last Day of School 10:45 AM STUDENT ABSENTEE LINES: . HIGH SCHOOL EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS .. September 12, 2024 Back to School Night 1:04 PM September 27, 2024 Professional Development 1:04 PM October 25, 2024 Professional Development 1:04 PM November 27, 2024 District-Wide Early Release 11:15 AM January 10, 2025 Professional Development 1:04 PM February 7, 2025 Professional Development 1:04 PM April 4, 2025 Professional Development 1:04 PM May 9, 2025 Professional Development 1:04 PM June 16/24, 2025 Last Day of School 11:15 AM SCHOOL CLOSURE DATES August 30, 2024 January 1, 2025 September 2, 2024 January 20, 2025 October 14, 2024 February 17 – 21, 2025 November 5, 2024 March 10, 2025 November 11, 2024 April 21 – 25, 2025 November 15, 2024 May 26, 2025 November 28 – 29, 2024 December 23 – 31, 2024 June 19, 2025 EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR July 7 – August 7, 2025 Reading Public Schools | 2024-2025 CALENDAR Barrows ambabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-942-9166 Birch Meadow bmeabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-944-2335 Joshua Eaton jeeabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-942-9161 Killam JWKAbsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-944--7831 Wood End weeabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-942-5420 Parker wspabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-944-1236 Coolidge awcabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-942-9158 RMHS RMHSAttendance@reading.k12.ma.us 781-670-2819 RISE riseabsences@reading.k12.ma.us 781-942-9179 When sending an email or leaving a voice message, please leave your child's name, teacher name (if elementary), reason for absence/tardy and expected date/time of return. ADDITIONAL MAJOR RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL HOLIDAYS Oct 3-4* Rosh Hashanah** Jan 7 Orthodox Christmas Oct 12* Yom Kippur** Jan 29 Lunar New Year Nov 1 Diwali Begins Mar 1 Ramadan Begins Dec 26-Jan 2* Hanukkah April 13 Palm Sunday Dec 26-Jan 1 Kwanzaa April 18 Good Friday** March 31 Eid al-Fitr April 12-20* Passover** April 20 Easter & Orthodox Easter *Begins the night before at sundown **Please follow religious observance accommodations linked above Revision Date: 1/19/2024 Reading, MA 01867 Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 To: Reading School Committee From: Derek Pinto, Director of Finance & Operations Date: February 8, 2024 Re: FY24 Second Quarter Financial Report (FY24 Q2) In the spring of 2023, the Reading Public Schools was appropriated $54,006,623 by Annual Town Meeting for the Fiscal Year 2024. The School Department expects to meet all financial obligations within the total amount appropriated. On the following pages, a financial overview of the School Department’s FY24 Second Quarter Financial Report (FY24 Q2, or Q2) will be presented, spanning the period from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The FY24 Q2 Report will be presented to the School Committee on February 8, 2024. Subsequent quarterly reports are scheduled for completion as follows: •Quarter 3: financial status through March 31, 2024, present in May 2024 •Quarter 4: financial status through June 30, 2024, present in September 2024 This FY24 Q2 Financial Report is organized into four sections: 1.Financial Summary of the Operating Fund by Cost Center through Q2 2.Description of the Cost Centers and Drivers 3.Recommendation for Q2 Budget Transfers between Cost Centers 4.Financial Summary of Special Revenue Funds: Grants and Revolving Accounts 5.Summary of the Medicaid Reimbursement Program and Funds Generated for the Town of Reading (FY19-FY23) Please contact me if you have any questions or would like more information related to the FY24 Q2 Report. FY24 Q2 FINANCIAL REPORT 1.Financial Summary of the Operating Fund by Cost Center through Q2 with Projected End Year Balances Reading Public Schools FY24 Q2 Financial Report At the end of Q2, 43.23% ($23.35M) of the appropriated funds had been expended. This represents an approximation of the dollars spent last year at this same time (45.51%, $23.57M). A balance of $565,247 is projected for year-end. This balance will fluctuate during the remainder of the fiscal year due to the factors that influence and drive expenditures. Factors that may impact the projected balance include, but are not limited to: staff medical and maternity leaves, new student enrollment, changes in student needs, new enrollment, staff turnover, delays in hiring, and unfilled of substitute teaching and paraprofessional coverage. Also, these funds will be used for the remaining months of the school year to support new curriculum purchases, tutoring/academic support for students, a refresh of existing technology (several hundred laptops are due for replacement), and an augmentation of the Special Education Reserve Fund. Subsequent quarterly reports will reflect updated data and project an end-of-year status based on information available and historical trends. The format of this financial overview begins with defining the accounts that comprise each cost center followed by the second quarter financial status by cost center, summarizing the drivers that have resulted in the balances as of December 31, 2023. This report concludes with an overview of other funding sources that support the Reading Public Schools: Grants, Revolving Funds and Student Activity Accounts. Lastly, information will be provided on Medicaid Reimbursements, and a summary of funds generated (from FY19-FY23), will conclude the report. 2.Description of the Cost Centers and Drivers Impacting Projected Fund Balances The Reading Public Schools’ general fund consists of five cost centers, which are approved by the Reading School Committee annually through the budget development process. The type of expense accounts associated with each cost center are named below. Funds can be transferred between cost center with the consent and approval of the School Committee. The chart below (FY24 Budget by Cost Center) depicts the percentage allocation per cost center, and the narrative that follows provides the dollar amounts and further detail. Administration Cost Center: 2.43% of total appropriation Administration – represents 2.43% ($1.31M) of the appropriated budget and is comprised of central office administrators and assistants, legal and audits, accounts payable, payroll, human resources, data information management, telecommunication services, professional development. At the end of Q2, 54.73% ($718K) of the appropriated Administration Cost Center budget had been expended and encumbered, representing an increase in the dollars spent from FY23, same time in FY23 (52.70%, $688K). A positive balance of $17,680 is projected at year-end. This anticipated balance is driven by an increased offset in both Extended Day and a decrease in offset in School Choice compared to the budgeted amount. Regular Day Cost Center: 59.17% of total appropriation Regular Day represents 59.17% ($31.95M) of the appropriate budget and is comprised of school principals and secretaries, Regular Day teachers, tutors, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, English Language and instructional specialists, leadership and mentor stipends, substitutes, transportation, professional development, instruction and curriculum materials, instructional technology, library materials, assessment software. At the end of Quarter 2, 37.35% ($11.94M) of the appropriated Regular Day Cost Center budget had been expended and encumbered, representing a slight increase in the expenditures over last year (38.90%, $11.55M). A positive balance of $206,798 is projected at year-end. The driver for the balance is attributable to salary savings. This anticipated balance is expected to be reduced substantially with the purchase of new curriculum materials (literacy), the provision of tutoring and related academic support services for students, and the renewal of technology devices to maintain a five-year life cycle. Special Education Cost Center: 30.95% of total appropriation Special Education- represents 30.95% ($16.71M) of the budget and is comprised of special education administration and secretaries, special education teachers and paraprofessionals, therapeutic specialists (occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech/language pathologists), extended school year staff and expenses, special education legal services, home and hospital tutoring, consultation and evaluation services, adaptive equipment and technology, testing and assessment services and materials, special education instruction materials, special education transportation, out of district tuition. At the end of Quarter 2, 50.29% ($8.41M) of the appropriated Special Education Cost Center budget had been expended and encumbered, in contrast with 53.70%. ($9.09M) in FY23. A positive balance of $213,682 is projected at year-end, and is driven by salary savings, and reflects unused district tuition budgeted to pay for potential student placements. Barring new placements, the anticipated balance will be reduced by augmenting the Special Education Reserve Fund. Administration, 2.43 Regular Day, 59.17 Special Education, 30.95 District Wide, 4.41 Facilities, 3.05 FY24 Budget By Cost Center (percentage) Administration General Education Special Education District Wide Facilities In addition, a prepayment of out-of-district tuition totaling $980,000 is factored into the projected year-end balance. Massachusetts General Laws allow out of district pre-payments of up to three months of any approved private placements, and up to 100% of collaborative placements in which students are attending. This prepayment of special education private day and collaborative out of district placements is a past practice for Reading Public Schools and will be repeated in FY24 to defray FY25 expenses – details will be forthcoming. District Wide Cost Center: 4.41% of total appropriation District Wide services represents 4.41% ($2.38M) of the appropriated budget and is comprised of the following categories: •Health Services: makes up 38% ($913K) of the District Wide Cost Center and is comprised of a director of nursing, nurses, nurse substitutes, school physician consultant services, medical supplies, testing equipment. •Extracurricular: makes up 3% ($78K) of the District Wide Cost Center and is comprised of a Student Activities Coordinator, advisor stipends, transportation, membership, supplies, equipment. •Athletics: makes up 30% ($721K) of the District Wide Cost Center and is comprised of an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, secretary, coaches, officials, transportation, venue rental membership, supplies, equipment, uniforms. •Technology: makes up 28% ($668K) of the District Wide Cost Center and is comprised of a network administrator, computer technicians, Internet services, software and licensing, clocks, bells and telephones, network infrastructure repair, maintenance, supplies, equipment. At the end of Quarter 2, 57.53% ($1.37M) of the appropriated District Wide Cost Center budget had been expended and encumbered, in contrast with 56.03% ($1.27M) in FY23. Positive balances of $11,270 in Health Services, and $14,162 in Technology are currently anticipated, while break-even balances are anticipated in Extra-Curricular and Athletics. The balance in Health Services is driven by nurse substitutes being covered by a Health Grant, and Technology savings as a result of salary savings through the turnover in computer technicians. School Facilities Cost Center: Budget makes up 3.05% of total appropriation School Facilities represents 3.05% ($1.64M) of the total appropriated budget and is comprised of a custodial manager, custodians, courier, contracted cleaning services (RMHS, Coolidge,) radios, equipment, supplies, uniforms. At the end of Quarter 2, 55.77% ($917K) of the appropriated budget had been expended and encumbered, compared with 59.90% ($970K) in FY23. A positive balance of $101,657 is projected at year-end, which is driven by projected savings for both custodian substitutes and salary savings, along with an employee being charged to the revolving account (Use of School Property) for facilities rentals. The full use of employee overtime has been planned for. This projected balance will likely be reduced by various unplanned but necessary facilities maintenance and repairs. 3.Recommendations for Quarter 1 Budget Transfers between Cost Centers At the end of Q2, there are no recommended budget transfers needed to reallocate funds to cover expenditures. 4.Financial Summary of Special Revenue Funds: Grants and Revolving Accounts In addition to the General Fund, Special Revenue Funds consisting of grants and revolving funds support the delivery of services to students attending Reading Public Schools. Please find below the FY24 Q2 financial summary and a description of each grant awarded. This is followed by a FY24 Q2 financial summary of revolving funds. Grants All FY24 grants awarded to the Reading Public Schools have been approved by the School Committee. Some grants are expended across fiscal years. Please find below Q2 Financial Overview and End Year Status for all grants with beginning balances in FY24: Since Q1, several additional State grants have been added to include the following: Safe & Supportive Schools, Chronic Absences and MyCAP. Additionally, the Federal IDEA IEP grant has been added. Descriptions and acceptable uses of each State and Federal grant follows below the spending deadlines table. In FY24, we expect to fully expend all FY24 Title 1 funds awarded. This will support students from low-income families across two qualifying schools (Parker and Killam in FY24). Title 1 funds are earmarked specifically and solely for the purpose of supporting qualifying students in specific schools. The school department has been diligent about expending oldest grant funds first in compliance with their acceptable use prior to the grant deadline. These focused efforts have allowed the district to become more efficient and effective with monitoring, making decisions about, and better leveraging funds. Illustrated in the table below are the spending deadlines for each State and Federal grant: State Grants: •METCO: the Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity is a state funded, voluntary educational desegregation program designed to eliminate racial imbalance through the busing of children from Boston, MA and Springfield, MA to suburban public schools in thirty-eight communities. These funds pay for program coordination, transportation, instructional services, and community engagement related to Boston resident students attending Reading Public Schools through participation in the METCO program. •Department of Public Health: provides for mandated screenings, professional development, and substitute coverage for nurses. •New England Dairy: funds can be used to support equipment and marketing needs related to expanding school meal programs including breakfast, summer meals, and serving new dairy menu items like smoothies and hot chocolate milk. •Earmark RMHS Keyboard: Not less than $25,000 shall be expended for a classroom set of Nord stage 3 88 stage keyboards for the Reading Memorial high school performing arts program. •Investigating History: This competitive grant is designed to fund the costs associated with professional development, as well as cover additional costs of implementation such as teacher planning time outside of contract hours or the purchase of printed copies of the Investigating History materials, to facilitate a successful adoption of the Investigating History materials across a school or district. •Northeast Food for Schools: This opportunity has proposed to increase the capacity to procure local unprocessed/minimally processed foods, and foods from local producers (including farmers, food hubs, and fishermen). •Innovation Career Pathways Planning & Support: designed to give students coursework and experience in a specific high-demand industry, such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Also, to create strong partnerships with employers to expose students to career options and help them develop knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of study before they graduate high school. •Safe & Supportive Schools: intended to help school districts to create a safe, positive, healthy, equitable and inclusive whole-school learning environment. Also, to integrate services that promote students' behavioral health, including social and emotional learning, bullying prevention, trauma sensitivity, dropout prevention, truancy reduction, children's mental health, foster care and homeless youth education, inclusion of students with disabilities, positive behavioral approaches that reduce suspensions and expulsions, and like initiatives. •Chronic Absences: to support schools and districts with a goal of reducing chronic absenteeism. The source of this funding was Federal ESSER III State Set-Aside (CFDA 84.425U). Funds must be expended by 9/30/24 and must be used in accordance with the attestation districts signed when they opted into this initiative. •MyCAP: to provide supplementary support to school districts currently engaged in or interested in beginning implementation of My Career and Academic Plan. MyCAP is a student-driven process designed to ensure all students graduate from high school college and career ready. The MyCAP process requires schools to create a scope and sequence to implement MyCAP. And the grant provides planning team members the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development and team meetings outside-of- school hours. •Note - Circuit Breaker: although not a grant, DESE reimburses school districts for a portion of out of district tuition placement and transportation costs. In FY24, DESE will defray $1,601,098 in tuition and transportation costs, charging those expenses directly to the Circuit Breaker reimbursement fund. The end of year balance is expected to be zero. Federal Grants: •Title I: aids schools with high numbers or high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards. These funds are allocated to paraprofessional and extended school year instructional services. •Title II A: provides supplemental resources to school districts to support systems of support for excellent teaching and leadership. The priorities of Title IIA are to: increase student achievement consistent with the challenging State academic standards; improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders; Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders. These funds are allocated to provide professional development for teachers. •Title IV: ensures that all students have access to a high-quality educational experience. The priorities of Title IV are to: support well-rounded educational opportunities; support safe and healthy students; and support effective use of technology. These funds pay for technology integration activities and materials for teachers and classrooms. •IDEA 240: provides appropriate special education services for eligible students and to maintain state/local effort in special education. These funds pay for special education paras, BCBA, and professional development. •IDEA 262: ensures that eligible 3, 4 and 5-year-old children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education that includes special education and related services designed to meet their individual needs in the least restrictive environment. These funds pay for early childhood instruction and professional development. •IDEA IEP (Part B): to support schools and districts to implement the IEP improvement project, with an emphasis on transitioning to the utilization of the newly revised forms and process. •ARP 252: addresses challenges related to the pandemic, including school re-entry, disruption in the education of children with disabilities, mental health services; sustainability; focuses on issues of equity in special education and early intervention services. Funds are allocated to provide professional development, instructional materials, and testing/assessment materials. Revolving Accounts: Revolving Accounts are comprised of fee-based programs, extracurricular activities, and donations. Apart from donations, a total of $1.65M of Fee-based Revolving Funds offset the FY24 operating budget with user and event fees generated by the special revenue funds noted in the table on the page to follow: •Athletics: Fees are paid by families for students’ participation in athletics. •Community Education (Drivers Education, Summer Programs): Fees are paid by families for students to participate in drivers’ education and summer programs. Fees paid by individuals for participation in Community Education events and courses. •Drama: Fees are paid by families for students’ participation in after school drama and band programs. •Extended Day: Fees are paid by families for students to participate in extended day programs before and after school. •Extracurricular and Band: Fees are paid by families for students to participate in afterschool band and fine and performing arts activities. •Guidance: Fees are paid by families for students to take PSAT, SAT and AP tests. •Full Day Kindergarten: Fees are paid by families for enrollment in the Full Day Kindergarten program. •RISE Preschool: Fees are paid by families for enrollment in the RISE preschool program. •Special Education Tuition: Fees paid by other another public school district for students to attend special education programs in Reading. •School Choice: allows families to enroll their children in schools in communities other than the city or town in which they reside. Tuition is paid by the sending district to the receiving district. •School Lunch: Revenues are generated through state and federal reimbursements and lunchtime a la carte sales. •Transportation: Fees are paid by families for students to ride existing bus routes, based on seats available. •Use of School Property: Some community organizations which use school facilities pay a fee for space and/or custodial coverage. •Lost Books: Fees are collected and used to replace lost or damaged books. Gifts/Donations: Restricted donations for specific purposes and unrestricted donations for general use are made to the School Committee for approval and acceptance in accordance with School Committee Policy: Student Activity Accounts: A Student Activity Account (SAA) may be used for monies raised by student organizations and expended to benefit those students. MGL c.71 Section 47 governs monies deposited into a student activity account: The Town Treasurer’s Office designates an account into which all SAA funds generated through student activity clubs are deposited and a SAA checking account has been established for each secondary school with which funds are expended for the sole purpose of supporting student activity clubs. Interest is generated on these funds. 5.Medicaid Reimbursement Program and Funds Generated for the Town of Reading: Through its contract with UMass Chan Medical School, Reading Public Schools participates in a joint Federal and State program to apply for partial reimbursement for mandated health services provided to students during the school day. There are two categories of reimbursement streams: direct services and administrative services. Each quarter, licensed staff participate in a Random Moment Time Study, which is a prescribed methodology used to compile and calculate direct service claim activities to determine reimbursement rates for Medicaid – allowable incurred costs related to services delivered to MassHealth enrolled students. Medicaid-allowable services include mental/behavioral health services, therapy services, and medical services. Administrative service reimbursement is calculated based on the activities necessary to administer the Medicaid state plan by each school district, including Medicaid outreach, application assistance, student service planning and coordination, and managing transportation. The reimbursable portion of the district’s costs are calculated quarterly by UMass and the reimbursement is paid to the Town of Reading. Please find below the amount of reimbursement the school department generated for the Town of Reading from FY19 through FY23: In FY22, additional effort was made by the school district to capture unclaimed funding from prior years and improve our process for compiling data for claiming, which is why FY22’s reimbursement rate is 318% higher than the prior year: In most communities, like in Reading, school districts compile and submit the data to the State and the Town receives and deposits the reimbursement into the Town’s General Fund for future appropriation. Please contact me with questions or requests for additional information related to the FY24 Q2 Financial Report. Information/Correspondence Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet February 8, 2024 From:Wise, Thomas To:Kristen O"Brien Cc:Milaschewski, Thomas; Lejeune, Olivia Subject:Re: Letter for Varsity Asst Coach Salary Date:Monday, January 29, 2024 8:14:53 PM Good evening, Kristen. Thank you for your note and thank you to the Basketball Support Team for the donation. As for your question, yes, you can bring it to Central Office and give it to Olivia Lejeune. She can take it from there for our vote and work with the Director of Finance & Operations to process the check. Thank you again. Thomas Wise Reading School Committee Email: thomas.wise@reading.k12.ma.us SC Distribution List: schoolcommittee@reading.k12.ma.us Mobile: (617) 869-6825 Reading Public Schools Website: https://reading.k12.ma.us When writing or responding, please remember that the Secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient or believe you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error and delete the copy you received. From: Kristen O'Brien <kristen.o@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, January 29, 2024 5:11 PM To: DG School Committee <SchoolCommittee@reading.k12.ma.us> Subject: Letter for Varsity Asst Coach Salary 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. Hello, I am planning to drop off this letter tomorrow at the high school for the School Committee to review and approve. Should I bring the letter, along with the check, to the main office? Thank you, Kristen