HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-23 School Committee PacketOpen Session 7:00p.m.
Reading Memorial High School Library
Reading, MA
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 23, 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.
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2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2024-09-23 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda: Revised
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
7:05 p.m. B. Public Comment
Focus on Excellence
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (08-22-2024)
2. RMHS PTO Donation – Supporting After-School Library Coverage
3. RMHS PTO Donation – Supporting Freshman Orientation Equipment
4. Request to Surplus – RMHS
5. Acceptance of Scholarship – Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Award
6. Quebec Field Trip Request
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 08-22-2024
2. 08-29-2024
3. 09-05-2024
4. 09-12-2024
Reports
1. Superintendent
2. Liaison/Sub-Committee
7:15 p.m. E. New Business
1. Introduction of 2024-2025 Student Advisory Committee
2. FY24 End-of-Year Financial Update
a. Special Education Reserve Fund Update
3. Review and Approve Director of Finance Search Process and
Timeline (A)
4. Update on METCO Program Director Search Process
5. Math Pathways Update on Summer Progress
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
8:30 p.m. Adjourn
Join Zoom Meeting
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Consent Agenda
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
September 23, 2024
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
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2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2024-08-22 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, Shawn Brandt, Sarah McLaughlin, Erin Gaffen and Carla Nazzaro
Members - Not Present:
Charles Robinson
Others Present:
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson.
Topics of Discussion:
A. Call to Order – Mr. Wise called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. to review the agenda.
B. Public Comment – None
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (07-11-2024)
2. Music Drives Us Donation
3. Reusable Ice Pack Donation
4. Request to Surplus – Central Office
5. Request to Surplus – Parker
6. Request to Surplus – Coolidge
7. Request to Surplus – Killam
8. RMHS Football Field Trip Request
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 06-30-2024
2. 07-18-2024
3. 07-25-2024
4. 08-01-2024
5. 08-08-2024
6. 08-15-2024
Payroll Warrant Reports
1. 07-19-2024
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Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The
vote passed 5-0.
Reports
1. Superintendent – No report
2. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mrs. Nazzaro – The preferred schematic design report was submitted to
the MSBA, marking a significant milestone in the project. A group visited
Uxbridge High School to explore the Innovation Career Pathways program,
and video footage from this visit is now available on the Killam website.
This visit aimed to help demonstrate how the new building will benefit the
entire district by consolidating the full preschool program in one location,
thereby freeing up space at the high school for additional student
opportunities. The Permanent Building Committee is currently selecting an
Owner’s Project Manager for the senior center, with plans for a vote
around the same time as the Killam project.
b. Mr. Brandt – As a new member of the Killam School Building Committee,
Mr. Brandt has noticed several key aspects about the committee. He
appreciates the strong sense of collaboration among members, as well as
the responsiveness of the designer and Owner’s Project Manager, who
actively incorporate feedback and address the committee's needs.
Additionally, Mr. Brandt is encouraged by the emphasis on sustainability,
which is central to the building's design.
c. Ms. McLaughlin – No report
d. Mrs. Gaffen – No report
e. Mr. Wise – The Policy Subcommittee has cataloged a substantial amount of
policy work, identifying over 150 policies that require review and updating.
They are currently developing a schedule to update as many of these
policies as possible within this year.
E. New Business
1. RMHS Student Handbook Review & Approval (A)
Dr. Milaschewski noted the RMHS handbook and district-wide handbook published earlier
in the week are slightly different than the handbooks in the updated packet today. The
following updates were made:
• High school handbook:
o Replaced “Caregiver” with “Guardian” in the high school handbook and made
corresponding updates in the district handbook.
o Replaced policies JICH and JICH-R with the updated versions adopted on
5/9/2022.
o Added links to policies, similar to last year’s district handbook.
o Updated the language under Illness Documentation to state “Illness
communicated by Parent/Guardian.”
o Removed a duplicate section (Section N – previously on page 71).
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• District-Wide Handbook:
o Added the Reading METCO Program to the table of contents and included it
as a heading in the district handbook.
Dr. Milaschewski acknowledged the time and energy Principal Callanan has dedicated to
updating the RMHS handbook, as well as the involvement of the School Council. Mr. Wise
reiterated the gratitude expressed for their efforts in moving this initiative forward and
continuing to make progress.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the RMHS Student Handbook, seconded by Mr. Brandt.
The vote passed 5-0.
2. District-Wide Student Handbook Review & Approval (A)
Dr. Stys thanked everyone who contributed to updating this year's district-wide handbook.
Over the past few years, we have collaborated with our attorneys to ensure that it is aligned
with policies and that the format and links function correctly. Mr. Wise also expressed
gratitude for everyone’s efforts in making the handbook clean and professional.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the district-wide student handbook, seconded by Mr.
Brandt. The vote passed 5-0.
3. New Leadership Introductions
Dr. Milaschewski welcomed the new leaders in the district and briefly shared more about
the following individuals before providing an opportunity for each to introduce themselves:
a. Parker Interim Principal – Jill Story
b. Parker Interim Assistant Principal – Beth Simpson
c. RISE Interim Director – Alanna Shone
d. RPS Doctoral Resident – Barbara Best
D. Old Business
1. Review of Superintendents Goals
Dr. Milaschewski noted that earlier this year, the committee approved two-year goals, and
he will not be recommending any changes or adjustments for the 2024-2025 school year.
There was discussion last year regarding Goal Three, Benchmark Five, which involves
developing an initial iteration of a system to capture research and best practices by June
2024, with an expanded version by June 2025. Dr. Milaschewski expressed some hesitation
upon reflection, acknowledging that while this is a lofty goal, it is nonetheless important. He
emphasized the need for comfort with the language used and the importance of keeping
the committee informed throughout the year.
Mr. Brandt suggested that we think about this as a process rather than a specific
deliverable, such as a software solution or database, making it more achievable and
formalized.
In relation to this, we should also consider Benchmark Two, which focuses on creating a
central location for storing student data.
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E. New Business
4. Beginning of 2024-2025 School Year Updates
Dr. Milaschewski shared several updates:
1.Staffing: Open positions include a speech-language pathologist at Birch, two special
education teachers at Wood End and Coolidge, a Spanish teacher at RMHS, a one-year
math teacher, and five paraprofessional positions. Most of these vacancies resulted
from late resignations, but we are confident that we have strong candidates to fill these
roles and achieve full staffing.
2.Facilities: Thank you to our team for their excellent work in preparing the buildings for
the return to school.
3.Summer Food Service: We are launching a variety of offerings. The Food Services team
has been nominated for the USDA’s Annual Turnip the Beet Award, recognizing
outstanding programs. Breakfast will be served at all schools starting this year.
4.Summer Updates: Out of 238 students referred, 158 attended Extended School Year
(ESY) programs.
5.New Staff: We welcomed about 40 new staff members during induction week.
Looking Ahead:
1.We will introduce a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program as a partnership with the SEEM
Collaborative at Wood End.
2.We are streamlining safety and security protocols as part of training received by I Love U
Guys.
3.There are a number of events coming up such as SEPAC and the School Committee co-
sponsoring the Right to Read Act, a virtual presentation with Lynn Lyons and Sarah
Ward.
4.We will continue discussions around the curriculum in depth.
5.The high school modern classroom project is underway.
Additionally, we are adding a one-year METCO Coordinator position. Currently, all five
elementary schools have METCO/SAC positions, while the middle school only has one
METCO/SAC split between two schools. This additional support reflects a positive shift in
our budget, allowing us to add this role. These positions benefit all students, not just
Boston resident students. This will be funded through $25,000 from the METCO budget
and another $25,000 from the operating budget for the next year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PffIM0jsYmQ
Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 8:01pm.
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 18, 2024
RE: Vote to Accept RMHS PTO Donation
Please vote to accept a donation from the RMHS PTO in the amount of $4,000. The purpose of this
donation is to support the ongoing after school coverage in the RMHS Library for the 2024-2025 school
year.
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: September 18, 2024
RE: Vote to Accept RMHS PTO Donation
Please vote to accept a donation from the RMHS PTO in the amount of $2,500. The purpose of this
donation was to support the cost of providing a speaker at the freshman orientation on August 21, 2024.
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: Raymond Albright
DATE: 9/9/2024
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 Shool
Item Number Age Reason
Old Microwave 1 20+years No longer works
Autoclave 1 15+years No longer works
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
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Reading School Committee
Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
September 23, 2024
Scholarship (Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Award)
Please vote to accept a donation from Dr. Danja Mahoney in the amount of $7349.33.
For the past several years, Dr. Danja Mahoney managed a gift in honor of Arthur L. Spencer.
The Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Award is given in memory of an outstanding member of the
World Language Department to a senior who has excelled in world language with a special
emphasis in Latin.
Dr. Mahoney has transferred the amount to the Town for its continued management in
accordance with the terms of the original gift.
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: September 19, 2024
RE: Vote to Approve Quebec Field Trip Request
Please vote to approve an overnight, international field trip request to Quebec City, Canada on behalf of
Parker Middle School and Coolidge Middle School. The trip will take place from April 30 – May 2, 2025.
Please find attached the field trip approval forms.
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
September 23, 2024
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 18, 2024
RE: Introduction of 2024-2025 Student Advisory Committee
The Student Advisory Council is an important initiative designed to ensure that students have a voice
in our school community. In line with Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), we need to have a
committee with at least five student members. During the September 23 School Committee
meeting, we will introduce the five new members of the Student Advisory Committee for the
2024-2025 school year.
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
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To: Reading School Committee
From: Derek Pinto, Director of Finance & Operations
Date: September 23, 2024
Re: FY24 End-of-year Financial Summary Report
At the School Committee’s next public meeting on September 23, 2024, a summary of the Fiscal Year 2024 will
be presented. The School Department met all FY24 financial obligations within the total appropriation of
$54,006,623 and closed the fiscal year with a fund balance of $80,608 to be turned back to the Town’s Free Cash
fund. A summary of FY24 financial activity by cost center is found in the table below and reflects appropriated
budgets, voted budget transfers, revised budgets, expenditures, encumbrances, pending budget transfers, and
the year-end fund balances by Cost Center:
The FY24 fund balance of $80,608, represents 0.15% of the total School Department’s appropriated budget and
is the lowest balance returned to the town in the last five years. This is illustrated in the chart below:
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
2 | Page
Throughout the school year, frequent monitoring of the FY24 projected expenditures by school and districtwide
leaders allowed the District Leadership team to effectively manage expenses and deploy resources to address
the student needs and move them forward in their learning and included support structures to effectively
position Reading Public Schools for the future.
• Prepayments for Out-of-District Special Education $1.2M
• Support the five-year renewal of student and staff computers $280,000
• Contribution to Special Education Reserve Fund $200,000
• Prudent fiscal planning allowed us to manage anticipated expenses in
o transportation costs for our local students, athletics
o rental facilities for our high school athletics program
• Reduction in the Kinder full-day program fees with support of both the town and in keeping with our
plan for universal Full-Day Kindergarten
The FY24 Financial Summary is presented into two sections on the pages that follow:
I. Recommendations for Budget Transfers
II. Financial Summary of Grants and Revolving Accounts
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like additional information about the FY24 End-of-Year
Financial Summary.
I. Recommendations for Budget Transfers between Cost Centers for End-of-Year Reconciliation
Please note, the last budget transfer was approved by the School Committee in May and consisted of projected
year end balances. There were shifts and changes in actual expenditures as the school and fiscal years ended.
Please find an end-of-year “housekeeping” request to transfer funds to ensure that Cost Centers’ balances reflect
a zero or positive balance in keeping with School Committee policy.
Recommendations for Budget Transfers:
Transfer From: Regular Day $147,049
Health Services $28,096
Extra-Curricular $15,981
Technology $38,536
Transfer To: Administration $5,597
Special Education $224,065
Note: Differences in dollar amounts due to rounding on the Financial Summary Table.
II. 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 End-of-Year Financial
Summary for each grant.
Grants
All FY24 grants awarded to the Reading Public Schools have been approved by the School Committee. Some grants
are expended across fiscal years:
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Spending deadlines for grants:
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Descriptions and acceptable uses of each State and Federal grant follow:
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.
• METCO BBI: the Building Bridges Initiative is designed to enhance the integration and support of METCO
students within host school districts to foster inclusion, cultural exchange, and equity in education. This
grant often supports programs that provide academic, social-emotional, and cultural enrichment for
METCO students.
• METCO REI: the Racial Equity and Inclusion initiative seeks to address systemic racial disparities, enhance
diversity, and support students of color.
• METCO Supplemental Education: to provide supplemental support to METCO districts serving Boston or
Springfield resident students with more intensive special education needs, which will typically include
specialized transportation and/or one-on-one support in the student's IEP.
• 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.
• 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 with the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development and team
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meetings outside-of- school hours.
• High School Senior Internship in Education Project: provides work-based learning experiences in the field
of education to highly motivated high school seniors in good academic standing, while supporting their
school and community-based partners.
• MassHire, STEM Internships: an initiative aimed at connecting students and young adults in Massachusetts
with valuable internships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This program
is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience, enhance their skills, and prepare them for
careers in high-demand STEM industries.
• High Quality Instructional Materials Network Support: used to provide funding and support to evaluate and
select high-quality comprehensive core curricular materials.
• Financial Education Innovation Fund: Establishing an interactive fair to engage hundreds of students in real-
world financial decision making. The fair is a fun simulation of saving, spending, and budgeting based on
career choices and lifestyle decisions.
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.
• 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
6 | Page
and must be used in accordance with the attestation districts signed when they opted into this initiative.
• Eliminating Time Out Rooms: aimed at supporting schools and districts in reforming their disciplinary
practices by eliminating the use of time-out rooms and replacing them with more constructive behavioral
management strategies.
• 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.
• ESSER II, III: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund provided additional funding for
school districts to create healthy learning environments, return students to classrooms and address local
needs.
Revolving Funds
Special Revenue Funds are comprised of fee-based programs, extracurricular activities, and donations. The user-
fee programs with the largest end-of-year balances include the School Lunch Program, Full-Day Kindergarten, and
the RISE program.
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 a table to follow. Over the year, the town took an additional
$100K over what was budgeted to for Extended Day and Use of School Property. This restored the town charges
to historic levels and reduced the facilities expenses associated with these operations.
Athletics: Student fee revenues were slightly lower than the previous year, as were ticket sales, gifts, and
donations. Transportation and rental of athletic facilities expenses continue to rise.
Extended Day: Salary/wage adjustments for head/assistant teachers, a program coordinator and administrative
support all increased. Contract services also increased to meet programmatic needs and the demand of increased
student participation.
Special Education Tuition: Teacher salary support increased.
Use of School Property: Fees due to town were increased to match historical levels, rental revenues were down
year-over-year, partial salary for the facilities coordinator was offset here.
School Choice: Revenues were up with an increased number of out-of-district enrollees.
Food Services (School Lunch): Daily sales, catering fees, federal and state reimbursements all increased, allowing
for the purchase, repair, and maintenance of kitchen equipment, and allowing us to effectively manage the
increase in the price of groceries. This also covered the increased wage adjustments for cafeteria services workers
and managers.
The table that follows provides a FY24 financial overview of all Reading Public Schools’ fee-based programs,
including beginning year balances, FY24 expenditures and encumbrances, and end year balances, along with the
gain/loss for the fiscal year:
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In addition to user-fee programs, Reading Public Schools has established donation revolving accounts for each
school and special education programs. Please find the FY24 activity for these funds in the table provided
below.
Libby Scholarship Donation Fund: scholarships are given out in the amount of $4000 in the form of a check for
students that fall into an economic hardship category, have high needs as designated by the state, or are a first
generation to attend college.
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TO: Reading School Committee
CC: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent of Schools
DATE: September 23, 2024
FR: Derek Pinto, Director of Finance and Operations
RE: Special Education Reserve Fund Report UPDATE
In accordance with the requirement of School Committee Policy DBDA (Special Education Reserve Fund),
which is to be used in alignment with M.G.L. 40:13E. It is meant to provide for unanticipated or
unbudgeted costs in the following areas:
1. Special Education
2. Recovery High School Programs
3. Out-of-District Tuition
4. Out-of-District Transportation
The Special Education Reserve Fund (SERF) can accrue up to 2% of Net School Spending, as reported to
the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and will only be used for the above noted
reasons. The table below indicates the balance of the fund, the total of Net School Spending (NSS) and
the percentage of NSS that the SERF represents.
The starting balance for the SERF has been updated to reflect the contribution of $200,000 in FY24, and
the interest earned: $10,163. As of this writing, the FY24 End-of-Year Report (EOYR) for DESE is still in
process, and will be for several weeks. An update can be furnished once the EOYR is complete.
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: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent
DATE: September 17, 2024
RE: Review and Approve Director of Finance Search Process and Timeline
Enclosed in the packet you will find a draft timeline and process for the Director of Finance and
Operations position for your review and approval. We have posted the position two ways - Director of
Finance; Director of Finance and Operations - to attract as large of a pool as possible. As I have shared
with Committee members, we are confident in shifting to an interim, either with an internal or external
candidate, if we do not find the right candidate during the search process.
As the Committee knows, Dr. Pinto has recently been named as the “Assistant Superintendent of
Finance” in the Lowell Public Schools. In addition to a significant salary increase, this role presents Dr.
Pinto with an elevated title and the opportunity to oversee a budget of over $250million. We thank Dr.
Pinto for his leadership during his tenure in the Reading Public Schools. He oversaw a collaborative and
successful FY25 budget process, led various improvements in our district operational departments, and
was a strong collaborator in several key projects including union negotiations and the Killam School
building project. We wish him the best in the next chapter of his career.
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
Screening Committee
Screening Process for Director of Finance
Please note: All information and discussions by screening committee members are confidential and cannot be
shared now or in the future.
I.Approximate Position Start Date - TBD based on candidate availability
II.Screening Committee Members
a.The Screening Committee will consist of the following:
•Superintendent - Facilitator
•School Committee Member (1)
•Principal Representative
•Teachers’ Union Representative
•Finance Director/Town Accountant
•School Assistant Business Manager
•Finance Committee Member (1)
•Parent (1)
b.To the extent possible, the composition of the committee will represent the many constituencies thatĚ
comprise the Reading Public School Community.
c.Superintendent will attend all interviews and deliberations as part of the decision-making process.
III.Schedule
All dates, times, and locations are tentative.
Date Time Event Location
September 6 Online Posting for Position (Posted as
Director of Finance and Director of
Finance and Operations to cast as
wide of a net as possible for
candidates)
Online
September 19 Deadline for Applications
September 23 7:00 p.m. School Committee Review and Approval
of Process
RMHS Schettini Library
Week of September
23
TBD Screening Committee
Organizational Meeting & Meeting to
Design Questions
1st Round Candidate Interviews and
Recommend Finalists to
Superintendent
TBD
Vetting Process with Superintendent,
Town Manager & Central Office
Leadership Interviews
TBD TBD Superintendent Recommendation to
School Committee and School Committee
Vote
TBD
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent
DATE: September 18, 2024
RE: Update on METCO Program Director Search Process
METCO Program Director, Mr. Kurtis Martin, shared with the community that he will be transitioning
away from his role to take on a new role for Boston Public Schools. Please find in the packet an email
sent to families regarding his transition. During the September 23 School Committee Meeting, we will
provide an update on this transition and the search process timeline.
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
Hello All,
I’m reaching out to let you know that I will be stepping down as METCO Director for Reading
Public Schools as I have made a very difficult decision to accept the Operational Leader position
for Boston Public Schools starting September 25th.As you know,the city of Boston has always
been special to me,and this role provides me the opportunity to expand my impact on my
community through overseeing all operational components of a network of 12 schools.I want to
thank everyone for their support in helping to make Reading Public Schools a true METCO
district and not a district that has a METCO Program.When I started,my vision was simple,give
the students and parents the same experience that myself,my classmates,and parents had
when I was a student in the METCO Program and add some missing pieces.The work and
accomplishments during my tenure have been historic and have made such a positive impact
on the day-to-day experiences of our RPS students.We have been an inspiration and visionary
to many other METCO Districts.Our accomplishments have been well recognized and
acknowledged by DESE,the METCO Board,METCO CEO,METCO Directors Association,
State Senators and legislators,and other state and local organizations.None of this would have
been possible without your support,School Committee,Central Office,District Leadership,
teachers,support staff,parents and students.I truly am proud of all our accomplishments,and
we still have work to do.Thankfully Reading Public Schools have all the right people in place
that want to roll up their sleeves and contribute to this work.
I truly enjoyed my time working with everyone.You have all been a pleasure to work with and
keep pushing through the good times and the tough times.I have to thank Dr.Milaschewski,Dr.
Hardy,and Dr.Stys.Your leadership has been great and a pleasure working alongside.RPS is
very lucky to have the three of you.
My special thanks go to all our METCO Coordinators.You have been game changers to
Reading Public Schools.I am thankful for you being here and having such an amazing impact
on our students.Watching you all in action truly brings me back to the great memories I had as
a student with my METCO Coordinators.Students will remember your impact on their education
and life for the rest of their lives and because of you no RPS students can say they never had
an educator of color in a leadership role.
I look forward to hearing about our students’successes over the years.Please see the note
below from Dr.Milaschewski with the plan to fill the METCO Director position.We will host a
short,optional Zoom meeting for Boston resident families on Tuesday (9/17)at 6:30pm to
answer any questions and to talk through the transition.For those who are interested/available,
here is a link to the Zoom.I truly appreciate all of our partnership over the years and wish you
and your students the best!
Thank you,
Kurtis
Dear Boston Resident Families,
As you know,Kurtis Martin has accepted the “Operations Leader”role within the Boston Public
Schools which will come with a significant increase in job scope and salary.It is with deep
gratitude that we thank Kurtis for his leadership and service.In this new role,Kurtis will oversee
open and timely communication and collaboration between central office and a network of
schools.His core responsibilities will include serving as an advisor to principals and central
office team members,monitoring school-based disciplinary processes and procedures,and
overseeing problem solving and improvement processes in the areas of budget and finance,
human resources,and student supports.While we are disappointed to lose Kurtis and his
leadership in our district,I am excited for him as he takes this next step in his career.
As you know,Kurtis’leadership has made a significant impact on our community throughout his
3+year tenure.Gaining the support of DESE,METCO,and the Reading School Committee,
Kurtis helped lead the largest one-time program expansion in decades across all METCO
programs,increasing Reading’s Boston resident population by more than 50 students.Kurtis
launched several other critical improvements in our district including the development of 6 new
METCO SAC positions and 2 new METCO Coordinator positions.In the short time,these roles
have become integral to the academic and social-emotional success of all of our students,
particularly our Boston resident students.Kurtis has been skilled in improving barriers in access
for students in our community,leading key initiatives such as adding a late bus to increase
participation in after school activities,creating community events to bring together Boston and
Reading families,and leading the first-ever Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU)
trip for RPS students.In his day-to-day work,Kurtis has been an instrumental member of our
central office leadership team through his visionary leadership,his constant focus on program
improvement,and his deep care for students and their successes.
While there are several directions we could go to fill Kurtis’role,we decided to name two of our
current METCO SACs as co-interim METCO Directors:Elementary Interim Co-Director -Cindy
Marte,and Secondary Interim Co-Director -Jerika Santiago.These leaders will remain in their
current METCO SAC roles and receive a stipend for their additional responsibilities as
co-interim METCO Directors.Over the past few years,we have emphasized the importance of
building a pipeline of leadership development within our METCO Program,and we are fortunate
to have many skilled leaders in our METCO SAC positions who are interested in and capable of
effectively serving as a METCO Director.We feel it is important to invest in our internal talent
for this interim role instead of bringing in someone externally.Also,we felt it was critically
important that we kept our current METCO SACs in the buildings to be directly working with our
students during this transition period.The co-interim director role represents the best path for
investing in our own leaders and minimizing impact on our students.We will move forward with
a process to hire a permanent METCO Director in the spring of 2025.
Principals will be sharing this update with all families in their newsletters on Friday afternoon.In
the meantime,please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions throughout the week.
Please join me in thanking Kurtis for his strong leadership and service to our community!
Best,
Tom Milaschewski
RPS Superintendent
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: September 18, 2024
RE: Math Pathways Update on Summer Progress
During the September 23 School Committee Meeting, Dr. Sarah Hardy will provide an update on Math
Pathways summer progress including the following information:
In July and August 2024, Reading Public Schools offered a summer Honors Geometry course for RPS
students. This new offering was based on the recommendations of the Secondary Math Pathways
Committee in fall 2023. The Summer Honors Geometry was designed to benefit students who
completed Algebra I in Grade 9 and are aiming for a path to Calculus in Grade 12 without the need to
'double up' on math courses in Grade 10.
Course Outcomes:
• 15 students successfully completed the course and end-of-course assessment
• All 15 students are now enrolled in Algebra II at RMHS
• 13 students are in grade 10, positioning them to take Calculus in grade 12 if desired
• 2 students are in grade 9, allowing them to take Calculus in grade 11 and explore additional
opportunities in grade 12
Course Delivery: The course was taught by RMHS teacher Melanie Herrmann. In a recent debrief with
Ms. Herrmann and new RMHS Math Department Head Adam Krupa-Schayer, we learned that:
• Students demonstrated high engagement and strong work ethic during the course
• Attendance was exemplary, with only one student absence recorded
• Ms. Herrmann offered opportunities for parent/guardian consultations throughout the summer
Follow-up and Ongoing Support:
• Ms. Herrmann will conduct monthly check-ins with the 15 students during flex block throughout
this academic year
• These sessions will review key concepts from the summer course and provide additional support
as needed
Feedback and Evaluation: We have distributed a survey to participating students and their
parents/guardians to gather feedback on the course. This information will be invaluable in refining and
improving the course going forward. Feedback gathered to date will be shared at the school committee
meeting.
We are extremely pleased with the results of our first Summer Geometry course. This initiative provides
RMHS students with an acceleration option previously unavailable and supports our goal of ensuring all
students are able to make course choices based on their mathematical abilities, interests and career
aspirations.
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