HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-30 School Committee MinutesOKF��rTown of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:- '' 33
School Committee
Date: 2025-01-30 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Tom Wise, Erin Gaffen, Shawn Brandt, Sarah McLaughlin (remote) and Carla
Nazzaro
Members - Not Present:
Charles Robinson
Others Present:
Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy,
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Jennifer Stys, Interim
Director of Finance and Operations Phil Littlehale and 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 to review the agenda
Roll Call Attendance — Mrs. Nazzaro — here, Mr. Brandt — here, Mrs. Gaffen — here, Ms.
McLaughlin — here, Mr. Wise — here
B. Public Comment —None
Focus on Excellence
1. Recognition of Joshua Eaton Spelling Bee Winners
Students in grades 3-5 from Joshua Eaton were recognized for their accomplishments as
winners of the 17th annual spelling bee contest. They also shared insights about the process
and served as moderators, providing words for the committee to spell.
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (01-23-2025)
2. Approved FY26 SEEM Collaborative Budget
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 01-23-2025
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
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Roll Call Vote —Mrs. Nazzaro—yes, Mr. Brandt —yes, Mrs. Gaffen—yes, Ms. McLaughlin —
yes, Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0.
Reports
1. Interim Director of Finance and Operations — Mr. Littlehale shared that the Food
Services department recently completed its annual program review with DESE,
which went very well. Additionally, the price of adult meals will be increased.
2. Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching— Dr. Hardy discussed a grant
received to support the implementation of IM, helping to enhance programs. She
highlighted the great work teachers are doing in the implementation process. This
grant funding allows for 14 professional development sessions.
3. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services — Dr. Stys discussed the completion of
the LEAD program review and the creation of a video showcasing the outstanding
work of staff and students. She also expressed gratitude to Renee Limauro for her
contributions to the program.
4. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski thanked the DPW for quickly installing a new
fence at Wood End after town meeting approved the funding. He also expressed
appreciation for Career Day at the high school, recognizing Ms. Lynna Williams, the
guidance counselors, and the 40+community members who took the time to
engage with juniors and seniors.
5. Students —Student representatives reported the following:
a. Career Day —Students discussed their experiences and the exposure to
various professional careers.
b. PTO Meeting — Principal Callanan attended the quarterly PTO meeting to
provide an update on the school improvement plan and an overview of
new courses for the 2025-2026 school year.
c. Future Freshman Night — Recently welcomed incoming 9th graders,
followed by middle school visits from Principal Callanan, Ms. Williams, and
Ms. Buckley.
d. Report Cards —Semester one report cards will be posted on January 31st.
e. Upcoming Events: School Council meeting, Early release on February 7' ,
February break
i. One student noted their participation in the Costa Rica trip during
the break.
6. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mrs. Nazzaro —The Killam School Building Committee will meet on Monday
to vote on the proposed budget and the schematic design package being
submitted to the MSBA. The final vote will go to voters on May 13th.
b. Mr. Brandt — No report
c. Mrs. Gaffen — No report
d. Ms. McLaughlin — No report
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e. Mr. Wise — No report
E. New Business
1. SRO Search Process
Chief Clark and Officer Lewis discussed the partnership between the Reading Public Schools
and the Reading Police Department and shared some exciting news. Officer Lewis has been
promoted to detective, leaving an opening for his School Resource Officer (SRO) position. In
addition, Officer Cooper (SRO comfort dog) will also be promoted to detective.
Chief Clark outlined the process for selecting a new SRO. The position is currently posted
and is open only to internal candidates within the Reading Police Department. Once a final
list of candidates is determined, interviews will be conducted by both town and school
representatives. Officer Lewis will continue in his role through the end of the school year,
with the newly selected SRO working alongside him and Officer Vatcher to meet staff and
students and become familiar with the school community. At the start of the next school
year, Officer Lewis will continue working with the new SRO to ensure a smooth transition.
Once fully transitioned, Detective Lewis and Detective Cooper will regularly visit the school.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce a new comfort dog to support the incoming SRO.
Notably, the job posting for the SRO position includes the addition of a comfort dog as part
of the role.
2. SY 2025-26 Calendar Review and Discussion
Dr. Milaschewski reviewed the draft calendar for the 2025-2026 school year, with outlined
changes detailed in the accompanying memo. Dr. Hardy and RTA President Jess Bailey have
also engaged in discussions regarding potential adjustments.
Questions and comments from the committee included the following:
• Add quarter dates to the calendar.
• Consider shifting the October in-service day to October 14th.
• While the committee understands the teacher rationale for moving early release
days to Wednesdays instead of Fridays and, if implemented, ensure extensive public
communication, as this would be a significant adjustment for families. Committee
members expressed concerns about families with students at different grade levels,
given that Fridays are already early release days for some.
• Correct the January 1-2 dates to ensure both are marked as days off.
• Consider extending winter break to include December 22-23.
A polished proposal and updated calendar will be presented at the next meeting.
D. Old Business
1. FY26 Budget — Final Discussion and Vote (A)
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Dr. Milaschewski reviewed the FY26 Recommended Budget materials included in the
packet, which consist of the budget book, presentation, and an FAQ document. The FAQ
document was compiled from questions submitted via email, during School Committee
meetings, and at the budget hearing.
The School Committee requested that, if an additional kindergarten teacher is not needed
based on enrollment, priority should be given to other key requests. If reallocating funds,
Dr. Milaschewski noted directing them to non -personnel budget lines, which have been
level -funded in recent years.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the FY26schooi budget seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —
yes, Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —
yes, Mr. Wise — yes
The vote passed 5-0.
httos://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azn0OIRPePk
Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 8:02pm.
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