HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-23 Board of Health MinutesI�
Town of Reading
x' Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2025-01-23 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, Charles Robinson, Shawn Brandt and Carla Nazzaro
Members - Not Present:
Sarah McLaughlin
Others Present:
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 at approximately 7:00 p.m. to review
the agenda.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to open the public hearing for the FY26 budget. Seconded by Shawn
Brandt.
Roll Call Vote — Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes,
Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0.
Public Hearing: FY26 Budget Hearing — Geoffrey Coram of Ridge Road commended the
Superintendent and Director of Finance for presenting a level service budget. The following
questions were asked during the budget hearing:
- Can the acronym list be added back to the appendix?
- What would implementing a permanent substitute for each building cost?
- Is there a separate line item for advertising, and what costs does it cover aside from HR
recruitment advertising?
- Why did the equipment budget drop by 25%?
- Why was there a 56% increase in postage and 25% increase in publications this year?
The acronym list will be added back to the budget book. A complete copy of the budget
Q&A can be found here.
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Mrs. Gaffen motioned to close the public hearing for the FY26 budget and return to regular
session. Seconded by Mr. Brandt.
Roll Call Vote — Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes,
Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0.
B. Public Comment —None
Focus on Excellence — None
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (01-16-2025)
2. Acceptance of FY25 Safe and Supportive Schools Grant Award
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 01-16-2025
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson.
Roll Call Vote — Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gallen — yes,
Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0
Reports
1. Interim Director of Finance and Operations — No report
2. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski thanked Mr. Littlehale for actively engaging with
the community and preparing an encouraging budget. He also expressed gratitude
to Kate Finnegan for her support of the finance department as Assistant Business
Manager and for her contributions to the budget.
3. Liaison/Sub-Committee
a. Mr. Robinson —Mr. Robinson announced that he will not be running for re-
election. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to work with
the School Committee and the community. Several committee members
shared their gratitude for Mr. Robinson's 18+years of dedicated service to
the schools and the town.
b. Mrs. Nazzaro —The Killam School Building Committee held a meeting on
January 22nd, during which they received the total project budget, which
will be voted on February 3rd. The total project budget is currently $130
million. Construction costs were initially estimated at $107 million but have
been reduced to $101 million. The best news is that $42 million of the
funding will come from the MSBA. The town's share, before incentives, will
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be approximately $88 million. However, the number that will appear on the
ballot is $130 million. A tax expert will be brought on to provide assistance.
c. Mr. Brandt —No report
d. Mrs. Gaffen — No report
e. Mr. Wise — No report
E. New Business
1. Review of Elected and Appointed Officials Advocacy Rights for Ballot Initiatives
Justin Gomes, legal representative for the schools from Stoneman, Chandler & Miller LLP,
attended the meeting to review the advocacy rights of elected and appointed officials
regarding ballot initiatives. This discussion was particularly significant in relation to the
Killam School Building project and the upcoming vote.
D. Old Business
1. FY26 Budget Discussion
Mr. Wise opened the discussion for any remaining questions related to the FY26 budget.
One item raised for consideration was a proposed state -level minimum wage bill for
teachers and staff, which could impact the FY26 budget. While this is not currently part of
the budget, it is something to keep on the radar.
Another item to consider, potentially for discussion by the policy subcommittee, is a
proposed law requiring districts to implement a policy banning cell phone use. This could be
a topic for future conversations.
Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro.
Roll Call Vote — Mr. Robinson — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Gaffen—yes,
Mr. Wise —yes
The vote passed 5-0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDtcGt idTo
Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 8:O1pm.
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