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Home My WebLink About2025-05-12 School Committee PacketOpen Session 7:00p.m. METCO Headquarters 11 Roxbury Street, Boston, MA 02119 Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet May 12, 2025 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: 2025-05-12 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Location: Address: 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 – Boston Resident Seniors Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (04-10-2025) 2. Parker Granite State Manufacturing Field Trip Request 3. Parker Canobie Lake Park Field Trip Request 4. Coolidge Special Olympics Donation 5. Acceptance of FY25 FC181 ELL Support 6. Acceptance of the Funding Transfer from Opioid Revolving Fund to Reading Public Schools Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 04-10-2025 2. 04-17-2025 3. 04-24-2025 4. 05-01-2025 Reports 1. Student 2. Superintendent 3. Liaison/Sub-Committee 7:20 p.m. E. New Business 1. ACE Update 2. Friends of Reading METCO Discussion 3. State of the Reading METCO Program 4. METCO CEO Search Timeline and Process 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 8:45 p.m. D. Old Business 1. Update on METCO Program Director Search Process 2. School Choice Update and Second Lottery Process 9:00 p.m. Adjourn Join Zoom Meeting https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/83675725234 Meeting ID: 836 7572 5234 Find your local number: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/u/kctr78VLhq Consent Agenda Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet May 12, 2025 Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Page | 1 2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2025-04-10 Time: 8:15 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft Attendees: Members - Present: Shawn Brandt, Sarah McLaughlin, Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen, and Lara Durgavich Members - Not Present: Tom Wise Others Present: Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Olivia Lejeune on behalf of the chairperson. Topics of Discussion: A. Call to Order – Mrs. Gaffen called the meeting to order welcoming new committee member Ms. Lara Durgavich and congratulating Mr. Wise on his reelection. B. Public Comment – None Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (03-27-2025) 2. RMHS Music Program Donation 3. Nature’s Classroom Field Trip Request Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 03-27-2025 2. 04-03-2025 Payroll Warrant Reports 1. 01-17-2025 2. 01-31-2025 3. 02-14-2025 4. 02-28-2025 5. 03-14-2025 6. 03-28-2025 Page | 2 Mr. Brandt motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 5-0. Reports 1. Students – Student representatives shared a number of recent highlights and upcoming events: a. Academics & College Prep: i. A successful college fair hosted over 120 colleges. ii. School counselors are actively working with students to plan courses for the 2025–26 school year. iii. AP exams are scheduled for May 5–16. iv. Math MCAS will take place on May 20–21, followed by Science MCAS on June 5–6. b. Extracurricular Achievements: i. The winter drama team advanced to the next round of competition. ii. DECA had a strong showing at the state competition, with five students qualifying for the international level. iii. Artsfest was a success, featuring performances by choirs and bands, along with visual art displays. c. Student Life & Activities: i. Spring sports tryouts are currently underway. ii. The junior prom was held recently. iii. A recent affinity group meeting was held with Barbara Best and the Reading Coalition. d. Upcoming Events: i. ALICE drill – April 16 ii. Winchester Hospital career panel – May 2 iii. Job shadowing day – May 21 iv. Awards nights – May 21 and June 3 2. Assistant Superintended for Learning and Teaching – Dr. Hardy shared an update on the review of executive functioning, noting that data collection is well underway with staff support, and that the most recent step involved holding family forums to discuss and learn about their experiences at home—progress is moving along well. 3. Superintendent – Dr. Milaschewski thanked and congratulated Barbara Best, who has been a doctoral resident in the district this school year following three years of involvement through her internship, noting that she will defend her dissertation next week, conclude her time in the district on May 9th, and that her capstone defense is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mrs. Nazzaro – A joint virtual forum with Killam and RECAL is scheduled for next week, with the vote taking place on May 13th and signage already up for both projects. b. Ms. Durgavich – No report c. Ms. McLaughlin – No report Page | 3 d. Mrs. Gaffen – No report e. Mr. Brandt – No report E. New Business 1. Annual School Resource Officer Update School Resource Officers Lewis, Davis, and Vatcher provided an overview of the work completed during the 2024-2025 school year. Updates included the following: Certifications, Training, and Professional Development • Officer Vatcher and Officer Lewis received state recertification as SROs. • Officer Davis is currently in training and working alongside Officer Lewis to learn the role of the SRO. • Officer Davis completed the required MPTC SRO Training to become a certified SRO. • SROs attended training from the FBI Boston on best practices when responding to bomb threats and “swatting” calls at schools. • The SROs worked with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to assist with Youth Mental Health First Aid training for junior health classes. • We will be working with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to teach Choose to Refuse (opioid prevention) in RMHS health classes this spring. School Safety and Crisis Response • Assisted with ALICE drills at RMHS and middle schools. • Led professional development classes on ALICE for elementary school staff. • Worked with the schools to assess threatening behavior using the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) as needed. • Continued to work closely with the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support to provide resources to students and families in need. • SROs continue to be part of the District Crisis Team and the RMHS Core Crisis Team, addressing safety issues and concerns as they arise. • Worked with Dr. Stys and the District Crisis Team to roll out the recent overhaul of district-wide incident response plans. • Participated in a video highlighting district-wide safety measures and procedures. • Worked with the Reading Police Civil Rights Officer and the Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice to address any hate-based incidents. School and Community Engagement • Reading Police Comfort Dogs, Rusty and Cooper, continue to work alongside the SROs. • Officer Vatcher will present Internet and social media safety and responsibility to all 5th-grade students district-wide. • SROs will assist with an Internet Safety presentation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office this spring at both Coolidge and Parker middle schools. • SROs and the Reading Coalition will help present an Internet/Social Media Safety session for parents at Coolidge Middle School, sponsored by the Coolidge PTO. Page | 4 • SROs joined other members of the Reading Police to serve elementary school lunches. • Officer Vatcher presented to Barrows kindergarten classes for their Community Helpers Unit. • Reading Police provided rides to school for winners of various PTO raffles. • Officer Vatcher participated in evening reading events at both Barrows and Birch Meadow Elementary Schools. • The SROs are helping to organize the second Reading Police Youth Academy this summer for middle school-aged students. The Youth Academy will run from July 28th to August 1st. Dr. Milaschewski thanked the SRO’s for their work in the school community. 2. Children’s Cabinet Update Ms. Barbara Best and Ms. Theresa Wiggins provided an update on the Reading Children’s Cabinet and the work the group has done since its establishment in 2023. The Reading Children’s Cabinet brings together key leaders and community members who serve children and youth. Its goals are to strengthen collaboration, align resources, and close programming gaps. The Cabinet builds on the strong cross-sector leadership already present in Reading, with Reading Public Schools, town leadership, the Reading Police Department, community leaders, business leaders, parents/guardians, and students all working together to empower youth to thrive. Since establishing its priorities, the Cabinet has accessed resources and focused on addressing relational aggression and improving connectedness. Ms. Best and Ms. Wiggins shared plans for the future work of the Cabinet and how they intend to build on the progress made over the past two years. 3. Math Pathways FY25 Update Dr. Hardy shared an update on Math Pathways. The packet provided includes a memo with detailed information, and Dr. Hardy highlighted key points during the review. The goal is to ensure high-quality math instruction that supports student success. As students move through the Math Pathways, they begin differentiating their math courses in 7th grade to align with their future goals. The district is working to ensure the pathway includes a range of options, including opportunities for students who are ready for more advanced challenges. There is also an ongoing focus on 12th-grade math courses to provide rigorous academic opportunities. A shift is planned for the next school year: where the district previously offered Financial Algebra, it will now offer a course called Advanced Algebra with Financial Applications, which maintains similar content but at a higher level of rigor. Additionally, the district will continue to offer a variety of math course options over the summer. The district remains committed to supporting teachers through strong professional development and by continuing to leverage the expertise of math coaches. This year, Page | 5 teachers engaged in new professional development focused on the concept of guaranteed learning experiences, ensuring consistency and high expectations across classrooms. Finally, there is a continued emphasis on clear and effective communication with parents and guardians. The goal is to ensure families understand the Math Pathways process and that all information is transparent and accessible. 4. Approve Last Day of School for SY24-25 (A) Dr. Milaschewski acknowledged recent community conversations regarding whether the School Committee could choose to end the school year on Friday, June 13th or Monday, June 16th. He clarified that it is a formality for the Committee to vote on the last day of school, and according to DESE regulations, districts are required to meet 180 instructional days. Unfortunately, the 180th day falls on Monday, June 16th. Mr. Brandt motioned to approve Monday, June 16th as the last day of school for the 2024- 2025 school year, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 5-0. 5. Approve the awarding of the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship (A) Mr. Brandt motioned to approve the expenditure of $2,051 from the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship to be provided to one senior in alignment with the scholarship criteria, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. The vote passed 5-0. 6. Approve the awarding of the Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Scholarship (A) Mr. Brandt motioned to approve the expenditure of $400 from the Arthur L. Spencer Memorial Scholarship to be provided to one senior in alignment with the scholarship criteria, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. The vote passed 5-0. Mr. Brandt motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. The vote passed 5-0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t48DUIQwmF0 Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:15 pm. TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 8, 2025 RE: Vote to Approve Parker Granite State Manufacturing Field Trip Request Please vote to approve an out of state, day field trip request to Granite State Manufacturing, in Manchester, NH. The trip will take place on May 22nd for Parker 7th grade students. Please find attached the field trip approval form. Thank you. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 8, 2025 RE: Vote to Approve Parker Canobie Lake Park Field Trip Request Please vote to approve an out of state, day field trip request to Canobie Lake Park, in Salem, NH. The trip will take place on June 16th for Parker 7th and 8th grade chorus and band students. Please find attached the field trip approval form. Thank you. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 8, 2025 RE: Vote to Accept Coolidge Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools Donation Please vote to accept a donation of $500 from the Unified Champion Schools. This donation is in support of the Middle School Unified Basketball Season. Please find attached the donation letter from Kathleen Lutz, Director of Inclusive Schools Initiatives. 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 CC: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent of Schools Philip Littlehale, Interim Director of Finance and Operations DATE: April 11, 2025 FR: Katelyn Finnegan, Assistant Business Manager RE: Acceptance of FY25 FC181 English Learner Education Support Grant Award The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has awarded the Reading Public Schools with a FY25 English Learner Education Support Grant in the amount of $35,220. The RPS Multilingual Learner (ML) Department applied for the English Learner Education Support Grant in partnership with the Stoneham and Tri-Town ML Departments. We applied for Goal 4, which allows us to purchase new curriculum materials to meet curricular objectives and ensure alignment with WIDA and content standards. We were awarded the following to be used by August 2025: • Curriculum Materials- $28,415 • Teacher Stipends- $2,805 • Professional Development- $4,000 Thank you for your support with your vote to accept the FY25 FC181 English Learner Education Support Grant Award. 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 CC: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent of Schools Philip Littlehale, Interim Director of Finance and Operations DATE: May 5, 2025 FR: Katelyn Finnegan, Assistant Business Manager RE: Acceptance of the Funding Transfer from Opioid Revolving Fund to Reading Public Schools Please vote to accept the $30,000 Funding Transfer from Opioid Revolving Fund to Reading Public Schools by the Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support for FY26. In addition to the 0.6 FTE already in the operating budget, this funding will support the addition of a 0.4 FTE Health Educator position at Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools, ensuring that our students receive the vital education they need to navigate the complexities of substance misuse and make informed choices. An additional $80,821 has been allocated to this position for FY27-FY30. Thank you for your support with your vote to accept the Funding Transfer from Opioid Revolving Fund to Reading Public Schools. 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 April 30, 2025 Funding Transfer from Opioid Revolving Fund to Reading Public Schools Dear Dr. Milaschewski, The Reading Coalition is taking significant steps to combat the opioid crisis through strategic utilization of the opioid settlement funds allocated to the Town of Reading. By engaging with stakeholders including the Reading Public Schools, we developed a multi-year plan that is both data-informed and impactful. The coalition’s settlement plan is reflective of our assessment, community input and allowable funding uses. We have a number of initiatives happening and are pleased to partner with the Reading Public Schools on expanding our prevention efforts. The coalition will invest in the health education of our middle school students by providing $30,000 in funding to the Reading Public Schools for the fiscal year 2026. This funding will support the addition of a 0.4 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Health Educator position at Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools, ensuring that our students receive the vital education they need to navigate the complexities of substance misuse and make informed choices. As we transition to a sustainable model, the Reading Public Schools has committed to designating 0.6 FTE in their budget, allowing for a dedicated full-time health educator to serve both middle schools effectively. From 2026-2030, funding will decline to allow for planning in future school budget cycles. $110,821 has been allocated for this school partnership over the next five years. FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 Funding allocated for RPS Middle School Health Educator $30,000 $31,200 $32,448 $11,249 $5,624 The strategic use of these funds, secured through the Massachusetts Opioid Settlement, reflect our coalition's unwavering commitment to enhancing well-being through collaboration with local schools. The financial management of this initiative is entrusted to the Town’s Chief Financial Officer, ensuring transparency and accountability, while the Director of the Reading Coalition will oversee programmatic efforts and reporting in partnership with the Town Manager. Please let me know when the district is ready to accept the check and/or transfer. I will work with Sharon Angstrom to make the arrangements. We would appreciate the inclusion of the funds as an offset in your budget to demonstrate the partnership. To Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent, Reading Public Schools From Erica Maillet, MPH, Director, Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support CC Chief David Clark, Lt. Richard Abate, Sharon Angstrom, CFO and Matt Kraunelis, Town Manager Re Opioid Funds transfer for Health Educator at the middle schools. New Business Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet May 12, 2025 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 7, 2025 RE: Friends of Reading METCO Discussion During the May 12th School Committee meeting, the Friends of Reading METCO (FoRMETCO) will engage with the committee on the following questions: Questions for School Committee: 1. How would you define success for the program? 2. What are members proudest of about the METCO program? 3. What improvements would members like to see? 4. Is there a need to educate the broader Reading community about the importance and impact of METCO? How could we do this together? 5. What do you see as your role in advocating for the program overall? Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 7, 2025 RE: State of the Reading METCO Program During the May 12th School Committee meeting, we will provide an update on the state of the Reading METCO program. This presentation will be led by Dr. Milaschewski, Cindy Marte and Jerika Santiago. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 7, 2025 RE: METCO CEO Search Timeline and Process In March, the METCO Board Chair announced that Milly Arbaje-Thomas will be stepping down as President & CEO of METCO, Inc., effective June 30, 2025. A search committee composed of board members and stakeholders has been formed, and Dr. Milaschewski is serving on that committee as the superintendent representative. During the May 12th School Committee meeting, Dr. Milaschewski will share an update on the timeline and process for selecting a new President & CEO of METCO, Inc. 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 Old Business Reading Public Schools School Committee Meeting Packet May 12, 2025 TO: Reading School Committee FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent DATE: May 7, 2025 RE: Update on METCO Program Director Search Process During the May 12th School Committee meeting, we will provide an update on the Reading METCO Program Director search process. Reading Public Schools Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Phone: 781-944-5800 Fax: 781-942-9149 To: Reading School Committee From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Date: May 5, 2025 Re: School Choice Update and Second Lottery Process On March 28, the district opened applications for the 20254-2026 School Choice Program with a deadline to apply by April 16. The district received 50 applications, of which 27 students were accepted. With 21 kindergarten applications and only 10 spots available, we were unable to accept 11 students. Although we did not have any available seats in sixth grade, we received eight applications we could not accept. For second grade, we had five applications and only one available spot, so we were unable to accept four students. In total, unfortunately we had to deny 23 applications. School Choice is a state-wide program designed to fill available seats in school districts and allow parent/guardians choice and access to desirable school districts. School Choice also supports the recruitment and retention of a high performing instructional staff by enabling children of staff members to apply for a seat in the lottery. With each School Choice student who enrolls in kindergarten to grade 12, the district receives $5,000. The district will also receive funds for special education increments from the sending district of a School Choice student. School Choice funds are deposited into a revolving fund under the School Committee’s purview, which requires no further appropriation for use. School Choice funds can be allocated to address a wide range of district needs. Through the first lottery process, the District Leadership Team identified 56 available seats across the district by using a two-tiered approach. This started with a review of projected enrollment, followed by an evaluation of class sizes across all grade levels per school. We then allocated seats for School Choice based on available space. The assignment of students to specific schools has been based on current enrollment numbers. Annually before November, as mandated by the state, we reopen the lottery for available seats. With 27 seats filled during the first lottery process, we will open the remaining seats not filled plus an additional six new kindergarten seats. Please find a grade-specific summary of available seats for the second lottery below. The applications will open on May 12th with a deadline of May 28th and the lottery process will take place on May 29th. More information about the application process and guidelines can be found in the packet. 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