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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-13 School Committee MinutesO� rp��i Town of Reading RECEIVED t Meeting Minutes 1� TOWN CLERK r. � - >f�° READINAG, MA. SOP Boardµ Committee - Commission - Council: 2025 APR -7 PM 3: 31 School Committee Date: 2025-03-13 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, Shawn Brandt (remote), Sarah McLaughlin, Carla Nazzaro, Erin Geffen, and Charles Robinson Members - Not Present: Others Present: Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching 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 — Mr. Brandt — here, Mr. Robinson — here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mrs. Nazzaro — here, Mrs. Gaffen — here, Mr. Wise — here B. Public Comment — None Focus on Excellence 1. Lego League Dr. Milaschewski thanked coach volunteers Tiffany Lynch and Makenzie Bilodeau and introduced the Killam and Birch Lego League teams. The teams then showcased their work leading up to the Lego League competition. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (02-27-2025) 2. Gymnastics Field Trip Request 3. Wrestling Field Trip Request 4. Lacrosse Field Trip Request 5. DECA Field Trip Request 6. RMHS Track Donation 7. RMHS Wrestling Donation Page I 1 Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 02-27-2025 2.03-06-2025 Mrs. Gajjen motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Roll Call Vote— Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson —yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen —yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0 Reports 1. Students —Student representative provided updates on the following items: a. Winter sports and activities are wrapping up, and the Drama Club has advanced from the preliminary round at the Drama Festival. b. Harvard Fellow Barbara Best has been interviewing and working with different affinity groups to gather data and explore ways to improve the school community's sense of belonging. c. College Fair featured over 120 different colleges and universities, providing great opportunities for students to ask questions; guidance counselors put in a lot of work to organize the event. d. Spring athletics and tryouts begin next week. e. School counselors are meeting with students to discuss course selections for next year. f. DECA had a huge success, with students advancing to the competition in Florida. g. Upcoming events include the Sophomore Semi -Formal, MICAS testing, a speaker session with Liz Faria, and Junior Prom. 2. Assistant Superintended for Learning and Teaching — Dr. Hardy provided an update on the Technology Impact Committee, which consists of four administrators and four RTA members as part of the RTA contract. The committee is exploring the role of Al in schools and felt it was the right time to launch discussions to further examine its impact and develop a vision for its use. Additionally, Dr. Hardy shared excitement about professional development for K-6 Illustrative Math (IM). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) recently visited and was highly impressed by the quality of the professional development. A special thank you was extended to the teachers participating in these sessions. 3. Superintendent —Dr. Milaschewski shared the exciting news that the anatomy table has arrived at the high school and encouraged plans to showcase it to the community, inviting members to see the tool in action soon. 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mr. Brandt —No report b. Mr. Robinson —No report c. Ms. McLaughlin —No report Page 1 2 d. Mrs. Nazzaro— The Killam meeting focused on providing an amendment to the designer. A total of $2.2 million was granted for the schematic design and feasibility phase leading up to the vote. Since the project remained under budget, the committee approved an additional $500,000 to further the design process. For more information about the project, visit killamschool.com. e. Mrs. Gaffen—No report f. Mr. Wise —Two Policy Subcommittee meetings have been held, and progress continues to be made. E. New Business 1. Vote to Approve Acceptance and Conditions of The David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund (A) Mr. Wise invited Mrs. Savio to speak about the scholarship established in memory of her husband, David Savio. Mrs. Savio expressed her gratitude to the committee, Chief Clark, Ms. Lynna Williams, and Town Treasurer Ms. Morabito for their support in creating the scholarship. This scholarship will support students pursuing careers in law enforcement and criminal justice, just as her husband did. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the acceptance and conditions of The David Savlo Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Roll Call Vote —Mr. Brandt —yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. Z. Announcement of New School Resource Officer Chief Clark introduced Officer Mike Davis as the new School Resource Officer, who will begin his role on Monday, March 17th. He then outlined the interview process and selection of Officer Davis, highlighting his background and experience. Officer Davis expressed his enthusiasm for starting in this position. 3. High School Counseling Annual Update Director of Counseling Ms. Williams and Principal Callanan provided the annual high school counseling update, highlighting the success of the college fair, Class of 2024 post -graduation statistics, early acceptances for the Class of 2025, and ongoing school counseling initiatives at RMHS. These initiatives include: • Piloting the first Career Day for all juniors and interested seniors • Hosting the first in -person College Admissions Panel • Improving the counseling website to make information more accessible • Continuing the partnership with College Affordable, a nonprofit organization focused on financial aid, now in its second year • Successfully administering digital PSATs and SATs this past fall Page 1 3 • Collaborating with administration to expand Innovation Career Pathways and Dual Enrollment opportunities • Supporting the growth of the senior Quarter 4 Internship Program • Participating in the HBCU College Fair in Boston for the second year Following the update, the committee discussed trends in college admissions and post - graduation options. 4. ESL Curriculum Update (A) Dr. Hardy, ML Program Coordinator Karen Hall, and ESL teacher Patrice Duggan presented an update on the English as a Second Language (ESL) Curriculum review, covering the following topics: • Multilingual (ML) context • Curriculum review objectives and process • Introduction of a new program • Curriculum piloting and selection • Program review information • Costs and details of the recommended new program, along with the implementation plan It was announced that National Geographic has been selected as the recommended program to move forward with. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to approve the adoption of National Geographic as the ESL Curriculum for grades K-12, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. S. Policy Updates — Review and Vote (A) on Amended Policies Mr. Wise motioned to move item ESE Policy IKF—Graduation Requirements out of order, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. e. Policy IKF— Graduation Requirements: Ms. Callanan and Dr. Hardy provided updates on the policy in alignment with MASC. They reviewed the policy adjustments made following the vote last fall. The polity is no longer part of the graduation standard but will now be included in the competency standard. They also cleaned up the policy as they revised it. Page 14 Mr. Wise discussed the basic updates as well as the substantive changes resulting from the MICAS vote last November. Additionally, considerations have been added for out -of - district and transfer students. It was suggested amending the document by striking the first two paragraphs, as they were unnecessary, and after discussion, it was noted that the third paragraph was duplicative. Mr. Brandt motioned to strike the first three paragraphs in the policy, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. Roll Call Vote —Mr. Brandt —yes, Mr. Robinson —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Nazzaro—yes, Mrs. Gaffen—yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to accept Policy IKF — Graduation Requirements as amended effective Immediately, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. a. Policy GBA— Equal Employment Opportunity: Ms. Roach provided on the policy, reviewing the sections marked in purple, which were updated by the Policy Subcommittee and have already been reviewed by legal. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adopt Polity GBA—Equal Employment Opportunity, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. b. Policy GBEA — Staff Ethics/Conflict of Interest: The policy underwent multiple changes, which were made by Ms. Roach and reviewed by legal. The recommendation is to adopt everything below the MR recommendation note. Ms. Roach reviewed the changes, which included reformatting the policy for readability, and ensuring the language applies to all employees. Additionally, she added guidance and clarification of key terms, clearly outlining expectations and consequences. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adopt Policy GBEA— Staff Ethics/Conflict of Interest seconded by Mr. Robinson. Page 15 Roll Call Vote —Mr. Brandt —yes, Mr. Robinson —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen —yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0. c. GBEB — Staff Conduct: Ms. Roach provided specific examples to make the policy more tangible and clarified the consequences for misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. The policy has also been reviewed by legal. Mrs. Goffen motioned to adopt Policy GBEB — Staff Conduct seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0 d. GBEC—Drug Free Workplace: Mr. Robinson noted during the policy subcommittee meeting that the inclusion and discussion of alcohol were considered, but this policy does not address that topic. Legal counsel has reviewed the policy, but no additions were made regarding alcohol. The issue falls under the scope of the safety policy and addresses unsafe behaviors in the workplace. The committee considered tabling the policy to obtain final confirmation from legal. They also discussed areas where this topic is covered in other policies. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to adopt Policy GBEC— Drug Free Workplace, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0. 6. First Reading of New Polity Mr. Wise noted that Policy GBGB — Staff Personal Security and Safety is a new policy, modeled after MASC and significantly modified. Ms. Roach modernized the language and aligned it with existing policies in the Collective Bargaining Agreements. She emphasized that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary resource and does not impact job security or promotional opportunities. Legal has reviewed the policy, and this is its first reading. Mrs. Gaffen motioned to accept the first reading of Policy GBGB — Staff Personal Security and Safety, seconded by Mr. Robinson. Page 1 6 Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt —yes, Mr. Robinson —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Nazzaro— yes, Mrs. Gaffen —yes, Mr. Wise —yes The vote passed 6-0. 7. Notification of Upcoming Policy Votes Mr. Wise notified the committee of the following policies that will be brought forward for review and adoption on March 27th: • Policy FF — Naming of Facilities or Places within or on School Property • Policy GBEBC — Gifts to and Solicitations by Staff • Policy GBl— Staff Participation in Political Activities • Policy GBGE— Domestic Violence Leave, which will go through both a first and second reading before potential adoption by the committee. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Brandt. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Brandt — yes, Mr. Robinson — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes The vote passed 6-0. hftps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNfGMkiycOs Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:38 pm. Page 1 7