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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-21 School Committee MinutesaTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2025-08-21 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: �CE� ByAC ):)eras.&pMarm Shawn Brandt (remote), Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen (remote), Tom Wise, Sarah McLaughlin (remote) and terra Durgavich Members - Not Present: 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. Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:08pm with roll call attendance as several members were participating remotely. Roll Call Attendance — Mrs. Gaffen — here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mrs. Nazzaro— here, Mrs. Durgavich — here, Mr. Brandt — here Mr. Brandt reviewed the agenda for the meeting. B. Public Comment Angela Binda, of Orchard Park Drive, spoke about concerns regarding spending on the RMHS fieldhouse floor project. Nancy Docktor, of Pearl Street, expressed concerns about funds being used outside of Town Meeting approval in relation to the RMHS fieldhouse floor project. Stephen Herrick, of Dividence Road, raised concerns about the process of spending and approving funds for projects related to unapproved items and requested greater transparency. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (07-10-2025) 2. Request to Surplus Property —Joshua Eaton 3. Request to Surplus Property— Killam 4. Request to Surplus Property —Wood End Page I i 5. Parker Nature's Classroom Field Trip Request 6. Coolidge Science Olympiad Donation 7. Acceptance of FY26 Genocide Education Grant Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 06-30-2025 2. 07-17-2025 3. 07-31-2025 4. 08-07-2025 5. 08-14-2025 Payroll Warrant Reports 1. 06-06-2025 2. 06-16-2025 3. 06-20-2025 4. 07-03-2025 5. 07-18-2025 Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Gaffen —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Nazzaro —yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 5-0 Reports 1. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski welcomed the 52 new staff members joining the district and introduced three of the 63 Rocket Ambassadors, who play a big role in orienting students as they begin high school. The students spoke about their experiences as Ambassadors and the advice they share with incoming students. He then provided updates on the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Over the summer, the district completed several major projects, including the fieldhouse floor renovation, modular classroom relocation, and resurfacing of the RISE playground. Dr. Milaschewski thanked the facilities team for their hard work in preparing the buildings for opening. Staffing updates were also shared: there are currently only 11 open positions and 52 new hires. Two new roles were added this year —an Inclusion Specialist and a redefined districtwide METCO Coordinator. Finally, Dr. Milaschewski recognized several teams for their summer work: the MLL Department for running its student program, the Extended School Year team for supporting 191 students, and the Food Services team, which not only ensured students had access to nutritious meals over the summer but also earned a Silver'Turnip the Beet" award. 2. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mrs. Nazzaro—The Killam School Building Committee advanced the design process over the summer and will be coordinating an abutters' meeting to support planning. The project remains under budget. Mrs. Nazzaro also had Page 1 2 an opportunity over the summer to visit the new fieldhouse floor and observe progress on other summer projects. b. Mrs. Durgavich — Mrs. Durgavich attended the first Recreation Committee meeting. They provided updates on the Birch Meadow Phase II project, which is progressing as planned. Playground equipment is scheduled to be installed between October and November. c. Mr. Wise —The Finance Committee discussed the fieldhouse and planned the Financial Forum for October 8th, as well as the Free Cash vote on October 22nd. Mr. Wise also noted that support for SEPAC Awareness Month is forthcoming and that he will inform the committee when the discussion is ready. d. Ms. McLaughlin —The RCN Board met and received an overview of the courses Anna Cuevas is teaching this school year, and contract negotiations with the Select Board continue. e. Mrs. Gaffen — No report f. Mr. Brandt — No report E. New Business 1. Discuss and potential vote to approve Forest Montessori Microschool (A) Per Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 76 grants school committees the sole authority to approve private and independent schools operating within a town. While there is little formal guidance on the process, the committee is responsible for making the legal determination that allows a private school to operate locally. Ahead of the meeting, members received information and submitted questions, which have been included in the packet. Head of School Mary Jirmanus Saba, along with members of the Forest Montessori Microschool team, presented a proposal for the operation of the Forest Montessori Microschool in Reading. During the presentation, the team highlighted the school's curriculum, its partnership with the Reading Conservation Commission, and the steps involved in launching the program. Committee members had the opportunity to ask questions and raised concerns related to facility readiness and occupancy permits, staff credentials and certifications, potential transportation costs for Reading, and the overall timeline and operational preparedness of the school. Mrs. Namara motioned to approve the Mulberry Forest Montessod Microschool, seconded by Mr. Wise. Mr. Brandt amended the motion to be contingent upon three conditions., the town granting a certificate of occupancy that supports the program as presented in the submitted materials; reaching an agreement on some degree of reimbursement for any state -required transportation of students, subject to review by counsel; and satisfactory progress on MACD certification for all lead teachers, with periodic reports on progress. The amendment was seconded by Mr. Wise. Page 1 3 Clarifying questions were asked regarding these conditions. One question addressed whether lead teachers would be required to obtain MACD certification before beginning instruction, or whether a provisional period, similar to what is done in Reading Public Schools, would apply. It was confirmed that a provisional period would be permitted, with updates expected mid -year. Another question addressed transportation reimbursement, and it was noted that this would depend on reaching an agreement with the Forest Microschool. Further consultation with legal counsel will be required to determine Reading Public Schools' responsibilities regarding transportation costs. Roll Call Vote to approve amended motion - Mrs. Nazzaro- no, Mr. Wise -yes, Mrs. Durgavich - yes, Mrs. Gallen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin - no, and Mr. Brandt - yes A final clarifying question was asked about whether the approval was permanent or provisional. It was explained that while the approval is considered permanent, it may be revoked at any time. Ongoing conversations with the Microschool are expected. Roll Call Vote - Mrs. Nazzaro - no, Mrs. Durgavich - yes, Mr. Wise - no, Mrs. Gaffen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin - no, Mr. Brandt - yes The motion failed, 3-3. 2. Review and vote to approve updated School Medication Guidelines (A) Director of Health Services May Giuliana shared updates to the School Medication Guidelines, which include new emergency medications, expanded staff training and delegation protocols, and clarified self -carry rules for students. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the updated School Medication Guidelines, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Roll Call Vote - Mrs. Nazzaro - yes, Mrs. Durgavich - yes, Mr. Wise - yes, Mrs. Gallen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin -yes, Mr. Brandt -yes The vote passed 6-0. Mr. Brandt motioned to move ES out of order, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Roll Call Vote - Mrs. Nazzaro -yes, Mrs. Durgavich - yes, Mr. Wise -yes, Mrs. Gaffen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin - yes, Mr. Brandt - yes The vote passed 6-0. 3. Extended Day Program Update Community Education Director Chris Nelson provided an update on the Extended Day program. A copy of the presentation can be found here. The presentation included Page 14 information about renaming Community Education to the BASE Program, separating enrichment programs from Extended Day, updates on enrollment and waitlists, and the long-term goals for the program. 4. Review and vote to approve updated Rental Policy Agreement (A) Dr. Milaschewski provided context on the updates made to the Rental Policy Agreement These updates were driven by community input regarding the timing for requesting and receiving approval for rental dates. Since the approval often comes late, the policy was changed to refer to general rental dates instead. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Rental Policy Agreement seconded by Mr. Wise Roll Call Vote - Mrs. Nazzaro - yes, Mrs. Durgavich - yes, Mr. Wise - yes, Mrs. Gaffen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin -yes, Mr. Brandt -yes The vote passed 6-0 S. Review and approve updated Acceptable Use Policy (A) Dr. Milaschewski noted that the update to the Acceptable Use Policy involves the integration of Al language, provided directly by legal counsel. It was also noted that the Acceptable Use Policy students are signing should include an AI statement (see page 160 of the packet). Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Acceptable Use Policy, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote - Mrs. Nazzaro -yes, Mrs. Durgavich -yes, Mr. Wise -yes, Mrs. Gaffen - yes, Ms. McLaughlin - yes, Mr. Brandt - yes The vote passed 6-0. 6. Beginning of 2025-2026 School Year Updates No additional information was provided, as Dr. Milaschewski shared updates during his report. 7. Introduction of Full -Time Harvard Resident Dr. Milaschewski welcomed Ramsey Merritt and briefly shared some of the work that he will be undertaking during his year in the Harvard Residency. S. Review of Superintendent Goals Dr. Milaschewski introduced his draft goals and looks forward to continued discussion. The goals have been consolidated into three areas: student outcome data, instructional leadership, and principal development. 9. Review and vote to approve Superintendent review timeline (A) Page 1 5 Mr. Brandt shared that the decision points around the superintendent review include the timeline itself and the focus indicators. There was also a discussion noting that a two-year review timeline would be preferable. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the superintendent review timeline of a two-year review cycle timeline with a formative review in May -June 2026 and a summative review in May -June 1027, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 6-0. D. Old Business 1. District -Wide Student Handbook Revision — Review & Approve (A) Dr. Milaschewski noted that this revision was driven by the recent Supreme Court ruling in the Mahmoud case and was made in response to language provided by legal counsel for the handbook. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the updated District -Wide Student Handbook, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 6-0. G. Executive Session Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to adjourn to executive session in preparation for negotiations with non -unit personnel, or to conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non -unit personnel with the Superintendent, and will be returning to open session in approximately 15 minutes, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote —Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes The vote passed 6-0. Mr. Brandt called the meeting back to order at 10:34pm. Roll Call Attendance — Mrs. Gaffen — here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mrs. Nazzaro — here, Mrs. Durgavich — here, Mr. Brandt — here Page 1 6 E. New Business 10. Potential Vote to Executive Contract with Superintendent Mr. Brandt shared updates to Dr. Milaschewski's contract, including a retroactive salary adjustment to $242,000 effective July 1, 2025. The new contract terms cover the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2031. Other inclusions in the contract are a retention payment to be paid in 2029 and 2031, as well as additional vacation and personal days. Mr. Brandt motioned to approve the superintendents contract, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote —Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes The vote passed 6-0. Motion to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Nazzaro. Roll Call Vote —Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes The vote passed 6-0. httas://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6'UKQOOhnXg Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 10:48 pm. Page 1 7