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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-18 School Committee Minuteso�' rq�o Town of Reading Meeting Minutes C b' N C E° K 6j9'p(OP Board - committee - Commission - council: School Committee Date: 2025-12-18 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: Shawn Brandt, Carla Nazzaro, Erin Gaffen, Tom Wise, and Lars Durgavich Members - Not Present: Sarah McLaughlin Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy, and Director of Finance and Operations Mr. Phil Littlehale 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 7:00pm. B. Public Comment —None Focus on Excellence— DECA Club Dr. Milaschewski introduced student participants in the RMHS DECA Club and advisor Ms. Rosenfeld, who highlighted the club's achievements over the past few years and upcoming opportunities as students prepare for state and national competitions. The club's participation has increased significantly, growing from 17 members in 2023 to 154 members in 2025. Students shared highlights of their accomplishments and discussed goals moving forward. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes(12-04-2025) 2. Acceptance of FY26 RMHS Equipment Earmark Award 3. Reading Girls Soccer Parents Association Donation 4. Friends of RMHS Cheer Donation 5. RMHS Fitness Center and Training Room Donation 6. Northshore Education Consortium (NEC) 2025 Annual Report Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 12-04-2025 Page 1 1 2. 12-11-2025 Payroll Warrant Reports 1. 09-26-2025 2.09-12-2025 3.10-10-2025 4. 10-24-2025 5. 11-07-2025 6. 11-21-2025 7. 12-05-2025 Mrs. Nauaro motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. The vote passed 5-0. Dr. Milaschewski briefly noted that included in the consent agenda was approval of the final installment from donor Claudia Miksen-Fanaras, who has generously donated funds for a complete renovation of the RMHS Fitness Center and Training Room. Flooring has been installed, and equipment is arriving. An official ribbon -cutting ceremony will be held once the space is complete. Reports 1. Student Representatives— RMHS student representative shared several upcoming events and recent highlights. The Winter Choir Concert was held on December 18, and the Band Concert was a great success, including an upcoming performance at Disney. Winter recess begins on December 23, and midterm exams will take place from January 20-23. It was also noted that Career Day is scheduled for January 29, and the next PTO meeting will be held on January 26. In addition, a new dual - enrollment course in financial literacy will be launching in partnership with Endicott College and Reading Cooperative Bank. Applications for the National Honor Society will be opening for juniors, with requirements including a minimum 3.5 GPA, 40 service hours, and demonstrated leadership roles. 2. Superintendent —No report 3. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mrs. Gaffen — No Report b. Mr. Wise — No Report c. Mrs. Durgavich — Mrs. Durgavich gave a shout -out to the Friends of Reading METCO for hosting their holiday gathering and commended the strong support from the community. She also highlighted the Joshua Eaton fourth - and fifth -grade musical, which was new this year and very enjoyable to put together for parents to attend and enjoy. d. Mrs. Nazzaro—The most recent Killam School Building Committee meeting was held on December 15. Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) have been issued for code review services, a tax consultant to explore IRA grant opportunities, and materials testing. The Committee approved early procurement of electrical switchgear due to extended lead times. Design Page 1 2 work is ongoing for the RISE preschool spaces, and decisions are being made regarding building signage. In addition, off -site work was added as a bid alternate, and the Committee approved the addition of a facilities clerk position to support construction oversight. e. Mr. Brandt —No report E. New Business 1. Q1— FY26 Human Resources Update HR Director Ms. Michelle Roach provided a high level QS Human Resources update sharing SY25-26 hiring and open positions, SY 25-26 leaves and terminations, internal mobility as it relates to fostering internal growth and development, and resignations by bargaining unit. Ms. Roach shared that 92 positions have been filled to date. Teacher hiring decreased from 39 positions last year to 26 this year, reflecting stronger retention across the district. At this time, there are zero open teaching positions, and overall resignations have declined significantly, with 12 resignations compared to 23 during the same period last year. Notably, there have been no teacher resignations. Ms. Roach also highlighted strong internal mobility, with paraeducators moving into specialized roles throughout the district. Overall staffing trends indicate that the district is entering a more stable staffing phase following post -pandemic fluctuations. The committee commended the HR team for its professionalism and the positive improvements in staff retention. 2. Math Pathways FY26 Update Dr. Hardy, RMHS Principal Ms. Callanan, and RMHS math teacher Mr. Skehan provided an update on Math Pathways, outlining a proposal for revised math course offerings. The proposed pathways are intended to ensure math programming meets the needs of all students while supporting access to higher -level coursework aligned with individual interests and college and career plans. Proposed courses include Honors Algebra II with Trigonometry, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, and AP Precalculus A. The goals of the proposal are to increase equity and flexibility, reduce reliance on outside programs for acceleration, and maintain four-year math requirements. Committee members commended the team for advancing work that has been discussed for several years and for expanding opportunities that support learners at varying levels while appropriately challenging students. A concern was raised regarding the perception that the proposed sequence may require students in the Honors Algebra II with Trigonometry pathway to take both AP Calculus AB and BC. The presenters clarified the intent and provided rationale, noting that some students benefit from additional preparation between courses, while others may feel more confident entering advanced coursework. Discussion also included incentives related to Page 1 3 four -unit versus three -unit course options. Committee members praised the expanded options and raised questions related to implementation timing and flexibility within advanced placement pathways. The target rollout for most changes is the 2026-27 school year. 3. FY27 Fee Rates (A) Mr. Littlehale reviewed proposed fee adjustments for Transportation, Driver's Education, Extended Day, Athletics & Arts, and facility rentals. He noted that these fees were last reviewed two years ago and that the district is working toward a more regular schedule for fee renewals in order to avoid significant increases. During this cycle, efforts were made to keep fees as low as possible, and family caps remain unchanged across all categories. Transportation: Mr. Littlehale reviewed the proposed transportation fee increases: $475 to $500 for a single rider and $850 to $900 for two riders, with the family cap remaining at $1,200. He reminded the Committee of the state requirement to provide transportation for students in grades Kai who live more than two miles from school. He also noted that the district is in a three-year contract with the bus company, with annual cost increases built into the agreement. The Committee discussed prior rate increases in 2024 and expressed concern about not keeping pace with rising costs year over year. Members requested additional ridership data, including the number of individual riders and families with two or more students, to better understand fee impacts. The Committee agreed to defer a vote until the requested data is provided. Driver's Education: Proposed fee increases were reviewed, including an increase from $710 to $750 for the program, $15 to $20 per hour for additional lessons, and $95 to $100 for the road test sponsor fee. Committee members asked clarifying questions regarding the number of lessons included in the base fee. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Driver's Education fees for FY27, seconded by Mr. Wise. The vote passed 5-0 Extended Day: Mr. Littlehale noted that no vote was being requested on these increases at this meeting. The Committee discussed questions related to the potential integration of enrichment opportunities within the Extended Day program. A survey has been distributed to families and will remain open through the first week of January. Results will be shared at an upcoming meeting. Committee members raised several questions, including whether enrichment offerings would be an additional cost beyond basic Extended Day tuition or included within the existing fee structure. If enrichment is offered at an additional cost, questions included the Page 14 number of available spots for non —Extended Day students, potential fee differentials between Extended Day and non —Extended Day participants, the enrollment cycle for non — Extended Day families, and whether enrichment activities would carry varying costs. If enrichment activities are included within tuition, questions focused on how students would be assigned to or select enrichment opportunities and whether participation would be optional. Athletics & Arts: Mr. Littlehale reviewed a proposed $10 fee increase for drama, band, and athletics, with family caps remaining unchanged. The Committee requested additional information, including historical profit -and -loss data for drama and band programs, a cost breakdown by sport (including equipment, rentals, and uniforms), consideration of tiered athletic fees and a comprehensive family activity cap, and exploration of potential advertising revenue opportunities. The Committee agreed to defer a vote until additional information is provided. Facility Rentals: Proposed facility rental fee increases were reviewed, including a 5% increase for Reading -based nonprofits and out-of-town nonprofits, and a 9% increase for out-of-town for -profit organizations. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the Facility Rental fees beginning FY27, seconded by Mr. Wise. The vote passed 5-0 4. FY27 Kindergarten Projections Dr. Milaschewski shared preliminary kindergarten enrollment projections for FY27 based on census data and known students who delayed kindergarten in the prior year or will be transitioning from RISE. Current projections indicate a potential need for one additional classroom; however, with the budget cycle beginning and anticipated fiscal constraints, enrollment will continue to be closely monitored as kindergarten registration opens in early January. Dr. Milaschewski noted that these projections are early estimates and that overall enrollment has come in under census data in recent years, which may result in actual enrollment being lower than projected. The Committee will be kept informed as more data becomes available. The Committee discussed possible boundary adjustments and creative staffing solutions. S. Superintendent Search Process (A) Mr. Brandt acknowledged Dr. Milaschewski s announcement regarding his departure at the end of the school year. Dr. Milaschewski expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the district and shared optimism about its future, noting pride in the work accomplished over the past five years and emphasizing the collective efforts of the community. He stated that the district is in a strong position and remains an attractive opportunity for prospective candidates. Page 1 5 Committee members noted that superintendent searches are never easy but expressed optimism given the district's current direction and stability. The Committee discussed the superintendent search process and gathered initial input. The Committee agreed to vote that evening to authorize the Chair and Vice Chair to engage a search firm and return in January with a proposed process and timeline. Members emphasized the importance of a thoughtful and inclusive process, similar to the prior search. The Committee also discussed the composition of the screening committee and reached consensus that it should include two School Committee members; central office and building -level leaders; staff representatives from RISE, elementary, middle, and high school levels; parent representatives, including SEPAC and METCO; a Town Manager designee; and a public safety representative. Mr. Wise motioned to approve to authorize Mr. Brandt and Mrs. Nazzaro in their roles as chair and vice chair find and select a search firm to start the superintendent search process and to report back at the first meeting in January, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. The vote passed 5-0. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Wise. The vote passed 5-0. bttps,t/www.youtube.com/watch?v=auisulaesC4&t=1633s Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:24 pm. Page 1 6