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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-30 School Committee MinutesI kc: Town of Reading htut(v� Meeting Minutes Li TOW'\ CLERK ;to Al k/y Board - Committee - Commission - Council: R25 DEC C 2 AM 7: h 77 School Committee Date: 2025-10-30 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, Sarah McLaughlin, Carla Nazzaro, Tom Wise (remote), and Lara Durgavich Members - Not Present: Erin Gaffen Others Present: Assistant Superintendent for Learning & 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— Mr. Brandt called the meeting to order at 7:02pm. Roll Call Attendance —Mr. Wise— here, Mrs. Durgavich —here, Mrs. Nazzaro— here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mr. Brandt — here B. Public Comment —None Focus on Excellence— Members of the RMHS Marching Band discussed their season, including last weekend's victory. They will compete in the NESBA State Championship this weekend. The Committee expressed appreciation to Mr. Mulligan for his leadership, humility, and the continued success of one of the state's top programs. The Committee also thanked the students for their dedication and preparation, noting the high standards they set for themselves. The band has achieved back -to -back-to-back state championships. The committee also celebrated the RMHS Drama Club who are currently in rehearsal for their upcoming show, Catch Me If You Can, scheduled for this weekend. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes(10-02-2025) 2. Minutes(10-16-2025) 3. RMHS Disney World Field Trip Request 4. Parker Quebec Field Trip Request 5. The Dough Connection —Food Service Donation Page 1 1 6. Coolidge Middle School PTO Donation 7. RMHS Math Team Donation 8. Reading Volleyball Parents Organization Donation 9. Barrows Whole Kids Garden Donation 10. Helen A. Nigro Foundation Donation 11. RMHS Fitness Center and Training Room Donation 12. Embrace Clinical Services Donation 13. CAMHI —Graduate Training Program Donation 14. RISE Preschool Surplus 15. Acceptance of FY26 Innovation Pathways Implementation and Support Grant 16. Acceptance of FY26 Fair Share Earmark Award 17. Acceptance of FY26 Innovation Career Pathways Planning Grant 18. Acceptance of FY26 Skills Capital Technology and Equipment Grant Award 19. The Structured Literacy Playback — Preplanned Lessons for Building Phonics and Fluency Skills Book Donation 20. Student Leadership Mini -Grants Donation Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 10-09-2025 2. 10-16-2025 3. 10-23-2025 It was noted Mr. Wise would recuse himself from voting on item 19 as the donation is from him. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the consent agenda minus item 19, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Wise — yes, Mrs. Durgavich—yes, Mrs. Nazzaro—yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 5-0. Mrs. Nozzaro motioned to approve item 19, the structured literacy playbook book donation from the consent agenda, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 4-0. Reports 1. Assistant Superintendent for Learning & Teaching— Dr. Hardy shared that national researchers David and Meredith Liben visited Killam to observe ARC implementation. They praised both student engagement and teacher skill. Page 1 2 2. Superintendent — Dr. Milaschewski noted a heavy consent agenda, including numerous donation items and grants. He highlighted ongoing conversations around tightening budgets, engaging the community, and exploring all available grant opportunities, noting that over $325,000 in grants has been awarded to the district over the last few weeks. Appreciation was expressed to community partners for their financial support. Dr. Milaschewski also discussed the expiration of SNAP benefits, which deeply impacts many students and families. Food services are exploring creative ways to support students and families, though this does not impact the lunch program. The Reading Food Pantry was recognized as a valuable resource for families outside of the schools, and information will be shared districtwide in this week's newsletter. 3. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mr. Wise — Mr. Wise reported that the Finance Committee approved a 3% operating budget increase, with ongoing concern about maintaining the district's AAA bond rating. Additionally, the Select Board will move forward with the proclamation recognizing SEPAC Awareness Month. b. Mrs. Durgavich — Mrs. Durgavich shared that at the Recreation Committee meeting, the Wood End playground has been painted. She also noted that Birch Meadow Phase 2 may be delayed until spring. c. Mrs. Nazzaro — Mrs. Nazzaro recognized Principal Fulton for her outstanding work on the project. She noted that the Killam Building Committee is reviewing multiple design status updates and that several stakeholder meetings have been held. d. Ms. McLaughlin — Ms. McLaughlin reported that RCN met. There were no school -related updates. She promoted the drama club performances. e. Mr. Brandt —No report E. New Business 1. School Improvement Plan Presentations & Vote to Accept (A) Dr. Milaschewski, Dr. Hardy, and school leaders provided a high-level overview of the school improvement plans, highlighting commonalities across elementary and middle schools, RMHS highlights, and upcoming priorities based on the SIPS. A full copy of the presentation and individual school presentation dates and times are available here. Elementary School Commonalities: • Improve student achievement and academic growth through enhanced use of data teams and assessment analysis to elevate Tier 1 instruction and plan targeted supports, leveraging EduClimber. • Implement the Comprehensive Math Assessment (CMA) in grades 2-5 to strengthen math instruction and provide data -driven intervention. • Strengthen literacy instruction via continued Literacy Labs professional development, leveraging teacher leaders to analyze data, improve instructional practice, and support updated foundational skills curriculum in grades K-1. Page 1 3 Enhance staff understanding of strategies that promote student connection and belonging through ongoing professional learning with RPS Inclusion Specialists. Middle School Commonalities: • Strategic Objective 1: Student Engagement, Systems, Supportive and Responsive Learning Environments. • Strategic Objective 2: High Expectations for All Students, High -Quality Curriculum and Instruction, Data -Driven Decision Making, Collaborative Professional Development, Universal Design for Learning. High School Highlights (RMHS): • Reduce absenteeism and increase grade 9 passing rates. • Expand student voice through listening sessions. • Improve AP pass rates and SAT performance. • Add a sixth innovation career pathway. • Align curriculum and complete NEASC report. Discussion Highlights: • Attendance teams, particularly at Birch Meadow, focus on identifying patterns, providing family outreach, developing specific student plans, and forming partnerships with families. Improvements have been noted. • Committee members expressed appreciation for the data -driven materials and preparation. The richness of the data and analytically driven goals were highlighted as helpful and encouraging. • The Passion Project initiative at Coolidge was discussed, emphasizing skill -building through small steps in research, community engagement, and advocacy. • Parker Pathways: schedule changes now offer exploratory classes, including art as a fifth pathway option. • MCAS data review at Parker shows progress but indicates a continuing gap. Efforts to align trends with Coolidge include curriculum department investments, math coaching, literacy coaching, classroom observations, and professional development to ensure high -quality curriculum across buildings. • Challenges in the transition from fifth to sixth grade were discussed, noting the need for more explicit directions, slowed pacing, and differentiated academic support to meet current student needs. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to approve the school improvement plans for all eight school, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. Roll Call Vote— Mr. Wise —yes, Mrs. Durgavich—yes, Mrs. Nazzaro — yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 5-0. 2. Ql FY26 Financial Update Page 1 4 Mr. Littlehale presented the Q1 financial update, noting that the district continues to track well. He highlighted the receipt of the Genocide Education Grant, which Dr. Hardy referenced in terms of its incorporation at the high school level. The grant provides significant funding for professional development and must be spent by June 30, 2026. A net deficit was noted in the School Lunch Program account, attributed to the September reimbursement being received at the beginning of 0.2 rather than QS, as well as a pending June reimbursement. 3. FY27 School Committee Budget Priorities Discussion The district expects FY27 to maintain level services, with FY28 potentially requiring more challenging budget decisions. Key priorities for this budget cycle include: • Preserving classroom resources • Evaluating METCO funding and adjustment counselor roles • Emphasizing efficiency and alignment 4. FY26 Enrollment Update Dr. Milaschewski provided an enrollment update based on October 1 reporting. Key points highlighted include: • Overall enrollment is up by 20 students. • Enrollment is 60 students below projections, primarily due to 57 students in RISE/Kindergarten. Kindergarten projections were initially high, resulting in a slight shortfall. • The 8th to 9th grade transition is being analyzed to understand attrition trends. A similar analysis is planned for the 5th to 6th grade transition. 5. First Reading, edit (if necessary), and Vote to Adopt (A) Policy IKFE —Competency Determination The Policy Subcommittee reviewed Policy IKFE and has approved bringing it to the committee. The plan is to review this new policy now and subsequently revise Policy IKF based on IKFE. The policy is based on MASC guidance and aligned with district needs. Key Points: • Students must demonstrate mastery and complete coursework. • Mastery may include a final exam, capstone, or portfolio. • The policy aligns with the DESE rubric, and handbook references have been removed. Mr. Brandt motioned to waive the reading, seconded by Ms. McLaughlin. Roll Call Vote —Mr. Wise —yes, Mrs. Durgavich—yes, Mrs. Nazzaro —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 5-0. Page 1 5 Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to accept the first reading of policy IKFE Competency Determination, seconded by Mr. Wise. The Committee discussed the clarified use of "mastery" versus "proficiency," including the 60°% mark and the implications of pass/fail grading. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Wise — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro—yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 5-0. Mrs. Nazzaro motioned to adjourn. Roll Call Vote — Mr. Wise — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mrs. Nazzaro—yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 5-0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHB3OR v4Bc Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:14 pm. Page 1 6