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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-16 School Committee Minutes� Orq Town of Reading 0a� .�' Meeting Minutes °,,.rr�oa.�"�� Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee Date: 2026-04-16 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, Tom Wise, Lara Durgavich, Sarah McLaughlin (remote), Erin Gaffen and Geoffrey Coram Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Assistant Superintednent for Leaaming and Teaching Dr. Sarah Hardy, and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Dr. Jen Stys 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:OOpm. Roll Call Attendance — Mrs. Durgavich — here, Mr. Wise — here, Dr. Coram — here, Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mr. Brandt — here B. Public Comment —None Focus on Excellence— RMHS Winter Guard The Committee recognized the RMHS Winter Guard for being named the 2026 NESBA State Champions. The Committee commended the students and coaches for their dedication, teamwork, leadership, and commitment throughout the season, as well as for the successful return of the program following a hiatus. Students shared reflections on their experiences in the program, highlighting their personal growth, the importance of collaboration, and the support and encouragement provided by their coaches. Consent Agenda 1. Minutes(03-19-2026) 2. Minutes (03-31-2026) 3. Parents Supporting Student Theater Donation 4. Friends of Reading Wrestling Donation (2) S. Friends of Reading Baseball Donation 6. Reading Youth Field Hockey Donation Page I 1 7. Coolidge Nature's Classroom Field Trip Request 8. Parker Nature's Classroom Field Trip Request 9. NE First New England Robotic Field Trip Request 10. Request to Surplus Property — RMHS (2) 11. Acceptance of the Mass Bankers Donation Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 03-19-2026 2. 03-26-2026 3. 04-02-2026 4. 04-09-2026 Dr. Corom recused himself from voting on the consent agenda. Mr. Wise motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 4-0 Reports 1. Superintendent —No report 2. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services— Dr. Stys thanked everyone for participating and attending ArtsFest which showcased the talents of student musicians and artists from across the district. Staff and students were recognized for their hard work, creativity, and contributions to the success of the event. Updates were provided on the Embark program, including plans related to the kindergarten transition to Wood End. The district was also recognized by the 321 Foundation for its inclusion practices and ongoing commitment to creating supportive learning environments for all students. Finally, Dr. Stys provided an update on ongoing professional learning opportunities for staff, including participation in book studies such as The Anxious Generation. 3. Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching— Dr. Hardy updated the Committee on the district's progress related to the Student Opportunity Act. It was shared that the district's progress report had been submitted to the DESE. Improvements were noted in several key areas, including chronic absenteeism, literacy outcomes, and reductions in MCAS achievement gaps among student groups. Dr. Hardy also highlighted middle -of -year DIBELS data, which demonstrated academic gains across multiple student populations. 4. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Dr. Coram — Dr. Coram expressed appreciation for the strong community engagement demonstrated at ArtsFest and recognized the dedication and contributions of the district's arts educators. Dr. Coram also participated in METCO Advocacy Day, which he described as a great day that highlighted the importance and impact of the METCO program. b. Mrs. Durgavich — No report Page 12 c. Mr. Wise —The Select Board elected anew chair and vice chair as part of their post election reorganization. d. Ms. McLaughlin - RCN has appointed a new Executive Director. e. Mr. Brandt —No report E. New Business 1. Youth Health Survey Results Presentation Erica Maillet from the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support and RMHS Principal Ms. Jessica Callanan presented an overview of the 2025 Youth Health Survey for students in grades 9-11. The presentation included information on the survey methodology, participation, and longitudinal trends identified through the data. Several positive trends were highlighted, including increases in protective factors such as students reporting trusted adults in their lives and stronger peer connections. Declines were also noted in vaping, marijuana use, bullying, and several mental health risk indicators. At the same time, presenters shared ongoing areas of concern, including binge drinking, lack of sleep, energy drink consumption, and online safety risks. It was noted that the survey data will continue to be used to inform curriculum development, student interventions, staffing decisions, and grant planning across the district. A full copy of the presentation can be found in the packet. During the Youth Healthy Survey Results Presentation Mrs. Gaffen joined the meeting. Reports 5. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mr. Brandt diverted from the agenda to return to reports as he was waiting for a guest to arrive. Mr. Brandt congratulated Dr. Coram on his election to the School Committee and formally recognized Mrs. Nazzaro as an outgoing School Committee member for her six years of service, leadership on the Killam School Building Committee, mentorship, and lasting contributions to the district. The Committee then had an opportunity to celebrate Mrs. Nazzaro and thank her for her service. 2. Presentation and discussion of "Review of Instructional Supports: Executive Functioning" Dr. Stys, Dr. Hardy, and members of the team overseeing Executive Functioning presented the Executive Functioning report. The presenters provided a district -wide overview of executive functioning (EF) across PreK- 12 in response to ongoing staff concerns and prior recommendations related to student support needs. The review included data collection, staff feedback, and analysis of current practices across grade levels. Page 1 3 Survey results indicated that 96% of teachers identified executive functioning as a consistent challenge for students, with attentional control emerging as the most significant area of concern. The presentation also highlighted that nearly half of students with IEPs currently have EF-related goals or accommodations. It was noted that stronger executive functioning supports are generally in place at the elementary level, with fewer consistent structures observed in later grades. The presenters outlined several next steps to strengthen executive functioning support district -wide. Planned actions include the development of a comprehensive district -wide EF framework, expansion of Tier 1 executive functioning and social -emotional learning instruction, and greater alignment between general and special education practices. Additional efforts will include professional development for staff, implementation of new student -facing EF curriculum resources, and community engagement opportunities such as a summer "Let Grow' challenge designed to support independence and skill development outside of school. The committee discussed the need for additional data to evaluate the effectiveness of the executive functioning initiatives and asked whether the work could eventually be expanded to middle school. Members noted that while the presented data was compelling, it lacked comparative benchmarks against peer districts, making it difficult to assess how Reading's progress compares. Presenters shared that few districts are implementing similar work and that other communities have been reaching out to Reading for guidance. The discussion also included questions about the relationship between executive functioning and special education services, with presenters clarifying that executive functioning is not itself a disability but is often a significant area of need for students with disabilities and must be addressed through individualized supports and Tier 1 instruction. A full copy of the report and presentation can be found in the packet. 3. Approve the last Day of School for SY25-26 (A) Dr. Milaschewski noted that, due to four snow days, the district is requesting an adjustment to the 2025-2026 school calendar, shifting the last day of school to June 22, 2026, in order to comply with DESE's requirement of 180 school days. Mrs. Goffen motioned to approve June 22 as the last day of school, seconded by Dr. Coram. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise —yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen— yes, Dr. Coram—yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 6-0. 4. Vote to Appoint Vice -Chair of School Committee (A) Mr. Brandt opened the nominations for Vice -Chair through June until the committee reorganizes for FY27. Page 14 Mr. Brandt nominated Mrs. Gaffen, seconded by Dr. Coram. Mr. Wise nominated Mrs. Durgavich, seconded by Mrs. Durgavich. Mr. Brandt motioned to appoint Mrs. Durgavich as Vice Chair until the next reorganization. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise —yes, Ms. McLaughlin —yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Dr. Coram — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 6-0. S. Discussion on Policy GBD —School Committee -Staff Communications The Committee discussed School Committee member visits to schools and participation in volunteer activities within district schools per Policy GBD. Committee members discussed the intent of the policy, noting that it is designed to prevent unannounced inspections or oversight activities by individual members while still allowing appropriate access to school buildings and events. The Committee expressed consensus that volunteer activities by School Committee members are appropriate and beneficial to school communities. Members also agreed that portions of the current policy language require clarification to better distinguish between official oversight responsibilities and routine volunteer participation. The policy will be referred to the Policy Subcommittee for further review and potential revisions to the policy language. Mr. Brandt motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. Roll Call Vote — Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise — yes, Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Gaffen— yes, Dr. Coram — yes, Mr. Brandt — yes The vote passed 6-0. https://www.voutube.com/watch?v=NSsLi Sehl4 Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 9:19pm. Page 1 5