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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-12 School Committee Minutes—rq Town of Reading UUA-� Meeting Minutes YC ') Board - committee - Commission - Council: School Committee IrF.iF-fiLYI:II43► t 1�/UP7]ul 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 and Sarah McLaughlin (remote), Carla Nazzaro and Erin Gaffen Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewski 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 7:02pm. Roll Call Attendance — Ms. McLaughlin — here, Mrs. Durgavich — here, Mr. Wise — here, Mrs. Gaffen — here, Mr. Brandt — here B. Public Comment —None Consent Agenda 1. Minutes (01-29-2026) 2. Reading Track Donation 3. RMHS DECA Field Trip Request 4. Acceptance of the State Treasurers Financial Education Innovation Fund Award S. Acceptance of FY26 METCO Transportation Grant Award 6. Request to Surplus Property —RMHS 7. Approved FY27 SEEM Collaborative Budget Accounts Payable Warrant Reports 1. 02-05-2026 Mr. Wise motioned to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Gaffen. Roll Call Vote- Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Durgavich —yes, Mr. Wise —yes, Mrs. Gaffen — yes, Mr. Brandt —yes Page I 1 The vote passed 5-0. Reports 1. Liaison/Sub-Committee a. Mrs. Durgavich-No report b. Mr. Wise - No report c. Ms. McLaughlin - No report d. Mrs. Gaffen - No report e. Mr. Brandt- A Substitute Open House was held on February 26 from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. at the Reading Public Library for individuals interested in learning more about substituting in the schools. Mrs. Nazzaro joined the meeting at 7:14pm. f. Mrs. Nazzaro-The Killam School Project team has submitted the 90% design documents to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The project is currently tracking approximately $10 million under budget. In addition, furniture testing has been conducted, including the evaluation of age -appropriate seating options. 2. Superintendent - Dr. Milaschewski thanked all who joined the celebration this evening for the grand opening of the renovated fitness center and athletic training room. The project was made possible through a significant donation from alumni Ms. Claudia Miksen. The community celebration was well attended and highlighted the strong participation of both students and alumni. E. New Business 1. Annual School Resource Officer Update Chief Clark, Deputy Chief Amendola, and School Resource Officers Davis and Vatcher provided the annual school resource update highlighting collaboration with the district. Updates were provided on SRO staffing and recent promotions within the department, including Officer Lewis, who was promoted to detective, and Officer Davis, who was brought onboard. Ongoing ALICE training and crisis response planning remain a priority. Student safety initiatives, including threat assessment through SESTAG, continue to be implemented. Programming around mental health, digital safety, and community engagement has been expanded. The use of comfort dogs in schools has continued and grown this year. Plans are underway to hold a second Reading Youth Police Academy in Summer 2026. Additionally, discussion included enhancing online safety education for both students and parents. Page 1 2 Dr. Milaschewski extends his thanks to the SROs and the Reading Police Department for their continued collaboration and commitment to student safety. 2. FY26 Q2 Financial Report (A) Mr. Littlehale presented the Q2 financial update. The overall financial position of the district is stable. The district anticipates approximately a $1 million year-end balance related to special education prepayments and the IT refresh. Updates were provided on grant activity, including innovation and earmark grants. Revolving accounts remain positive, and the extended day program continues to show improvement. Food service fund timing issues were noted due to delayed state reimbursements. Capital expenditures during the quarter included the purchase of new kitchen equipment and the delivery of a district vehicle. The district also identified an inactive Coolidge extracurricular account for future closure; a vote on this account has been deferred. A question was raised regarding the Libby Scholarship and its current structure, which does not allow for the accrual of interest. Dr. Milaschewski reported that efforts are underway to transition the funds into an interest -bearing account. This requires a legal process to modify the original intent, and the district is working with counsel while attempting to contact the attorney associated with the original gift. 3. FY27 Kindergarten Enrollment Update Dr. Milaschewski provided an overview of preliminary kindergarten enrollment data following the February 4 priority deadline. A total of 246 students have registered districtwide. At this time, no additional kindergarten teacher is anticipated. Enrollment capacity varies by school, and some flexibility remains across the district. Based on prior - year trends, an additional 20 students are expected to enroll. There was also discussion of declining enrollment trends in specific neighborhoods and the potential future need to revisit district boundary alignments. 4. Discussion on Killam School Building Committee Composition Mr. Brandt opened a discussion regarding maintaining continuity on the Killam School Building Committee in light of Mrs. Nazzaro not seeking reelection to the School Committee. It was noted that the MSBA requires only one School Committee member to serve on the committee. There was agreement that Mrs. Nazzaro may continue in her role as the School Committee designee. Members expressed broad consensus on the value of maintaining continuity and preserving institutional knowledge. D. Old Business 1. Superintendent Search Process Updates Page 1 3 Mr. Brandt provided an update and led a discussion regarding superintendent search logistics. The Screening Committee has been finalized and includes representation from the community and public safety. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) is providing facilitation support, with an orientation scheduled for February 24. The committee is ahead of typical statewide search timelines. There was discussion regarding the scope and structure of site visits, both to RPS and to the finalists' districts, as well as finalist engagement. Members expressed consensus on maintaining robust stakeholder engagement despite the associated time demands. Guidance was provided to target three to four finalists. Mrs. Nazzoro motioned to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Wise. Roll Call Vote — Ms. McLaughlin — yes, Mrs. Durgavich — yes, Mr. Wise —yes, Mrs. Gaffen— yes, Mr. Brandt —yes The vote passed 6-0. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG4AcS2zHtM Meeting Adjourned from regular session at approximately 8:22pm. Page 14