HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-19 School Committee Meeting PacketOpen Session 7:00 p.m.
Reading Memorial High School Library
Reading, MA
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 19, 2026
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 1
2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2026-03-19 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Agenda:
Purpose: Open Session
Meeting Called By: Shawn Brandt, Chair
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate
amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at
the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
7:00 p.m. A. Call to Order
7:00 p.m. B. Public Comment
Focus on Excellence
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes (02-12-2026)
2. Friends of Reading Basketball Donation
3. Friends of Reading Hockey Donation
4. 3D Printer Donation
5. RMHS Wrestling Field Trip Request
6. RMHS Winter Guard Field Trip Request
7. RMHS Spain Field Trip Request
8. RMHS Robotics Field Trip Request
9. Acceptance of the Jae S. Lim Foundation Grant Award
Accounts Payable Warrant Reports
1. 02-12-2026
2. 02-19-2026
3. 02-26-2026
4. 03-05-2026
5. 03-12-2026
Payroll Warrant Reports
6. 12-19-2025
7. 01-02-2026
8. 01-16-2026
9. 01-30-2026
10. 02-13-2026
11. 02-27-2026
12. 03-13-2026
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
Reports
1. Liaison/Sub-Committee
7:10 p.m. E. New Business
1. ACE Update
2. Announce, Discuss and Vote to Accept Finalist Candidates for
Superintendent Search (A)
3. Vote to Appoint Director of Finance (A)
4. School Choice Discussion and Potential Opt Out (A)
8:15 p.m. D. Old Business
1. Superintendent Search Process Updates including discussion of
process for developing interview and site visit questions
F. Information / Correspondence
1. “Re: Burbank” – Weiden, Bob
2. “Re: Angela Binda is at it again!” – Binda, Angela
3. “Re: Evening with a Holocaust Survivor, March 9 at RMHS” –
Liberman, Rebecca
4. “Re: Questions about Shred the Peak periods” – Liberman,
Rebecca
5. “Re: Hello” – Williams, Alicia
8:30 p.m. Adjourn
Join Zoom Meeting
https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/85649153934
Meeting ID: 856 4915 3934
Find your local number: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/u/kfxn1VshO
Consent Agenda
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 19, 2026
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Page | 1
2016-09-22 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
School Committee
Date: 2026-02-12 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: School - Memorial High Location: School Library
Address: 62 Oakland Road Session: Open Session
Purpose: Open Session Version: Draft
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 Treasurer’s Financial Education Innovation Fund Award
5. 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
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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 | 3
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 | 4
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. Nazzaro 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.
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Accept Friends of Reading Basketball Donation
Please vote to accept a donation in the amount of $2,359.30 from the Friends of Reading Basketball
in support of the Boys Varsity Basketball Assistant Coach.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Accept Friends of Reading Hockey Donation
Please vote to accept a donation in the amount of $2,000 from the Friends of Reading Hockey in support
of the two assistant coach positions.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Accept 3D Printer Donation
Please vote to accept a donation of a Raise3D E2 printer, valued at approximately $1,000, to Reading
Memorial High School. The donation is made on behalf of community member Matt Rutter.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Wrestling Field Trip Request
Please vote to retroactively approve an out-of-state field trip for an RMHS student who participated in
the New England Wrestling Tournament in Providence, RI, held March 7–8, 2026. Because the dates fell
before the next School Committee meeting, retroactive approval is requested.
The field trip approval form is included in the packet.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Winter Guard Field Trip Request
Please vote to retroactively approve an out-of-state field trip for RMHS students to participate in the
Winter Guard Competitions on March 8, 14, and 22 in Dover and Salem, NH and Biddeford, ME. Because
the dates fell before the next School Committee meeting, retroactive approval is requested.
The field trip approval form is included in the packet.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Spain Field Trip Request
Please vote to approve an international field trip for RMHS students to travel to Seville, Spain from April
17, 2027 – April 25, 2027.
The field trip approval form is included in the packet.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
DATE: March 17, 2026
RE: Vote to Approve RMHS Robotics Field Trip Request
Please vote to approve an out-of-state field trip for the RMHS Robotics Team to participate in a
competition at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, on March 28 and 29, from
approximately 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
The field trip approval form is included in the packet.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
TO: Reading School Committee
CC: Dr. Thomas Milaschewski, Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Phil Littlehale, Director of Finance and Operations
DATE: March 17, 2026
FR: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
RE: Vote to Accept Grant Awarded by the Jae S. Lim Foundation
Please vote to accept a grant of $4,000 from the Jae S. Lim Foundation to award the top two performing RMHS
Juniors in the subject areas of math and science in the 2025-26 school year. Each award will be in the amount of
$2,000. Principal Callanan will work with the Department Heads of Math and Science to nominate students
through an open and fair process using set criteria developed in 2022-2023.
Thank you.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
New Business
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 19, 2026
Administrative Offices
82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
781 944-5800
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Shawn Brandt Chair
Carla NazzaroVice-Chair
Lara Durgavich
Erin Gaffen
Sarah McLaughlin
Thomas Wise
Thomas Milaschewski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Shawn Brandt, Reading School Committee Chair
DATE: March 17, 2026
TOPIC: Announce, Discuss and Vote to Accept Finalist Candidates for Superintendent Search (A)
During the March 19 School Committee meeting, Screening Committee Chair Tom Wise will provide an overview of the
committee’s process. HR Director Michelle Roach will then present the candidates recommended by the Screening
Committee to advance in the superintendent search.
Following the presentation, School Committee members may discuss the recommendation and ask questions of the
Screening Committee Chair, provided that any discussion does not violate the confidentiality of the committee’s
executive session deliberations.
The School Committee will then vote to accept the slate of finalists as presented or consider a motion to amend the
slate prior to taking a final vote.
To: Reading School Committee
From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Date: March 17, 2026
Re: Vote to Appoint Director of Finance (A)
During the March 19 School Committee meeting, Dr. Milaschewski will provide an update on the interim role
of Director of Finance and Operations, including any appointment considerations.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
To: Reading School Committee
From: Olivia Lejeune, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Date: March 16, 2026
Re: School Choice Open Seating for the 2026-2027 School Year
Prior to June 1 of each year, School Committee is required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE) to evaluate the district’s participation in the School Choice Program for the following school
year and, if there is no interest, vote to opt out of the program.
School Choice is a state-wide program designed to fill available seats in school districts and allow
parent/guardians choice and access to desirable school districts. School Choice also supports the recruitment
and retention of a high performing instructional staff by enabling children of staff members to apply for a seat
in the lottery. With each School Choice student who enrolls in kindergarten to grade 12, the district receives
$5,000. The district will also receive funds for special education increments from the sending district of a
School Choice student. School Choice funds are deposited into a revolving fund under the School Committee’s
purview, which requires no further appropriation for use. School Choice funds can be allocated to address a
wide range of district needs.
Nine new students enrolled in the 2022–2023 school year, 16 new students in the 2023–2024 school year,
26 new students in the 2024–2025 school year, and 32 new students in the 2025–2026 school year. With
normal program turnover, including students graduating or leaving the district, the district currently has 77
students enrolled in the School Choice program this school year. The district has received a total of $245,050
in revenue this fiscal year (including special education increments from FY25) and anticipates receiving an
additional $297,110 (does not include additional special education increments for FY26) by the of FY26.
The District Leadership Team identified available seats for the 2026-2027 school year by grade using a two-
tiered approach. This started with a review of projected enrollment, followed by an evaluation of class sizes
across all grade levels per school. We then allocated seats for School Choice based on available space. The
assignment of students to specific schools will be based on current enrollment numbers.
Applications will open on Friday, March 20, 2026 and the deadline to apply is Friday, April 10, 2026 at 3:00pm.
School Choice students for the 2026-2027 school year will be chosen by lottery on Monday, April 13, 2026 at
12:00pm. Parents/guardians of selected students must confirm acceptance by 12:00pm on Tuesday, April 14,
2026. More information about the application process and guidelines can be found in the packet.
Please see the summary on the following page for the number of available seats by grade.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SCHOOL CHOICE GUIDELINES
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Deadline for Application to be Submitted: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 3:00 pm Please use the following link to complete an online application for the 2026-2027 School Choice Lottery: https://forms.rediker.com/readingpublicschools. When filling out your application, you will be prompted to create an account. Once you add a new applicant, please select 'School Choice Applicant (Non-Reading Resident)' as the program selection. Please email SchoolChoiceApplication@reading.k12.ma.us with questions about completing the online application.
2026-2027 Available Seats by Grade:
Reading Public Schools has determined the following openings by grade for the 2026-2027 school year based on projected enrollment figures. The Reading Public Schools will not provide transportation to School Choice students. Guardians are responsible for transporting the student to and from school.
Reading Public Schools
Instilling a joy of learning and inspiring the innovative leaders of tomorrow 82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-5800
Fax: 781-942-9149
Application Process:
• An application is required for each student applying for admission and must be received via the online platform by the deadline of Friday, April 10, 2026, at 3:00
pm. All applications will be stamped with the date and time received.
• A completed and signed application is required for each student applying for admission by the deadline date and time established.
• School Choice students for the 2026-2027 school year will be chosen by lottery
on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm in the Superintendent’s office located at 82 Oakland Road in Reading, MA and parents will be notified via email immediately following the lottery if their student has been selected.
• Parents/guardians of selected students must confirm acceptance by 12:00
noon on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
• Students who enroll through School Choice will be able to continue their education in Reading Public Schools through graduation, barring disciplinary issues.
Guidelines for Admitting Students:
• All students who reside in Massachusetts, outside of the Town of Reading and who
are entering the grade(s) specified above for the 2026-2027 school year are eligible to apply for specific seats.
• The Reading Public Schools does not give preference for admission based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, ancestry, athletic performance, physical handicap, special need, academic performance, or proficiency in the English language.
• The Reading Public Schools will not provide transportation to School Choice students. Guardians are responsible for transporting the student to and from school.
• Students who enroll through School Choice will be able to continue their education in Reading Public Schools through graduation, barring significant disciplinary issues. School Choice students do not reapply for admissions each subsequent year.
• The application deadline is Friday, April 10, 2026, at 3:00 pm to participate in the lottery.
• Once seats have been filled, applications not selected during the lottery process will be placed on a wait list in the order they were drawn.
• School Choice students selected will be required to follow the Reading Public Schools registration process as defined and outlined on the RPS Registration Website. Questions about School Choice and the application process may be directed to Olivia Lejeune, via email at Olivia.Lejeune@reading.k12.ma.us. More information about School Choice may be found at: Advisory Memorandum on Financial Administration of the School Choice Program General Law - Part I, Title XII, Chapter 76, Section 12B
Old Business
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 19, 2026
Administrative Offices
82 Oakland Road
Reading, MA 01867
781 944-5800
READING SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Shawn Brandt Chair
Carla Nazzaro Vice-Chair
Lara Durgavich
Erin Gaffen
Sarah McLaughlin
Thomas Wise
Thomas Milaschewski, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
TO: Reading School Committee
FROM: Shawn Brandt, Reading School Committee Chair
DATE: March 17, 2026
TOPIC: Superintendent Search Process Updates including discussion of process for developing interview and site
visit questions
At our March 19 meeting, we will review updates on the superintendent search process, including a discussion of the
development of interview and site visit questions.
Correspondence
Reading Public Schools
School Committee Meeting Packet
March 19, 2026
a middle school meany playground tactic to me; if one can't get their
way by pushing them around on the playground, go report them to the
teacher.
One respondent to Mr. Weiden's first post wrote, regarding background
information I provided on the pickleball parking, Burbank lease
agreement, article 14 requirement, "Thank you for this clarification.
It is vital that residents understand the background. While there may
be disagreements on where the funding come from, no one is suggesting
that Unified Sports aren't important enough to be funded." To which I
replied, "Exactly!! By all accounts the program is wonderful!! NO ONE is
saying otherwise."
My goal in doing a deep dive into this issue has always been to to seek
transparency in town government so residents are able to make informed
decisions on what projects and programs to fund with limited resources,
allowing equal access to all.
Sincerely,
Angela Binda
We know that both Town and School budgets are tight, and this is evident through the schools
maintaining level service for FY27 within a 2.01% overall budget increase in FY27. Our district was
extremely encouraged when made aware of other potential funding to support Unified. Additional
funding would allow us to sustain and build on the program in the following ways:
Provide additional staffing at the high school level. Interest in our current program - including
fall/spring basketball and winter strength and conditioning - continues to grow, and it is important
that we staff the program appropriately to ensure a safe and successful experience for all
students. We had over 40 students participate in the most recent high school basketball game,
which puts us as one of the largest unified basketball programs in the region.
Build consistency with the program at the middle school level. We recently launched middle
school bocce, winter strength and conditioning, and spring basketball and they were extremely
well-received by the community. It is important to build on these successes and provide more
opportunities for students at this age level. Students, staff, and families have been advocating for
more opportunities.
Expand the program to the elementary level. There are not currently any unified offerings at the
elementary level, despite interest and need. Building this program at the youngest level would
create a strong foundation for a vibrant and sustainable program.
Build leadership for the program across the district. Currently, while many staff support the
program, the leadership around the program falls predominantly on one (amazing!) staff member.
It is important that we build up a structure, such as a district unified council, that ensures a
coherent and well-structured model across our community.
Again, the school department has and will continue to fund Unified creatively through School
Department funds as needed. We deeply appreciate the interest, advocacy, and dedication from the
entire Reading community and can’t help but be excited by the possibility of additional funding sources
to support the longevity and growth of this program. This is truly a program that our entire community
should be deeply proud of and reflects what we stand for in inclusivity, opportunity, and partnership.
As always, let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss in more detail.
Best,
Tom
From: ROBERT WEIDEN <robert_weiden@comcast.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2026 4:05 PM
To: DG School Committee <SchoolCommittee@reading.k12.ma.us>; Milaschewski, Thomas
<Thomas.Milaschewski@reading.k12.ma.us>; selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us <selectboard@ci.reading.ma.us>;
Sullivan, Jim <jsullivan@readingma.gov>; jwellman@readingma.gov <jwellman@readingma.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Burbank
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Reading Public Schools. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender email address and know the content is safe.
Good Afternoon,
Please see the email that Town Meeting Member Angela Binda sent me this afternoon. From her email
and what she has said in prior discussions she seems to be placing the blame squarely on the shoulders
of the School Committee and School Department for the Unified Sports funding issue. I don't know why
she chose to email me yet here we are. I look forward to your response. Thank you.
Bob Weiden
> ---------- Original Message ----------
> From: "Angela F. Binda" <tunacat@comcast.net>
> To: Bob Weiden <robert_weiden@comcast.net>
> Date: 02/28/2026 3:13 PM EST
> Subject: Burbank
>
>
> Hi Bob,
>
> Hope all is well with you and your family.
>
> Have you had the opportunity to speak to any School Committee members
> regarding Unified Sports, and ask them why Unified Sports isn't being
> funded, or properly funded through the School Department? Did they
> discuss how to fund the program at any School Committee meetings, as was
> requested by Instruction Motion made by Eric Gaffen? If so, I'd like
> watch the discussion. Can you point me towards the meetings so I can
> watch the video?
>
> I really try to deal in facts. I have a lot of information on this, be
> happy to share with you. But please, heightened, outrageous statements,
> such as "people hate Burbank" are just silly, and don't help solve
> problems.
>
> Would really like to see where the issue of funding Unified Sports was
> discussed by School Committee, can you share that with me, and what was
> the result of you reaching out to a SC member?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Angela