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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-05 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED T (l to 1, K Regular Meeting of the School Committed G a "rN Open Session Date: April 5, 2010 Time: 7:33 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Lisa Gibbs Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Staff Members Present John Doherty, Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance and Operations Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Visitors: Joanne Alvarez, Foreign Language Dept. Head Mary Christine Dion, RMHS Teacher Mike Springer, RMHS Teacher Danj a Mahoney, RMHS Teacher Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle 1. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Sheryl Love, Eaton parent, clarified remarks made at a previous School Committee meeting. Renee Burke, Killam parent expressed concerns regarding the class sizes in 1St grade next year. Mr. Robinson thanked them for their input. B. Reports 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported on the following: Mr. RMHS 30 day countdown for seniors 1 5, 2010 pri Freshman Progressive Dinner RMHS Science Team success at State competition RMHS Jazz Band qualified to play at Hatch Shell RMHS Winter Percussion Band received first place at competition RM HS Color Guard participated in the last two events of their season Spring activities are up and running Upcoming Junior Prom Day on the Hill - Participated in the MASC Day 'on the Hill, it was a wonderful experience and he thanked Mrs. Webb for the opportunity. 2. Liaison Mrs. Gibbs reported on the recent North Reading-Reading Chamber of Commerce dinner were Pat Schettini was honored posthumously for all the work he had done on behalf of the children and town. Mrs. Gibbs read an excerpt from a letter sent from Representative Brad Jones. Mr. Michaud reported that the Ad-Hoc municipal Building Committee met again. At their meeting Ms. DeLai and Mr. Huggins were in attendance to provide an overview of the conditions of school and town buildings. Mrs. Webb reported on The Day on the Hill and pointed out that Mr. O'Sullivan was recognized and presented a citation for his service to the Reading School Committee. Mrs. Janowski reported on the Human Relations Advisory Committee's second annual Art Contest. She said that the committee received a significant amount of entries and the winner's works would be on display at the district ArtsFest next week. She went on to thank Elena Raucci for the submission of the Killam second grade song. They received an outstanding achievement award. Mr. Robinson pointed out that the Finance Committee has approved the School Department budget and the next step will be Town meeting approval. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty thanked Mrs. Dolan for leading the very successful "Celebrating Inclusive Schools" initiative and hopes the program will continue. He also reported on two big events occurring next week. ArtsFest begins Tuesday evening through Wednesday with musical and dramatic performances and art exhibits up and down Main Street. The artwork on exhibit will throughout the second big event hosted by Reading Public Schools - The Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute. Currently there are 300 registrants from outside the district and 500 Reading Public Schools staff attending. 4. Director of Finance and Operations April 5, 2010 5. Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Dolan reported on the final event of Celebrating Inclusive Schools. She reported that Dr. Wagner's Anxiety presentation was well attended and there was another presentation for school psychologists, nurses, guidance and teachers that was very informative. Mrs. Dolan also reported that we will be sending 27 students to participate in the Special Olympics. C. Continued Business D. New Business Foreign Language Presentation Dr. Doherty introduced Mrs. Alvarez, RMHS Foreign Language Department Head. Mrs. Alvarez introduced the members of her staff, Mary Christine Dion, Danj a Mahoney and Michael Springer, who would share how the foreign language department uses technology in their classes everyday. Mrs. Dion outlined the use of several free resources and websites that the department uses including Google Maps, Google Docs, Voice Thread, Wordle, ling, Voki, Photo Story, Prezi and Ning. She looks for small ways to infuse technology into her teaching. Mr. Springer indicated that he is able to teach his students how to learn with technology. His classes use Ning as a means of communication similar to Facebook. He is able to monitor progress of the students and the students are able to collaborate from outside school. The Ning accounts are closed and only accessible to people Mr. Springer invites. These accounts are safe and secure. Mrs. Mahoney also uses several of the resources for her Latin classes and agreed that the ability to use technology in teaching makes for an engaged learner. Students are able to find a medium that enhances their individual learning needs. She is able to collaborate with her students on projects they are working on being able to offer guidance and direction. One of the goals for the students is to have them become life long language learners. These technologies are a great way to expand the classroom and the teachers are always open to new methods and technologies. The School Committee thanked the presenters and inquired how they could help. The consensus was to provide more technology. The Language Lab is in constant use as are the available flipcams, digital recorders and cameras. Mr. Caruso.moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to enter into Executive Session to discuss non- represented personnel and to return to open session. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Caruso, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Michaud. The School Committee entered Executive session at 8:40 p.m. April 5, 2010 Mr. Robinson called open session back to order at 8:56 p.m. Appointment of the Assistant Superintendent Dr. Doherty briefly reviewed the process and stated that both finalists were outstanding. Dr. Doherty recommended Mrs. Patricia deGaravilla as the Assistant Superintendent. She is a dedicated educator who is in tune with the district. She is a continuous learner and will continue to move the district forward. He also indicated that she will be a good conscience for him. Chair Robinson agreed that both candidates were outstanding. He thanked the search committee for their hard work. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the recommendation of Patricia deGaravilla as Assistant Superintendent as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into contract negotiations with Assistant Superintendent Patty deGaravilla. The motion carried 6-0. Parker Field Trip Dr. Doherty gave an overview of the Parker Field Trips to Quebec City and Washington, D.C. He stated that these trips fall in line with the curriculum and is worthwhile. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Parker Middle School eighth grade field trip to Quebec City in the province of Quebec at the end of April 2010 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2010. The motion carried 6- 0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Parker Middle School eighth grade field trip to Washington, D.C. in June 2010 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Last Day of School Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 18, 2010 as the official last day of school. The motion carried 6-0. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the open session minutes dated March 15, 2010. The motion carried 5-0-1. Mrs. Gibbs abstained. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes dated March 29, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. April 5, 2010 • Bids and Donations Dr. Doherty explained that the high school has received two donations from the PTO. One donation is to be used to purchase an additional breathalyzer and the other for library materials. Mr. Caruso stated that he attended the recent RCASA meeting and the additional breathalyzer will help alleviate the delays in screening as we enter prom season. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept a donation in the amount of $51.5 from the Reading Memorial High School PTO to be used to purchase an additional breathalyzer as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept a donation in the amount of $2,100 from the Reading Memorial High School PTO to be used to purchase library materials as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adiourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. J hn F. Doherty, Ed.D. perintendent o Schools NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.