Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-07 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: January 7, 2010 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MPASS. 010 FEB ° I P Z* 4 2 Staff Members Present John Doherty, Acting Superintendent Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Visitors: Bill Brown Sharon Burke, RMHS Library Media Specialist Shelley Lynch, RMHS Business Teacher Laurie Smith, RMHS Spanish Teacher Kathleen Dugan, Budget Parent 1. Call to Order Ellie Freedman, Principal RMHS Barry Berman, Fincom Mary Christine Dion, RMHS Spanish Teacher Paula Perry, Budget Parent Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. He reviewed the agenda and welcomed guests. Mr. Robinson indicated that the Ethics training has been postponed until February. Mr. Robinson asked for a moment of silence in honor of Pat Schettini and the offered the committee an opportunity to share their feelings. Mr. Robinson was touched and proud of the outpouring of support during this trying time. He remembered Pat as a friend and outstanding leader and mentor. Mrs. Webb shared the same sentiment. She has lost a colleague, mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed. Mrs. Janowski remembered Mr. Schettini as a passionate educator who has left his mark on the district and town. Mr. Michaud remembered how Mr. Schettini_ would accept any challenge head on. He also viewed _ him as a mentor and friend. He also remembered that Pat always had a smile when he left the room. Mr. O'Sullivan was impressed at the outpouring of student support at the wake and funeral. January 7, 2010 Mr. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to enter into Executive Session to discuss non- represented personnel negotiation strategies and to approve minutes, to return to open session. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Gibbs, Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Janowski. Chairperson Robinson called the regular session back to order at 7:54 p.m. Mr. Robinson was proud to report that Dr. John Doherty was selected unanimously as Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to authorize the School Committee chair to enter into contract negotiations with the Superintendent. The motion carries 6-0. Dr. Doherty thanks the School Committee for their support. He also stated that he was grateful to Pat Schettini for his leadership and mentoring over the past 6 years and pledged to keep the district moving forward in its mission and vision. Il. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported on the upcoming midterm exams and the opportunity for the current senior class to attend an assembly today in which graduates from the classes of 2008 & 2009 shared experiences. He said it was very informational. 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski reminded the committee of the upcoming Martin Luther King celebration on January 18 in the Fine and Performing Arts Center at RMHS. It is sponsored by the Reading Clergy Association and the HRAC. Elaine Webb reported on the Lego League competition taking place on Saturday January 12th at.the Coolidge Middle School. She also reminded the public of the upcoming Coolidge Middle School production "Willy Wonka". She also updated the committee on ongoing legislation. David Michaud met with the Board of Selectman and Dr. Doherty to discuss creating a policy on "Naming" buildings, places, etc. Coolidge Middle School will be performing Willy Wonka in January. Mr. Robinson stated that he, Mrs. Webb, the elementary principals and Dr. Doherty attended the incoming kindergarten parent, meeting at Killam. He updated the committee on the Audit Committee meeting he attended. The town financial statements are in good shape and the Audit Committee voted to retain Melanson Heath for 3 more years at no cost 'increase. January 7, 2010 Superintendent's Report 4. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai informed the School Committee of the Celebration of Pat Schettini's life on January 22 at 3:30 p.m. in the Fine and Performing Arts Center at RMHS. C. Continued Business RMHS New Schedule and Advisory Program Update Dr. Doherty introduced Mrs. Freedman. Mrs. Freedman turned the floor over to Sharon Burke and Shelley Lynch to update the School Committee on the Advisory Program. Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Lynch explained that the Advisory Program is a mandatory freshman class with goals to create a supportive and safe transition to high school, prepare students academically and socially for the future, assist in providing an academic support system, building 21St century skills and cultivate good decision making skills, student maturity, responsibility, and a respect of others. This year long program will culminate in a student lead conference with students presenting their portfolios. The program promotes small class sizes allowing the freshman students the opportunity to develop a relationship with their teacher. The development of this relationship provides a friendly face for the student. Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Lynch shared the curriculum for the program reminding the committee that this is the pilot year. The students have recently completed a unit on Note taking, Test taking and study skills in preparation for the upcoming midterms. Overall the Advisory Program has been very successful. Mrs. Freedman updated the School Committee on the new schedule implemented at RMHS this year. The students and staff have adjusted and the additional time allows the teachers more flexibility in their teaching. She continued sharing the 2010-2011 Program of Studies for the high school. She said that the new course selection booklet was produced through a collaborative effort of the high school administration and department heads. Course offerings have been expanded and retooled to align with the district mission. Mrs. Webb asked about the scheduling of science labs. Mrs. Freedman indicated that the administration is continually looking at the best way to address the lab schedule. Mr. Robinson thanked Mrs. Freedman and was impressed at the comprehensive course catalog. January 7, 2010 D. New Business RMHS Field Trip Dr. Doherty introduced Laurie Smith who provided an overview of the Spanish Club field trip to Puerto Rico. She chose Puerto Rico because of the location and lower cost per student. It will be an immersion field trip providing a more in depth experience with the local culture and people. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the proposed RMHS field trip to Puerto Rico in February 2011 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 4, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. RMHS Field Trip Dr. Doherty introduced Mary Christine Dion who provided an overview of the proposed service field trip to Peru. The service would be provided to a Peruvian school doing whatever is needed at the time. The trip would also incorporate not only service but some cultural experiences. Although the trip is costly, Mrs. Dion has several fundraising ideas that she will discuss with the Superintendent. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the proposed the proposed field trip to Peru during the summer of 2011 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 4, 2010. The motion carries 6-0. 2010-2011 School Calendar Dr. Doherty reviewed the 2010-2011 School Calendar noting that the Friday before Labor Day will be a vacation day. Mrs. Janowski felt that with 2 days of school the first week and 3 days of school the second week will provided for a smooth adjustment back to school. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb. to aDDrove the 2010-2011 School Calendar, with the first day of school September 1, 2010, no school on September 3, 2010 and the last day of school with 4 snow days built of June 23, 2011, as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 4. 2010. The motion carried 6-0. 111. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes ® Bids and Donations Donation to Coolidge Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept the donation from Dell, Inc. as part of the Dell Direct Giving Campaign in the amount of $2,000 to used to benefit January 7, 2010 the school as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated January 4, 2010. The motion carried 6-0. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m. o F. Dohert~ Ed.D. erintendent of Schools NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.