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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-26 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee RE A D I N C, , MASS. Open Session P Date: October 26, 2009 ~~~g NOV - S 1 ~ 2b' 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 Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Visitors: 1. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Acting Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed guests and briefly went over the agenda. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Jim Robichaud stated he did not agree with the strip search section of policy JIH. He asked "who does the search?" ~r Dr. Doherty stated that the policy as written clarifies any gray areas. The previous policy allowed for "strip searches" when deemed necessary and the policy is based on case law. B. Reports Q Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported on the Halloween Dance held at the high school this past weekend. He said that the students forgot about the breathalyzer once they where in the dance. He said the effect was minimal. He also reported that the Cooperative College Fair will be held in the near future and the girls swim- team captured their 5tt, consecutive Middlesex League championship. 2. Liaison Mr. Caruso reported that RCTV is moving their studio to anew Main Street location. October 26, 2009 Superintendent's Report 4. Director of Finance and Operations Director of Pupil Services C. Continued Business First reading of Policy JIH Mr. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the first reading of revised Section HH, Search & Seizure Policy, of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual in accordance with the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 22, 2009. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Caruso proceeded to read the revised policy. Mr. Michaud appreciated the language changes requested by the committee but proposed the addition of the following to be added at the end of number 4 of the Search of Students and Their Belongings section: with the understanding when possible parents be notified prior to any strip search taking place. Mrs. Webb offered the following phrase be added at the same point: , if possible, prior to a search. Chair Robinson asked for public input. Mr. Robichaud asked if the policy had been reviewed by counsel and felt that a law enforcement official and parent be present for any searches. He foresees the possibility of legal action if a "strip search" were to be conducted. Roger Frechette asked clarifying questions on the "strip search" section of policy JIH. He indicated that he had written a "Letter to the Editor". He feels the implementation of this policy could lead to greater danger. He asked if there were provisions in place regarding same sex searches. Dr. Doherty stated that there are provisions in place for same sex searches. He also indicated that the policy was written identical to current case law and it protects two groups; the individual as well as the rest of the population that may be affected by the illegal actions. D. New Business Approval of Field Trip Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the proposed Coolidge Middle School's seventh grade field trip to Prindle Pond during April, 2010 vacation as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 22, 2009. The motion carried 5-0. October 26, 2009 Mrs. Webb asked Acting Superintendent to provide information on overnight security on the field trip. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) ® - Approval of Minutes • Bids and Donations Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn. The motion carried 5-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. A E' Jo, Doherty, Ed. . Acting Superintendent of Schools