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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-19 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED TOWN CLERK Regular Meeting of the School Committee READING- M t~ S S - Open Session 1fl04 IdOV -5 P I* 2b Date: October 19, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Arrived at 8:10 p.m. Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative Visitors: Elinor Freedman, RMHS Principal Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Doug Lyons, Parker Principal James Cormier, Chief of Police I. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate John Russo, Resident 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) B. Reports I 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported that a group of French exchange students have arrived in Reading and spent the day shadowing students. He also shared that the band won a recent competition Mr. O'Sullivan stated that the football team continues to excel and the Halloween activities are in full swing at the high school. The Drama Club hosted Shocktoberfest, a haunted house, which was well attended and very successful. Students at RMHS are showing support for 2 students who are battling cancer with a ribbon sale and the volleyball team is participating in "Dig Pink" for breast cancer awareness. October 19, 2009 2. Liaison Mr. Michaud shared that this past Friday was Band Day at the RMHS football game. This is an opportunity for the middle school bands to participate with the high school band. It was a great event. Mrs. Webb reported on a conference that she and Mrs. Janowski attended hosted by Citizen's for Public Schools. She stated that the Reading Public Schools vision aligned with the message of the conference. There were discussion on the effectiveness of MCAS testing, developing relationships between students and teachers and budget. Mr. Robinson announced that Student Representative is a National Merit Commended Student. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported on the completion of lockdown, fire and evacuation drills held recently. He stated that these activities are all part of the Emergency Safety Plans and the Chief Cormier and the Reading Police Department for their continued support. He, along with Mr. Orlando, Mrs. Dunn and Mr. Ramdin, recently tape an infomercial for the Pandemic Plan. It is airing on RCTV and Dr. Doherty hopes to tape another segment as we get closer to the vaccination clinics in mid-November. Dr. Doherty updated the committee on a recent email he received regarding the possibility of additional budget cuts at the state level. To be proactive the administration has instituted a spending freeze. He indicated that all contracts would be honored and essential spending would not be affected. Dr. Doherty informed the committee that the email addresses are back on the website and reviewed the School Committee policy on electronic correspondence. He reminded the committee to copy him on all emails received and sent. The Central office will be the Keeper of the Record. The administration will be holding community forums in November to receive input from the community on the upcoming budget season. The memo will be sent out via edline and posted on the website. 4. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai reported that she has provided historical information on fees and tuitions for the committee to review. This information was in the informational packet. Fees and Tuitions will be on the agenda for the November 2nd meeting and she will provide additional information in preparation for that discussion. 5. Director of Pupil Services Mrs. Dolan provided an update on several Special Education items. She indicated that there are 2 special education bills before the House that could have financial October 19, 2009 ramifications to the district. She asked the School Committee to write to our representatives to express their opposition to these bills. The Coordinated Program Review is now completed. The DESE has accepted the progress reports and action plans submitted by the district. She also gave a tuition update indicating we have had 4 students return from out-of- district placements and there is the possibility of 3 more returning also. We also have 4 students that were slated to be out placed that are staying because of our ability to accommodate their needs in our new programs. There has been substantial savings in our budget because of our ability to accommodate our students. Mrs. Dolan indicated that several of the private placement facilities have asked for increases in the tuition costs. These increases will also have an impact on the special education budget. She also updated the committee on the status of the FY10 special education budget. Mrs. Dolan wanted to publically thank the principals and teachers for welcoming these special educations students into their schools and classrooms. C. Continued Business Second reading and Acceptance of Policy JIH Mr. Robinson indicated that if there were to be any additional revisions to the policy, he would like counsel to review before the School Committee voted on acceptance. Mr. Caruso proceeded to read the revised policy. Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb to waive the second reading The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs Webb, to accept the second reading of revised Section JIH, Search & Seizure Policy, and acceptance of the revised Section JIH, Search & Seizure Policy of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual in accordance with the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 15, 2009 Dr. Doherty introduced Mrs. Freedman, Mr. Martin, Mr. Lyons and Chief Jim Cormier. He indicated that Mrs. Freedman has revised the Current Dance contract in response to parental concerns regarding police notification. She wanted to be sure that the breathalyzer wording was clear. The high school administration will be meeting with students this week to review the contract and what is expected of them at school events. Mrs. Webb asked for clarification regarding police involvement. Chief Cormier indicated that the Reading Police Department is looking out for the student's safety but the high school administration has the primary responsibility to ensure that the students are safe. October 19, 2009 Dr. Doherty read a prepared statement from Superintendent Schettini ensuring the committee that the policy is consistent with case law and has been developed with the safety and well being of students and staff in mind. Mrs. Janowski had concerns regarding trust and building of relationships between students and administrators. Mrs. Freedman responded that the implementation of the breathalyzer policy will not take away from the ability of administrators to interact with the students. She agrees it is very important to develop these relationships. The discussion continued. Mr. Michaud felt the committee should not make this important decision under duress. He felt the fact a dance was coming up should not be the reason to rush to a decision. Mr. Michaud has several concerns with the "strip search" section of the revised policy. He would like to include language that would call for parental notification before any "strip search" is done. Mrs. Janowski asked again, why now? She has heard no compelling reason for the change in the policy pointing out that the results of the recent YRBS indicate a decrease in student drinking at the high school level. She also asked how the revised policy fit in with our mission and values. Mrs. Janowski also has concerns regarding false positives. Mrs. Gibbs feels that we have heard a number of compelling reasons to revise this policy. Although the number of students drinking has decreased she still feels 43% is far too high. She pointed out at Town Meeting the community was asked to develop a plan to address this issue. She feels this additional plan is a good way to ensure student safety. Mr. Caruso and Mr. Robinson had concerns regarding the "strip search" section and would like to tighten it up. Chair Robinson asked for public input. Bob Connors asked why the School Resource Officer was not handling the aspects of the search and seizure policy. Dr. Doherty indicated that the threshold of responsibility is different for school administrators and police officers. School administrators just need to have reasonable suspicion to conduct a search were as the police need probable cause. Chief Cormier stated that there is a Memorandum of Understanding between the police, school department and the district attorney's office. He also stated that a good working relationship has developed between the police and school departments. The committee discussed wording for number 4 of the Search of Students and Their Belongings section of the revised policy. The vote on the original motion was 1-5. Mrs Webb voting in favor. The motion did not pass. Mr. Michaud suggested an amendment to number 4 to include parental notification. October 19, 2009 Dr. Doherty will provide the revision of the policy for the next meeting on November 2, 2009. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 9:50 p.m. The committee was called back to order at 9:57 p.m. D New Business Meals Tax Discussion Dr. Doherty reviewed the Meals Tax proposal. Chair Robinson reminded the committee that this item was discussed at the recent Financial Forum and is being supported by the Finance Committee. He stated that he would not normally support an increase in taxes but this is a unique opportunity to generate revenue. There is a potential of raising approximately $150,000. This item is on the Town Meeting warrant and if passed the tax increase would not be implemented for 90 days. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to support the proposed Meals Tax proposal as outlined in the Acting Superintendents memorandum dated Oct. 15, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. 2. MASC Resolutions/Delegate Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to appoint Mrs. Elaine Webb as the official delegate for the Reading School Committee to the Joint MASC/MASS Conference and to support the Resolutions as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated Oct. 15, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. Mrs. Webb pointed out that Resolution 8 was submitted and sponsored by the Reading School Committee as a result of the White Paper produced by Superintendent Schettini and his committee. She also shared that she would be paying for this conference out of pocket. 3. School Improvement Plans Dr. Doherty indicated that this is a transition year with the District Improvement Plan. The administration wants the School Improvement Plans to be the focus with the district vision. The School Improvement Plans are aligned with the teacher and administration goals, Blue Ribbon standards and the Acting Superintendent's goals. Mrs. Janowski thanked Dr. Doherty for creating the alignment chart and stated that it was very helpful. She also commended the principals and school councils for the well thought out plans. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the School Improvement Plans from the eight schools as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 15. 2009. The motion carried 6-0. October 19, 2009 III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mrs. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to approve the Finance Committee minutes of September 9, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes dated October 3, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes dated October 5, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Dr. Doherty introduced Cathy Driscoll of the Reading Boosters Club who gave a donation to be used for the purchase of additional football equipment. This was needed because the increase in athletes that tried out for the team. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to accept a donation from the Reading Boosters to support RMHS athletics as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 15, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. 4. 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 10:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. a Join. Doherty, E .D. Act' g Superintendent of Schools