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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-05 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: October 5, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Memhers Present Lisa Gibbs - Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Patrick O'Sullivan Student Representative RECEIVED TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. 2009 NOV -5 1? 2.5 Staff Members Present John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Visitors: Elinor Freedman, RMHS Principal Tom Zaya, Department Head of Health & Wellness Rich Abate, School Resource Officer Erica McNamara, RCASA Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities 1. Call to Order Steve Hagan, Reading Advocate Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Bill Brown, Resident Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed guests and briefly went over the agenda. Mr. Robinson reminded the School Committee of the Financial Forum on October 14th. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports (1) 1. Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported that the new scheduling has become routine for the students. The students have adjusted well. He' also shared that the band won a recent competition in Wakefield with additional prizes for Best Music, Percussion and Color Guard. Mr. O'Sullivan stated that the football team continues to excel and the autumn activities are in f', full swing at the high school. October 5, 2009 2. Liaison Mrs. Janowski shared that there was a good turnout for the School Committee Office Hour held this evening. Mrs. Webb indicated that the Spanish exchange students returned home on Sunday after a great stay in Reading. Mr. Caruso thanked Erica McNamara for hosting an excellent RCASA Annual Meeting. 3. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported that he attended the Chancellor's Breakfast at UMass-Lowell. The focus of this year's breakfast included critical issues in education and the development of partnerships with the university. He pointed out that Reading already has developed partnerships with the university through the TAH grant and several STEM programs we have in the district. He also reported that, as part of the Emergency Preparedness grant, district administrators, teachers, directors and public safety officials are participating in a 2 day workshop on Post Traumatic Stress Management being presented by Dr. Robert Macy. 4. Sub-Committee Naming Sub-Committee Report Mr. Michaud read the sub-committee's June 3, 2009 meeting minutes and recommendations. Mr. Robinson stated that there will be a full committee discussion on the proposal at the November 2nd meeting. 5. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai reported that the End of Year Financial Report has been submitted to the DESE. She handed out copies of the report but indicated that the report still needed to be audited. C. Continued Business 1. Capital Plan Ms. DeLai stated that approximately $700,000 has been removed from the Capital Plan because of items being addressed by the performance contracting work. She then turned the meeting over to Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities who outlined the needs of the school and town buildings in the 2011-2020 Capital Plan. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the FY2011- 2020 School and Town Facilities Capital Plan as presented by Marv DeLai, Director of Finance - and Operations. The motion carried 6-0. October 5, 2009 2 3. FYI 0 Budget Ms. DeLai reviewed the reduction in state aid and recommended that the FY 10 budget be reduced by the amount of $842,443. She indicated that the School Department will file an application for the FYI 0 SFSF grant funds within the next two weeks in the-amount of $944,132. $842,443 of the grant will be used to offset regular day teacher salaries and the remaining amount will be earmarked for other recovery or investment purposes in the event of additional 9C cuts. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to reduce the FY10 School Committee Approved Budget in the amount of $842,443 from the Regular Day Cost center as outlined in the Director of Finance and Operation's memorandum dated October 2, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. RAMS Building Project Mr. Robinson said that the final DCAM rating for TLT Construction has been done for the RMHS Building Project and thanked Mr. Schettini for his efforts in completing the form. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the attached DCAM Rating and Documents and to authorize Superintendent Patrick Schettini to sign the fmal DCAM rating for TLT Construction. The motion carried 6-0. D. New Business Breathalyzer Presentation Dr. Doherty introduced Mrs. Freedman, RMHS principal, School Resource Officer Rich Abate, RCASA Director Erica McNamara and Tom Zaya, Health and Wellness Department Head. He referred to the recent YRBS fmdings and that alcohol consumption among our high school students is still a concern. Mrs. Freedman reiterated that the administration is very concerned about teen drinking. The high school administration's goal is to create a safe environment for students and she has met with class advisors and student government representatives that have shared concerns of student safety at school dances. She reviewed the proposed guidelines for the breathalyzer testing at school dances. Every student will be greeted at the door by an administrator which is no change in the procedure and every student will be tested. All students must sign a dance contract that states that they understand that they are subject to a breathalyzer test. Mrs. Freedman has spoken to her colleagues in several surrounding districts that have a breathalyzer policy in place and they have all indicated that the atmosphere has improved for dramatically at the school dances. Mrs. Freedman said that at the recent PTO meeting this subject was discussed and the parents were in favor of the procedure. She plans on meeting with the School Council and the high school students to review this policy/procedure and will hold another parent meeting prior to the next dance which is October 24. ' October 5, 2009 Mr. Michaud asked about the cost of purchasing the breathalyzers. Mrs. Freedman pointed out that the district owns two that were purchased through a grant. Officer Abate indicated that the police department would calibrate the devices when needed. Mr. Janowski asked about the timing of the proposed procedure. Mrs. Freedman stated that the class advisors had approached her regarding the student safety at dances and were seeking to have a procedure in place that was fair. Ms. McNamara also stated that this is a fair way to address the issue of drinking. She stated the concerns are legitimate and of significant concern to RCASA. This is a proactive method to ensure the student's safety. Mr. O'Sullivan added that many students will not attend school dances because they are uncomfortable and don't feel safe. He agrees with the implementation of this procedure. Mrs. Freedman reiterated that this method is the most foolproof way to ensure that students are safe. Most of the students will not object. This procedure was initiated by the school department and supported by the police department. Chair Robinson thanked the presenters for being here. 2. First reading of Policy JIH Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the first reading of revised Section JIH, Search & Seizure Policy, of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual in accordance with the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 1, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Caruso read the revised Policy JIH- Search and Seizure. Dr. Doherty stated that the revised policy solidifies what the administration wants to do and follows education case law. The district has had a search and seizure policy. The revised policy has been developed to protect our students and staff. The committee asked clarifying questions. Mr. Michaud called a point of order stating that any detailed research should be presented at the second reading. The second reading of revised policy JIH will be at the next meeting on October 19. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mrs. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the open session minutes of September 21, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. • Bids and Donations Dr. Doherty gave an overview of a donation to the Joshua Eaton School. October 5, 2009 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs to accent a donation made in the name of former Joshua Eaton staff member Elizabeth Klaiman to be used to purchase materials for the Library Media Center as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated October 1, 2009 The motion carried 6-0. Ms. DeLai reviewed the results of the recent Invitation to bid for Custodial Services for the Town Buildings and indicated that the previous low bidder M & M Cleaning, Inc. was unable to meet the necessary requirements to fulfill the contract therefore she recommends that the contract be awarded to the next low responsive and responsible bidder Jani-King. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize the Acting Superintendent to enter into agreement with Jani-King to provide Custodial Services for the Town Buildings as outlined in the Director of Finance & Operation's memorandum dated October 2, 2009. The motion carried 6-0. 3. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to adjourn. The motion carried 6-0. ` VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Joh. Doherty, Ed.D. - Act` Superintendent of Schools NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting.