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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-31 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts R'ECEIVED Regular Meeting of the School Committee I G W N C L E H K Open Session READING, MASS. Date: August 31, 2009 2005 OCT -q P 1: 50 { Time: 7:00 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Chris Caruso Patrick O'Sullivan Visitors: Student Representative Eric Sprung, Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson, Wood End Principal Karen Callan, Barrows Principal Cathy Giles, Killam Principal Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Stephen Hagan, Advocate Reporter Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle 1. Call to Order Staff Members Present John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Finance & Operations Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal Ellie Freedman, RMIIS Principal Lynn Dunn, Director of Nursing Barry Berman, Finance Committee Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He spoke on behalf of the committee and welcomed all of the new teachers to the Reading Public Schools. He briefly went over the agenda. Acting Superintendent Doherty welcomed the new teachers. Each principal introduced their new staff to the Reading School Committee and the community. The Chair called a brief recess at 8:43 p.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:47 p.m. Ii. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) B. Reports Student Mr. O'Sullivan reported that the high school students are currently involved with the start_ of the fall sports and band camp. He also informed the committee of the success of the recent freshman orientations and Fresh Start dance sponsored by the senior class. He said it was well attended and a positive event. This is also the first year of the Upper Connections Mentor program where an upperclassman is paired with a freshman to act as their mentor. August 31, 2009 2. Liaison Mrs. Webb asked the committee to review the biography for Dorothy Presser a candidate for MASC president. She said that each candidate for MASC office must have the support of 5 School Committees in the state and asked her colleagues to consider endorsing Mrs. Presser at the next meeting. She also thanked Dr. Doherty for the information on the first day flyers and was thrilled with the new pupil card format. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty reported on several grant funded professional development activities which included Smartboard training as well as workshops on differentiated instruction, post traumatic stress management and the development of a pandemic plan. Several people were able to attend the November Learning Conference in Boston as well. There was also a workshop held as part of the previous Teaching American History Grant. He also reported on several curriculum initiatives that took place over the summer. Dr. Doherty also reported on several activities that took place in our buildings. He continued to thank the whole administrative team for their hard work over the summer and shared an excerpt from an email received from Superintendent Schettini that was read at the annual district opening day meeting. He also wanted to recognize the custodial, secretarial, technology and central office staff for their contributions preparing for the opening of school. He also updated the committee on the elementary enrollment. 4. Sub-Committee 5. Director of Finance and Operations Ms. DeLai reported on the recent yard sale held by the Reading Public Schools. The district had surplus classroom furniture and equipment that was placed for sale at the yard sale. Remaining furniture was removed by a disposal company to be shipped to Haiti or Jamaica to be used at their schools. The proceeds from the sale ($1400) will be returned to the general fund. C. Continued Business D. New Business 1. Sliding Scale Fees and Application Process Ms. DeLai provided background on the proposed sliding scale fees and application process. She also shared correspondence received from several parents expressing their concerns regarding their ability to pay athletic, full day kindergarten and transportation fees. She explained the scale proposal is based on a percentage of the state median income. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to accept the proposed sliding scale of tuition and fees and application process as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated August 27, 2009. 5 There was further discussion. Mrs. Janowski asked how the application process would be handled and was concerned with confidentiality. Ms. DeLai explained that the applications August 31, 2009 would be directed to her attention. The schools will not be involved in the process. She also indicated the application process would be year to year. Mr. Caruso stated that he hesitates supporting the Full Day Kindergarten sliding scale because we offer a half day program and full day kindergarten is optional. Parents in the past have made the decision to make sacrifices to pay for the full day program. Ms. Dolan indicated that all children should have the opportunity to experience the full day program. She indicated that both our half and full day programs provide quality educational experiences but some children benefit from the full day option which in turn may save special education costs in the long run. The vote was 5-1-0. Mr. Robinson Mr. Michaud Mrs Janowski Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb voting in favor and Mr. Caruso voting against the motion. The motion passed. 2. First reading of Reading School Committee Policies JJFB and JQ Dr. Doherty stated that the district can not use Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility as a guide for reduction in fees. The revisions to these policies will keep the district in compliance. Mr. Caruso read the revised policies and the committee will do a second reading and vote at the next meeting. FYI I Budget Calendar and Financial Forum Discussion Ms. DeLai reviewed the FYI 1 budget calendar and reminded the School Committee that the first Financial Forum will be held on September 9 h. The focus of the discussion would be the FYI 0 budget. She provided the committee with a FYI 0 Revenue Budget review. Ms. DeLai updated the School Committee on the stimulus money that we have received thus far. Funds from the IDEA grant have allowed us to hire 2 teachers and call back 9 of the 12 paraeducators that were laid off. A majority of the ARRA SFSF funds are being used for planned school district expenditures with the remainder being used as needed. Executive Session Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to enter executive session to discuss non- represented personnel strategies, approval of minutes and to return to regular session. The roll call vote was 6-0. Mrs. Janowski Mrs Webb Mr. Caruso Mr. Michaud Mr. Robinson and Mrs. Gibbs. The School Committee entered Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. The School Committee was called back to order in open session at 8:55 p.m. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Chair to sign the employment contract for John Doherty as Acting Superintendent as outlined in the Chair's memorandum dated August 27, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Elf. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mrs. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of July 20, 2009. The vote carries 5-0-1. Mr. Caruso abstaining. August 31, 2009 • Bids and Donations Donations Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to accept donation from the Coolidge PTO to be used for instructional technology as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated August 27, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept donation from the Birch Meadow PTO to be used for instructional technology as outlined in the Acting Superintendent's memorandum dated August 27, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 4. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn. The vote was 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Jq F. D herty,.Ed.D. Ig Superintendent of Schools