Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-15 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session Date: June 15, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs Chris Caruso Karen Janowski Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb David Michaud Visitors: I. RF C E I V ? TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. IM JUL2U A10:40 Staff Members Present John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resources & Finance Patrick O'Sullivan, Student Representative Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Cathy O'Connell, Parker Teacher, New AP Bob LeLacheur, Town Finance Director Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities Beth Greenblatt, Performance Contracting Consultant Barry Berman, Finance Committee Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Call to Order Wade Carleton, NORESCO Alan Davis, NORESCO Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests and reviewed the agenda. Mr. Robinson announced that Superintendent Schettini is on leave and he is in their thoughts and prayers. Mr. Robinson also updated the committee on the state budget. He said we need to continue to be careful with spending. He was not sure when the state would finalize the budget. Introduction of New Administrators Dr. Doherty introduced the new administrators to the School Committee. In attendance were Ms. Cathy O'Connell, Parker Middle School Assistant Principal, Ms. Patricia Puglisi, RMHS Assistant Principal and Ms. Elinor Freedman, RMHS Principal. He gave a brief overview of there experience and welcomed them to Reading. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (I) Katie Wheeler shared her concerns regarding 09-10 lst grade class sizes. She asked what the School Committee priorities were and wanted to be sure that the committee shared the commitment to small class sizes. Rhonda Holt shared her concerns for the 09-10 fifth grade class size. She feels that the Eaton students should have an equal opportunity as all others in the district. She asked about the $125,000 surplus and wanted to know what the magic number in regard to class size was. When would the School Committee take action? She feels the 5t'' grade class at Eaton is being singled out. June 15, 2009 Mr. Robinson reiterated that without the budget numbers from the state we can not realistically hire any new teachers. He also stated that the enrollment conditions will be monitored throughout the summer and cautioned once again that we must be mindful of the economic conditions. Paula Perry, RPS Budget Parent, stated that she had attended the budget meetings and the School Committee did their best to make the staff cuts last. She indicated that the middle and high school levels will also be affected by the cuts. The cuts will have a district-wide impact. Rena Angelou read a statement sharing some research findings regarding class size. She also shared that Governor Patrick would be holding a Town Hall style meeting in Arlington on June 23. Bente Starble and Robin Reeves shared her concerns regarding the fifth grade class sizes the impact on these students as they move to middle school. Gael Orsmond feels that class size reduction has positive benefits. She also feels that social and emotional outcomes are important. Carla Nazzaro asked if the town mandated full day kindergarten. She suggested by eliminating full day kindergarten we could gain 2 teachers. Elaina Conway had safety concerns. Teachers need to change teaching styles in larger classes. She suggested we explore creative financing options. Katie Wheeler suggested that the parents be asked to step up to the plate for other needs in the schools Mr. Michaud reminded the audience that the Superintendent has asked the PTOs to step up and support technology in the district. Ms. Holt asked when we would hear about the final budget from the state. Mr. LeLacheur has no idea what the timetable is. The state budget is due July 1" but he feels that the budget will not be finalized by then. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:23 a.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:27 p.m. B. Reports Student Patrick O'Sullivan reported on the graduation, year end activities and final exams which begin Wednesday. He commended the Superintendent on his forward thinking and moving the district forward and he was in the thoughts and prayers of the student body. 2. Liaison Ms. Webb reported on the year end activities in the schools and shared that she will be attending the MASC Advocacy meeting on June 23rd where she has been asked to testify on 21St century skills and assessment. Mr. Michaud updated the committee on the recent Naming Sub-Committee meeting regarding naming of facilities. The sub-committee will present their findings at the next meeting. June 15, 2009 Mrs. Gibbs attended Mrs. Webb's graduation ceremony on June 3rd of the EPFP program at Northeastern University. She congratulated Mrs. Webb on this outstanding accomplishment. Mr. Robinson stated that he and Mrs. Janowski attended the Parker Eco-Club movie night. He also indicated that some repair work will be taking place on the small turf field. This work is covered by the warranty. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty shared the following: • Two Killam students have been recognized recently for winning contests (Mass. Medical Society Anti-Tobacco and HRAC Diversity) • Thanked all staff and faculty for their hard work this year. • Recognized this years retirees. 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business FY-09 Budget Status Update Ms. DeLai reviewed the FY09 budget status memo and budget transfers that are required. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $53,000 from the School Building Maintenance Cost Center to the Special Needs Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 12, 2009. ` The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $200,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Special Needs Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 12, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $170,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Athletics Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 12, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $1.0,000 from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Administration Cost Center as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 12, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 2. Performance Contracting Energy Services Agreement Ms. DeLai introduced Beth Greenblatt who reviewed the key points and provided an overview of the Energy Services Agreement (ESA). Alan Davis, NORESCO, reviewed the Scope of Work and turned the presentation over to Wade Carlson, NORESCO, who detailed the Construction Activities and Procedures, the Initial Project Schedule and Project Costs. June 15, 2009 Ms. DeLai reviewed the Project Financing, Timing and Third Party Funding Sources. She also indicated that the town qualifies for the RMLD rebate program. Mr. LeLacheur stated that the town would have to borrow in FY10 for one interest payment and in subsequent years capital funding will be constrained. He thanked all involved for the cooperation and teamwork which made this project possible. The School Committee commented on the detailed scope of work presented and feels this is a positive project. Mr. Caruso thanked Ms. DeLai for a job well done. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize the Superintendent or his designee to enter into the Energy Services Agreement with NORESCO allowing for any non-substantive modifications as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. D. New Business 1. Parker Field Trip Dr. Doherty outlined the Parker field trip to Nature's Classroom in November 2009. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the Parker Middle School Grade 7 field trip to Nature's Classroom in November 2009 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Dr. Doherty introduced Mrs. Joanne Alvarez to review the proposed field trip to Spain as part of the exchange program she spoke of at a previous meeting. She stated that there will be 18 students coming from Madrid to stay with host families in Reading at the end of September and our students will travel to Madrid in April. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Reading Memorial High School field trip to Spain in April 2010 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Dr. Doherty introduced Ms. Laurie Smith to review the proposed RMHS Spanish Club trip to New York City in November 2009. She stated that the Spanish Club is new this spring and there are 35 members. This field trip included 2 plays with Hispanic themes, a trip to Ellis Island and possible visit to the United Nations. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Reading Memorial High School Spanish Club field trip to New York City in November 2009 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. June 15, 2009 2. Liaison Reappointments Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to reappoint Mrs. Lisa Gibbs as School Committee liaison to the Audit Committee as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to reappoint Mr. Everett Blodgett as School Committee liaison to the Celebration Committee as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 3. Reorganization Mr. Robinson passed the gavel to Dr. Doherty who reviewed the reorganization process. Dr. Doherty opened the floor to nominations. Mrs. Gibbs felt it is important to maintain continuity in the board at this time. She nominated Mr. Robinson to continue as chair. Mr. Robinson accepted the nomination. On a roll call vote Mr. Robinson was elected Chair. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Robinson. The gavel was returned to Chair Robinson who opened the floor to nominations for Vice Chair. Mrs. Gibbs nominated Mr. Caruso to return as Vice Chair. Mr. Caruso accepted the nomination. On a roll call vote Mr. Caruso was elected Vice Chair. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso, Mr. Michaud, Mrs. Janowski, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Gibbs and Mr. Robinson. III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to approve the open session minutes of June 1, 2009. The vote carries 6-0. • Bids and Donations Gift from Dr. Doherty Ms. DeLai presented a bound copy of Dr. John Doherty's thesis to be donated to the Reading Public Schools. It was a culmination of two years of hard work. s Dr. Doherty thanked Superintendent Schettini for allowing him to work on his thesis in k-=- - the district. He also thanked everyone for their support during the two years. June 15, 2009 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the donation of a bound copy of Dr. John Doherty's dissertation, to be used by the district as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated June 11, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 4. Calendar IV. Information V. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, 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 9:55 p.m. The School Committee was called back to order in open session at 10:05. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to authorize the Chair to sign a contract amendment to the Superintendent's contract deleting the 1% annuity and $3,000 travel allowance and increasing his regular compensation by the same amounts. The vote was 6-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to adjourn. The vote was 6-0. VI. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. J44117. Doherty, Ed. Q. Acing Superintendent of Schools