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Home My WebLink About2009-06-01 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massachusetts Regular Meeting of the School Committee Open Session EA01NG Hr,'zj S 200q JUL 2 U A 10.4 0 Date: June 1, 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 Visitors: Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resources & Finance Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Sean Musselman, Parker Science Teacher Norah Connolly, Parker Library Media Specialist Doug Lyons, Parker Principal Cathy O'Connell, Parker Teacher, New AP Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle 1. Call to Order Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests and reviewed the agenda. Ii. Recommended Procedure A. Public In up t (1) Mr. Robinson went over the ground rules for the public input session. Katie Wheeler shared her concerns regarding 09-10 1" grade class sizes. She was there to advocate for her kids. She had several question: • How was the 5 FTE teacher cut determined? Status of the Stimulus Money? When are conditions dire enough to use the $125,000 surplus? What is the School Committee magic class size number? 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 also requested a copy of the elementary enrollment projections. Karen Millett also shared her concerns regarding the fifth grade class sizes. She wanted to know what the long term plans where as the students move to middle school. She also wanted to know about the possibility of elementary redistricting. June 1, 2009 Angela Binda, parent, SAC member and Town Meeting member was there to advocate for class sizes within the district guidelines. Eaton first and fifth grade class sizes are outside the limits. Pricilla Hollenbeck reiterated that class sizes within the guidelines is crucial and hopes that discussion will continue throughout the summer. She felt we should encourage our teachers to think outside the box, rethink their teaching styles. Mr. Robinson thanked the parents for their input and assured them that the School Committee takes class size very seriously and will be keeping a close eye on the numbers over the summer. He said of the 19 positions eliminated in the FY10 budget, five were teachers. Superintendent Schettini addressed the inquiries regarding the stimulus money both the federal IDEA and the state stabilization funds. The state budget is not done yet and won't be until sometime in July. He feels that state is not seeing these funds as additional money but rather an opportunity to get to level funding of state funding. He also addressed the question regarding the $125,000 surplus stating that he would prefer to move it forward to help offset contractual obligations in the FY11 budget. Superintendent Schettini said he has five areas of concern in the district Bente Starble asked if with larger numbers of students in the class is learning adversely affected? Janet DiRocco asked how the decisions will be made as far as alleviating class size issues. Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:05 a.m. The meeting was called back to order at 8:10 p.m. B. Reports 1. Student Patrick O'Sullivan reported on the seniors last week, the Drama Club production of Hamlet, Scholastic Awards Night and the recent loss of a classmate. 2. Liaison Ms. Webb reported the recent recognition of Food Service director Kristin Morello as Director of the Year and thanked the administration for organizing the open mike session for the high school principal candidates. Mrs. Janowski reported that the winners of the HRAC Arts Contest would be announced at the HRAC next meeting. She said there were 20 entries. Mr. Caruso stated that there were several Joshua Eaton parents at the office hour session. Mr. Robinson reminded the committee that the RMHS graduation is Sunday afternoon. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini shared the following: • New artwork from Joshua Eaton • RPS has been named a SMART Showcase District - it is quite an honor for the district. We will be piloting technologies for SMART. June 1, 2009 • The Wood End PTO has made a donation to purchase laminate to be used for the WE Publishing House and 5 h grade Graduation Committee • Graduation 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business FY-10 Budget - User Fees Superintendent Schettini reviewed the proposed increases in the user fees. Athletic $175/athlete/sport Drama $100/student/season $450 Athlete cap $750 Family cap Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to approve the increase in user fees as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 27, 2009 The vote was 5-0. D. New Business Parker Field Trip Superintendent Schettini outlined the Parker Eco-Club field trip to Costa Rica in April 2010. Sean Musselman and Norah Connelly outlined the proposed trip. They are using a new tour company because they are looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable friendly experience. The trip is open to eighth grade students only and they must be a member in good standing of the Eco- Club. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the Parker Middle School Eco-Club field trip to Costa Rica in April 2010 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 27, 2009 The vote was 5-0 III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes _Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the open session minutes of May 11, 2009. Motion carries 5-0. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Webb, to approve the Financial Forum minutes of February 9, 2009. Motion carries 5-0 • Bids and Donations Award of Lease Agreement t Ms. DeLai reviewed the responses to the recent RFP process for the lease of space for after school programs. She recommended that the agreement be awarded to the YMCA of Greater Boston to provide after school programs at Coolidge, Killam and Birch June 1, 2009 Meadow. The programs will run in each building from dismissal to 6 pm Monday through Friday for the 185 school days. She indicated that these programs are open to - Reading residents and the YMCA provides transportation. Mrs. Janowski inquired about the district running such programs. Ms. DeLai stated that we have begun to investigate the possibility of running after school programs. She stated that because of the lateness in the year of the RFP, it was not possible to do it this year. Mrs. Janowski stated that she would support the motion but only on the condition that the district actively pursues running our own program for the following school year. Mr. Caruso, moved, seconded by Mrs Gibbs to authorize the Superintendent to enter into a one year lease agreement with the YMCA of Greater Boston to provide after school programs as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated May 27, 2009 The vote was 5-0. 4. Calendar IV. Information III. Adjournment Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs Janowski to enter executive session to discuss active litigation, approval of minutes and not to return to regular session The roll call vote was 5-0 Mrs Janowski Mrs. Webb, Mr. Caruso, Mr. Robinson and Mrs Gibbs IV. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during e cctini Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D. Superintendent of Schools