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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-06 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools Reading, Massa W\i O RECEIVED _00 CLERK TOWN C[-F ~K Regular Meeting of t ; C) 1'; J S. ING, Open Date: April 6, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session) Place: Superintendent's Conference Room School Committee Members Present Lisa Gibbs David Michaud Karen Janowski Chris Caruso Chuck Robinson Elaine Webb Visitors: Steven Hagan, Reading Advocate Christine Lyons, Reading Chronicle Kara Gleason - TAH Coordinator Mary Anne Lynn - RMHS Science Teacher John Harrison - RMHS English Teacher RMHS Student Travelers to Honduras 1. Call to Order Craig Martin - CMS Principal Paul Guidetti - CMS Science Teacher Dave Capaldo - DPC Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests and reviewed the agenda. Chair Robinson wished RMHS principal Joe Finigan well in his new position as principal at Woburn High School. H. Recommended Procedure A. Public Input (1) B. Reports 1. Student Jesse Downing reported on the upcoming Model United Nations event at UMass - Lowell. RMHS is sending 10 students. He also stated that he would be introducing the new student representative at an upcoming meeting. 2. Liaison Ms. Webb reported the recent policy seminar she attended in Washington, D.C. as part of the Fellowship,Program. She attended many informative sessions and encouraged our young people to be advocates for their futures. The young people need to provide a strong voice in the ways that ARRA funding is to be used. Mrs. Janowski reported on the last Human Relations Advisory Committee meeting. She announced that there would be an After Laramie Project Night and the HRAC will be sponsoring an Arts Contest -I P 1 3 0 Staff Members Present Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Apri16, 2009 Mrs. Gibbs also reported the recent Special Education PAC meeting she attended. She was impressed at the quality and content of the presentation. She also thanked Mrs. Dolan for her continued efforts. Superintendent's Report Superintendent Schettini pointed out the new artwork in the Conference Room from Birch Meadow and Wood End. He also mentioned the curriculum crossover/connection with math and social studies. The Superintendent reported to the School Committee that the recent threat at RMHS had been successfully dealt with last Thursday and Friday. The partnership between the police, fire and school departments was instrumental in the quick response and resolution to the situation. It was business as usual today at the high school. He also gave a report on the Laramie Project debriefing meeting. He stated that we have high quality partnerships among town agencies and the school side. These longstanding relationships/partnerships have developed over time and are the reason for the success of this initiative. _ 4. Sub-Committee C. Continued Business 1. RMHS Building Project Update Mr. David Capaldo, DPC, gave an overview of the remaining work to be done on the high school project. He indicated that plans and specifications for bids have been produced to complete the site work. He feels it is important not to miss the spring planting season. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the additional service order for professional services by Design Partnership of Cambridme with a not to exceed amount of $20,950 as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 2. Blue Ribbon Institute Dr. Doherty updated the committee on the upcoming Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute taking place at Reading Memorial High School on April 16 and 17. This conference is in partnership with Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. He stated that we are very excited about the opportunities to partner with national organizations and, speakers. The district is proud to be able to showcase the talent we have in Reading. Many of the workshops taking place on Friday are being given by our staff. This event is a great recruitment tool This is the third year of our district share day. By partnering with Blue Ribbon Schools and Smart we are able to produce a high quality conference for less money. Dr. Doherty indicated he will create a wiki for the access of workshop handouts and other information. April 6, 2009 The School Committee requested a financial update on the Blueprint for Educational Excellence . National Institute. Summer Enrichment Program Dr. Doherty shared information on the Summer Enrichment Program. This year we have 31 high quality offerings. These programs afford our staff the opportunity to use these classes as a research and development of curriculum tool. We have offerings for all levels including preschool this year. 3. FYI 0 Budget Superintendent Schettini gave a brief update on the state's House 1 budget. He once again cautioned the committee about spending ARRA money that we have not received. There are still many unanswered questions on the rules regarding the use of the stimulus money. Information has been published regarding ARRA IDEA funding. He stated it will be important to be transparent when spending this money. We need to be sure we have a long lasting impact using this short term investment. Superintendent Schettini also shared that Ms. DeLai is working with our Grant Writer, Eve Benda to seek out grant opportunities for the performance contracting work. Superintendent Schettini stated that the School Committee voted budget has been sent to Bob - LeLacheur to be included in the Town Meeting warrant. He felt the budget as presented should be included because of the ease of use and transparency of the process as a whole. Capital Plan Mr. Schettini said there had been a request for the School Committee to vote to amend the Capital Plan to allow for work to be done at the West Side Fire station. This is a book keeping vote and the funds are available and coming from the FY09 capital monies. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Webb, to amend the FY09 Capital Plan to add a line for West Side Fire exterior repairs in the amount of $15,000 to be funded by a reduction of the same amount from the Town Hall HVAC line. The vote was 6-0. 4. School Entrance Requirements - Policy JEB Mrs. Gibbs moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud to waive the reading of the policy. The vote was 6-0. Mrs. Janowski offered an alternative policy. (Attached) She felt the present policy as written is too restrictive. Superintendent Schettini had spoken to the elementary principals and stated that they recommended a specific date. Mrs. Janowski moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to accept the amended policy presented by Mrs. Janowski. The vote was 1-5. The motion did not pass. April 6, 2009 Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the second reading of the Section JEB of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual entitled School Entrance Requirements and move to approve Section JEB of the Reading Public Schools Policy Manual entitled School Entrance Requirements. The vote was 5-1. D. New Business Coolidge Field Trip Mr. Craig Martin and Mr. Paul Guidetti gave an overview of the Coolidge Science Team trip to the Nationals in Augusta, Georgia in May. This is the 15Ih year the team has qualified to compete at the national level. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the Coolidge Middle School field trip to the National Science Olympiad in Augusta, Georgia in May as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2009. The vote was 6-0. 2. Honduras Trip Presentation Ms. Kara Gleason, Ms. Mary Anne Lynn and Mr. John Harrison along with 12 students shared their experience on their trip to Honduras during February vacation. Ms. Lynn gave an overview of the preparation for the trip which included an application process, fund raising activities and a book club. The book club selections afforded the students an opportunity to develop an understanding for the country and region they would be visiting. This was a community service trip. The student's task was to assist in completing the dormitory for students at the El Hogar orphanage. They presented a slideshow and shared their experience. Our students and staff found the experience to be truly rewarding and a true learning experience. Many were touched by the children they got to know in the week they were at El Hogar. The group thanked the School Committee for approving this trip. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to set June 22, 2009 as the official last day of school. The vote was 6-0. 4. Approval of Hiring Process Superintendent Schettini outlined the process to be used for the hiring of the new high school principal. He pointed out that he appoints all administrators but the School Committee approved the process used. Mr. Caruso would like to ensure that there would be athletic representation on the screening committee. Superintendent Schettim stated that an effort to include representation from the various high school constituency groups would be made. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the high school principal screening process outlined in the Superintendent's memo dated April 6, 2009. The vote was 6-0. Apri16, 2009 III. Routine Matters • Bills and Payroll (A) • Approval of Minutes The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve the open session minutes of March 23, 2009. Motion carries 6-0. • Bids and Donations Gift Superintendent Schettini introduced Yeri Castellanos. Mr. Castellanos has been a member of the custodial staff of the Reading Public Schools for 9 years. He has presented the Reading Public Schools with a handcrafted chess set to be used by our students. Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to accept the gift of a handcrafted chess set as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated April 1, 2009. The vote was 6 - 0. 4. Calendar IV. Information III. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, the School Committee voted to adjourn. The vote was 6-0. IV. Future Business Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred Superintendent of Schools Mt.), jakla,.,Slc: School Entrance Requirements To be eligible for admission to the Reading Public Schools a child must have reached the age of five on or before August 31 of the entering year to enter kindergarten or must have reached the age of six on or before August 31 of the entering year to enter grade one. No child shall be admitted to school except upon presentation of a physical exam and evidence of immunization as required by the State Immunization Law and in accordance with the schedule established by the Department of Public Health. Under laws of the Commonwealth, each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of six. Children entering a public school for the first time will be assigned either to kindergarten or first grade by the building principal after 'a thorough consideration of preschool or kindergarten registration information. The decision of the building principal is final. Registration is normally held in the early spring of each year. Upon entering school each child is required to present a birth certificate. The exception to this policy will be for a student who turns five after August 31st and before December 31St of the entering year. If the parents choose to have their child considered for kindergarten admission, the child will participate in kindergarten screening at the parent's request. The child may be considered for admission to kindergarten after a thorough review of preschool information and a meeting between the parents and the building principal to determine appropriate placement. The decision of the building principal is final.