HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-01-26 School Committee Minutesv
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Regular Meeting of the School Comm, ce
Open Session 2ggl y _ I P 1: 30 ;
Date: January 26, 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
Staff Members Present
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent
Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Visitors:
Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle
Steve Vittorosio, Reading Advocate
Patty deGaravilla, Eaton Principal
Karen Callan, Barrows Principal
Joe Huggins, Director of Facilities
Doug Lyons, Parker Principal
Craig Martin, Coolidge Principal
Mike Scarpitto, RMHS Assistant Principal
1. Call to Order
Barry Berman, Finance Committee
RPS Budget Parents
George Hines, Finance Committee
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. He welcomed the guests that
attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input (I)
B. Re orts I
1. Student
2. Liaison
Ms. Webb reported on the Stand for Children Summit she attended.
3. Superintendent's Report
4. Sub-Committee
C. Continued Business
1. Performance Contracting Presentation
Ms. DeLai introduced Beth Greenblatt, Town of Reading Consultant, John Kauppinen
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and Jose Ramos, representatives from NORESCO. Mr. Kauppinen gave an overview o
NORESCO. They are a Massachusetts based company and have been involved in Energy
Services for many years. NORESCO has a vested interest in the success of this project.
He said they are experienced and c6mmitted to securing outside grants, initiatives and
January 26, 2009
other funding. NORESCO will have a project management team on site and they will
meet weekly with the representatives from Reading. All scheduling will be done through
Mr. Huggins and her to help minimize the disruption in the buildings. Ms. DeLai told the
committee that she has created a blog as a method of communication. She will provide
the address to the committee.
Ms. DeLai reviewed the results of a survey sent out to 51 representatives of the town and
schools. Survey respondents included town/school employees, elected officials,
appointed officials and Reading residents. The survey was done to help determine what
the priorities would be for the Investment Grade Audit as well as concerns of the
respondents. Ms. DeLai informed the committee that there would be a kick-off meeting
later this week to outline the next steps as NORESCO prepares to begin the process.
Ms. Greenblatt discussed the Investment Grade Audit and the negotiated terms of the
contract. She indicated as the process enters the discovery phase the audit team will be
gathering as much information as possible to provide the most comprehensive report
possible.
There was further discussion on incorporating aspects of this audit into the
classrooms/curriculum.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Janowski, to authorize the Superintendent to
enter into an agreement with NORESCO to perform an Investment Grade Audit as
detailed in the Final Agreement dated January 22, 2009 and as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated January 23, 2009. The vote was 6-0.
Mr. Robinson called a brief recess at 8:45 p.m.
Mr. Robinson reconvened the School Committee at 8:50 p.m.
2. FYI 0 Budget
Superintendent Schettini shared the information from the M.A.S.S. and the MMA
meetings last week. The financial crisis is severe and we should be prepared to make
difficult decisions. There are many unknowns but we should have a better idea of what
the impact will be after Governor Patrick releases the state budget on January 28th. It is a
time to keep our priorities consistent with our vision.
Mr. Schettini answered questions submitted by Mr. Stager, RMHS budget parent.
D. New Business
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
January 26, 2009
2. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to
approve the open session minutes of January 12, 2009. Motion carries 6-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to
approve the open session minutes of January 15, 2009. Motion carries 6-0.
3. Bids and Donations
4. Calendar
F. Information
III. Adjournment
On a motion b Mr. Caruso seconded b Mr. Michaud the School Committee voted to
adiourn. The vote was 6-0.
IV. Future Business
Meeting adjourned at 9:35 P.M.
NOTE: The "'rtes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they
occ meeting.
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools