HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-08 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts
Regular Meeting of the School Committee
Open Session
Date: December 8, 2008
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
C I VED
CLERK
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Staff Members Present
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools
Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances
Jesse Downing, Student Representative
Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter
Phil Vaccaro, RMHS Athletic Director
Maria Pandolfo, Student Athlete
1. Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:39 p.m. He welcomed the guests that
attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda.
II. Recommended Procedure
A. Public Input (I)
B. Reports (1)
1. Student
• Jesse Downing, the student representative, talked about the following:
1. The recent PEP Rally at RMHS
2. The successful fall athletic season
3. The Polar Express event with many of the National Honor Society members
participating.
2. Liaison
• Chuck Robinson reported on the following:
1. The annual Rotary Football Luncheon.
2. Congratulated the fall sports teams for an outstanding season.
3. Update on FY10 budget process.
• Chris Caruso talked about the following:
1. The first session of School Committee Office Hours. Next session January
5th
• Karen Janowski reported on the following:
1. The RTEF Festival of Trees held over the weekend.
December 8, 2008
3. Superintendent's Report
• Superintendent Schettini reported on the following:
1. The Festival of Trees - a fantastic event
2. The recent performance of the RMHS Chorale at the Merrimack valley
Superintendents Association luncheon
3. Barrows School being named a Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School
4. Sub-Committee
C. Continued Business
1. Ms. DeLai updated the committee on the FY09 cost center adjustments budget. These
transfers are necessary because MUNIS does not allow operating an account in a deficit.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $95,000
from the Undistributed/Other Cost Center to the Regular Day Cost Center as outlined in
the Superintendent's memorandum dated December 4, 2008. The vote was 5-0.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $30,000
from the Special Education Cost Center to the Regular Day Cost Center as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated December 4, 2008. The vote was 5-0.
The School Committee reaffirmed its commitment to safety activities in our schools and town.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to transfer within the FY09 Budget $15,000
from the Regular Day Cost Center to the Administration Cost Center as outlined in the
Superintendent's memorandum dated December 4, 2008. The vote was 5-0.
D. New Business
1. Sportsmanship Presentation
• Mr. Robinson introduced Mr. Vaccaro. Mr. Vaccaro spoke about sportsmanship
and how it is the foundation of our athletic programs. This past fall the boys and
girls cross country teams won team sportsmanship awards and the district received
the MIAA District B Sportsmanship Award.
• He introduced Maria Pandolfo who spoke of her experience at a sportsmanship
conference she attended in Indianapolis this past summer. She along with Julia
Rafferty, Jeff Wyer and Ryan McKee were the first prize winners in the MIAA
Essay/MultiMedia Sportsmanship contest. She presented the DVD the group
produced.
• Mr. Schettini pointed out that some times we take for granted the connection
between academics and athletics. RMHS produces well rounded students.
2. Park Rules and Regulations
• Superintendent Schettini reviewed the recent vote by the Board of Selectmen to
prohibit dogs on the artificial turf fields in town. He recommended to the
committee that they also vote in support of this rule.
December 8, 2008
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to support and in doing so apply to the fields
under the control of the School Committee Rule 11 of Section 4.14.3 of the Board of
Selectmen policies. Rule 11 states:
No person shall permit a dog under their control to enter upon an artificial turf field or
within any fenced area that includes any artificial turf field within the Town of Reading.
Artificial turf fields include: the RMHS stadium, Collins Field at Parker Middle School,
and the so called Lacrosse field also known as the practice field at RMHS. The vote was 5-0
Award of Contract
• Ms. DeLai gave an overview of the bids received. The current contract expires at
the end of December.
Mr. Caruso moved, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into
agreement with Fischbach & Moore of Boston, MA to provide Fire Alarm, Testing,
Inspection, Repair and Maintenance Services as outlined in the Superintendent's
memorandum dated December 4, 2008. The vote was 5-0.
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
2. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to approve t
he open session minutes of November 24, 2008. Motion carries 5-0-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs. Gibbs, to approve the
Financial Forum minutes of November 24, 2008. Motion carries 5-0.
Bids and Donations
4. Calendar
F. Information
IIl. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mr. Michaud, to adjourn.
Motion carries 5-0.
IV. Future Business
8:20 p.m.
Patrick A~Schettini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools