HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-24 School Committee MinutesReading Public Schools
Reading, Massachusetts RECEIVED
OVY CLERK
Regular Meeting of the School Committee D I N LG, M,4 S S
Open Session
200`1 JAN' 23 A I{: 1
Date: November 24, 2008
Time: 7:30 p.m. (Open Session)
Place: Superintendent's Conference Room
School Committee Members Present Staff Members Present
Lisa Gibbs
Patrick A. Schettini, Jr.-Superintendent of Schools
Elaine Webb
John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Karen Janowski
Colleen Dolan, Director of Pupil Services
Chris Caruso
Mary DeLai, Director of Human Resource and Finances
Chuck Robinson
Visitors: Melissa Russell, Reading Chronicle Reporter
Steve Vittorosio, Reading Advocate Reporter
Kara Gleason, Program Director, Encounters and Exchanges in U.S. History
Gary d'Entremont, RMHS Social Studies Teacher
Joe Finigan, RMHS Principal
1. Call to Order
Chairperson Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. He welcomed the guests that
attended the meeting. He also reviewed the agenda.
Superintendent Schettini presented the MASS award to RMHS senior James Queeney.
A. New Business
Teaching American History Grant
Ms. Kara Gleason gave an overview of the three years of the grant and this year's focus -
Immigration, Migration and Race Relations. She spoke of the opportunities for teachers to
attend workshops and incorporate what they have learned into their lessons and classrooms.
Mr. Gary d'Entremont joined Ms. Gleason and spoke of his incorporation of podcasts into his
classes and his piloting a final exam in one of his classes that the student's assignment is to
create a podcast.
Ms. Gleason gave an overview of the district intent to apply for this grant again. She is hoping
to expand our partnerships and is speaking to the Boston College History Department and local
historic sites and museums. Our current partners will also remain.
The School Committee recessed at 8:15 p.m. for five minutes and suspended their agenda to
participate in the Financial Forum.
November 24, 2008
The School Committee participated in the Financial Forum from 8:22 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (See
Financial Forum minutes for November 24, 2008)
At 9:50 p.m. Mr. Robinson resumed their agenda.
II. Recommended Procedure
B. Public Input (I)
C. Reports I
1. Student
• Jesse Downing, the student representative, talked about the following:
1. The outstanding performance of Peter Pan
2. The upcoming RMHS pep rally.
2. Liaison
• Chuck Robinson reported on the following:
1. The Veterans Day assemblies at Joshua Eaton and Wood End.
2. Pillars of Character at Killam.
3. Joshua Eaton Clock Tower dedication.
4. MASS/MASC Joint Conference.
• Elaine Webb reported about the following:
1. MASS/MASC Joint Conference Delegate meeting
2. Town Veterans Day Celebration at the Memorial Wall
• Lisa Gibbs reported on the following:
1. School Visits
Mrs. Janowski reported on the following:
1. Inclusive Schools Week and the Including Samuel trailer.
2. MASS/MASC Joint Conference.
3. Superintendent's Report
• Superintendent Schettini reported on the following:
1. The RMHS artwork on display in the Conference Room.
2. The DESE Monthly Meeting he and Mrs. Webb had the opportunity to speak
on 21St Century Skills.
3. Lockdown drills at our schools.
4. Sub-Committee
D. Continued Business
School Committee Office Hours
Mr. Caruso moved to accept the School Committee Office Hours Guidelines, seconded by
Mrs. Gibbs. The vote was 5-0.
E. Routine Matters
1. Bills and Payroll (A)
November 24, 2008
2. Approval of Minutes
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to approve the open
session minutes of October 15, 2008. Motion carries 5-0-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the
minutes of October 18, 2008. Motion carries 5-0-0.
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Janowski, to approve the
minutes of November 3, 2008 with corrections. Motion carries 5-0-0.
Bids and Donations
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to accept a donation
from Leuders Environmental as outlined in the Superintendent's memorandum dated November
19, 2008. The vote was 5 - 0.
4. Calendar
F. Information
III. Adjournment
The committee voted on a motion by Mr. Caruso, seconded by Mrs Gibbs, to adjourn Motion
carries 5-0-0.
IV. Future Business
adjo d at 10:35 p.m.
Patrick A. Schottini, Jr., J.D.
Superintendent of Schools